2016 French Open Preview

2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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CONTENTS “CLEARLY DJOKOVIC HAS BEEN THE BEST CLAY-COURT PLAYER”

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OPENING SHOTS

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FUTURE QUEENS

TALKING POINTS

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DIRT DARK HORSES

VIDEO VIEW: SHOTS OF BRILLIANCE

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PLAYER PARTY

WINNERS & LOSERS

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PARIS PLOTLINES

By Christopher Levy

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2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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By Alberto Amalfi

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By Chris Oddo

By Erik Gudris

By Christopher Levy

Tennis Now TV

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By Erik Gudris

By Richard Pagliaro

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DEFINING MOMENT

By Chris Oddo

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ROLAND GARROS WOMEN’S REVIEW

By Chris Oddo

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ROLAND GARROS MEN’S PREVIEW

By Richard Pagliaro

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CLOSING SHOTS

By Christopher Levy

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2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Clay court tennis is a moveable feast.

Constructing points on clay requires patience, tests character and demands hunger.

Clay court tennis takes time.

You can’t hurry history in Paris.

In our Roland Garros preview issue, Chris Oddo details the challenges and consequences of Novak Djokovic’s quest to win his first French Open crown and complete the career Grand Slam.

Reigning champion Serena Williams tries to defend Roland Garros for the first time and win her 22nd Grand Slam title to equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record—one of our top five Paris Plotlines.

If Serena falters, will we see another maiden major title champion? We highlight leading contenders in Future Queens.

Erik Gudris spotlights French Open dark horses and reviews the successes and slides of this clay-court season with Winners & Losers.

Photographer Christopher Levy has chronicled the clay season covering Charleston, Madrid and Paris. He shares his favorite images, which leave us salivating for more from the greatest show on dirt.

WRITERS Alberto Amalfi

Erik Gudris

Chris Oddo

PHOTOGRAPHY Christopher Levy Mark Peterson/Corleve BNP Paribas Open Miami Open IMG Getty Head Stephen White/CameraSport Mutua Madrid Open Internazionali BNL d’Italia Roland Garros FFT British Tennis

DESIGN Natalie Valenkova

Dig in and enjoy.

CONTACT US

Richard Pagliaro Editor Tennis Now Magazine

To advertirse with us: ads@tennisnow.com General comments or questions: media@tennisnow.com

Tennis Now

1 Barker Street, Suite 612 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914.595.4211 2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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Tennis Now photographer Christopher Levy shares some of his favorite images from the spring season.

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TALKING POINTS

By Alberto Amalfi

Controversial, candid and provocative comments from the pro circuit.

“It’s no fun when you break strings on such big points and in such big moments. It gets to you. That shows also that we’re all human. I let myself down, and mainly like my family and my team. Of course all the audience. I don’t usually do that kind of stuff. It sets a super bad example for the youth, in a way.” —Grigor Dimitrov on his racquet-smashing meltdown in the Istanbul final.

“You think she’s going to beat me in the locker or what? No, no reactions. Nothing.” — Dominika Cibulkova asked if she’s worried Maria Sharapova will retaliate after Cibulkova called the Russian “arrogant, conceited and cold... a totally unlikeable person.”

“He can win the (Roland Garros) title. If you were in the semifinal two times and you lost in five sets in semifinals, it’s obvious that you can win the title, no?”

—Rafael Nadal calls Andy Murray a French Open title contender.

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“I didn’t give a fuck about tennis until I read this script...

Eventually, I’ll meet McEnroe, but the McEnroe I’ll meet won’t be the McEnroe I’m after.” — Actor Shia LaBeouf talking to The Independent on playing John McEnroe in the new Borg-McEnroe feature film.

Photo credit: British Tennis

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

“Sometimes the luck can go your way; sometimes not. Only thing you can do is influence your own capabilities on the court and your own focus and things that you can do best. And then it’s in God’s hands what’s gonna happen.

That’s the way I approach it.”

—Novak Djokovic on the difference between winning and losing.

“IT’S OBVIOUS THAT YOU CAN WIN THE TITLE, NO?” “I hope Blake Lively. I hear we look alike. It’s a compliment.” — Victoria Azarenka on which actress she’d pick to play her in a movie.

“I FEEL LIKE SHE HAS POTENTIAL TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD.” “I don’t care about that match point—would you care if you were 23 and worth over $10 million?” —Bernard Tomic tells the Gold Coast Bulletin he tanked match point in Madrid because he’s rich.

“Bernie, you looked like a complete wanker out there.

You sound like a ten-ton tosser.

