Roland Garros, also known as the French Open is one of the four Grand Slams. Starting in the second week of May it is one of the major sporting events of the year. Also known as the ‘Red Slam’ because of the surface (clay) it is played on this place has housed legends. Having witnessed intense battles and long ardous matches here’s a look at this years’ challengers. The players to keep an eye out for on these red courts.
#10 Gael Monfils
Gael Monfils knows the conditions at Roland Garros inside out. With his amazingly ripping groundstrokes, sizzling serves and his ability to get to any ball Gael Monfils is definitely the player to watch out for.
If he focuses a bit more and manages to channel his energy better, there is no saying to what he can achieve.
#9 Stanislas Wawrinka
There is a popular saying in the tennis world that on Wawrinka’s good day, even God cannot beat him! Having won the Australian Open last year, he knows what it takes to win a Grand Slam. The Swiss has the game to win his second Grand Slam in Paris.
With a forehand which cannot be compared and a backhand which cuts through the court, Wawrinka may just leave everybody behind to take the Roland Garros title this year.
#8 Grigor Dimitrov
Also known as ‘Baby Federer’, this Bulgarian’s game is nothing short of brilliant. He at 23 is already giving the likes of Djokovic and Federer a run for their money. He has the skill, power and technique to back his game up, not forgetting his inane court sense.
Dimitrov is definitely one to watch out for at Roland Garros.
#7 Tomas Berdych
With a game(especially forehand) that almost never goes wrong, Berdych spells consistency. Along with this, the 6 feet 5 inch giant steps on court each time to demolish. He has everything required to win a Grand Slam, from power to pace to accuracy to court coverage and tactics. Berdych is one of the favourites going into Roland Garros.
#6 Kei Nishikori
Just twenty five years old this Japanese player is already giving the biggies of the game a very hard time! After a good start to the season by reaching the Australian Open quarter finals and doing exceedingly well in Miami, Nishikori seems to be gearing himself up for the French Open. With a surge of confidence along with being a part of the top 5 and an outstanding game to back it up Nishikori is looking to suprise everybody at Paris.
#5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
The big French lad is a favourite to win the title in his home ground. Having never won a Grand Slam before, it will be definitely be special if he wins the French Open. Being just outside the top ten, Tsonga is still a huge threat!
With a huge serve, ripping groundstrokes and formidable net play, this French star has everything it takes to win Roland Garros.
#4 Andy Murray
A part of the big four and rightly so, Andy Murray is a favourite to win the title at Roland Garros. Being a runner up at this years’ Australian Open, he is hungry to add another Grand Slam to his list. Also coaching him is none other than former World No.1 and Wimbledon champion, Amelie Mauresmo.
Already with Mauresmo by his side, Murray’s game is acquiring greater dimensions along with a lethal serve and and formidable court play. It will be no suprise if he takes the title.
#3 Roger Federer
When it comes to Grand Slams, you can never leave out Roger Federer. With the highest number of Grand Slam titles in the open era(17), Federer is looking to add another one to his list.
Federer won the Dubai Open and reached the Indian Wells finals earlier this year. In the words of Nadal, Federer is one of the best clay court players of all time.
#2 Rafael Nadal
When it comes to clay, you can never forget Rafael Nadal. With an unstoppable forehand topspin and superb court coverage, his game is tailor made for clay! With nine Roland Garros titles, he is referred to as the ‘King of Clay.’
Despite not being at his best this season, one cannot rule out Nadal on his favorite surface.
#1 Novak Djokovic
Fresh from his recent win at Indian Wells over Roger Federer which also happened to be his 50th tour level title, Novak Djokovic is the person to beat at Roland Garros. Also winning the Australian Open this year, Djokovic is on a winning streak and his game has reached an unbelievable level with Boris Becker as his coach.
With an unbelievable forehand and a whipping backhand to go with a lethal serve, Djokovic is the player to beat at the French Open this year.
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