HipRotation
Hall of Fame
Looking at him and noticing his birth date is 1999 makes me wonder that there's a real possibility of there may not be a male Grand Slam winner born in the 90s
Can a Frenchman win the French?
- Thread starter TahoeTennis
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StanTheMan
Hall of Fame
Looking at him and noticing his birth date is 1999 makes me wonder that there's a real possibility of there may not be a male Grand Slam winner born in the 90s
Wow, hadn't noticed it.
Deserved a thread for deeper discussion.
StanTheMan
Hall of Fame
Monfils actually went further than expected in the 14' FO. Reached 14', aided by Waw's upset in first round.
Mainad
Bionic Poster
Looking at him and noticing his birth date is 1999 makes me wonder that there's a real possibility of there may not be a male Grand Slam winner born in the 90s
Well, there wasn't one born in the 70s or 80s so why should the 90s be any different?
kishnabe
Talk Tennis Guru
Murray is a good grass courter.....so it was bound to happen.
If Djokdal both lose early....and Monfils or Tsonga run deep. Even then there is Murray and Federer.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Tsonga? LOL, he just lost to #338 Monteiro!
kishnabe
Talk Tennis Guru
He been to the Semi twice and had Djokovic on the ropes 2012......
It not like last year he had good form coming into FO.
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Gasquest has already won the mixed
ScentOfDefeat
G.O.A.T.
The only tournaments Frenchmen can win are the Mickey Mouse tournaments in France they always win.
Tenez!
Professional
Way more. You wouldn't believe how viscerally attached to their champions the French are. When David Douillet won the Olympic gold in judo in 2000, he was made a Minister for Sport for 2 years. The guy's barely literate!Like we Brits did when Murray won Wimbledon last year?
The 1998 French soccer team is still asked for advice on how to lead the current batch of players. 20 years on!
Titles have a huge importance in France, coupled with an unhealthy negative spin on failure.
This is a joke right? How was Scalia named to the Supreme Court when he was, by your logic, inevitably Italian?
Your surname is the most random thing in your life that you can't change, along with height and early baldness.
Thank goodness for reason. But Mauresmo/Mauresmau is pretty French, it means something like "bad swamp" in Occitan (Southern brand of Medieval French)
I suspect so too. See how revered crusty curmudgeon Noah still is, when Tsonga packs twice the skill Noah ever had.
I don't think you grasp the magnitude of this outcome: they're not just talking about French tennis players...Well, there wasn't one born in the 70s or 80s so why should the 90s be any different?
If Djokovic/Murray continue until 2020 (still younger than Fed is today!), it is very possible that the next new winner of a slam will be born in the 2000s, thus skipping the 1990s entirely.
It beggars belief.
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ScentOfDefeat
G.O.A.T.
That's debatable. Noah won the French in a difficult era and against good players. Don't make it seem as if it's obvious because it isn't. You just happen to like Tsonga better.
Tenez!
Professional
I really don't see how this could be seriously disputed. Compare 1983 Roland Garros Final :
with 2008 AO Tsonga-Nadal or 2011 WB Tsonga-Federer. The standard has risen so much that it's barely the same game.
In fact, I distinctly remember Noah saying about the 2011 USO final: "I saw them on TV and it looked like a video game. I don't like it, they've sapped the soul of tennis." (Le Monde interview)
In fact, I distinctly remember Noah saying about the 2011 USO final: "I saw them on TV and it looked like a video game. I don't like it, they've sapped the soul of tennis." (Le Monde interview)
ScentOfDefeat
G.O.A.T.
Oh, I thought you were comparing achievements. In fact, you're just saying Gulbis could beat Laver. Alright then.
Let's take presentism to its logical conclusion: "anything in the past is worse, so it's hard to understand how someone like that revered crusty curmudgeon Connors can even be compared to Kohlschreiber, whose skill set is much more impressive."
The Green Mile
Bionic Poster
Tsonga on Clay is a mystery. The guy play amazing on the dirt one day, and then utter crap the next. Even his movement drastically changes.
Rock Strongo
Legend
Maybe he should try the ol' Noah approach and serve and volley more.
