It's out and it's cruel. At least for John Isner who faces Rafael Nadal in the first round. I'm talking about the French Open draw. If we break it down into quarters, the first quarter definitely has Nadal as the semi-finalist although you would put up a warning sign on Robin Soderling, because the Swede loves the French clay. Nadal will be pumped though to show the world that he can beat Novak Djokovic and that's why he's my favorite to win this year, despite Djokovic's superpowers.
A great first round match is Verdasco vs Monaco. Two talented chokers.
The second quarter is all about Andy Murray, although anything might happen to him. He might crash out in the first round, he might reach the semi-finals. He has the game of greats, anyone could see that and even on clay where he pushed Djokovic to a third set tiebreak, but I'm not sure he has the mind of greats. He seems to lose his concentration and confidence just when he needs it the most.
Dolgopolov, Melzer and Almagro could be very dangerous threats for the scot.
Third quarter is where we find our champion, Roger Federer. A champion that no-one thinks has a chance to win the French Open, or perhaps another major ever again. It's a tough time for Fed fans and although I really like watching Federer play whenever he's on court, I can't muster belief in him going past the semis in the French Open. I actually think he will crash out sooner than that.
Tsonga, Wavrinka, Monfils or Ferrer might very well come in his way.
Mr Invincible, Novak Djokovic, is in the fourth quarter and the biggest threat to his semifinal spot his a possible third round with Juan Martin Del Potro. There are other dangerous players in this section of the draw, Gasquet, Berdych and Bellucci, but I don't think anyone can threaten Djokovic before the final.
When we reach the final I think Nadal will show the tennis world who's the toughest player on a clay court, beating Djokovic in four or five tight sets. Let the most exciting French Open in years begin!
