Friday 20 May 2011

French Open Prep

Everyones getting very excited- the French Open starts on Sunday.  I don't know why we're all giddy about it, it's the most boring one of the lot. It's on clay so it's dirty, the weather's been rubbish for the past few years, the crowd never shows up (long french lunches), and Nadal's gonna win.  Well that last ones not looking quite as certain as it was since Nadal has been beaten in four final this year by Djokovic who hasn't lost a match yet.  But he has yet to beat Nadal in 5 sets on clay at Roland Garros (in fact only Soderling has). 

The women's side has some interest too as Maria Sharapova comes into form (the French Open is the one grand slam she hasn't won), Kim Clijsters is back after hurting her foot at a wedding (I don't know, I wasn't there), the Willam's sisters are out so we are at least spared Venus's new take on lingerie sports wear, and Sam Stosur (last year's finalist) was playing well last week before being beaten by Sharapova. 

From a British perspective Andy Murray remains the only man in the singles draw- and has said recently that he can win the French Open, despite never doing that well here (clay is like British Kryptonite).  He was supposed to play in some group exhibition tennis this week but pulled out with a groin strain (I don't know, I wasn't there), but thank heavens he is fit to play.  Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothothong are in the main draw and Heather Watson has won her first two qualifying matches.  She plays the third later today, fingers crossed.

Juan Martin Del Potro is also fit, after pulling out of a tournament a few weeks ago with a hip thing, but Ferrer and Roddick not so lucky and both pulled out injured.   The draw for the tournament comes out today, and the commentators of the exhibition match I was watching (Tsonga v Mahut, remember him?) suggested players were getting edgy waiting for the draw.  Someone needs to remind them, it aint Wimbledon, kay?

2 comments:

  1. Interesting review.

    I think it will be between Wozniacki, Maria and Kim in the women's draw.

    As for the men's it will be between Nadal and Djokovic, with Federer as a surprise under dog.

    Catch my thoughts at French Open 2011

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  2. Yeah, I pretty much agree with you. :)

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