Doing that shit is inimical to the spirit of tennis, of sport, of manhood, of womanhood, and it embarrasses your country.”

—Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons blasting Bernard Tomic for tanking match point in Madrid.

Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d Italia

“I think Madison is a great player. I really do. I always have.

I feel like she has potential to be the best in the world and that is No. 1. Yeah, absolutely.”

—Serena Williams predicts Madison Keys is a future world No. 1.

“A little bit it’s changing.

Obviously I think it’s normal. At some point other players are going to get closer to that spot there. I think it’s just a matter of time, honestly. There is a lot of players out there fighting for it, and Serena eventually is going to, you know, go a little bit down because she’s like forever there.” —Garbine Muguruza on Serena Williams eventually losing her hold on the top spot.

“I feel there’s a guy I really like is (Dominic) Thiem. He’s playing unbelievable. He’s a little bit older, but I think he’s the guy that is so consistent. He’s playing well.” —Nick Kyrgios on his favorite young player to watch.

“I just feel the body is just not ready. So I’m not going to go into specifics, honestly.

I’m not in the mood for you guys to start debating about it because you don’t know, and I won’t tell you everything, anyway, but it’s definitely got something to do with the back.” —Roger Federer on the state of his health in Rome.

“I picked my outlier this year at the French with Nick Kyrgios... The talent is off the chart. He’s just dripping with talent. It’s a question about maintaining that mental balance and he struggled with that.

I think he’s possibly maturing some. But I expect him to be a future No. 1, future right at the top of the game.” —Hall of Famer Tracy Austin on why Nick Kyrgios is a future world No. 1.

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SERENA’S FILM-MARIA’S HEARING

DREAM TEAMS

VIDEO VIEW

SHOTS OF BRILLIANCE Tennis Now TV highlights star turns from clay-court season. click on videos to watch

TOP CLAY COURT CHAMPIONS

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8 GREAT DJOKOVIC MOMENTS

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WINNERS & LOSERS

By Erik Gudris

Some stars soared while others struggled to find their footing during the European clay-court season.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

WINNERS World No. 1 Novak Djokovic again proved that he is the man to beat in Paris. After dropping his Monte-Carlo opener, Djokovic returned to his winning ways in Madrid dethroning defending champion Andy Murray for his second Madrid Open title.

Things proved tougher for Djokovic in Rome. The fourtime champion fended off an inspired Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals and then had to win a grueling late-night semifinal against Kei Nishikori before bowing to Murray.

Perhaps the most welcomed return was Rafael Nadal’s clay resurgence.

The king of clay claimed a record ninth Monte Carlo title, which is telling as Monte Carlo’s clay plays most similarly to Paris. The nine-time Roland Garros backed it up with a semifinal showing in Madrid, bowing to Murray, and a Rome quarterfinal where he fell to Djokovic in two tough, physical sets.

“I am playing well. I think I am playing well during the whole clay court season,” Nadal said afterward. “(To) play a match like this, (against the) best player of the world, that’s the only thing that give me the confidence that I am ready for the things.”

Nadal will be seeded fourth in Paris, but he is now more than ever a big threat to be champion in Paris again.

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Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open

Andy Murray celebrated his 29th birthday with a milestone: His first career clay-court win over Djokovic in the Rome final clinched Murray’s first Rome title.

Murray is making great strides on clay. He snapped Djokovic’s 17-match winning streak against Top 10 opponents in Rome, while raising his claycourt record over the last 13 months to 29-3.

An improved serve, stronger sense of self-belief and his runs to successive finals in Madrid and Rome make the world No. 2 the biggest obstacle in Djokovic’s quest to complete the career Grand Slam in Paris.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Red clay wasn’t a stability surface during this unpredictable WTA season.

Angelique Kerber started out strong by winning in Stuttgart. But then the Australian Open champion faltered losing her opening-round matches in Madrid and Rome.

Simona Halep was the lone seed standing when she made a much-needed title run in Madrid. It was the first title of the year for the 2014 French Open finalist.

But if anyone needed to raise a trophy, it was Serena Williams. The world No. 1 snapped a nine-month title drought to capture her fourth Rome title. Williams avenged her Miami loss to Svetlana Kuznetsova with a thrashing.

Then Williams used her experience to defuse the power of Madison Keys in the final.

Fresh off her 70th career title, Williams answered any lingering questions over if she is ready to defend Roland Garros for the first time in her career.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

LOSERS The humbling double bagel defeat Tomas Berdych suffered to David Goffin in Rome gave the Czech more than a case of bitter indigestion. Berdych fired coach Dani Vallverdu after the thrashing. Big Berd tries to pick up the pieces in Paris where he’s failed to survive the second round in seven of 12 appearances.

