Roland Garros is going to be Off The Chain

Hitman

Hitman

Bionic Poster
First time in a long time, with absence of Nadal, Roland Garros looks to be wide open, with many potential winners. It is one of more unpredictable RG we have had in a long time.

Alcaraz - The favorite, he has been the dominant force on clay this season, despite the early loss in Rome, with three clay titles to his name, another a RU, plus having the experience of winning a slam already and regaining the world number one ranking, he looks the guy to become the new RG champion for this new age that is dawning.

Djokovic - The second favorite, hasn't been anywhere close to his best post AO, but clay is also his worst surface. This is the slam he is most vulnerable at, but still beating him in a best of five is still the most difficult challenge in tennis at the moment. Nobody knows better than him how to win slams, as most of the field have never won one, so his experience will help. But at 36, how will he really do?

Medvedev - If things go his way in the draw making, he could avoid BOTH top two contenders all the way until the final. Med has had his best first half of the season ever, and certainly his best clay season, with wins over Zverev, Tsitsipas and Rune, he has shown he can hang, and he is peaking at the right time. If a few thing fall his way, he could surprise us all.

Tsitsipas - Despite all the distractions he has had, Tsitsipas is still one of the best natural clay court players on the tour. With him, it is about finding the right balance, his lower ranking means he could be in a tough section, if he can bring the form he showed at AO, he can make a seriously deep run, but he needs to step up now.

Rune - He isn't afraid of any player or any occasion, his brash confidence gives him insane belief that he can win any match and come out of any situation a winner. He has though struggled in finals on clay, lost both masters finals he played this year, but he has also collected a lot of big wins, including wins over Medvedev, Sinner, Djokovic and Ruud. On his day, he can beat anyone.

Sinner - The other big threat he is on the verge of a massive break through. One of the better clay court players, also very difficult to beat in slams, it took five sets in the last three matches to put Sinner away, so he doesn't go down easily.

Roland Garros is going to be off the chain....next time on Dragon Ball Z.
 
Hitman said:
It is one of more unpredictable RG we have had in a long time.

Alcaflop - Exactly

Medvedev - will be mad lad - let's hope so !

Tsitsipas - but he needs to step up now, but he won't

Rune - On his day, he can beat anyone.

Sinner - The other big choker, he is on the verge of a massive nervous break down through.
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FTFY - Nadal will win RG even though he's not playing !
15601838055671.jpg
 
Lol. So AO without Djokovic is called asterisked, but here without Nadal it is a potential great tournament? No. We all know Djokovic is going to vulture it, probably without dropping more than 1-2 sets.
 
NatF said:
Most of the top contenders are in poor form and there's no Nadal to force some quality. We could have an open and competitive RG or we could get an absolute **** show like the majority of slams the last few years.
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Very open tournament with drama and entertainment, but legit high quality of tennis? That's another story.
 
Djokovic is favourite, because he is Djokovic

Dark horses:
Ruud, who played on a whole other level than Rune until the MTO stopped his rhythm.
Fokina, grit and heart is so important on clay...
 
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Hitman said:
Djokovic is NOT the favorite, Alcaraz is. The tournament is wide open though, first time in a very long time.
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Alcaraz already in Rome lost to a nobody. In BO5 it's only going to be worse. I will not be surprised if he loses before the 1/4 finals. Djokovic is the clear favorite IMO, I don't care what all these players do in BO3, they simply can't beat him in BO5. We saw that so many times before.
 
StrongRule said:
Alcaraz already in Rome lost to a nobody. In BO5 it's only going to be worse. I will not be surprised if he loses before the 1/4 finals. Djokovic is the clear favorite, I don't care what all these players do in BO3, they simply can't beat him in BO5.
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He lost after winning back to back events. Djokovic hasn't done anything of significance on clay this year, not even one semi final. Djokovic is not the clear favorite, he is one of the top contenders, but Alcaraz deserves to be ahead of them all as it stands.
 
StrongRule said:
Alcaraz already in Rome lost to a nobody. In BO5 it's only going to be worse. I will not be surprised if he loses before the 1/4 finals. Djokovic is the clear favorite IMO, I don't care what all these players do in BO3, they simply can't beat him in BO5. We saw that so many times before.
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I do agree with you on the best of 5 premise. It is true that it’s a tough task to beat Djokovic in best of 5 sets. Even on clay at RG only Nadal, peak Thiem and a freak game by Italian Marco C beat him.

The others have a chance but still beating Novak in BO5 even on his weakest surface won’t be easy. His experience and ability to peak at right time can’t be underestimated. Novak is also way more motivated in slams. That’s all he cares about now and he didn’t look to bothered by his losses in Rome, Monte Carlo, etc

Plus with his main rival and nemesis not in his way, this could spur Djokovic on to end the slam race and debate once and for all.
 
Last edited:
@ Hitman - thanks for the interesting thread opener, hopefully eliciting good discussions.

