The clay court season is now under way and predictions for the French Open winner may be a little premature but here goes anyway!
Is Nadal in crisis? Is Djokovic injured? Is Murray still recovering from back surgery? Just how fit is Federer for clay? And is Wawrinka really flying now?
I would split the main contenders into 3 levels:
Top Tier – Nadal/Djokovic/Wawrinka
2nd Tier – Federer/Ferrer/Nishikori/Dimitrov
3rd Tier – Murray/Fognini/Almagro
To cut to the chase I would pick Novak if not injured as he came so close last year and could/should have beaten Nadal except for the huge point he lost touching the net with his foot! Rafa is out of sorts but can never be written off even though his form must improve if he is to have any chance. Stan the man is extremely dangerous and his “A” game is currently better than the rest, but tough to maintain in 3 out of 5 on clay.
My 2nd tier shows the outsiders, and Roger would appear to be fit and ready for the clay while Nishikori and Dimitrov are the best absolute outside bet in my opinion – both having won on clay already this year. Ferrer is always a threat if the top players don’t play well as he won’t lose a match – he needs to be put away!
I wouldn’t exclude my 3rd tier, but not sure where Murray is at the moment in many respects. However, if he can get through the first week and is feeling good physically then perhaps…....
Fognini and Almagro can challenge anyone on a clay court, but are sometimes a bit frail mentally – not sure they believe they can win a Grand Slam (like most players I suppose!)
I would be extremely surprised if someone outside of all these players wins the French. I am covering a lot of bases I know!
I would love to hear your predictions??
Is Nadal in crisis? Is Djokovic injured? Is Murray still recovering from back surgery? Just how fit is Federer for clay? And is Wawrinka really flying now?
I would split the main contenders into 3 levels:
Top Tier – Nadal/Djokovic/Wawrinka
2nd Tier – Federer/Ferrer/Nishikori/Dimitrov
3rd Tier – Murray/Fognini/Almagro
To cut to the chase I would pick Novak if not injured as he came so close last year and could/should have beaten Nadal except for the huge point he lost touching the net with his foot! Rafa is out of sorts but can never be written off even though his form must improve if he is to have any chance. Stan the man is extremely dangerous and his “A” game is currently better than the rest, but tough to maintain in 3 out of 5 on clay.
My 2nd tier shows the outsiders, and Roger would appear to be fit and ready for the clay while Nishikori and Dimitrov are the best absolute outside bet in my opinion – both having won on clay already this year. Ferrer is always a threat if the top players don’t play well as he won’t lose a match – he needs to be put away!
I wouldn’t exclude my 3rd tier, but not sure where Murray is at the moment in many respects. However, if he can get through the first week and is feeling good physically then perhaps…....
Fognini and Almagro can challenge anyone on a clay court, but are sometimes a bit frail mentally – not sure they believe they can win a Grand Slam (like most players I suppose!)
I would be extremely surprised if someone outside of all these players wins the French. I am covering a lot of bases I know!
I would love to hear your predictions??
If you would like to develop your clay court game why not join us in Florence this summer on our special hosted weeks from 12-19 July or 26th July to 2nd August? Most of our hosted weeks are now full but we do have some spaces on these weeks where you can play in one of the most beautiful clay court clubs in Italy just south of the amazing city of Florence.
Please click here for more information.
Please click here for more information.
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