Del Potro and the French Open

[Federer and Del Potro]

Do you guys think Delpo could make a run at all at this years French Open? He was pretty good on Clay from 2012 and before. But injuries took him out of the 2013-2016 French (crazy to think about). Last year was a decent run, lost a tight first set to Murray and then kind of collapsed.

His seed will be much better this time around so he won't be facing Nadal in like, a third round (Murray was the 1 seed last yr when they met).

After a relatively disappointing Australian Open what do you make of Delpos chances? A big reason I ask is because the 2009 FO loss to Fed is what made me a Delpo fan for life .

He has a 14-7 record at FO. Not extraordinary but not terrible.

I'd be very satisfied with a QF.

I think the French is actually lowkey a tournament where Del Potro can make some noise.

Feel free to give a prediction based on if Nadal plays or not, but I feel like Nadal will be okay by then. So obviously not expecting Del Potro to win or anything, but could he cause an upset? Play spoiler somewhere?

 

[qindarka]

I'd say 4th round or so. Feels like he has better chances at Wimbledon and New York.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I'd say 4th round or so. Feels like he has better chances at Wimbledon and New York.

Definitely agree on the USO front. For some reason though, he doesn't seem to show up as well as he should at Wimbledon. Aside from 2013 SF he hasn't ventured past the 4th round there. But that's a bit the same at the French (2009 FO and 2012 FO his best showings).

The USO will probably always be his best chance if we're talking winning the whole thing. Unfortunately Del Potro doesn't give me the vibe he can win a major ever again, so I'm mostly content if he can shake a draw up with a huge upset or something.

I'd love to see Thiem-Delpo on the dirt.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I'd have to make some kind of wager with @Meles if a Thiem-Delpo FO battle were to ensue.

 

[Badabing888]

Yep, furthest he’s got at the French is the semis in 2009. It’s his second worst slam. I thought after 2009 he could be the biggest threat to Rafa on clay because of his height and ability to deal with high balls to his backhand. But it never materialised. Depends on his draw really how far he would get. Anywhere between 4th round and semi if he ran into a fit Novak, Thiem or Rafa.

He has Better chances at Wimbledon and NYC, especially the last one - a medium paced higher bouncing hard court suits his game best, where he’s got good footing.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Yep, furthest he’s got at the French is the semis in 2009. It’s his second worst slam. I thought after 2009 he could be the biggest threat to Rafa on clay because of his height and ability to deal with high balls to his backhand. But it never materialised. Depends on his draw really how far he would get. Anywhere between 4th round and semi if he ran into a fit Novak, Thiem or Rafa.

He has Better chances at Wimbledon and NYC, especially the last one - a medium paced higher bouncing hard court suits his game best, where he’s got good footing.

Well said. Yeah I mean again, if we're talking what major can he WIN I'd probably only put the USO on that list.

Del Potro just struck me as an interesting player to think about with clay court season on the horizon. Lots of injuries, lots of withdrawals. One big luxury Delpo has this year that he hasn't in a while is a high ranking/seed.

I'd be disappointed if he didn't make at least the quarters. No Federer, no Murray, and we're not sure how good Novak/Wawrinka will be by then either.

That leaves quite a gulf in the draw.

And if it's no Nadal..things get really crazy then.

 

[qindarka]

That Berdych loss though.....
I know Australia is his worst slam but that loss is a bit discouraging.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

That Berdych loss though.....
I know Australia is his worst slam but that loss is a bit discouraging.

That was really disappointing. Berdych was playing good tennis though I must say - he was even doing it to start vs Fed but then he remembered who he was up against hahaha.

I probably should have held off on this thread til after some Clay 1000's but I want to see if anyone can hit the jackpot with a prediction.

I could definitely see Del Potro giving a top seed problems on the dirt if hes fit.

I'm really just trying to increase my enthusiasm for the clay season this year, trying to branch out from just Fed the majority of the time.

 

[MeatTornado]

Clay is a grinding battle, and fitness is still one of my primary concerns with Delpo (and I'm not talking about being healthy).

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Clay is a grinding battle, and fitness is still one of my primary concerns with Delpo (and I'm not talking about being healthy).

