The French Open

[anfieldanfield]

Did I hear the match was best of three sets?

If so, what are the chances of Federer successfully attacking for three, four or even five sets, especially if he doesn't have such a big advantage in terms of freshness?

I know it's hardly going out on a limb but after yesterday's result I think Nadal is more likely than ever to win the French.

[Neil Young]

Because if Scratch is right that Federer changed his tactics somewhat then Nadal now has time to work out how best to counter them.

Plus, as I say, the tiredness thing - chances are Federer will find the French Open harder than Madrid (best of five sets, etc.) and, although he's hardly an old man, the fact Nadal is younger means he'll recover more quickly from gruelling matches.

There's also a possible argument that Nadal will be more motivated now but to be honest I doubt yesterday's result is relevant to that. It's a Slam so motivation wouldn't be an issue anyway.

[Chris]

Yesterday doesnt change anything really, Madrid is ridiculously fast, you can barely call that a clay court. Plus the demons will enter Feds head again at RG and he'll end up netting every forehand or backhand. I doubt he'll win a set if they meet in France, the conditions aswell as the pressure are totally different.

[Neil Young]

Good point about the court. Madrid is, relatively speaking, at altitude so the ball also travels a little faster through the air than in Paris. It was windy as well yesterday, wasn't it? Surely that helps to keep rallies shorter and favours a more attacking style.

[anfieldanfield]

7/1 on SkyBet for Nadal to win The French, Queens and Wimbledon...

[Scratch]

I would put Rafa as favourite, by far, to win the French, but i honestly think he will get upset this year, and possibly before the final. There are a few clay court specialists out there that could spring a surprise over Nadal.

We shall see.

Fed to win Wimbledon tho

[Chris]

I would put Rafa as favourite, by far, to win the French, but i honestly think he will get upset this year, and possibly before the final. There are a few clay court specialists out there that could spring a surprise over Nadal.

I cant see anyone out there myself, Federer has just got worse and worse against him at RG, Djokovic cant outlast him over 3 yet let alone 5 and theres no one else worth talking about really. Murray is struggling, Del Potro doesnt move well enough etc etc

[wiw]

I would put Rafa as favourite, by far, to win the French, but i honestly think he will get upset this year, and possibly before the final. There are a few clay court specialists out there that could spring a surprise over Nadal.

We shall see.

Fed to win Wimbledon tho

I'd go with that as well, especially Fed to win Wimbledon

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

I was pleased to see Fed win in Madrid, i think the french will be a bit closer, but still can't see past nadal

[Scratch]

I was pleased to see Fed win in Madrid, i think the french will be a bit closer, but still can't see past nadal

If it comes down to a Fed-Nadal final, i can see Nadal winning it after Fed gets himself into a winning position and then lets it slip again.

But i just have a feeling Nadal will get beat before reaching the final, dunno why.

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

Odds are 13/2 for Fed to win, i don't think thats too shabby imo

[Chris]

Odds are 13/2 for Fed to win, i don't think thats too shabby imo

Dreadful price for me, he's never won it and while still getting to the final is getting beat bigger and bigger each time. Anyone who backs it needs to pray for a Nadal injury because otherwise he just wont be beaten.

[Joe King]

Nadal has just got the first set 7-5.

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

Nadal wins but wasn't playing his best, always like that for him at the french, good to see Fed win comfortably!

[tommyg]

Hewitt beat Karlovic too which is an upset for me