The Green Mile
Bionic Poster
Probably not confident enough. The guy has good touch and feel around the net though.
Mainad
Bionic Poster
He is the only one of the current crop of titled French players who has never won a title on clay and yet he has achieved more than any other current French player including going deeper at Roland Garros than anybody else! Go figure!!!
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Monfils obliterated Fed on clay in Davis Cup...just don't think he can put together 7 wins.
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
He's way too defensive to win that in singles though. There's no way in hell he'll ever beat someone like Djokovic/Nadal/Federer in a best of 5 on clay.
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Not many can so it ca be said of many countries.
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Tenez!
Professional
Perhaps because they already live the high life of millionaires without needing to? Not a single one of the Top6 French players lives in France (all in neighbouring Switzerland), so no immediate pressure the way Murray experienced it.
Only Tsonga seems to really go for it, and he gets the most credit by far (also for taking out the Big4 repeatedly)
Only Tsonga seems to really go for it, and he gets the most credit by far (also for taking out the Big4 repeatedly)
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Actually, I know. During the US Open. There is a restaurant that the top French players go to. They drink & party and enjoy life during this grand slam.
The top French players enjoy life too much to be champions. Never in a million years would a French go gluten free.
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StanTheMan
Hall of Fame
Gasquet will miraculously pull it off this year.
Mark my words.
I can even go as far as predicting his path:
First round: beats Groth in routine sets;
Second round: beats Ramos in somewhat tight four sets;
Third round: beats Fognini after getting breadsticked in the first set, only to win the second in a tie-break and watch Fognini lose his mind into a 3-6, 0-6 in the last two.
Fourth round: beats Berdych in three sets, the czech being out of form and only getting that far thanks to a very easy draw.
Quarterfinal: beats Wawrinka in five epic sets, actually surpassing the epicness of their encounter in Wimbledon. One-handed backhand lovers will ejaculate constantly throughout this whole match. 11-9 in the fifth.
Semifinal: beats Monfils, who has shockingly beat Djokovic in the previous round. Monfils won't stand the pressure after beating the current unbeatable legend and will succumb in four sets to his long-time countryman tormentor.
Final: Murray. A match to be praised for centuries. Murray will outplay Gasquet in the first two sets with precise returns and sharp grinding game. 7-5, 6-2. In the third, however, he'll relax a bit too much and allow an early break. That will be enough for the eager french crowd to star supporting his man, who'll take the third 6-4. In the fourth, no breaks and off to the tie-break we go. After saving seven match points, Gasquet takes it 14-12. The crowd goes absolutely wild and the empire doesn't stand a chance in trying to keep it down. By that point, there'll be thousands of people gathering in the Champs-Élysées, holding their breath for the decisive set.
Gasquet seems confident and fit, while Murray looks tired and is complaing about his back whilst angrily yelling at Mauresmo and his infant child.
Both men hold their serves in a very nervous manner till 4-4. Murray, then, gest broken on a DF and it's Gasquet to serve for the championship. However, his nerves lead him into a streak of UE and he's broken at love. 5-5. By then, the respective thread in this forum has beaten the numbers of posts record. Murray goes to serve and gets broken one more time. He's simply being outplayed by a very strong performance from Gasquet.
Gasquet on serve. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Championship point. Every french man, woman and child who's not about to have a heart attack in Philippe Chatrier is now either on the streets or at the edges of their couches at home.
Gasquet misses his first serve. Puts the second on court. Murray catiously returns it, and the last point of the match is a very long and scared one. After the 28th shot, 14th from murray, the ball bounces too much and isn't deep enough. Gasquet prepares himself for the taking. The world stops for a moment while he moves his body into the backhand perfect position. And he goes for it. And it's the most beautiful one-handed backhand down the line the world has ever seen.
Both men go to the floor. Gasquet can't hold back the tears. The crowd enters the court and carries him.
A frenchman has won the french open again. Finally.
Mark my words.
I can even go as far as predicting his path:
First round: beats Groth in routine sets;
Second round: beats Ramos in somewhat tight four sets;
Third round: beats Fognini after getting breadsticked in the first set, only to win the second in a tie-break and watch Fognini lose his mind into a 3-6, 0-6 in the last two.
