Early French Open Ruminations

[Sundaymorningguy]

Actually, Djokovic has a decent draw until the semis really. Not really anyone who should give him any problems unless Berdych remembers his game. If Novak has any problems, it will be his own fault. He couldn't have asked for a kinder draw really other than Rafa being on the other side of the draw.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So, the blueprint for Novak's failure at RG is ready. Last year, he played Rafa in QF and then had to fend off a tough Andy over a course of 2 days and then succumbed to Red Hot Stan. In Rome, after playing tough matches against Belluci, Rafa and Kei, finally he succumbed to Andy. So, while no single player can get rid of Novak all by himself, they can pummel Novak steadily and thus prepare for his eventual demise.
Now, here is a request for the draw gods. Let Novak get the following draw (and in the later rounds
let him play consecutively for four days due to bad weather).

1st Round: Belluci
2nd Round: Zverev
3rd Round: Kohlschrbrier
4th Round: Thiem
QF: Rafa
SF: (hot) Stan
F: Andy

So, the blue print is working. We just need another day of wash out and couple of inspired performances by RBA/Ferrer/Berdych/Thiem and Andy will be hoisting his first ever RG in his first final. :laydownlaughing

 

[10isfan]

If another day is washed out, wouldn't the final be held on Monday instead of having Djoke play everyday?

 

[isabelle]

If another day is washed out, wouldn't the final be held on Monday instead of having Djoke play everyday?

they are discussing about a possible monday's final

 

[Fiero425]

If another day is washed out, wouldn't the final be held on Monday instead of having Djoke play everyday?

they are discussing about a possible monday's final

The way this looks, they had better be doing more than discuss it! It's ridiculous out there! I can't remember Paris being this cold and wet before, but I never watched it as much as the other majors! If it were just a little warmer, they probably could have continued play today, but the stands are full of umbrellas, parkas, scarves, and hats! You would think they're in England! That reminds me of '85 with their torrential downpours and water splashing down the stairs like a waterfall! Boris Becker took advantage of that deluge and surfed all the way to a title at 17! :nono :cover :eyepop

 

[GameSetAndMath]

If another day is washed out, wouldn't the final be held on Monday instead of having Djoke play everyday?

You are right. What we want is not a complete wash out. But about half the day wasted due to rain. :devil

 

[10isfan]

Agut and the weather are helping Andy/Stan. He will lose in four competitive sets and the rain allowed half a match. I would not mind a Stan vs Thiem final. The BH to BH rallies should be spectacular.

Are all matches officially canceled for today?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Agut and the weather are helping Andy/Stan. He will lose in four competitive sets and the rain allowed half a match. I would not mind a Stan vs Thiem final. The BH to BH rallies should be spectacular.

Are all matches officially canceled for today?

No, not yet. They have cancelled the QF matches though instead of making Andy and Stan unnecessarily wait. Good decision on that.

We don't really need RBA or Ferrer/Berdych or Thiem to actually take out Novak. If they and the rain can extend Novak, Andy/Stan could put the last straw that broke the camel. lot

 

[10isfan]

We don't need Djoke to lose before the final, but I would rather watch two others playing for the title.

Another three hours left of sunlight.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Yes, Thiem vs. Stan will be an interesting final. But, IMO Thiem is not yet ready to take out Novak; may be next year.

 

[isabelle]

a pouring rain is scheduled for tomorrow...hope it's false !!

 

[GameSetAndMath]

a pouring rain is scheduled for tomorrow...

Yep, I like it. While Andy and Stan (presumably) have secured a spot in SF, Novak will be pacing in the locker room waiting for his QF match to start in vein. :laydownlaughing

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Who the hell are these French organizers? Why isn't each of the QF matches on a separate court to be gotten in, so they don't fall further behind. These people are effing losers. I know 5 year olds that can schedule things better. I can't see anything for it except a ladies Sunday final and a men's Monday final.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

a pouring rain is scheduled for tomorrow...

Yep, I like it. While Andy and Stan (presumably) have secured a spot in SF, Novak will be pacing in the locker room waiting for his QF match to start in vein. :laydownlaughing

GSM, since you are so intent on having Djoke not win the title, I am curious. For whom are you cheering between Goffin and Thiem? Between Andy and Stan?

To be frank, I could not care less who wins it, as long as it is not Novak. I am from #AnyoneButNovak camp. But, Novak deserves an RG title in his career and I am for him getting it at some time. I just do not wish him the title this year as it gives him Novak Slam. :devil

 

[10isfan]

My question was: who is more likely to tire him out? Goffin or Thiem?
Who is more likely to beat him in the final? Wawrinka or Andy?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

My question was: who is more likely to tire him out? Goffin or Thiem?
Who is more likely to beat him in the final? Wawrinka or Andy?

Berdych will not bother Novak at all. I think Ferrer might hang with Novak more than Bird on Clay.
Unfortunately, he is gone.

I think Thiem is more likely to tire him out and Thiem played a good match on clay against Novak this year. On the other hand, Goffin is a pest like Simon and he won't go away easily too.

This year, I think Andy will probably be the finalist who has better chances of doing the last rites for Novak. Lightning cannot strike twice in a row.