French Open 2013: Highlighting Most Underrated Men's 2nd-Round Matches

If the first round of the 2013 French Open is any indication, tennis fans are in store for some thrilling action in Round 2 at Roland Garros.

While many will continue to keep a close eye on favorites like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the men's side, there are plenty of excellent second-round matches to feast your eyes on.

Three promising American men will be in action in the second round, as well as a surging Frenchman fresh off a major upset win in Round 1.

Below we'll highlight a trio of underrated second-round matches to watch for.

John Isner (19) vs. Ryan Harrison

Two Americans will go head to head in the second round of the French Open this year, as 19th-seeded John Isner aims to reach the third round at Roland Garros for just the second time in his career. 

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Ryan Harrison looks to pick up his first ever second-round victory on the red clay of Paris after earning his maiden win in the main draw at Roland Garros on Monday.

The 28-year-old Isner, who has never been past the quarterfinals at any major tournament, looked strong in his opening match win over Carlos Berlocq, recording 52 winners (14 aces) and winning in straight sets. But Harrison was also on the very top of his game in Round 1, defeating Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov in straight sets. 

Both Isner and Harrison have met four times in the past, with Isner winning three of those matches, including the only one on clay in Houston earlier this year. 

Gael Monfils vs. Ernests Gulbis

Flying high after an incredible five-set upset win over fifth-seeded Tomas Berdych, Frenchman Gael Monfils will take on a promisingly clay-court player in Round 2.

Unseeded Ernests Gulbis has been flying under the radar this season despite playing some exceptional clay-court tennis. The 24-year-old Latvian reached the third round at the Barcelona Open last month and recently had a strong showing against Rafael Nadal in Rome, taking the first set off the Spaniard before going on to lose their third-round clash. 

On the other hand, the 26-year-old Monfils made an impressive run of his own in Nice, France this past week, reaching the final to carry some crucial momentum into the French Open, where he's already impressed tennis analysts like Darren Cahill:

Playing in his hometown, Monfils will be the popular pick to win this second-round showdown, but much like his first-round thriller against Berdych, nothing against Gulbis will come easy.

Sam Querrey (18) vs. Jan Hajek

Top-ranked American Sam Querrey has never been past the second round at the French Open. But that could change with a win over the Czech Republic's Jan Hajek.

Hajek has already defeated one American, beating Denis Kudla in four sets in the opening round. The 29-year-old Hajek reached the third round in Paris back in 2007 but has struggled at the season's second Slam event since. 

Hajek failed to qualify for the main draw a year ago, so it seems the pressure is all on the 25-year-old Querrey in this match. With either Isner or Harrison set to be knocked out in the second round, Querrey is carrying America's clay-court hopes on his shoulders as the United States' highest seed in the men's draw.

Querrey blasted 42 winners in his opening-round win over Lukas Lacko, but he'll need to improve upon his 37 unforced errors against Hajek.

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