French open-2019

This year's French open is one of the most interesting one. We have the eternal favorite Nadal Who warmed up perfectly in Rome masters handing everyone Bagels and Breadsticks other than Tsitsipas. Novak's quest for second slam sweep looks on track with a final in Rome and Victory in Madrid. Federer looks to be in good shape on clay even after his 2-year sabbatical. We have the so called next genners like Tsitsipas, Felix, Shapovalov making splashes here and there. The nextgen grads like Medvedev, Coric, Khachanov performing quite consistently. Then there is Dominic Theim, the only man to beat Nadal 4 times in last 4 years. Theim winning Barcelona also highlights his credentials as a contender for Roland Garros. Then there are some exquisite shot makers and performers who are not consistent but, on their day, can over power any one like Fabio Fognini, Monfils, Nishikori who can challenge any one on their day. del Potro seems to be ready for French open also.

Alexander Zverev might look like a lost cause this year, but I think he might be the dark horse in this year's French open. Past champion Wawrinka also looks like regaining his from, he can be threat to even the great Nadal on his day.

The list of players is huge but who will deliver and who will deceive and what will be the draw like? Questions question questions, its quite challenging for a real tennis fan to patiently wait for the French Open to begin.

Players to beware of Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev. Even though Sacha has not performed close to 50% of his best this year, my instinct says he might be the one to have the last laugh in this year's French Open. History of tennis has on numerous occasions had such dark horses wining.

Will Nadal win a dozen French open the probability of this looks more than ever after Rome. The draw will definitely affect even Nadal. Fingers crossed for this year's French open to begin. Will Roger win another French?

I am a Fed head and I do worship Roger and celebrate Roger, but I do not see him winning French open 2019. For Federer to win this year's French open should go crazy with upsets right from round one and he should also get a favorable draw.

Predictions:

1. Novak Djokovic: Finals

2. Rafael Nadal: Winner

3. Roger Federer: Quarter-finals

4. Dominic Thiem: Semi-finals

By

Vinay Bachu

Research Scholar,

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati,

Guwahati, India