THE FRENCH OPEN 2012(PRE-TOURNAMENT PERDICTION)

The French Open or Roland Garros is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments held in Paris, usually in late May after the Australian Open.  It is the only Grand Slam held on clay, a slow playing surface which is physically demanding.

Rafael Nadal, fondly known as Rafa has won this prestigious event six times (2005-08, 2010-11) matching the great Bjorn Borg. In the last Fench Open, he defeated Roger Federer in 4 sets(7-5,7-6,5-7,6-1). Rafa is known for his relentless heavy top spin and athleticism. It is obvious that his style of play is suited to the clay court surface.

World number one, Novak Djokovic  has won five Grand Slam titles defeating Rafa in the last Australian Open final; in five hours fifty-three minutes, the longest final in Australian Open history . However, the French Open seems to be elusive for the Serb. Novak managed to reach the semi-finals in 2011 against Roger Federer. He succumbed to the Swiss legend’s graceful and powerful strokes in four sets (7-6,6-3,3-6,7-6). He has played in the semi-finals three times at Roland Garros (2007,2008 and 2011). Novak has proven that he has the energy, physical and mental ability to defeat Rafa.

There are many contenders out there not to be underestimated especially Roger Federer and Andy Murray who has an ex-French Open champ(3 times), Ivan Lendl as his coach. But my prediction in the final would have to be Rafa versus Novak.  The champion?. I am going with Rafa based on his track record and several other factors.