Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the top favorites to win this unusual edition of the French Open that will have yet another big variable: new tennis balls!
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) did strike a deal with Wilson to use its balls at the upcoming Roland Garros replacing Babolat. This seems to be a huge deal for the tennis players as apparently, the new balls are extremely slow.
The deal with the French Open and Wilson
The FFT had a rather large deal with Wilson as they are going to launch a range of co-branded, premium Wilson/Roland Garros products that will go beyond the tennis balls including rackets, string, tennis bags, and other accessories.
The FFT was rather proud of the partnership. It’s president Bernard Giudicelli, commented:
“We are very proud to welcome Wilson as an official partner of Roland Garros and the French Tennis Federation. This partnership, which is built for the long term, is based on shared values such as performance and innovation.
This double signing with Wilson, a world-renowned brand, will increase Roland Garros’ international exposure while encouraging French people to take up tennis, particularly young people, who represent the future of our clubs. “
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Rafael Nadal not happy with the balls
The 12-times French Open champion is definitely not thrilled by the new Wilson balls saying that they are too slow and definitely not the right ones to play on clay especially on these heavy conditions. Rafa also expressed his injury concerns saying that these balls may cause issues to elbows and shoulders.
Ranked world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19th of September when he lost to Diego Schwartzman 6-2 7-5 in the quarter in Rome.
Presently, this year Nadal has a 15-4 win-loss record. Rafael conquered 1 title in Acapulco.
Novak Djokovic in 2020
Now the world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 21st of September when he defeated Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3 in the final in Rome to win his 81st career title.
At present, this year the Serbian has a 31-1 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 4 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open, in Dubai, in New York and in Rome.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played each other 55 times. The head to head is 29-26 for Djokovic. The last time that they played each other, Novak Djokovic won 6-2 7-64 in the final in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney (ATP Cup) on the 12th of January 2020.
Dominic Thiem also concerned by the new Wilson balls
The newly-minted US Open champion was not shy in admitting that both he and Nadal preferred to play with the balls branded Babolat in the previous Roland Garros. He also added that this kind of balls and the overall conditions may create problems to Nadal even if he remains the top favorite.
“But there are some slight changes. The balls are a little bit different. It can be super rainy, super cold end of September, beginning of October. Maybe that’s a little bit tougher for him,” said Thiem.
Ranked no.3 (career-high), Thiem played his last match on the 13th of September when he overcame Alexander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-66 in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 17th career title.
Currently, this year Thiem has a 16-5 win-loss record. Thiem conquered 1 title at the U.S. Open. The Austrian was the runner-up at the Australian Open.
Tsitsipas in Hamburg, ranking, and results in 2020
Stefanos is currently in Hamburg where he has been playing the current ATP500. The Greek sensation appears to be in top form and he is not concerned about reaching the French Open right before the start of the slam. heavy conditions may help his tennis.
Ranked world no.6, Stefanos has a 19-8 win-loss record in 2020. Tsitsipas is participating in Hamburg where he managed to beat Daniel Evans 6-3 6-1, Pablo Cuevas 7-5 6-4 and Dusan Lajovic 7-65 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will fight against Garin in the semifinal. The head to head is 1-0 for Garin.
The Greek conquered 1 title in 2020 in Marseille. Tsitsipas reached the final in Dubai.
Stefanos won 5 titles in his career: 1 on clay courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas played each other 7 times. The head to head is 4-3 for Thiem. The last time that they played each other, Stefanos Tsitsipas won 6-3 7-66 in the 2nd round in Toronto (Rogers Cup) in August 2018.
