French Open Draw

[tented]

Possible third round match of Nadal/Rosol! That could be fun. Rosol will learn how aberrant the Wimbledon match was.

 

[tented]

Going back to 2011 - I actually thought that was the worst I'd seen Nadal play in a French Open Final. He was there for the taking. If Federer had held his nerve and not had the historic H2H imbalance hanging over him, he'd have had a shot at pulling off an upset.

It was quite close, until the fourth set. Didn't Roger have a set point in the first? The second went to a tiebreak, he won the third, and then ... well, we know the rest.

 

[Kieran]

Possible third round match of Nadal/Rosol! That could be fun. Rosol will learn how aberrant the Wimbledon match was.

Ralph's knees permitting, so will everyone else!

I hope that match happens, and we'll have a better glimpse into the mettle of Sharapova's beaux if he makes his match versus Novak...

---

Going back to 2011 - I actually thought that was the worst I'd seen Nadal play in a French Open Final. He was there for the taking. If Federer had held his nerve and not had the historic H2H imbalance hanging over him, he'd have had a shot at pulling off an upset.

It was quite close, until the fourth set. Didn't Roger have a set point in the first? The second went to a tiebreak, he won the third, and then ... well, we know the rest.

I think it was as bad a final as Rafa ever played, at this level. He was still overwrought from Novak's tinkering with his confidence and the fact of facing Federer instead of his newer nemesis didn't relieve him in any way. It's like the burden was deferred rather than lifted...

 

[huntingyou]

Going back to 2011 - I actually thought that was the worst I'd seen Nadal play in a French Open Final. He was there for the taking. If Federer had held his nerve and not had the historic H2H imbalance hanging over him, he'd have had a shot at pulling off an upset.

Not sure about that. It was Rafa's worst performance in a final but Roger had something to do with that. He kept him off balance a little bit. I feel even if Roger happens to win the fist two sets.......at his age, the constant pounding on his backhand will take a toll eventually. Because of this, I never see Roger as a threat at RG........ For me, it's a matter of how close he can stay to him in the scoreboard.

 

[britbox]

Going back to 2011 - I actually thought that was the worst I'd seen Nadal play in a French Open Final. He was there for the taking. If Federer had held his nerve and not had the historic H2H imbalance hanging over him, he'd have had a shot at pulling off an upset.

Not sure about that. It was Rafa's worst performance in a final but Roger had something to do with that. He kept him off balance a little bit. I feel even if Roger happens to win the fist two sets.......at his age, the constant pounding on his backhand will take a toll eventually. Because of this, I never see Roger as a threat at RG........ For me, it's a matter of how close he can stay to him in the scoreboard.

Maybe, but right now I don't see Fed beating Nadal in a 5 setter anywhere (including the US Open). The Djokovic ship hasn't sailed yet - so would still hope the apple cart could be upset. in short, this is a good draw for Federer.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Well Fed really caught a break this year. Not that he hasn't before. But the way he's playing, it's a welcome break. And more than that, his draw to the quarters looks absolutely, positively, completely clear. There's like nobody there. Unless the two qualifiers he has to start with are really hot, I don't see him losing. Benneteau has beaten him this year. But Benneteau isn't as good on clay as he is on hard courts. And even if he was better on clay than on hard courts, this is a slam so Fed is not likely to lose to him even if it was a three set match, but it's a five set match so he's almost guaranteed to take Benneteau out IF Benneteau even makes it to Fed. Berankis and Kamke MIGHT worry me more actually. Two younger guns who, if they got hot, MIGHT be able to bother Fed in his current state, which is sort of up in the air. He hasn't been good all year, but he showed signs of life last week. Simon might be able to test him in the fourth round, if he makes it. I doubt Tsonga makes it to the quarters. And if he does, on clay Fed can take him out no problem.

I'm hoping Gulbis beats Berdych, IF Monfils doesn't get hot and do it for him. But because that's not likely, though I think it quite possible, Ferrer would likely beat Berdych in the quarters anyways and Fed masters Ferrer, even if Ferrer is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
It really seems like Fed has a clear path to the final. BUT, this year, how well he'll play is in question. He's been really struggling and I really gotta say I'm worried about him. But this is the best possible draw for him to make the final. I mean, if he doesn't have to play anyone until the semis and he does get Berdych, I still like his chances.

