World No.6 David Ferrer takes on Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the Round of 32 encounter of the 2012 French Open, this year’s second Grand Slam tournament being played here in Roland Garros, Paris.

Ferrer is always considered as a big threat – on his favorite playing surface. Ferrer became the first man on the ATP World Tour to win three titles in 2012 season. Ferrer triumphed in Auckland in the beginning of the season and then claimed two titles on clay in Buenos Aires and Acapulco. Ferrer is one of the most consistent contenders on tour and has a very good 33-7 win-loss record for 2012 so far. Ferrer’s best showings at Roland Garros are quarter-final appearances in 2005 and 2008 and he would be hoping to fare better here. With amazing wheels and counter punching abilities, Ferrer is the one of the heavy contenders to reach the business end of the tournament and pose a challenge to the big 4.

On the other side of the net, Youzhny, has already won a title in Zagreb this year, but has failed to impress in other tournaments. With a 14-7 win-loss record in 2012, Youzhny, a former Top-10 player also is very unpredictable and on his day can give the best a run for their money. Ranked 31 on the ATP charts, Youzhny looks to reach a bit deep into the tournament as he knows his way around the clay court, but has never reached the second week here. Facing Ferrer means Youzhny must be prepared for a lot of retrieving and running as Ferrer is not an easy player to play on clay.

The two have played 6 times with the Russian leading 4-2. But the thing to notice is that their only meeting on clay went to Ferrer, showing how he feels at home on clay.

TennisEarth predicts a tightly contested match in Ferrer's favor.