Just when you thought you would never see a written word from me again I decide to post an article on the upcoming French Open. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you have them planned.
We’ll start with the ladies first, hence the expression “ladies first”. I am pretty positive an American woman will not win the French Open. Actually, I’ll be surprised if we have more than two American women make it out of the firat round. Serena Willaims has already announced she will not be playing, although supposedly she is back in training. Look for sister Venus to be announcing shortly that she will not be playing either. So who will win? Kim Clijsters is recovering from an injury. Caroline Wozniacki has not shown that she can come through in a Slam. Sam Stosur is not playing as well as she was at this stage last year. As much as I would like Francesca Schiavone to pull off a repeat of last year’s win, I don’t see that happening. Vera Zvonerava is as unpredictable as they come. So I’m picking Victoria Azarenka to somehow win her first major. I had to pick somebody, right?
On the men’s side it’s pretty much a two way show. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on one side and everyone else on the other side. It’s pretty sad that I’m lumping Roger Federer in with “everyone else” but that’s where his game stands right now. He can’t beat Nadal and Djokovic has his number now also. Soderling and Berdych can beat him now on their good days. Even Richard Gasquet (gasp) beat him at the Italian. Don’t expect much out of the American men either although they will probably have a player or two advance to the third round.I’m picking Djokovic to come through with the title and roll into Wimbledon halfway home to a Grand Slam.
On a sad note, one of my old tennis partners and high school teammate, Greg Foley passed away this week. RIP Greg, you will be sorely missed by all who knew you.
As always, good luck in your matches
