French Open 2012 TV Schedule: What to Watch for in Every Semifinal Match

The French Open may be winding down, but there are several important matches left to play as both the men's and women's draws are now in the semifinals. There is a good mix of top players on both sides as well as dark-horse candidates who many fans are sure to get behind. All of that makes the French Open worth watching.

It's fair to say that the French Open is often the most unpredictable Grand Slam of the year, so tennis fans won't want to miss the closing rounds. The tennis has been absolutely spectacular at Roland Garros this year and the quality is only going to improve.

Here is all the viewing information you need for the French Open semifinals as well as what you'll want to look out for in each match.

No. 6 Samantha Stosur vs. No. 21 Sara Errani - Thursday, June 7 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2

It may be the most unheralded semifinal match on tap, but the battle between Australian Samantha Stosur and Italian Sara Errani should be an interesting one. Neither was expected to make it this far in the tournament, but each of them has a golden opportunity to reach the finals and play against a former Grand Slam winner in either Maria Sharapova or Petra Kvitova.

The main thing to watch in this match will be the contrast in styles. Stosur is a power player who likes to use her fantastic serve to her advantage on clay. Errani is more of a classic clay-court player, though, who utilizes her quickness and plays the angles. It will be interesting to see if Stosur's pure power can blow Errani out of the water.

No. 2 Maria Sharapova vs. No. 4 Petra Kvitova - Thursday, June 7 at TBD on ESPN2

Many believe that the match between Russian Maria Sharapova and Czech Petra Kvitova is the true final in the women's draw. Obviously, the winner will still have to face either Stosur or Errani to win the French Open, but both Sharapova and Kvitova would be heavy favorites. This will be a rematch of last year's Wimbledon final, which was surprisingly won by Kvitova.

Unlike the other women's semifinal, this match will pit too fairly similar players against each other. Sharapova and Kvitova are two of the most powerful females on tour and aren't particularly adept on clay. Sharapova looks more comfortable, though, and has played well on the surface this year. Sharapova has faltered late in tournaments recently, however, so all eyes will be on her.

No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 3 Roger Federer - Friday, June 8 at TBD on ESPN2

There is no question that the vast majority of tennis fans will be falling over themselves to see Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic face Swiss superstar Roger Federer. Both players faced tough challenges in the quarterfinals, but they survived and will play for the right to make it to the finals. Djokovic is considered the best player in tennis currently, but Federer held that title for a long time and would love to regain it.

Djokovic and Federer had marathon matches last round, so the thing to look out for will be fatigue. They are both world-class athletes who have a ton of stamina, but they were really put through the paces. There's a good chance that this could go to a fifth set and whichever player is in better physical condition is likely to come out on top. Skill can take you a long way, but being prepared for the long haul will be of the utmost importance.

No. 2 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 6 David Ferrer - Friday, June 8 at TBD on ESPN2

In what will be an intriguing battle of Spaniards, No. 2 Rafael Nadal will face No. 6 David Ferrer. Nadal has traditionally gotten the better of his countryman, but Ferrer is very strong on clay in his own right and should give Rafa a great match. Ferrer beat Andy Murray in somewhat of an upset in the quarterfinals, while Nadal has blasted through the competition as expected.

Both players are pretty similar, but it's safe to say that Nadal is far more talented. Most fans believe that Nadal is going to win, and I have to agree. Even if that is the case, though, how much Ferrer tests Nadal will be something to watch. If Nadal dispatches him in straight sets, then that does not bode well for the winner between Djokovic and Federer. If Ferrer can get the match to five sets, however, Djoker and Fed will be in much better shape.

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