Roland Garros Day 12: Kvitova

Curtain Call

Player: Petra Kvitova
Age: 22
Nation: Czech Republic
Current Ranking: 4
Today's Result: loss to Maria Sharapova (Russia, 2nd seed) in straight sets

Photo via Sky Sports

At Wimbledon last year, Kvitova became the first player born in the '90s to win a Slam title.  Among the many accolades she earned in 2011, she was the Czech Athlete of the Year.  I'm sure she's a little disappointed to lose today but big picture, she lived up to her seed and improved significantly on last year's fourth round result.  This was easily her best result at the French Open.  Oh right, she's also still only 22 years old.  Is she the favorite to defend her title at the All England Club?

Catching Up with Old Friends 

Daniele Bracciali (Curtain Call, Australian Open Day 12) - Bracciali had an outstanding tournament.  He made the semifinals in both men's and mixed doubles.  In the men's, he played with fellow Italian Potito Starace to form the 14th seeded team.  They lost to the top seed today: Max Mirnyi (Belarus)/Daniel Nestor (Canada).  In mixed doubles, Bracciali teamed with Galina Voskoboeva (Kazakhstan).  The pair lost to the 7th seed and eventual champions yesterday: Sania Mirza/Mahesh Bhupathi (India).