Two years ago, Grigor Dimitrov was one win away from reaching the Wimbledon final. Now, Dimitrov is trying to bounce back after a humiliating implosion in Istanbul. The good news: He can play aggressive all-court tennis. The bad news: He doesn’t do it in Paris where he’s crashed out in the opening round in three of five appearances.

Perhaps the biggest Top 10 question mark is reigning Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka. With his best result on the clay being a quarterfinal showing in Monte Carlo, Wawrinka departed Rome with

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

a mediocre 3-3 clay-court record in 2016. It’s hard to know what form Wawrinka will bring to Paris amid the pressure of his title defense.

Several WTA stars found themselves wishing for better results heading into Roland Garros.

Agnieszka Radwanska, reached the Stuttgart semifinals, but made little impact during the rest of the swing.

Petra Kvitova failed to defend her Madrid title, falling to Australia’s Daria Gavrilova for the second time this season.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment was Victoria Azarenka. A back injury contributed to Azarenka losing early both in Madrid and Rome.

Clay is the former No. 1’s most challenging surface. Azarenka now enters Roland Garros with new injury concerns as she hopes to continue her climb back to the top of the rankings.

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FUTURE QUEENS: FIVE WOMEN READY TO RISE IN PARIS

By Chris Oddo

Chaos has reigned supreme on the WTA Tour in 2016. Injuries to elite players plus Maria Sharapova’s suspension opened the door for a talented field to make its mark. They have done just that.

Eight players ranked outside the Top 25 have won titles in 2016.

The top seed has won the title at four events, while unseeded players have triumphed six times. The craziness reached a fever pitch in Dubai last February, when not a single seeded player won a match at a WTA event for the first time ever.

By March, Victoria Azarenka made a stunning return to prominence by running the table at Indian Wells and Miami. In April and May, Azarenka’s injury struggles returned, while elite pros like Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Timea Bacsinszky and Serena Williams all claimed clay championships.

It’s been a wild ride. And it might not be over yet. If Serena Williams drops the beat at Roland Garros will we see a maiden major winner for the third Grand Slam in a row?

These five women are capable of raising their first Grand Slam trophy in Paris.

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Serena is the French Open favorite, but if she falters will we see a third consecutive maiden major winner?

GARBIÑE MUGURUZA Like Halep, Garbiñe Muguruza has had an up-and-down 2016. But the daunting Spaniard showed signs of coming out of her slumber in Rome where she reached her first semifinal of the season and looked rather menacing doing so. Muguruza has reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in each of the last two years. She has the power to take the racquet out of her opponents’ hands on any surface.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

CARLA SUÁREZ NAVARRO The stylish Spaniard is comfortable on clay and as her career has progressed she’s become comfortable in big-match settings. She has won 11 matches against the Top 10 since the beginning of 2015, with five of those wins coming on clay. The 2008 and 2014 Roland Garros quarterfinalist hasn’t been in scorching-hot form on the clay thus far this year (6-3 with a quarterfinal run in Stuttgart). But she is a quintessential dirt baller with a lion’s heart who could most certainly take advantage of a favorable draw if opportunity arises.

DOMINIKA CIBULKOVA

TIMEA BACSINSZKY

SIMONA HALEP

The feisty Slovak has been consistently solid in 2016 and in reaching the Madrid final the former Australian Open runner-up was even better than that.

Cibulkova isn’t at the top of many French Open contender lists, but she should be. She’s 21-8 lifetime in Paris with a 2009 semifinal appearance and a 2012 quarterfinal run to her credit. Returning to the Top 30 for the first time since suffering an Achilles injury that required surgery in March of 2015 and forced her out of Paris, Cibulkova could be a major force in her return.

The cagey Swiss needed time to right her ship early in 2016. After finishing 2015 in bad health, Bacsinszky limped into the new year and promptly lost five of her first six matches. But the resurgent Swiss reached the semifinals in Miami then reeled off seven straight wins on clay before falling to Simona Halep in Madrid.

Bacsinszky, a 2015 Roland Garros semifinalist, has won 15 of her last 18 on clay and is rounding into top form at the right time.

