2008 French Open

[Aussie_Wing 354]

The second Slam of 2008 starts today and it promises to be a beauty! Undoubtedly there will be some interesting storylines to be played out on both the men and women’s draw.

Rafael Nadal is still undefeated at the clay courts of Roland Garros and he will be the overwhelming favourite to make it 4 straight French Open titles. Coming off Masters Series wins in Monte Carlo and Hamburg; Nadal is in fine form and looks likely to hold aloft the trophy once again. There may be 127 other men in the draw but only 2 loom as legitimate contenders to beat Nadal; Federer and Djokovic. Both took a set off him at Hamburg and both will be a big challenge for the Spaniard. Federer’s confidence against Nadal must have surely taken a beating in Hamburg as he led 5-1 and 5-2 in the first two sets before allowing Nadal to whittle away the lead. He has the game to beat him but does he have the belief?

Andy Roddick is the first major casulty as he has been forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. It's a big blow for Roddick as he was playing the best clay court tennis of his career. Lleyton Hewitt is still in doubt as he struggles to overcome constant hip injuries. He has decided to make his way to Paris and will make a decision in the coming days. It would be a shame if he can’t play as he’s quite underrated on the clay. Richard Gasquet is enduring a horror run of form and has split with his coach. He too is contemplating whether to play, but his concern is not injury but form. Three time champion Gustavo Kuerten will probably make his final appearance on the tour.

The women’s side promises to be very interesting with the absence of Justine Henin who was far and away the best clay courter. Last years runner up Ana Ivanovic will be looking to go one step further and with Henin out of her way she is a huge chance to get her breakthrough Slam. She might not be coming into the tournament with the greatest of form but she will have time to find her touch. Soon to be crowned world #1 Maria Sharapova will be hoping to win the title which would give her victory in all four Grand Slams. The clay is her least preferred surface and while I can see her going deep, I don’t think she’s a real threat to win. However her movement has significantly improved which will be a boost for her. Having just come off a Tier 1 win in Rome, Jelena Jankovic will be one of the favourites and rightfully so given she reached the SF’s here last year.

The draw is out and unfortunately Djokovic is on Nadal's side. I was desperately hoping he would be in Federer's half.

[FinRedWing 172]

Quite excited,I'm getting great coverage from this one - basically from the first game to the last.

I'll post my official picks tomorrow,Nadal is a clear choice but I'm lost with the ladies.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Ivanovic looking very good.

Your man Nieminen got a bit of a working over by Nadal last night. Rafa is cruising and I can't see anyone beating him.

[Jwo 7]

Ivanovic looking very good.

On court and off court.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Ivanovic v Safina in the Womens final!

Mens SF:

Federerv Monfils

Nadal v Djokovic

Stand to win $50 if Ana and Rafa both are winners.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Ivanovic you champion! World #1!

Ana Nadal's performance last night was one of the best displays I have ever seen. 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. Yes that's right, Federer won 4 games. FOUR games in a Slam final. Unbelievable display from Rafa.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I really flaked out in this thread as opposed to previous majors. My Bad.

As for Ana, she was great and Rafa is beyond a god on the Clay. Good lord, 1, 3 and 0 against the world Number 1?!? Federer will never win on that surface as long as Nadal stays healthy. The only time that mens final was even slightly competitive was the first 6 games of the 2 set.