The Frenchies get fried at Indian Wells, leave Jeremy to pick up the pieces

It was a French massacre at Indian Wells yesterday.

Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, and Paul-Henri Mathieu were all unceremoniously booted from the year's first Masters 1000 tourney in straight sets within hours of each other.

Sneaky Simon continued his bad run of form as he fell to Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 7-6 (3); Jo-Willy was shocked by Russian Igor Andreev 7-5, 6-4; Reeshard fell to Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2; and Paul-Henri was stopped by Andy Murray 6-3, 6-2. Gael Monfils, Florent Serra, Olivier Patience, Julien Benneteau, Michael Llodra, Nicolas Devilder, and Marc Gicquel have already been knocked out of the tourney.

Maybe it's a hangover for their country's poor showing in Davis Cup's opening tie where they were defeated by the Czech Republic 3-2 and where Sneaky Simon failed to win either of his rubbers. Or maybe some of them have been too distracted by some off-court Frenchie lovin'. I'm thinking the boys could use a strong leader right now - Sneaky's clearly not up to the task.


Whatever the case, the French will now have to rest their hopes on Jeremy Chardy who will face Spaniard David Ferrer for a spot in the quarterfinals.

(images via getty)

Tati, Dani, + Paul-Henri all want the same thing - who will win out?

Tatiana Golovin, Daniela Hantuchova, and Paul-Henri Mathieu are all vying for the same thing and only one of them can have it.

The three ballers are all interested in having Loic Couteau, who parted with Amelie Mauresmo last week after more than six years and two majors, as coach.

Loic told French sports paper L'Equipe he's temporarily working with Tati who resumed training this week after dealing with injuries most of this season. He also mentioned Dani contacted him recently about a possible coaching opportunity.

After his loss to Dmitry Tursunov in Metz, Paul-Henri told the press,

An experience with Loic Courteau could be interesting. It has to be seen whether we want similar things. Stay tuned.

No worries Paul-Henri...we will be. But in the meantime, my choice would be Tati: younger (20 y.o. versus Dani 25 and Paul-Henri 26), more long-term prospect, and probably not so set in her ways or game. And like Amelie, Loic could also help her keep these niggling injuries at bay and give her the consistency she's sorely lacking.

(images via Getty)

Quote of the Day: Mathieu

Even though he says clay is not his favorite surface, I think his game is perfectly suited to it. I think he can win the tournament.

- Paul-Henri Mathieu on Novak Djokovic's chances at the French Open

This is gettin' goooood.

(image via Getty)

Viva la France! Host country sends five ballers into men's round of 16 of Roland Garros

In an incredible effort by the host country, France can boast five players in the round of 16 at Roland Garros going one better than Spain who sit at four.

Julien Benneteau has the unenviable task of taking on Roger Federer, Gael Monfils goes up against Ivan Ljubicic, Michael Llodra battles up-and-comer Ernests Gulbis, Paul-Henri Mathieu faces Aussie Open champ Novak Djokovic, and Jeremy Chardy gets Nicolas Almagro.

Mouthwatering much?

(image via google)

PHOTO OP: Peek-a-boo Mathieu, I see you

Frenchie tennis baller Paul-Henri Mathieu gave the Sony Ericsson Open crowd a show today - check out that panty line. Très zexy...

(image via Doug Benc/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: adidas competes with Nike for "worst tennis sponsorship"

More fashion faux pas: Not to be outdone by competitor Nike, tennis sponsor adidas made sure to embarrass themselves as well at Indian Wells this week.

Frenchies Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, playing his first tourney since his run to the Aussie Open final, and Paul-Henri Mathieu played their third round match wearing the same Men's Winter Edge Theme Polo in white/satellite blue and and the Winter Edge Theme Short in white.

Clearly, these global sport companies don't have their eye on the tennis ball so maybe the players need to take these style issues into their own hands...please!

(image via Harry How/Getty Images)