The 2014 Roland Garros runner-up threw her name back in the ring as a serious contender when she claimed the Madrid title earlier this month. It has been a trying year for the sixth-ranked Romanian, who has endured a nagging Achilles injury, respiratory problems and illness, but there have been times where she has looked like she is ready to take the tiger by the tail and embark on a major run. That did not happen in Rome, where Halep was upset by No. 32 Daria Gavrilova. But with the right draw and right attitude in Paris, a Halep burst to the title is within reach.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy Photo credit: Christopher Levy

WTA MAIDEN SLAM WINNERS AT ROLAND GARROS, 2000-2015: JUSTINE HENIN 2003 ANASTASIA MYSKINA 2004 ANA IVANOVIC 2008 FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE 2010 LI NA 2011

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

With Serena committed to claiming her 22nd Grand Slam title in Paris, all eyes will be on the American as she progresses through the draw. But as we saw in New York last year and in Melbourne in January, there are no guarantees.

If chaos reigns supreme in Paris, one of the aforementioned five players could hold the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen aloft on the tournament’s second Saturday.

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DIRT DARK HORSES

By Erik Gudris Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Roland Garros is the most unpredictable of the four Grand Slams. Keep an eye on these six dirt dark horses who each have the potential to kick up some dust on the frontrunners in the field.

Six players outside the Top 10 capable of kicking up some dust and making deep runs in Paris.

MADISON KEYS

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA The 2009 Roland Garros champion is always a threat on clay. The 15th-ranked Russian is playing the brand of tennis that helped her once rise to No. 2 in the world.

Kuznetsova got off to a successful start collecting her 16th career title in Sydney in January.

In Miami, Kuznetsova rose to the occasion and toppled top-ranked Serena Williams on her home court. During the clay-court swing, Kuznetsova reached the Rome quarterfinals before getting thrashed by Williams.

Her unpredictability can be unsettling, but the 30-year-old Kuznetsova can hit with heavy topspin, possesses both power and touch and is one of the few women who plays vintage clay court tennis. If she can get into the second week, watch out for Sveta.

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Photo credit: Christopher Levy

IRINA-CAMELIA BEGU Often overshadowed by her shorter Romanian compatriot, Simona Halep, the 5’11� Begu is starting to make a name for herself. Begu has bounced back after injury slowed her earlier in the year. A solid clay-court season saw the 25-year-old baseliner reach the quarterfinals in Charleston and Madrid.

Begu backed that up by reaching the Rome semifinals. The world No. 28 hits a heavy ball along and moves well. Her strong claycourt season earned her seeded status for Paris where she could threaten top seeds.

In Rome, the powerful American proved she can adapt her big game to any surface. Keys surprised many by reaching the Rome final thanks to a solid week. Keys used her trademark power, huge serve, and improved consistency to knock off Top 10 opponents Petra Kvitova and Garbine Muguruza before falling to Serena Williams in the title match.

Working with new coach Thomas Hogstedt, Keys is showing more patience and focus in point construction. The world No. 17 seems to have turned the competitive corner and could build on her momentum in Paris and the rest of the season.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

NICK KYRGIOS The exciting and volatile Australian loves the big stages. Kyrgios has already reached the quarterfinals of both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. But his powerful game is also well-suited to the red clay giving him time to unload his forehand.

In Rome, Kyrgios upset Milos Raonic for his fifth Top 10 win of 2016. After that, he put Rafael Nadal through a severe test before losing in three sets.

Though he’s prone to injuries and concedes he must get stronger, Kyrgios is capable of producing stylish touch and outrageous winners from all areas of the court. Kyrgios has a history of summoning his boldest play against Top 10 opponents, which could make him an electrifying presence in Paris.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

LUCAS POUILLE French fans may well focus on veterans Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon, but Lucas Pouille just might be the future of French tennis.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough 2016 season.

In recent weeks, Pouille has contested the Bucharest final and scored Top 10 wins over David Ferrer and Gasquet. The lucky loser’s run to his first career ATP Masters semifinal in Rome, proved his aggressive baseline game is well-suited to dirt. Pouille regularly consults former French Open champion Yannick Noah for advice. The 31st-ranked Frenchman will be a seeded threat to pull off a potential big upset.

KYRGIOS ALREADY HAS FIVE TOP 10 WINS IN 2016.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

DOMINIC THIEM Many believe the 22-year-old Austrian will be a future French Open champion. Thiem just might have what it takes to make a deep run in Paris this year.

Thiem has posted clay-court wins over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal this season. His 32-10 record after Rome was second only to Novak Djokovic for most wins on the ATP Tour.

Though his two prior Paris appearances both resulted in second-round losses, Thiem has won four clay-court titles in his career, including Buenos Aires this season. With a potent kick serve, a 15-1 record in decisive sets and one of the best one-handed backhands in the world, Thiem is a player few want to see on their side of the draw.