 

[DarthFed]

Nice draw for Fed but counting him in the final is laughable. Bradley Cooper is obviously a threat and so is Tsonga. And if he plays Berd he is not the favorite or close to it. I don't see him losing to Ferrer though, he has to play really terrible tennis for that to happen. Rogers chances in the final against Nole would be about 10% and that's 9.5% higher than his chances if he plays Nadal

 

[britbox]

Darth, seeing as he's avoiding Nadal and Djokovic how is it laughable to suggest he's got a decent shot at making the final?

 

[Mog]

Well Fed really caught a break this year. Not that he hasn't before. But the way he's playing, it's a welcome break. And more than that, his draw to the quarters looks absolutely, positively, completely clear. There's like nobody there. Unless the two qualifiers he has to start with are really hot, I don't see him losing. Benneteau has beaten him this year. But Benneteau isn't as good on clay as he is on hard courts. And even if he was better on clay than on hard courts, this is a slam so Fed is not likely to lose to him even if it was a three set match, but it's a five set match so he's almost guaranteed to take Benneteau out IF Benneteau even makes it to Fed. Berankis and Kamke MIGHT worry me more actually. Two younger guns who, if they got hot, MIGHT be able to bother Fed in his current state, which is sort of up in the air. He hasn't been good all year, but he showed signs of life last week. Simon might be able to test him in the fourth round, if he makes it. I doubt Tsonga makes it to the quarters. And if he does, on clay Fed can take him out no problem.

I'm hoping Gulbis beats Berdych, IF Monfils doesn't get hot and do it for him. But because that's not likely, though I think it quite possible, Ferrer would likely beat Berdych in the quarters anyways and Fed masters Ferrer, even if Ferrer is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
It really seems like Fed has a clear path to the final. BUT, this year, how well he'll play is in question. He's been really struggling and I really gotta say I'm worried about him. But this is the best possible draw for him to make the final. I mean, if he doesn't have to play anyone until the semis and he does get Berdych, I still like his chances.

Very good post. Monfil-Berdych will be interesting. Hope Monfil gets hot and do the job. If not Ferrer can beat Berdy in QF.
If Roger gets to final against Djokovic, it is not given to Roger but I think it is doable and Roger can win. Against Nadal i don't see his chances atall.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Roger's draw isn't as easy as some are making it out to be. 1R and 2R should be easy but then he faces one of his nemeses in Benneteau in the 3R, Tsonga in the QF, and possibly Berdych (or Ferrer) in SF. I can't say I'm looking forward to the prospect of a Fedal Final.

Fed has a dream draw compares to the other top seeds . if everything holds to form, Fed is not making it past Tsonga or Berdych, IMO

Berdych has a rough draw . Monfils and potentially Cali's favorite fh, Ernie Gulbis..

I dont think Rafa will be facing Lucas R the clown but if so, I would truly welcome that challenge

 

[DarthFed]

Darth, seeing as he's avoiding Nadal and Djokovic how is it laughable to suggest he's got a decent shot at making the final?

Of course he has a decent shot, but it is far from a given as some are saying. The main thing of course was where Nadal landed and then if you're Federer the 2nd main thing was where Berdych landed. If Fed doesn't face Berd Id say he has a good chance to make it

 

[britbox]

Gotta say, I would keel over with laughter if Rosol took Rafa out again.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Nole probably got the hardest draw. But, he'll probably make the semis anyways. I'm now a full fledged Dimitrov fan. So, I hope he makes the semis out of this quarter. But, I don't expect that. I think he played a great match and showed his full potential and played up to one of his highest levels in Madrid. And as he gets even more experience he'll get even better. But, he's not there yet. And in a five set match, with Djokovic searching for the career slam and on high alert because he's lost to this guy now, Dimitrov doesn't stand a chance. I hope he can take it to five. Endurance wise, he's at a disadvantage in a fifth set and will likely lose it. But you never know what can happen. BUT... that is all assuming he makes it to Djokovic. None of the guys he has to play to make the third round should be able to stop him. But if he has a lapse, he could let one slip out of his hands. Still, I do think he'll get his clash with Djokovic. Though, Goffin has shown some promise and could push Djokovic. Who knows, Djokovic has let some matches slip away from him in Madrid and Rome. Maybe Goffin can put something together and take him out in the first round. Can you tell I hate Djokovic? Anyways, once he gets past Dimitrov I don't see anyone stopping him until the semis.