My picks for now (reserving the right to change my mind as the tournament progresses and can better assess the current form of those named below and those not as yet on my radar)

The Favourite: I agree with Navratilova who said on Amazon Prime after the Rome final that she considers Djokovic to be the front runner at RG. My reasons are:
  • He is one of the greatest players ever to date, is a master tactician and hones in during the slams to raise his tempo and invoke his most formidable skills. I accept that we have not seen him at his peak form for a while, but I also acknowledge that he is more than capable of raising his game. His experience will hold him in very good stead.
  • He is aiming to add to his tally of GS titles and become the most successful player of all to date. He will be focused and determined.
  • Whilst others are embarking on their respective Journeys, ND has not only reached greatness and surpassed all but one of his rivals, he has nothing left to prove and can be at peace knowing that all he does from now on is simply another cherry on the cake. A Maestro of GS tournaments, one can expect nothing but excellence from him.
Second Favourite: This is a more challenging assessment than I had expected. When it comes to it, there are a number of players who, when on form and feeling confident, could take the title. On balance and based on performance this year to date, I pick Alcaraz as the next likely contender. My reasons are:
  • He knows how to contest hard fought battles and win. He has already gained experience of playing and winning at the larger tournaments and has a focused and determined 'can do' mentality.
  • His all court game and variety of skills is already noteworthy, and he is fearless in his quest.
  • His confidence is high, and this is the cornerstone of any campaign.
Others: There are close contenders for the second favourite, based on performance this year, including Medvedev/Rune, and I agree that Ruud and Tsitsipas are in the mix, but their strength of conviction remains questionable. I like Sinner's game a lot, but am not persuaded that he he can deliver his potential at RG, especially if fitness continues to be an issue. That said, these chaps can cause a stir when playing free, and will be keen to jostle for position.

The mix of very talented other players will hopefully add flavour to the menu - an outstanding effort by any of the talented lower ranked players could astound the favourites, and us all! Picture Marozsan finding form and setting the court ablaze again, or Cerundolo deciding to go for it and dismantle his opponent.

Lady luck has the last word, dancing to the tune of Destiny. There are no certainties. Therein lies the mystery, and magic of the event. I'm looking forward to what unfolds, always hoping that it will be a feast of great tennis.
 
I probably won't be watching much. 90% of rg intrigue is how guys will challenge Rafa. These were the small victories I loved like Ferrer taking a set away in 2014 or Diego taking a set away in 2018/2021.
 
Hitman said:
He lost after winning back to back events. Djokovic hasn't done anything of significance on clay this year, not even one semi final. Djokovic is not the clear favorite, he is one of the top contenders, but Alcaraz deserves to be ahead of them all as it stands.
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I feel thought that we will see a different Djokovic at RG. Slams is all he cares about. He’s probably being holding back a bit to avoid injury or burnout.

As he knows his clay nemesis and main rival is out of his way, he will still see this as a golden chance to win a 3rd RG, take the slam record and end the debate for good.

The main thing is he stays fit. As everything else will likely take care of itself with motivation and he will find a way to improve his form.
 
nachiket nolefam said:
But without Nadal it's not the same.
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Well it was bound to happen eventually. We all prepared for this day to come. He’s not an android and same for Djokovic too.

I still tuned into Australia when Djokovic got deported too. I still feel tennis/sport is greater than 1 guy. It’s a shame and disappointing he’s not there but a part of life and the show goes on.
 
Djokovic_is_the_best#1 said:
Well it was bound to happen eventually. We all prepared for this day to come. He’s not an android and same for Djokovic too.

I still tuned into Australia when Djokovic got deported too. I still feel tennis/sport is greater than 1 guy. It’s a shame and disappointing he’s not there but a part of life and the show goes on.
Click to expand...

Djokovic is an android
 
Djokovic_is_the_best#1 said:
Well it was bound to happen eventually. We all prepared for this day to come. He’s not an android and same for Djokovic too.

I still tuned into Australia when Djokovic got deported too. I still feel tennis/sport is greater than 1 guy. It’s a shame and disappointing he’s not there but a part of life and the show goes on.
Click to expand...
I didn't watch majority of 2022 as well as Djokovic was banned. Definitely boycotted AO22.
 
Hitman said:
Djokovic is NOT the favorite, Alcaraz is. The tournament is wide open though, first time in a very long time.
Click to expand...

Djokovic is still favourite, wherever he plays. He is Djokovic. He has 22 slams - 19 slams more than the rest of the draw...

If you sum up recent years' slams, you will find that Djokovic won lots of those because of his experience, not because of his level.
 
I would say this year both Alcaraz and Medvedev have more chance than Novak as they have been best 2 players in world since Australian Open.

Novak ahs been struggling since Australia and does not look convincing or confident at all. However, he is Novak after all and if he does get to Q/F's then I suspect it will take it will a really good performance to stop him.
 
Eureka said:
@ Hitman - thanks for the interesting thread opener, hopefully eliciting good discussions.

