Mr Topspin
Semi-Pro
The current spat of rain at this years French Open may ultimately create shockwaves of the biggest proportions at Roland Garros. At present, the American challenge by the male players has been totally decimated; although that is in part due to the consistent collective incompetence of those players!
However, through the rest of the men's draw we have already seen the early exits of clay court supremos such as F Gonzalez, JI Chela, R Gasquet, the improving T Berdych, R Soderling and the waning demise of M Safin and our (Britain's) very own T Henman.
IMHO the winner of both titles will very much depend on a large slice of luck and good scheduling plus efficient play. It is entirely possible to be involved in a 5set match and have to play the following day and be put on last. This although expected to provide the player with some rest before playing actually places more pressure on them to complete their match within a certain time limit as Roger Federer bemoaned yesterday. Federer was upset at the scheduling of his match and felt the additional pressure of having to complete his match within a 2 hour limit before fading light.
All these factors plus the erratic rain may cause a shock to the preparations of the worlds top players who plan their practice sessions so meticulously.
I recall in 2002 when rain delays played havoc with the draw at Wimbledon and ultimately gave G Ivanevisic the opportunity to win his sole grand slam. Will rain give us an unexpected champion again?
However, through the rest of the men's draw we have already seen the early exits of clay court supremos such as F Gonzalez, JI Chela, R Gasquet, the improving T Berdych, R Soderling and the waning demise of M Safin and our (Britain's) very own T Henman.
IMHO the winner of both titles will very much depend on a large slice of luck and good scheduling plus efficient play. It is entirely possible to be involved in a 5set match and have to play the following day and be put on last. This although expected to provide the player with some rest before playing actually places more pressure on them to complete their match within a certain time limit as Roger Federer bemoaned yesterday. Federer was upset at the scheduling of his match and felt the additional pressure of having to complete his match within a 2 hour limit before fading light.
All these factors plus the erratic rain may cause a shock to the preparations of the worlds top players who plan their practice sessions so meticulously.
I recall in 2002 when rain delays played havoc with the draw at Wimbledon and ultimately gave G Ivanevisic the opportunity to win his sole grand slam. Will rain give us an unexpected champion again?