Fair criticism, it's always hard to tell with Del Potro. He's kind of like Wawrinka, he looks like he could keel over and die at any moment then plays 3 more hours.

 

[Meles]

I'd have to make some kind of wager with @Meles if a Thiem-Delpo FO battle were to ensue.

Del Possum might finally end up crying uncle in that one.

On paper, last year for Delpo to amount to anything at RG as the geriatric bell will be tolling.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Del Possum might finally end up crying uncle in that one.

On paper last year for Delpo to amount to anything at RG as the geriatric bell will be tolling.

Meles hoping this is Delpo + Nadal vs Thiem RG 2018:

 

[True Fanerer]

I'm looking forward to the clay actually, even if Fed doesn't play. Interesting to see how it will unfold. Nadal can't rule forever. I will even pull for Thiem this time .

Delpo into QF.

Hopefully someone saves us.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I'm looking forward to the clay actually, even if Fed doesn't play. Interesting to see how it will unfold. Nadal can't rule forever. I will even pull for Thiem this time .

Delpo into QF.

Hopefully someone saves us.

I'm cool with Nadal winning, just hope it's actually competitive. Same with Wimbledon.

 

[Druss]

As much as I’d love to see him win another slam, I just think RG would be the trickiest, QF at best. If he brought his 2013 level on grass, he certainly could be a contender at Wimby. His best chance however, will be the USO if he could stay healthy and keep the momentum going until then.

 

[True Fanerer]

I'm cool with Nadal winning, just hope it's actually competitive. Same with Wimbledon.

I do wish for him to be healthy and lose playing well . It's not the same without Rafa.

 

[zagor]

2009 Delpo's FO run was pretty special, would have won the whole thing if not for that pesky Swiss. However, that was young Delpo full of vigour and energy (and without multiple wrist surgeries) that later that year went on to pummel everyone into submission at USO with his nukular FHs.

Delpo caught some excellent form on HCs right now but he'll still see too many FHs and serves come back on clay, will be forced to play too many BHs. Forget for a moment about what TW experts tell you about point construction (which is really important on any surface) and clay being good for the body, when it comes to pro tennis CC season is largely a fitness contest. You need to be able to hit hard and run for a prolonged period of time which is why a guy like Thiem despite having a tennis IQ of a 10 year old was still so hard to beat on clay last year when he wasn't facing the CC GOAT. He hits extremely heavy from both wings and is one of the fittest guys on tour, that's the story behind his success on clay.

I'd say 4th round or QF unfortunately, if he shows up with current form at USO however, he'd be one of the contenders. One has to believe Delpo has a decent chance to get that elusive 2nd slam with the current tennis landscape, I just doubt it will come at FO. Goes without saying I'll be very happy if he proves me wrong.

 

[Red Rick]

Yeah that slice doesn't work enough on clay.

4th round/QF

 

[Sudacafan]

Do you guys think Delpo could make a run at all at this years French Open? He was pretty good on Clay from 2012 and before. But injuries took him out of the 2013-2016 French (crazy to think about). Last year was a decent run, lost a tight first set to Murray and then kind of collapsed.

His seed will be much better this time around so he won't be facing Nadal in like, a third round (Murray was the 1 seed last yr when they met).

After a relatively disappointing Australian Open what do you make of Delpos chances? A big reason I ask is because the 2009 FO loss to Fed is what made me a Delpo fan for life .

He has a 14-7 record at FO. Not extraordinary but not terrible.

I'd be very satisfied with a QF.

I think the French is actually lowkey a tournament where Del Potro can make some noise.

Feel free to give a prediction based on if Nadal plays or not, but I feel like Nadal will be okay by then. So obviously not expecting Del Potro to win or anything, but could he cause an upset? Play spoiler somewhere?

Is it confirmed that DelPo is playing RG? I am wondering if he may proceed à la Roger, skipping clay.

 

[Chicharito]

Feel like his backhand is more vulnerable on clay. Can't hide it is as well.

