The first day at Roland Garros 2013 is almost over and we have managed to get through it without the looming grey clouds in Paris infringing too much on the action. It’s cold in Paris and the weather forecast for the first week does look rather grim, but hopefully we won’t have too much of a break in the schedule.
I had a feeling the weather together with the flimsy form of some of the favorites would allow for potential upsets, but the first day saw none. Federer breezed through dangerous youngster Carreno-Busta 6-2 6-2 6-3 and except for a few loose backhands he looked rather flawless:
“I thought it was a good match for me,” said Federer. “He’s played many matches and won a lot this year. That really helps your confidence. And he’s played a lot of matches on clay, in comparison with me. I knew it could be tricky if I didn’t sustain a certain level of play and certain aggressiveness [and] got caught up in long rallies, [which is] maybe what he [was] looking for. Overall, I thought I did well on the serve, on the return [and] movement wise, as well. So clearly I’m very pleased.”
A good start for the Fed Express and hopefully a path he can keep on until he reaches sterner opponents nearing the quarter-finals. Federer’s draw looks very kind to him so if he just stays in his usual Grand Slam mode, I think he should have no problems until the quarters where likely a hungry Tsonga could stir up trouble, or in the semis where I think Ferrer could be waiting. I don’t know if I’m expecting too much, but I think Federer’s chances of a final showing are very good. Check out the Roland Garros Men’s Draw here
The most exciting and tight match of the day belonged to Gilles Simon, who managed to beat veteran Lleyton Hewitt 7-5 in the final set (coming back from 0-2). Simon has never had an easy time at Roland Garros and I don’t feel like that’s going to change this year.
Other than that it’s really to early to comment. The tournament has just started and we can all watch it unfold in excitement.
Tomorrow we can look forward to watching Nadal against Brands (I think Nadal drops maximum 6 games) and the big blockbuster match of the day Berdych vs Monfils. A tough test for the “Birdman” but I think he gets through it in four sets.