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FRENCH OPEN PLAYERS’ PARTY 2016 Photos By: Christopher Levy

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PARIS PLOTLINES

By Richard Pagliaro

In the city of light, champions can shed nagging shadows.

Novak Djokovic’s quest to claim his first Roland Garros title and complete the career Grand Slam and Serena Williams’ aim to capture her 22nd Grand Slam crown and equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record are the lead stories at this French Open.

These are five compelling Paris plotlines to watch during the fortnight.

CAREER SLAM OR MAJOR COMPLICATIONS?

GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS FACE MAJOR CHALLENGES AT ROLAND GARROS. Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Tennis immortality is at stake if the world No. 1 can complete the career Grand Slam and Nole Slam sweeping his fourth straight major title. Two of Djokovic’s three losses this season have come on dirt. The drop shot contributed to his demise in both cases: He overplayed it in his Monte-Carlo loss to Jiri Vesely and used it as a bail-out shot in his loss to Andy Murray in the Rome final. A French Open finalist in three of the last four years, Djokovic must shake off the lethargy and grumpy disposition he displayed in Rome.

Which Djokovic which will we see? The dominant champion who has torn through 21 straight Grand Slam matches since his 2015 French Open final loss to Stan Wawrinka?

Or the man who is a vulnerable 5-8 in Grand Slam finals played outside of Melbourne?

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BACK TRACK

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Back issues pained Victoria Azarenka and Roger Federer throughout the spring season.

A creaky back forced Federer to pull out of Paris snapping his Open Era record of 65 consecutive Grand Slam events.

Former No. 1 Azarenka has been limited to just five match on dirt and only one of her 20 career titles came on clay (2011 Marbella). Still, if Azarenka is healthy, she cannot be discounted. The world No. 5 leads the WTA in service games won (81%), return games won (52%), service points won (64%) and return points won (51%).

“Vika is someone that we all need to pay attention to because we saw her take Serena to three sets last year three times, had three match points on Serena at Madrid last year, took her to three sets at the French Open,” said Hall of Famer Tracy Austin.

STILL THE MAN?

A year removed from his stunning dismantling of Djokovic in the French Open final, Stan Wawrinka arrives in Paris searching for stability on the shifting surface after managing just one win in Madrid and Rome.

The two-time Grand Slam champion insists his level of play is higher now than it was before his 2015 Roland Garros run.

“Last year I was struggling with my game before here. I was starting only here to practice a little bit better,” Wawrinka said. “I wasn’t playing great tennis. This year I’m just feeling really good in practice. I think I’m playing well. That’s why I know that if I keep pushing myself the rest will come sooner or later. I don’t know when, but I know that my level is there.”

The fourth-ranked Swiss has only surpassed the fourth round in Paris twice in 11 appearances.

How will he cope with the pressure of his title defense?

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open

RENAISSANCE MAN

Murmurs of Rafael Nadal’s decline grew to a fullfledged chorus of doubt after Fernando Verdasco ousted his doubles partner in his Australian Open opener.

Some speculated Nadal’s only shot to stall his major free fall was to hire a super coach. Instead, Rafa has retooled a bit.

When serving to the ad side, he stands wider trying to create a sharper angle on his slice serve, he’s adopted more aggressive court positioning at times and the forehand down the line, always a barometer of his confidence, has been a weapon. The King of Clay is 19-4 on dirt this season and believes he can win his 10th Roland Garros title. The question is: Can he snap a seven-match losing streak vs. Djokovic to do it?

HISTORIC HOMECOMING Striving for history can be very stressful. “I think I’m gonna faint,” Serena Williams said after rallying from 0-2 down in the final set to defeat Lucie Safarova in the 2015 Roland Garros final.

Will the world No. 1 hold her nerve and channel her emotion into positive energy to equal Graf’s record?

Roland Garros represents a major homecoming for Williams, who owns an apartment in Paris and is a three-time French Open champion. Serena has yet to successfully defend Roland Garros.

But her powerful performance in Rome where she rolled to her first title in nine months without surrendering a set should serve as a springboard to history if she can avoid the slow starts that plagued her last year when she fought back from a set down four times in seven matches.

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DEFINING MOMENT ALL ROADS LEAD TO PARIS FOR NOVAK DJOKOVIC.

By Chris Oddo

It’s always seemed like a foregone conclusion: Novak Djokovic will win Roland Garros someday—it’s just a question of when.