Would have loved to have seen peak Delpo v Nadal on clay. So much time to load up the fh

 

[ChrisRF]

Would have loved to have seen peak Delpo v Nadal on clay. So much time to load up the fh

They played a great match in 2011 during the Davis Cup final. Del Potro totally dominated the 1st set, but after that Nadal got the upper hand.

Search for it on Youtube, there are a few videos. The longest and best quality one unfortunately only has Nadal’s best points though.

 

[I Am Finnish]

That Berdych loss though.....
I know Australia is his worst slam but that loss is a bit discouraging.

Berdych was too good

 

[NaBUru38]

At Rome 2017, Delpo defeated Dimitrov and Nishikori. At Madrid 2016 he defeated Thiem.

 

[I Am Finnish]

QF is a good result

 

[apriliano]

With his posmo BH slice is my favourite for The Championships

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Is it confirmed that DelPo is playing RG? I am wondering if he may proceed à la Roger, skipping clay.

I think he'll play if he's fit. Has missed so many he probably wants to not miss any more if he can help it.

 

[MugOpponent]

I think DelPo can have good results at RG. The slower court allows him to run around so he can load up for his FH.

 

[BeatlesFan]

It's always hard to tell with Del Potro. He's kind of like Wawrinka, he looks like he could keel over and die at any moment then plays 3 more hours.

Del Possum acts like he's ready to pass out from exhaustion, but he rarely fades from fitness issues alone. If Nadal is really injured or compromised at the FO, I think Juan Martin could win it. I would favor him over anyone else in the field, including Thiem, whom of course he beat at the USO last September. Look at my slam predictions with a jaundiced eye, however, since I picked Nick to win this year's AO.

 

[smoledman]

DelPo is the hero we need, not the one we deserve.

 

[MugOpponent]

Del Possum acts like he's ready to pass out from exhaustion, but he rarely fades from fitness issues alone. If Nadal is really injured or compromised at the FO, I think Juan Martin could win it. I would favor him over anyone else in the field, including Thiem, whom of course he beat at the USO last September. Look at my slam predictions with a jaundiced eye, however, since I picked Nick to win this year's AO.

Nick wasn't a bad pick. Had he won one of the tiebreakers against Dimitrov, it's very possible he would have won the AO>

 

[BeatlesFan]

I think DelPo can have good results at RG. The slower court allows him to run around so he can load up for his FH.

I agree, clay really should be his best surface. After watching Del Po eviscerate cocky Zverev with his newly-improved slice, I am liking his chances on clay. Del Po is also a huge confidence player. If he could win one of the clay Masters leading up to the FO, he really could be a threat. I sure hope so.

 

[Incognito]

I’d love to see him win another major. Hopefully it’s the FO or wimbledon this year.

 

[Deon Sanders]

I mean the FO has not been kind to him outside his absolute peak 2009 (when he even plays it)

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Second round if he is lucky.

 

[Sudacafan]

At this stage, DelPo performances are among the most unpredictable ones. They vary greatly in between months or even weeks.
He did well by winning Acapulco, but someone noticed that this was the most important tournament he won since 2013... an ATP 500!!!
That means that he only won 250’s in the last years.
DelPo needs to make (or make again since a very long time) a big breakthrough.
It’s like he is always considered to be a greater player than what his achievements have been showing lately.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Do you guys think Delpo could make a run at all at this years French Open? He was pretty good on Clay from 2012 and before. But injuries took him out of the 2013-2016 French (crazy to think about). Last year was a decent run, lost a tight first set to Murray and then kind of collapsed.

Del Potro will never be truly competitive at the French Open again. He hasn't got the legs for it. He almost lost to Thiem the other day after 2 sets... imagine him playing in hotter conditions where the rallies are longer in a best of 5 set format. The FO is beyond a player like Del Potro nowdays imo unless he gets really lucky with some key players who could run him into the ground on clay suffering early losses - Nadal, Goffin, Wawrinka etc.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Del Potro will never be truly competitive at the French Open again. He hasn't got the legs for it. He almost lost to Thiem the other day after 2 sets... imagine him playing in hotter conditions where the rallies are longer in a best of 5 set format. The FO is beyond a player like Del Potro nowdays imo unless he gets really lucky with some key players who could run him into the ground on clay suffering early losses - Nadal, Goffin, Wawrinka etc.

