ROLAND GARROS, Paris

[CR7] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [CR296] Quentin Halys (FRA)

It was not pretty, but Nadal got it done in straight sets, defeating Halys 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.  Nadal should have used this opportunity to relax and go for his shots; instead, he continued to push the ball, waiting for Halys to make an error. He has to start believing in his game, and fast, his next opponent will not let him get away with just pushing the ball. Anxiety causes tension, which clouds his thinking and restricts his mobility; ultimately, this results in getting to the ball a tad late, causing poor shot selection and execution. Easier said than done; however, Nadal needs to erase all the negative thoughts about his poor results coming into Roland Garros and replace them with all the positive experiences he has had at Roland Garros.

[CR1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [CR190] Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)

Williams forgot all the negative thoughts from her last visit to Roland Garros and focused on the successful start she has had to her season.  Despite coming into this tournament not quite 100%, Williams was not deterred from her goal of hoisting a twentieth major trophy.  It was not as dominant a performance as their last encounter, then Williams won 6-0, 6-0.  Today Hlavackova not only held serve, she broke Williams to make it a more competitive match for the spectators.  In spite of her effort, the outcome was inevitable as Williams elevated her game to win 6-2, 6-3.