Predictions 2021

[Moxie]

if the dreaded 3rd covid surge in Europe goes on unabated, I could certainly see RG being postponed again unfortunately. Even with increased vaccination if the numbers don’t improve the public mood might not be conducive to hold it in May.

IMO The more vulnerable Major is Wimbledon. Roland Garos could be scheduled later in the year but if Wimbledon isn’t played in the short window it’s going away Again.

But I’m cautiously optimistic they will both be played this spring/summer.

I was thinking that the French, having already staged Roland Garros during the pandemic, would surely play it in the regular calendar slot this year. But you're right...the numbers are going up again in Western Europe, and, while they might be able to stage it without fans, they likely wouldn't want to. Have to hope that they move forward apace getting people vaccinated and that the numbers go down. Is it time to worry about the European clay swing? I hope not.

 

[Front242]

I agree with you...if they put RG after USO, I expect Rafa to skip it. It worked out for him last year, and he'll just be a year older this one. Also agree that Djokovic will be the favorite at Wimbledon, unless he has a real slump and Roger comes back to the grass in vintage form. And even then....

Realistically Roger may play very well still but a lot of nerves will come into play if he gets tight while ahead if it got to that stage in big matches that will only be worse this year as no one knows including him probably if this will be his last year on tour. I don't see him winning it. If he messed up (and he did) 2 years ago, it's not gonna be any easier approaching 40. Needs to work on big serves when he has match points.

 

[Moxie]

Realistically Roger may play very well still but a lot of nerves will come into play if he gets tight while ahead if it got to that stage in big matches that will only be worse this year as no one knows including him probably if this will be his last year on tour. I don't see him winning it. If he messed up (and he did) 2 years ago, it's not gonna be any easier approaching 40. Needs to work on big serves when he has match points.

I do hear you on that. He absolutely blew it 2 years ago at Wimbledon, and I don't think that is controversial. It's a long-shot that he gets another Major, in relative terms of the big 3. But I know you're a huge fan, and know that I'm sincere when I say that I rather do hope Roger manages one more, for the fans.

 

[Jelenafan]

I agree with you...if they put RG after USO, I expect Rafa to skip it. It worked out for him last year, and he'll just be a year older this one. Also agree that Djokovic will be the favorite at Wimbledon, unless he has a real slump and Roger comes back to the grass in vintage form. And even then....

Since this is all wild speculation the Olympics are supposed to be played 7/23- 8/08. Assuming the best possible scenario and nothing gets cancelled or postponed, I find it hard to imagine that the BIG 3 would all play RG, Wimbledon , the Olympics AND the US Open back to back to back.

 

[Moxie]

Since this is all wild speculation the Olympics are supposed to be played 7/23- 8/08. Assuming the best possible scenario and nothing gets cancelled or postponed, I find it hard to imagine that the BIG 3 would all play RG, Wimbledon , the Olympics AND the US Open back to back to back.

That is a really good point. It seems the Japanese gov't is committed to holding the games, even if the population is against it. We'll still have to see what Wimbledon does. (Somehow I'm guessing that they're pandemic insurance was not renewed or became prohibitively expensive?) This year's OG puts it similar to 2008, in that the players would play in Asia, then have to rush back to North America. That's already rough enough. I wonder if the USO will combine with "Cincy" again and play it in Queens. Unless the vaccines give us a major improvement in the US by late summer, that would be wise.