...is a-commin' soon, May 26th? Seriously can ANYONE beat Nadal on clay??? I think not.. http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/
Usual suspects, but really excited for the Rome QF tonight between Murray and Nadal though, first meeting since 2011 and they both have changed a lot since then!
Murray played really well against Nadal the other night, as have quite a few players over the recent European clay court schedule. Djokovic has proved to be a real contender for the crown but I still think Nadal is the man to beat at Roland Garros. Playing against Nadal on clay over the best of 3 sets format is totally different from the best of 5, a lot of players can't cope with the physical or mental side of it and basically just crumble. Nadal has shown, particularly this week in Rome, that being out on court for long matches doesn't seem to faze him, he can cope with it, and in a weird sort of way I think it brings out the best in him, he enjoys the grind of a challenge and hard match. Nadal for the win.
Definitely agree with this, although watch out for people like Murray, Dimitrov and Nishikori. I think one of those three could do really well(semi/final)
Muzza on shortly at Roland Garos against the brilliantly inconsistent Fernando Verdasco. Could go either way. Can see Muzza getting a hiding though. 6-2, 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 Verdasco.
Murray maybe made it harder for himself than he should have, especially the break points winning only 4/19 but his forehand and especially his backhand were immense, and he was so aggressive from the off. His first serve is still a worry though, needs to be 65% or more from now on. He should beat Monfils comfortably though.
Monfils is in some form. Monfils has only beaten Murray twice, both on clay, though that was 8 years ago.
Looks like it's cancelled due to rain. Lucky escape for the Muzz-bot. Still think Monfils, on the dirt, with the home crowd, and the superior record vs Muzz on the clay, will mean a straight sets defeat for the likeable Jock.
Think Rafa will take care of The Muzz-tapha quite comprehensively, in three sets. Rafa on the dirt, however tortuous to watch, will be too much for the bubbly Jock. 7-5, 6-2, 6-0
I predict a sticky bottom for Rafa and some unsightly skidmarks in his underwear. He'll skoosh the match though.
Nadal for the title methinks. Does anyone know if Murray has a new coach yet? I think he needs one and he needs to improve the % of his first serves going in.
Yeah I was somewhat surprised by this - a woman!? Great men's' final! It was always going to be tough going beating Nadal on his favourite surface. Only a few weeks for Wimbers but I believe Queens starts tomorrow. There is really only one surface as far as I'm concerned and that's grass...all that sliding around on clay - what's that all about?
And my beloved hard courts. Can't stand clay and the slow lethargic rallies. Looking forward to Wimbledon and the hard court swing afterwards, where Nadal won't get as much joy on his venomous forehand.
Bumpity bump guise. French Open ON and looks like Nadal will take care of this without breaking sweat. Nole playing PISH Murray not giving a **** Fed deciding not to play as he's ****TING it from Nadal GSTQ