The British Andy Murray is currently 2nd on the ATP World Rankings with 8,435 points, while Ivo Karlovic, from Croatia is currently 28th on the rankings, with 1, 280 points.
Both of these players have played 6 times in various competitions, with the 2nd seed winning all 6 previous games.
Andy Murray looking for first titleAndy Murray, who is the current Olympic Champion has two grand slam titles to his name has never won the French Open title, but has been 3 of the last 5 semifinals in this competition, but never to the final. Barring any upsets he will face current holder Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals this year.
The World number 2, comes into this game in fine form, winning all of his last five games across two competitions. Two of this wins were in the opening rounds of this competition, against Mathias Bourgue (6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3), and against Radek Stephanek (3-6, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5). He was also victorious at the Rome Masters, beating Novak Djokovic (6-3, 6-3), Lucas Pouille (6-2, 6-1), and David Goffin (6-1, 7-5).
Ivo Karlovic hoping to go farIvo Karlovic, who stands at 6 foot 11 is the 2nd tallest player to ever play on the ATP tour. He has won six ATP titles, and his best season at a Grand Slam was the Quarter Final showing at the 2009 Wimbledon. He is credited with probably the biggest service game in male tennis, and is the oldest man left in this year’s French Open competition.
The Croat, comes into this game in poor form, winning two and losing three of his last five games. Both his wins were this tournament, beating Jordan Thompson (6-7(2) 6-3 7-6(3) 6-7(4) 12-10), and Albert Montanes (6-2 7-6(7) 7-6(5)).
The 5 time ATP winner however suffered recent defeats at the hands of Ernests Gulbis in the Rome Masters (-7(3) 6-2 6-3), Denis Kulda in the Madrid Masters (6-7(7) 7-6(5) 7-6(4)), Grigor Dmitrvov in the Istanbul ATP (7-6(0) 7-6(2)).
Andy Murray has made hard work of the first two rounds, needing 5 sets to win both of his first two games in this tournament. His opponent however also needed 5 rounds to win his 2nd round game, and at 37 years, will probably need a greater recovery time. I expect Andy Murray to show his quality in this game, and win the game in 3 or 4 sets.