NOT SO BOLD ROLAND GARROS PREDICTIONS

Is a fourteenth Roland Garros title realistic for Rafael Nadal? Or is he simply showing up because it’s Roland Garros and the second major of the season? I have no idea the degree of pain Nadal is feeling; however, based on his recent performances, I will say realistically, NO!

IS NADAL’S FOOT INJURY CAREER ENDING ?

It is difficult to write this post for two reasons: I really want Nadal to win another major; however, if his foot is as bad as it seems, I don’t see it happening here or in the future. Unless the foot injury is not that bad and can be surgically corrected, I would think he is done. I tried to get some information from the commentators, but no one was willing to spill the beans. Let’s be clear, clay is the surface that he can navigate better than any other and he is struggling on the surface going into the French Open.

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THE FAVORITES AT THIS FRENCH OPEN

We know that there is a certain degree of chance that goes into every sporting event. It would take some pretty unexpected circumstances to see anyone other than Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek as the champions at the end of the fortnight. Following close behind on the women’s side is Ons Jabeur, although if Barbora Krejcikova is fully fit, she may have something to say about this. On the men’s side, I have to give the nod to the Spanish phenom, Carlos Alcaraz.

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EXPECTATIONS FOR THE AMERICAN PLAYERS

It’s a known fact that most American players over the years were not willing to or do not have the mindset necessary to play on clay. Clay is the surface that challenges you on every level, much more than the other surfaces. The emotional and mental fortitude required to play and win on clay is extremely high. Then you add physical fitness to the mixture, and you begin to appreciate the magnitude of what Nadal has accomplished on this surface.

TENNIS IS JUST AS UNPREDICTABLE AS LIFE

There may be a Cinderella run from an unexpected source, we will just have to wait and see. In any event, expect the unexpected and keep an eye out for some spectacular and grinding rallies.

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