My picks for now (reserving the right to change my mind as the tournament progresses and can better assess the current form of those named below and those not as yet on my radar)

The Favourite: I agree with Navratilova who said on Amazon Prime after the Rome final that she considers Djokovic to be the front runner at RG. My reasons are:
  • He is one of the greatest players ever to date, is a master tactician and hones in during the slams to raise his tempo and invoke his most formidable skills. I accept that we have not seen him at his peak form for a while, but I also acknowledge that he is more than capable of raising his game. His experience will hold him in very good stead.
  • He is aiming to add to his tally of GS titles and become the most successful player of all to date. He will be focused and determined.
  • Whilst others are embarking on their respective Journeys, ND has not only reached greatness and surpassed all but one of his rivals, he has nothing left to prove and can be at peace knowing that all he does from now on is simply another cherry on the cake. A Maestro of GS tournaments, one can expect nothing but excellence from him.
Second Favourite: This is a more challenging assessment than I had expected. When it comes to it, there are a number of players who, when on form and feeling confident, could take the title. On balance and based on performance this year to date, I pick Alcaraz as the next likely contender. My reasons are:
  • He knows how to contest hard fought battles and win. He has already gained experience of playing and winning at the larger tournaments and has a focused and determined 'can do' mentality.
  • His all court game and variety of skills is already noteworthy, and he is fearless in his quest.
  • His confidence is high, and this is the cornerstone of any campaign.
Others: There are close contenders for the second favourite, based on performance this year, including Medvedev/Rune, and I agree that Ruud and Tsitsipas are in the mix, but their strength of conviction remains questionable. I like Sinner's game a lot, but am not persuaded that he he can deliver his potential at RG, especially if fitness continues to be an issue. That said, these chaps can cause a stir when playing free, and will be keen to jostle for position.

The mix of very talented other players will hopefully add flavour to the menu - an outstanding effort by any of the talented lower ranked players could astound the favourites, and us all! Picture Marozsan finding form and setting the court ablaze again, or Cerundolo deciding to go for it and dismantle his opponent.

Lady luck has the last word, dancing to the tune of Destiny. There are no certainties. Therein lies the mystery, and magic of the event. I'm looking forward to what unfolds, always hoping that it will be a feast of great tennis.
Click to expand...
It sounds like you're trying to write a novel the way you're wording everything. I agree Djokovic still has the long bo5s to find form in earlier rds and not get eliminated. Very clear favorite. Depends on matchups but if Alcaraz meets Medvedev he just owns him stylistically but Medvedev can probably beat everyone else so...

I wanna see Maroszan become an elite player that Alcaraz match was so good havent seen anything like that before
 
junior74 said:
Djokovic is favourite, because he is Djokovic

Dark horses:
Ruud, who played on a whole other level than Rune until the MTO stopped his rhythm.
Fokina, grit and heart is so important on clay...
Click to expand...

I was impressed by the way he played until he was to serve at 4 3 in 2 set. . That 1 set was one of the best sets seen from any player on clay this season imo .He served superbly , FH was on fire, had solid BH as rally shot . But he fell apart so badly after that point:X3:
 
The absence of Nadal, for the 1st time ever since he started playing there, is a definite game changer for the tournament. A real turning of the page in its long history!!
 
I've got the first week of the French Open off so I'm looking forward to seeing how these guys do, knowing that there's no Nadal waiting for them at the finishing line.
 
weakera said:
In the end yes, but Djokovic is in a class of his own when it comes to staying fit. He is not mortal or otherwise made some kind of deal with the devil.
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I think this was your man when he went out of his way to side with the jib jab pushers just to give himself an extra bite at the cherry in the slam race. That would also explain the recent turn of events pretty well actually. You know karmic energy and all. He got a couple of slams out of it but at what cost? Interesting to ponder these things.
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
It sounds like you're trying to write a novel the way you're wording everything........ I wanna see Maroszan become an elite player that Alcaraz match was so good havent seen anything like that before
Click to expand...
I write as I write. I thought Marozsan was superb against Alcaraz & also enjoyed his match against Lehecka prior to that match. FM is progressing through the qualies - I hope he makes it to the main draw, and can play well.

raftervolley said:
Dominic got direct entry after Rafa's withdrawal.
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I admire his continued efforts after the awful injury issues. Such a wonderful potential career compromised so cruelly by fate.
 
Mivic said:
I think this was your man when he went out of his way to side with the jib jab pushers just to give himself an extra bite at the cherry in the slam race. That would also explain the recent turn of events pretty well actually. You know karmic energy and all. He got a couple of slams out of it but at what cost? Interesting to ponder these things.
Click to expand...

This reads like a very manic post
 
@Hitman even though Alcaraz may be the favorite, I’m not fully sold on him on the slowest of clay surfaces. He historically lost to Korda at MC and now Marozosan at Rome. Roland Garros is a lot slower than Rome and he even lost to Ramos Vinolas last year at Rg. I think he’ll do well, but for some reason I think he’s going to fall short, maybe in the semis or so, but I want to see him prove me wrong
 
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