I do think Nadal will win their semi. At least the way he's been playing since Monte Carlo. He's been phenomenal. And then again, he hasn't. Ferrer is playing at a really high level. But Nadal has never had too many problems with him and he lost 2 sets to him in the last two weeks. So maybe he isn't playing that well. I guess I just look at how he dismantled Fed in the Madrid final and think he's playing awesome. But Fed is struggling and against Nadal that is going to be exposed the most. But that is not to say Nadal isn't playing awesome. He is. He always is on clay. He looks to be at a ridiculously high level to me, despite his close call with Ferrer in Madrid. (I still can't believe Ferrer hit that shot there. Just go to the open court.) Still, against Djokovic, no matter Nadal's level, Djokovic is gonna have some looks. Because he has a match up advantage over Nadal, even on clay, like Nadal has over Fed. Or perhaps it's not an advantage so much as it's a better defense. Djokovic's superior (ridiculously amazing) backhand just deals with Nadal's forehand really well. And his quality forehand to Nadal's weaker backhand gives him an advantage there. These are things you all know. I don't know why I'm even writing them. Anyways, I think Nadal had help in last year's final. But I'm not sure Djokovic would have actually made the comeback even if the rain hadn't come. Nadal fights to the end, he may have held on anyways. He may not have won this thing 8 times in a row, but, in a good way, this ain't Monte Carlo. This is a five set match. BUT, Djokovic could still pull it out. What I don't think is possible is for Djokovic to walk out on court and beat Nadal in straights. I think Nadal could do that to Djokovic, though I think it's more likely he does it in four. But at the same time, I'm almost expecting a five setter here. IF Djokovic makes it to the semis.

 

[britbox]

Darth, seeing as he's avoiding Nadal and Djokovic how is it laughable to suggest he's got a decent shot at making the final?

Of course he has a decent shot, but it is far from a given as some are saying. The main thing of course was where Nadal landed and then if you're Federer the 2nd main thing was where Berdych landed. If Fed doesn't face Berd Id say he has a good chance to make it

Worry about it as and when... it's not as if T-berd is blessed with the consistency to be an automatic for the semis in any event.

 

[tented]

Darth, seeing as he's avoiding Nadal and Djokovic how is it laughable to suggest he's got a decent shot at making the final?

Of course he has a decent shot, but it is far from a given as some are saying. The main thing of course was where Nadal landed and then if you're Federer the 2nd main thing was where Berdych landed. If Fed doesn't face Berd Id say he has a good chance to make it

I don't think of Berdych as a threat at RG, vs. faster surfaces like Wimbledon and the USO.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Well Fed really caught a break this year. Not that he hasn't before. But the way he's playing, it's a welcome break. And more than that, his draw to the quarters looks absolutely, positively, completely clear. There's like nobody there. Unless the two qualifiers he has to start with are really hot, I don't see him losing. Benneteau has beaten him this year. But Benneteau isn't as good on clay as he is on hard courts. And even if he was better on clay than on hard courts, this is a slam so Fed is not likely to lose to him even if it was a three set match, but it's a five set match so he's almost guaranteed to take Benneteau out IF Benneteau even makes it to Fed. Berankis and Kamke MIGHT worry me more actually. Two younger guns who, if they got hot, MIGHT be able to bother Fed in his current state, which is sort of up in the air. He hasn't been good all year, but he showed signs of life last week. Simon might be able to test him in the fourth round, if he makes it. I doubt Tsonga makes it to the quarters. And if he does, on clay Fed can take him out no problem.

I'm hoping Gulbis beats Berdych, IF Monfils doesn't get hot and do it for him. But because that's not likely, though I think it quite possible, Ferrer would likely beat Berdych in the quarters anyways and Fed masters Ferrer, even if Ferrer is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
It really seems like Fed has a clear path to the final. BUT, this year, how well he'll play is in question. He's been really struggling and I really gotta say I'm worried about him. But this is the best possible draw for him to make the final. I mean, if he doesn't have to play anyone until the semis and he does get Berdych, I still like his chances.