Fourth round: beats Berdych in three sets, the czech being out of form and only getting that far thanks to a very easy draw.
Quarterfinal: beats Wawrinka in five epic sets, actually surpassing the epicness of their encounter in Wimbledon. One-handed backhand lovers will ejaculate constantly throughout this whole match. 11-9 in the fifth.
Semifinal: beats Monfils, who has shockingly beat Djokovic in the previous round. Monfils won't stand the pressure after beating the current unbeatable legend and will succumb in four sets to his long-time countryman tormentor.
Final: Murray. A match to be praised for centuries. Murray will outplay Gasquet in the first two sets with precise returns and sharp grinding game. 7-5, 6-2. In the third, however, he'll relax a bit too much and allow an early break. That will be enough for the eager french crowd to star supporting his man, who'll take the third 6-4. In the fourth, no breaks and off to the tie-break we go. After saving seven match points, Gasquet takes it 14-12. The crowd goes absolutely wild and the empire doesn't stand a chance in trying to keep it down. By that point, there'll be thousands of people gathering in the Champs-Élysées, holding their breath for the decisive set.
Gasquet seems confident and fit, while Murray looks tired and is complaing about his back whilst angrily yelling at Mauresmo and his infant child.
Both men hold their serves in a very nervous manner till 4-4. Murray, then, gest broken on a DF and it's Gasquet to serve for the championship. However, his nerves lead him into a streak of UE and he's broken at love. 5-5. By then, the respective thread in this forum has beaten the numbers of posts record. Murray goes to serve and gets broken one more time. He's simply being outplayed by a very strong performance from Gasquet.
Gasquet on serve. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Championship point. Every french man, woman and child who's not about to have a heart attack in Philippe Chatrier is now either on the streets or at the edges of their couches at home.
Gasquet misses his first serve. Puts the second on court. Murray catiously returns it, and the last point of the match is a very long and scared one. After the 28th shot, 14th from murray, the ball bounces too much and isn't deep enough. Gasquet prepares himself for the taking. The world stops for a moment while he moves his body into the backhand perfect position. And he goes for it. And it's the most beautiful one-handed backhand down the line the world has ever seen.
Both men go to the floor. Gasquet can't hold back the tears. The crowd enters the court and carries him.
A frenchman has won the french open again. Finally.
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boredone3456
G.O.A.T.
Tsonga seems the best option. Monfils may get hot for a match or to however I don't see him sustaining the necessary form for 2 weeks. Tsonga has had deeps runs before and with a good draw and an inspired performance he might be able to make it happen
However the top 5 are still the favorites for the thing if you ask me.
However the top 5 are still the favorites for the thing if you ask me.
vive le beau jeu !
Talk Tennis Guru
he can... tank a match ?
Boom-Boom
Legend
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
It's the 21st century, move on. What is next? Black French/English/German/Dutch soccer nationals are not national enough?
P.S: I think Mary Pierce's father was an American if my memory doesn't deceive me. Nevertheless, not important.
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Wawrinka speaks French and many of the French live in Swislands. Close enough!
Mainad
Bionic Poster
Mary Pierce's father was American and her mother French. She was born in Montreal and brought up in the USA so she is entitled to American, Canadian and French passports. She chose to represent France and became a French national.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
rainingaces
Legend
What's the 21st century have to do with anything?
Tshooter
G.O.A.T.
Tennis would be infinitely less interesting without the French players and what they bring to the sport.
TahoeTennis
Legend
Look for Monfils and Simon to open up a serious can of French power and maybe, just maybe one of them will win the French.
I Am Finnish
Bionic Poster
No tsonga?
Mainad
Bionic Poster
Mainad
Bionic Poster
Tsonga and Monfils are the only 2 current French players to have made it as far as the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Can a Frenchman win M-C???
stringertom
Bionic Poster
You are celebrating 11 years too late!
Since his stunning win over Stososov at M-C in '05 there have been not so many times to truly believe in now rusty Ricky.
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