French Open Tennis Players

The 2008 French Open promises to be a mouth watering showdown and there a couple of players who look set to make it into the final rounds of the annual competition. Although it is never a foregone conclusion, it is likely the men’s event will be decided by a battle of epic proportions between the world’s number 1 and 2, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, whereas the ladies event could well be contested between any number of players.

It is interesting to note that Roger Federer is taking his clay court campaign extremely seriously and he obviously has every intention of adding the French Open to his long and formidable career resume. He has recently hired coach, Jose Higueras, to assist him during the clay court season and the positive affect the Spaniard has had on Federer’s clay court game is palpable.

Federer won the first European clay court contest in Estoril, Portugal and even though opponent Nikolay Davydenko retired due to a ligament injury, Federer played with added confidence and intelligence. He went on to Monte Carlo and made it through to the finals, and although he lost to Rafael Nadal in two closely contested sets, he had the young man against the ropes a couple of times in both sets. He looks a far better clay court player now than ever before!

Rafael Nadal is on fire – he is going to be the one man to beat in Paris, and odds are that he will claim his fourth consecutive French Open crown. He is supreme on clay, and quite frankly, he has never looked in better condition, both physically and mentally.

Novak Djokovic will want to add a second grand slam to his Australian Open title, but he has battled a little of late and pulled out of the semi final against Federer at Monte Carlo due to breathing problems. Could this spell a reversal in fortune for the talented young man?

Andrew Murray is due for a big one and he has been working hard on his game – perhaps Roland Garros in 2008 will be his watershed moment.

In the ladies competition any of the top ranked players could well end up in the final head-to-head. The world number one, Justine Henin is due for an improvement in form, and she does almost enjoy home ground advantage in Paris. She is undoubtedly one of the giants of clay, and will be vying for a fourth consecutive title.

Both Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have come into the 2008 season in fighting form, and both, on the day have the raw talent, skill and supreme fitness levels to claim the crown of the most celebrated clay court contest of the year – the French Open.