2011 French Open: 5 Matches to Watch for on Thursday

Each progressing day at the French Open has provided compelling stories and interesting matches.

From the thrilling five set Isner vs. Nadal match on Tuesday, to the wacky and sad ending to the Zvonareva vs. Lisicki match Wednesday.

Day Five proves to be another interesting day at the French Open with plenty of intriguing matches.

Sam Querrey vs. Ivan Ljubicic

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 24: Sam Querrey of USA celebrates a point during the men's singles round one match between Sam Querrey of USA and Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany on day three of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2011 in Paris, France. (Ph

Two big hitters in this match tomorrow. 

Ljubicic is a grizzled veteran who knows how to play on the clay, while Querrey has the talent but hasn't put it all together yet.

This should be a close match with a couple of tiebreak sets.

Jeremy Chardy vs. Giles Simon

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MONTE CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 14: Giles Simon of France serves during his defeat to Andreas Beck of Germany during day two of the ATP Masters Series at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 14, 2009 in Monte Carlo,Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Im

Two Frenchmen meet in this second round matchup on centre court.

Chardy is a good young player who has some talent, but can he beat Simon, who is playing well again after some injuries dropped him in the rankings?

The crowd will be electric and behind their own countrymen as these two take the court.

Maria Sharapova vs. Caroline Garcia

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 24: Maria Sharapova of Russia waves to the crowd as she celebrates match point during the women's singles round one match between Maria Sharapova of Russia and Mirjana Lucic of Croatia on day three of the French Open at Roland Garros

It's never easy to play a French player on Chatrier at Roland Garros, but that's what Sharapova will do tomorrow. 

Garcia shouldn't pose much threat to Sharapova and her power, but with Sharapova on her weakest surface, anything can happen.

The crowd will be behind Garcia, but look for Sharapova to show her talent and win this match.

Xavier Malisse vs. Fernando Verdasco

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 24: Fernando Verdasco of Spain celebrates a point during the men's singles round one match between Juan Monaco of Argentina and Fernando Verdasco of Spain on day three of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2011 in Paris, Fran

Verdasco has been struggling recently, and the X-man is a dangerous player.

Verdasco has the edge due to his superiority on the clay, but Malisse has the ability to make shots that can hurt anyone.

This should be a fun match as both players can rip the ball.

Mardy Fish vs. Robin Hasse

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 23: Mardy Fish of USA plays a forehand during the men's singles first round match between Mardy Fish of USA and Ricardo Mello of Brazil on day two of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 23, 2011 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthe

All American tennis eyes will be on Mardy Fish tomorrow as he takes on Robin Hasse of the Netherlands.

Fish is the best hope for American men to advance far at the French, but he has to take on Hasse, who has shot-making ability (see his Australian Open match against Andy Roddick).

Fish should win this one, but it will be interesting to see if Hasse can push through and dampen American hopes.