But as the world No. 1 turns 29 this week, the tennis world is still waiting with baited breath as the 2016 Roland Garros begins. It hasn’t happened yet, and Djokovic has looked vulnerable (though vulnerable is a relative term considering a juggernaut like Djokovic who rarely loses) at the wrong time.

Have we been wrong about this all along?

Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve 26 2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

Is the French Open destined to be for Djokovic what the U.S. Open was for Bjorn Borg: A place where major dreams dissolve?

Clearly Djokovic has been the best clay-court player in the world over the last three seasons, but he still lacks the elusive crown to prove it.

How frustrating must it be for Djokovic, who will celebrate his 200th week at No. 1 during the first week of Roland Garros, to miss Paris from his major portfolio? The world No. 1 started to show some cracks in Rome last week falling to Andy Murray in the final. Djokovic’s lofty game was still visible, but there were undertones of anxiety that seemed to permeate his psychological approach. He was jittery, tempestuous and at times seemed to lack the self-control that he needs to complete his French Open quest.

Photo Credit: Stephen Wh ite/CameraSport

After suffering his first clay-court loss to Murray, Djokovic must recalibrate. He must search the depths of his tennis-playing soul for answers. He must find the Zen calm and earnest passion that has made him who he is— the games’ greatest player at the

to congratulate the better playmoment and one of the top five players in the history of the sport. er that played well today, Andy, and he deserved to win and I move on to Paris knowing that ”I don’t feel that I’m doubtful or I’m shaken up by this loss,” said I’m going to approach it hopefully healthy and refreshed and Djokovic, who carries a 37-3 record into Paris. “Of course, you then giving it my all, as always, in don’t like to lose, but you’ve got Paris.”

It was a rough weekend in Rome for Djokovic, one that will likely serve as a reminder of just how difficult it will be for him to finally triumph in Paris. Perhaps that is a good thing.

Recently, he has come to Roland Garros on top of the world only to be knocked off his perch. In 11 Roland Garros appearances, Djokovic has managed to reach three finals, but the tone for his recent frustrations was set unequivocally in 2011, when Roger Federer snapped his 43-match winning streak in the semifinals.

Photo Credit: Miami Open/IMG 2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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Photo Credit: Miami Open/IMG

Djokovic, the hottest player in the world, fell to the earth with a thud as Federer thwarted his hopes of reaching his first French Open final.

Spaniard prevailing 9-7 in the fifth set of the semifinals. In 2014, it was Nadal again doing the honors, defeating Djokovic in another four-set final.

The next year, Djokovic was back, even stronger, to reach his first final at Roland Garros. But that final would be a continuation of a period marked by painful losses in Paris. He fell to Rafael Nadal in the 2012 final.

Last June, it seemed the gates would finally open for Djokovic.

He trampled Nadal in the quarterfinals and slipped past Murray in the semis only to be stunned

by Stan Wawrinka in a final for the ages—for the Swiss.

In 2013, Djokovic and Nadal played of the best clay-court matches of all-time with the

The tears would flow and the questions would mount.

“IT WAS NADAL AGAIN DOING THE HONORS, DEFEATING DJOKOVIC “ 28

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What will it take for Djokovic to finally cross the threshold? If he is to be considered as one of the greatest players of all time, he will have to find a way to hold the Coupe de Mousquetaires aloft.

That shining trophy will be his proof, the silver metallic symbol of Djokovic’s greatness in an era of greats.

Where does the Serb stand in the tennis pantheon at the moment? Where will he stand if he never wins Roland Garros? And finally, what will Djokovic’s place among the all-time greats be if he is to complete the career Grand Slam in two weeks time?

Will it spark him to higher highs?

Are we witnessing the ascension of the greatest player of all time or the heartbreaking plight of a legend who was left pining over the one that got away?

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ROLAND GARROS WOMEN’S PREVIEW Photo Credit: Just Jared

Reigning champion Serena Williams will be tested early and often on the terre battue.

By Chris Oddo

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It’s hard to call any draw for a 21-time major champion “tricky” but one must use relative terms when referring to Serena Williams’ prospects at a Grand Slam. More often than not, Williams tears through draws, but that hasn’t been the case in her last two majors.

“If I’m not winning I’m not happy about my year,” she said. “Four tournaments, three finals isn’t bad for, I think, everyone else. Then again I’m not everyone else.”

Never have truer words been spoken.

Williams will continue her quest to match the Open Era record for major titles in Williams was shocked by Roberta Vinci in Paris. She’s one off Steffi Graf’s Open Era the 2015 US Open semifinals before fall- record of 22 major titles and three behind ing to Angelique Kerber in the Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Open final earlier this year. majors.

