Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams today will play their 1st round in Paris
Nadal
The King of Clay will start probably the trickiest Roland Garros he has ever played in his outstanding career. Rafa has won the French Open 9 times, but this year he looks particularly “weak”, or… better… less “ominous”, not only because he had poor results in his clay seasons (he has won just 1 tournament in Buenos Aires), but also because his low seeding (no.6) has set up a possible clash in the quarters against Novak Djokovic.
Fortunately Rafa has a simple opener against world no.296 Quentin Halys. Rafa is expected to make a meal of the 18th year-old… so it is just about how many games he will concede.
Prediction: Rafa in 3 sets
Djokovic
Nole is the clear favorite for the French Open even if some still think Nadal is the one. Djokovic will face Jarkko Nieminem in the opener. Head to head is 4-1 for Nole that has never managed to win a smooth match against the Jarkko.
Prediction: Nole in 3
Serena
It’s interesting as you never know what to expect from Serena… or… better, you always expect her to trash every opponent and to be the favorite n every tournament, but then sometimes she just lose it. Serena will play Andrea Hlavackova in the opener. The Czech is now ranked no.190 and this is the first time in the season that she is playing in a main draw. You can’t see Serena struggling this time.
Prediction: Serena in 2
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