Barely beat Thiem? We watching the same match?

Also Wawrinka looks closer to retirement than running anyone into the ground.

Second round if he is lucky.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=860694894103369

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Waiting for the RG draw to give my opinion on this.

 

[tennisaddict]

Draw has to align . He is a guy who can win any major .

If he would have had some energy for the 2nd set against RAfa last USO, he could have won it all the way .

If he does not have to face Fed or Nadal, he can snatch a major quickly . FO is probably the toughest for him at this juncture given so many grinders around

 

[Bobby Jr]

Barely beat Thiem? We watching the same match?

You didn't notice how gassed Del Potro was at the tail end of he 2nd set? If he hadn't won the tie-break Thiem would have romped home in the 3rd. That is what I was referring to - now put someone who struggles to play 2 sets on clay where it's much harder on movement, and make the matches 50%+ longer. Del Potro gets nowhere against a series of fit, fast players. Not a chance.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

You didn't notice how gassed Del Potro was at the tail end of he 2nd set? If he hadn't won the tie-break Thiem would have romped home in the 3rd. That is what I was referring to - now put someone who struggles to play 2 sets on clay where it's much harder on movement, and make the matches 50%+ longer. Del Potro gets nowhere against a series of fit, fast players. Not a chance.

Fair enough, Delpo did kind of let Thiem back into it. Delpo plays possum a lot though. He'll looked gassed and then miraculously get a second wind. Wawrinka kind of does the same thing.

 

[bhpower]

Fair enough, Delpo did kind of let Thiem back into it. Delpo plays possum a lot though. He'll looked gassed and then miraculously get a second wind. Wawrinka kind of does the same thing.

He has always looked like that. It's his nature way of being.
Isner is like that too.

 

[YellowFedBetter]

I agree, clay really should be his best surface. After watching Del Po eviscerate cocky Zverev with his newly-improved slice, I am liking his chances on clay. Del Po is also a huge confidence player. If he could win one of the clay Masters leading up to the FO, he really could be a threat. I sure hope so.

If Del Potro wins RG I will like 200 posts of yours straight. Not a chance. You’re far overestimating his consistency. I’d love nothing more than that but there’s a snowballs chance in hades of it.

 

[vex]

So much Hype (not just this thread but others) for a guy who's game isn't really suited to clay...

I'd say on average he's a 3R exit

 

[Max G.]

His slice is awesome on faster surfaces, but unfortunately I don't think it'll get it done in the French.

But we've got a claycourt season to update our judgements, I'll wait and see how he does there.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

So much Hype (not just this thread but others) for a guy who's game isn't really suited to clay...

I'd say on average he's a 3R exit

Picking him to get to the QF in a likely depleted field isn't really 'hype'

 

[Chanwan]

I agree, clay really should be his best surface. After watching Del Po eviscerate cocky Zverev with his newly-improved slice, I am liking his chances on clay. Del Po is also a huge confidence player. If he could win one of the clay Masters leading up to the FO, he really could be a threat. I sure hope so.

The slice ain't as effective on clay as I'm sure you know.
Also, I doubt Delpo has the stamina for 7 bo5 in general much less on clay. He always seems to get injured/ill/tired and what not by the tail end of a slam.

 

[Deleted member 756514]

Delpo's best chance at RG was 2009. Blew it up against Fed.

 

[vex]

Picking him to get to the QF in a likely depleted field isn't really 'hype'

Just noting that I’m seeing his name thrown out in multiple threads as a top RG contender and I don’t really see his game flourishing there. If he makes the QF that would be great for Tennis

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Just noting that I’m seeing his name thrown out in multiple threads as a top RG contender and I don’t really see his game flourishing there. If he makes the QF that would be great for Tennis

Agreed, I thought he was an interesting guy to talk about with the field looking pretty barren at the moment. French is still a good ways away so maybe it will become less thin.

Delpo's best chance at RG was 2009. Blew it up against Fed.

He really blew 2012 as well. Up two sets to love on Fed.