Bryan carries last hopes for United States

Bob Bryan needed to win twice in one day to reach the French Open mixed doubles semifinals, and he did just that Wednesday, making him the only pro from the United States with a chance to leave Paris’ Roland Garros with a trophy.

“I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I like to see my fellow Americans doing well in the tournament,” said Bryan, who lost in the men’s doubles quarterfinals with twin brother, Mike. “And it’s kind of cool if you’re the last one standing and carrying the flag.”

First, Bryan and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat Vladimira Uhlirova of the Czech Republic and Mariusz Fyrstenberg of Poland 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Then, after a break of about 2 1/2 hours filled with card playing, the third-seeded duo of Bryan and Azarenka went out and eliminated Liezel Huber of the United States and Jamie Murray of Britain 6-0, 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals.

Monfils keep it on the court

French Open semifinalist Gael Monfils is an NBA fan.

When someone likened the 21-year-old Frenchman’s upcoming showdown against Roger Federer to a soccer match between France and Brazil, Monfils suggested a different comparison.

“I would say instead it’s like Lakers vs. Boston,” he said. “It’s going to be a big match – probably the most important match in my career so far – but it’s not Game 7 yet.”

Big brother’s watching

Two-time major champion Marat Safin lost in the second round at the French Open.

He’s still keeping tabs on the tournament, though, watching his younger sister Dinara Safina reach the semifinals.

After erasing a match point and coming back to beat No. 7 Elena Dementieva 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-0 in the quarterfinals, Safina received a text message from big brother, telling her: “Well done.”