French Open Update

We’re into the second week of the French Open, and my pick for the women’s final was completely destroyed. Sharapova lost a close 3 set match to Safina. Although Safina was a 13 seed, this wasn’t as big of an upset as it seems. Sharapova lost to Safina in 2006. This match was crazy though because Sharapova had a match point…and promptly lost the next 2 sets. The third set wasn’t even close, as Safina took it 6-2. Not a clutch performance there by Sharapova, and she misses out again on a chance to complete her career grand slam. Things could be worse though – she’s still probably the biggest women’s tennis player in the world, and has commercials with ESPN, Gatorade, Nike, and Cannon. {BTW…i’m sorry to discuss clutchness because I know that’s a very popular topic with our blog but…why is Peyton Manning in those clutch gatorade commercials? I think I’ll take Tom Brady over Peyton Manning in clutch situations every single time. That’s fine though..Peyton’s lead some game winning drives and is a super bowl champion and all now. But this is just ridiculous. ELI FREAKIN MANNING? IN THE LEAGUE OF CLUTCH? That was not a clutch play. The catch was a MIRACLE. That’s what you do in madden/ncaa08 when there’s a mad blitz…you run backwards about 10 yards, and then lob a high pass to your receiver. I don’t think Eli Manning’s clutch skills caused that pass. Fact. For evidence, watch any end game situation Eli Manning plays next season (except against the Redskins – their D’s awful) . Guaranteed to throw for >1 interception.}

But back to the Open. Both of the Williams sisters lost on the same day, in the second round of the French Open. That was pretty surprising considering they seem to be taking tennis seriously right now. I really believe that when on their games, the Williams sisters are the best tennis players in the world. Henin was the only one who could consistently compete and beat them; Sharapova still has to prove that. One thing that is cool about this suddenly wide-open French Open is that there are 4 possible overall #1′s at the end of the tournament: Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and Kuznetsova. Updated Prediction: Ivanovic will beat Jankovic in the semifinals and go on to win the French.

Men’s Draw

Most of the top players are still intact on the men’s side of the draw. Ginepri was the last American player standing and he was also recently eliminated. Hopefully the Americans work on their clay court games because their next Davis Cup matches (kinda like the world cup of tennis) will be on clay, at Spain. Nadal appears to be peaking at the right time – he absolutely dominated his quarterfinals match, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. His next match should be a great one, as he faces Djokovic in the semifinals. The last Frenchman standing is Gael Monfils. He’s making his breakthrough. This kid’s a baller, and a lotta people like his chances in the years to come. Prediction: Everything’s still pointing to a Nadal-Federer final, and Nadal’s my predicted winner.

French Open Preview

The French Open begins this weekend, with matches featuring Novak Djokovic and James Blake starting tomorrow. Here’s a pseudo preview of the year’s second grand slam:

Men’s Draw

First of all, the big surprise on the men’s side has got to be the #1 seed for Roger Federer. I’m not disputing Federer’s status as the overall #1 player on the planet (although Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic can definitely take issue with they; they have significantly narrowed the gap). However, Federer getting a #1 seed for the French Open is an absolute joke. Nadal had >100 match win streak on clay courts spanning over 3 years. He’s the winner of the past 3 French Opens, and a 4th win this year would tie Bjorg’s record. And it’s not like Federer has dominated Nadal on clay courts this year or anything. Although Federer somehow lucked into a #1 seed and a significantly easier draw than the other half of the bracket, Nadal is definitely the favorite to repeat (again) for the French Open. Nadal’s definitely going to have to work to make it to another final this year; hes battled through some injuries this year and always plays a grueling schedule. He may also have to face Djokovic, winner of this year’s Australian Open.

Andy Roddick recently pulled out of this year’s French Open, citing a shoulder injury. Not really a big deal. I’m a huge Roddick fan, but at least this spares us from hearing Andy struggle through yet another press conference after a “stunning first-round upset”. His power game is absolutely unsuited for for clay. This leaves James Blake, the #5 seed, as U.S.’s best chance for a slam. Well…this gives me the excuse to link some of Sampras’s best overheads. These are pretty sick, especially considering Sampras was one of the quietest guys to ever play the game.

Prediction: Nadal denies Federer (again) in his efforts to complete the career grand slam.

Women’s Draw

Justin Henin was last year’s French Open champion, but her retirement leaves the field pretty open this year. Maria Sharapova is one of the top seeds for this year’s tournament, but her power game is also not the best match for the clay of Roland Garros. America’s best chance comes in Serena Williams. The Williams sisters are the ultimate X-factors for any grand slam – when they’re on, very few can play with them. Now the Henin’s gone, Serena’s definitely got the chance to repeat. And I’m liking her chances.

Prediction: Sharapova’s improving clay court game and a wide-open field leads to a finals appearance, but Serena Williams proves too strong.