French Open Draw

[Front242]

Yeah 30 aces and 3 TB sets against Berdych last year. He played a blinder. Very dangerous when he's on. Just ask Rafa who doesn't usually lose 6-1 sets on clay often.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Neither Monfils or Gulbis ever showed me they can hold it together upstairs in a 5 setter. Birdman has turned that corner somewhat in that regard. There might be a couple of competitive sets but I expect Birdman to win those matches UNC.

Remember last year Wimbledon first round? I think Gulbis can do this. He reached the QF here too a couple of years ago.

Gulbis could be very dangerous. I don't know why murat is brushing him off so easily. Ever since he's made that dclaration he'll be serious about tennis, he's been all business.
BTW, he is 19-7 for the year and since February he lost only to top 20 ranked players.

No brush off, no disrespect. Against quality opponents, I have not seen him hold it together that often in a 5 setter. Sure he can win but I am not putting money on him against Berdych. Like you said, he is winning matches but not against the top guys. There is a reason for that and it is upstairs...in my opinion anyways.

I like that fact that he is more dedicated these days. Good for him.

 

[Front242]

The problem for Gulbis is having a millionaire dad and the club scene is great in Latvia. He's a party animal. Seems to be dedicating himself more to tennis lately though and he's still young and improving. Moving up the rankings again. Hope he continues on an upward curve and it'd be great to see him get a win against a top 4 player, even if it's outside the slams for now. He can then build on that. He definitely has what it takes to beat them in terms of his game. Just needs to hold it together at the latter stages off matches and really needs to not overuse the drop shot at stupid times. He's come so close many times to beating Nadal and always falters at the end. Beat Fed of course at Rome 2010, 7-5 in the 3rd set. Took him 7 match points but he did it. Beating Nadal on clay would be a major statement even in best of 3 and he's come very close on two occasions.