Can anyone even fathom Williams going home without the trophy for a third straight major? Her 2016 play has left some pundits doubting her domination.

Williams herself was quick to admit disappointment during her pre-tournament press conference on Friday.

2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

Williams has won just three of her Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros, but the 34-year-old American has taken home the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen in two of her last three appearances in Paris.

Here’s a quarter-by-quarter analysis of the women’s draw.

TOP QUARTER

The world No. 1 will open with Magdalena Rybarikova, a player she defeated 6-1, 6-1 in their only previous meeting and could face either Teliana Pereira or Kristyna Pliskova in the second round. From there things get decidedly more complicated. The top seed could face 26th-seeded Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic in the third round, former champion Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round and fifth-seeded Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals.

Mladenovic plays well on her home soil and has knocked off a Top 10 seed in her last two appearances at Roland Garros. The 14th-seeded Ivanovic, a 2015 semifinalist, has dropped five in a row to Williams but has taken the American to three sets in three of those contests.

Those are all potentially excellent matchups, but the possible quarterfinal with Azarenka is what really has pundits drooling. Azarenka has been the breakout player of the year, sweeping the Indian Wells-Miami double and taking out Serena in straight sets in their only 2016 meeting. But the Belarusian has struggled with a back injury in the last few weeks.

First Quarter Prediction:

(1) Serena Williams vs. (5) Victoria Azarenka Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

SECOND QUARTER

It will be interesting to see how Angelique Kerber handles the pressure of playing in a major as a Grand Slam champion. The German has kept an even keel this spring after sputtering a bit in February, and she looks like a threat to make another run here in Paris.

The 2012 quarterfinalist will open with Kiki Bertens and could face Italy’s Camila Giorgi in the second round. If the seeds hold, Kerber would see Daria Kasatkina in the third round and either Madison Keys or Johanna Konta in the round of 16.

Not a simple draw at all for Kerber, and if she does make the quarterfinals, last year’s semifinalist Timea Bacsinszky could be waiting.

Second Quarter Prediction:

(3) Angelique Kerber vs. (8) Timea Bacsinszky

Photo Credit: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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THIRD QUARTER

It’s been a trying year for Garbine Muguruza, but the 22-year-old did begin to resemble her daunting self last week in Rome where she reached her first semifinal of the season. Coming off back-to-back quarterfinals in Paris, the fourth-seeded Muguruza has proven she can thrive on dirt. Does she have another deep run in her? Muguruza faces Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova in the first round, and could meet Ekaterina Makarova and Svetlana Kuznetsova back-to-back in rounds three and four.

No. 7-seeded Vinci and 10th-seeded Petra Kvitova are also tucked in the top section of this tricky quarter, as well as Karolina Pliskova and Irina-Camelia Begu.

Third Quarter Prediction:

Photo Credit: Christopher Levy

(4) Garbine Muguruza vs. (10) Petra Kvitova

FOURTH QUARTER

Agnieszka Radwanska has never been known for her clay-court prowess. She’s only been to the quarterfinals once at Roland Garros and she fell last year in the first round. So, can the second seed buck the trend and put up a performance to match her ranking in Paris? Her draw does look favorable, as she’ll face nobody seeded higher than 30 in her first three rounds. But a round of 16 matchup with former finalist and clay guru Sara Errani could be lurking, as well as a potential quarterfinal with another former French Open finalist, Simona Halep. Last year’s runner-up, Lucie Safarova, is also in this section, as is Sloane Stephens.

Photo Credit: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

Fourth Quarter Prediction:

(6) Simona Halep vs. (19) Sloane Stephens

Semifinal Prediction:

(4) Muguruza vs. (6) Halep; (1) S. Williams vs. (8) Bacsinszky

Final Prediction:

(1) S. Williams vs. (4) Muguruza Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve 32

2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

By Richard Pagliaro

Photo credit: Roland Garros/FFT

Rivalries fuel Grand Slam frenzy and infuse rivals with both passionate and ambivalent feelings.

“I feel lucky and unlucky at the same time,” Rafael Nadal said of being part of the Open Era’s most prolific rivalry vs. Novak Djokovic.

Nadal may not be the only one with mixed emotions in Paris.

The Roland Garros draw puts the king of clay on course for another semifinal showdown with the man who would be king.

Continuing his quest for his first Roland Garros crown to complete the career Grand Slam, Djokovic will face nine-time champion Nadal in the semifinals if the seeds hold true to form.

