POWER TENNIS

We are into the second week of the French Open 2013, and what emerges is definitely 'power tennis' as witnessed in the women's and men's matches.  Round 4 is a crucial time for these tennis players, here they must show power, humility and trust in their game to advance to the quarters, semis and final showdown this coming weekend.  

Watch how they play, here you can learn even more on how to play correctly than in the final throes of Roland Garros!

Ladies first~

Maria Sharapova and Sloane Stephens, round 4 match.  Each player did not let up. When it really counted, as each point between such talent, Maria had that little extra something, that extra push under duress that sets her apart as a champion. 

photo courtesy of Associated Press

Imagine being in Sloane's sneakers, here you are, a young player from the United States, at the French Open, winning shots against last year's French Open Champion! 

photo couretesy of AFP/Getty Images

This is power tennis at its finest, young versus experience, gaul and gaff versus digging in deep, holding and defending a cherished trophy. This is earned power, and both young women are to be highly commended. The match goes to Maria Sharapova, 6-3, 6-4, 1 hour 29 minutes.

Now for the Men~

Novak Djokovic and Kohlshreiber, round 4 match. Truly, in the men's competitions, this match has more consistent power tennis than most I have ever seen.

Check out this Youtube on highlights of the first set~

4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.  look at these scores, so very close indeed. What worked in Djokovic's favor was grabbing a break in sets 2, 3 and 4.  Again, power tennis.  This comprises mental power too, besides the physical.  Such strength of character and mental toughness, ALL attributes come into play here. 

AND, Wawrinka versus French favorite Gasquet.  What a match, what two great guys!
Close to the very end. 6-7, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 8-6. Match to Stan Wawrinka.  And what a match it was!  A real page turner, yes, a tennis match a page turner! Some fast, some long points, many surprises, probably the most entertaining from a spectator's viewpoint!

photo courtesy of AP/Christophe Ena

Here is a Swiss who loves his game!

And Richard Gasquet, you played so well! The French were so loyal to their countryman~

photo courtesy of AP/Petr David Josek

Another birthday, too!  We love you Rafael Nadal, happy birthday! And also congratulations on YOUR round 4 win today, too!!

photo courtesy of Reuters

Click here for more highlights of Day 9 at Roland Garros!