Very good post. Monfil-Berdych will be interesting. Hope Monfil gets hot and do the job. If not Ferrer can beat Berdy in QF.
If Roger gets to final against Djokovic, it is not given to Roger but I think it is doable and Roger can win. Against Nadal i don't see his chances atall.

I don't think Fed can pull it out against Djokovic. I mean, he could beat Djokovic before he could beat Nadal here. But the way Fed has been playing, even with Djokovic taking two early losses the last two weeks, Djokovic would probably walk all over Fed, though not as bad as Nadal. Still, I could see Djokovic taking Fed out in straights. I just don't have any confidence in him right now. I don't know if it's his back or what, but he's not at the top of his game.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Darth, seeing as he's avoiding Nadal and Djokovic how is it laughable to suggest he's got a decent shot at making the final?

Of course he has a decent shot, but it is far from a given as some are saying. The main thing of course was where Nadal landed and then if you're Federer the 2nd main thing was where Berdych landed. If Fed doesn't face Berd Id say he has a good chance to make it

I don't think of Berdych as a threat at RG, vs. faster surfaces like Wimbledon and the USO.

I don't think of Berdych as a threat at RG, vs. faster surfaces like Wimbledon and the USO.

Typically, I would agree with you but Berdych showed me a lot the way he played in Rome vs Djoker. If he keeps his focus, he truly drives the bus with all the weapons that he has, Imo

 

[shawnbm]

This draw is practically perfect. The only way it could be better is if Dimitrov were in Ferrer's corner, beat him and faced Fed in the semis (if he gets past Tsonga). Nadal versus Nole and then the two one-handed BHers in the other. The BEST would be Novak versus Roger in the final; just think of the history. Djokovic would be playing to complete the career slam to match Roger and Rafa, whilst Federer would be trying to become the first in the Open Era to win the four majors at least twice over his career. Either way, it would be so historic. That is really what I hope for and I believe Nole beats Nadal if they get to the semis. Federer is the question mark for me.

 

[britbox]

Who's your final picks AP?

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Roger's draw isn't as easy as some are making it out to be. 1R and 2R should be easy but then he faces one of his nemeses in Benneteau in the 3R, Tsonga in the QF, and possibly Berdych (or Ferrer) in SF. I can't say I'm looking forward to the prospect of a Fedal Final.

Fed has a dream draw compares to the other top seeds . if everything holds to form, Fed is not making it past Tsonga or Berdych, IMO

Berdych has a rough draw . Monfils and potentially Cali's favorite fh, Ernie Gulbis..

I dont think Rafa will be facing Lucas R the clown but if so, I would truly welcome that challenge

On clay Rosol will not be a challenge. And well... Rosol will never be a challenge to Nadal again. He won't let him be. But, especially on clay, Rosol wouldn't stand a chance. I doubt he has to play him though.

I honestly think Fed has an easy draw in general. Not just compared to the other seeds. There seriously seems to be no one to bother him, IF HE PLAYS WELL, in his quarter. By that I mean, if he plays anywhere near his normal level, he's got the semis in the bag.

---

This draw is practically perfect. The only way it could be better is if Dimitrov were in Ferrer's corner, beat him and faced Fed in the semis (if he gets past Tsonga). Nadal versus Nole and then the two one-handed BHers in the other. The BEST would be Novak versus Roger in the final; just think of the history. Djokovic would be playing to complete the career slam to match Roger and Rafa, whilst Federer would be trying to become the first in the Open Era to win the four majors at least twice over his career. Either way, it would be so historic. That is really what I hope for and I believe Nole beats Nadal if they get to the semis. Federer is the question mark for me.

I really don't think Tsonga is a threat to Fed on clay. First of all, I don't think Tsonga is gonna make it to Fed because this is clay. But, while Fed's serve will be more vulnerable in the match because it's clay, it's Tsonga that really has to worry about that. Tsonga's serve on clay will not be able to get past Fed. More balls returned means more points won for Fed. They've only played once on clay. Fed won easily. Once again, I think the only thing that could hurt Fed against Tsonga is Fed. If he is struggling, Tsonga has a chance. If Fed is playing well, Tsonga doesn't have a chance.