It would be the 50th episode of a rivalry for the ages and a rematch of their epic 2013 semifinal which spanned four hours, 37 minutes and ended with Nadal seizing a victory in one of the most gripping clay-court matches of the Open Era. Here’s a quarter-by-quarter analysis of the draw.

ROLAND GARROS MEN’S PREVIEW Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal looms as a semifinal obstacle on Novak Djokovic’s road to his first Roland Garros title.

TOP QUARTER Riding a 21-match Grand Slam winning streak into Roland Garros, Djokovic opens against flat-hitting Yen-Hsun Lu, who owns two career wins in Paris, and would face a qualifier in round two.

Seventh-seeded Tomas Berdych is the second-highest seed here, however the 2010 semifinalist is nursing scar tissue from the double-bagel drubbing he suffered to David Goffin in Rome last week. No. 21-seeded Feliciano Lopez, who led Djokovic when the top-seed retired from their Dubai quarterfinal with an eye infection, opens against Steve Johnson. The 35th-ranked American has won both of their prior meetings.

Former finalist David Ferrer, who has reached the French Open quarterfinals four consecutive years, and Juan Monaco, who upset Stan Wawrinka in Rome last week, are players to watch.

Top Quarter Prediction:

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (11) David Ferrer 2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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SECOND QUARTER

Australian serve-and-volleyer Sam Groth is Nadal’s first-round opponent.

The fourth-seeded Spaniard’s toughest first-week test could come from theatrical Italian Fabio Fognini in the third round. A 2011 quarterfinalist, Fognini’s skill taking the ball on the rise combined with his sculptor’s feel can make Nadal jittery.

The 32nd-seeded Fognini snapped Nadal’s 52-match winning streak in clay-court semifinals in Rio last year and backed it up befuddling Nadal in Barcelona. At the 2015 US Open, Fognini became the first man to fight back from a two-set deficit to defeat Nadal in a major.

Talented Austrian Dominic Thiem, who owns claycourt wins over Nadal and Roger Federer this season, figures to be a factor in this part of the field that also features former junior No. 1 Alexander Zverev, who held match point vs. Nadal at Indian Wells.

Sixth-seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has reached the final four in two of the last three years and could be a force though he was forced out of Rome with an abductor strain. In his 2012 Roland Garros debut, David Goffin reached the fourth round as a lucky loser falling to Federer. He hasn’t been back since, but is playing the most dynamic tennis of his career now and can go deep.

Second Quarter Prediction: (4) Rafael Nadal vs. (12) David Goffin

Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open

THIRD QUARTER

Reigning champion Stan Wawrinka has reached at least the fourth round in five of the last six years.

The third-seeded Swiss opens against Lukas Rosol, whom he just beat to reach the Geneva final, and possesses the explosive game to do damage again.

No. 8-seeded Milos Raonic, 10th-seeded former US Open champion Marin Cilic and 16th-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon are the other high seeds in this section. Watch for 23rd-seeded Jack Sock and 29th-seeded Frenchman Lucas Pouille, who reached the Rome semifinals as a lucky loser, to potentially make inroads.

Ultimately, this section is all about Stan. If he can withstand the pressure and wield those down the line daggers he delivered last year, the Swiss should reach the quarterfinals for the third time in the last four years.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve 34

2016 FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

Third Quarter Prediction: (3) Stan Wawrinka vs. (23) Jack Sock

FOURTH QUARTER

Andy Murray insists he seldom studies draws, but if the second-seeded Scot sneaks a peek at his path in Paris he should be thrilled by the sightline.

The Rome champion faces a qualifier in round one, a wild card in round two and his first possible seeded opponent, Ivo Karlovic, has just four French Open wins in his career. Murray rallied from a set down to defeat Benoit Paire in three gripping sets in Monte Carlo last month; the pair could meet again in the fourth round.

Kei Nishikori has been on quite a roll. The Miami Open finalist fell to Nadal in the Barcelona final and tested Djokovic severely in the Rome semifinals following his Madrid semifinal loss to the world No. 1.

Empowered by his upset of Djokovic in the Rome final and a 12-2 clay-court record this season, Murray should march to his fourth French Open semifinal in his last five appearances. The volatile and unpredictable Nick Kyrgios tested Nadal in Rome and could be a dangerous seed in this section if 2015 quarterfinalist Nishikori falters.

Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open

Fourth Quarter Prediction:

(2) Andy Murray vs. (17) Nick Kyrgios

Photo credit: J.Crosnier / FFT

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Tennis Now photographer Christopher Levy traveled to Charleston, Madrid and Paris to capture the grace, grit and grind of clay-court tennis.

By Christopher Levy

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