2013 French Open...Roland Garros, Paris, France

[stroke]

Yes, Dimitrov v Djokovic...well worth watching that one.

My man Benoit Paire plays Nishkori in the third round. He's not seeded to win this one, but I think he can...a man with that much ability ought to be able to beat anyone...even the Great One, the Spaniard himself. I am praying he gets past Nishkori for a showdown with the great man himself.

I agree about Paire. He could beat anyone. Way more dangerous than Nishikori. Paire is the only Frenchman I could see possibly beating Nasal. I still remember a Gasquet quote a couple of years ago after losing to Nadal on clay(do not remember which tournament) saying post match that beating Nadal on clay "nearly impossible task". I still shake my head when I hear McEnroe musing on air about who is the greatest clay courter of all time, Nasal or Borg. Nafal's 7 FO titles in 8 years is just astonishing.

[stotty]

Borg v Nadal

I agree about Paire. He could beat anyone. Way more dangerous than Nishikori. Paire is the only Frenchman I could see possibly beating Nasal. I still remember a Gasquet quote a couple of years ago after losing to Nadal on clay(do not remember which tournament) saying post match that beating Nadal on clay "nearly impossible task". I still shake my head when I hear McEnroe musing on air about who is the greatest clay courter of all time, Nasal or Borg. Nafal's 7 FO titles in 8 years is just astonishing.

Borg better than Nadal? Different time, different era. Borg would have won ten French Open's had he not retired so ridiculously early. He was phenomenal just like Nadal. It was a different game back then. I know because I was there. Wooden rackets meant a player had to rally forever to beat Borg...and Borg couldn't be out rallied, period. He skipped the FO one year to play Team Tennis...that would have been eight. I cannot tell you how good Borg was on clay in his day. You just had to be there.

His technique was derided when he first emerged on the scene...many were still sceptical after he won his second Wimbledon title. By the time he'd won three Wimbledons...connoisseurs and coaches began to think...hmm...this might be the way to go.

That said, I make Nadal the better of the two...on the basis he is left handed...it's just such an edge to be lefthanded.

But you cannot compare the two eras...just impossible. Would Nadal be able to play anywhere near as well were he to swap his Babolat for a wooden Donnay? Would he able to play with a wooden racket at all? Unlikely...so comparisons...forget it. But be careful not to be dismissive of Borg. He was exceptional. He retired at 26 with plenty more French Open's in him...and he would have won them for sure.

[don_budge]

The Top Half...starting with Djokovic and ending with "Cocaine Lips"

Dimitrov/Novak match looming large. Dimitov may be ready for the big breakthrough.

Yeah...it’s looming large but pales in comparison to the draw sheet as a whole. It is truly an amazing tournament this year. It’s as if the whole field has grown up together and is coming of age.

Sure this is a compelling matchup. Djokovic is 2-1 against DiMitrov and Grigor beat Novak at Madrid in three sets, 7-6, 6-7 6-3. What’s more DiMitrov served for the first set against Djokovic at Indian Well only to serve three double faults. Growing pains. Experience. He is slowly and surely by increments...learning how to take the next step. To handle the pressure by maintaining pressure on your opponent. Wilander had a bit to say about this match on Eurosport last night. He likes DiMitrov...he is training in Sweden in the Good to Great program in Stockholm. I believe that somehow Wawrinka is participating as well. But Wilander brought up the subject of DiMitrov’s one handed backhand as the thing that stands out for him...as if the one hander will be preserved by this young man being a top player in the years to come. I thought that was interesting coming from Mats.

Then DiMitrov himself had an interview and he acknowledged that it was great to beat Djokovic in Madrid but he said that Djokovic will be that much more focused as this is a Grand Slam and the three out of five changes everything. It’s all about courage as mr. bottle has educated us as to who Roland Garros was. But the young man who does not like to be called “Baby Fed” any longer is relishing his opportunity for this match. He does not seem to be intimidated one little bit. The funny thing about this match is that he has absolutely nothing to lose. When he walks away from this experience he will have won something in one way or another...whether it is solely the experience of being there in a big moment or maybe he will make a real match of it. Who knows...what if he wins? Grigor is maybe the man to watch...he’s been gradually growing into his role and he has found his niche as exemplified that he no longer wants to play second fiddle to “The Man” himself. He doesn't like to be called "Baby Fed" any longer. Once it was probably a great compliment. He is his own man now and he becomes more and more dangerous with each match. He may be ready for a breakthrough...but then again he has already broken through in a lot of respects. I see what you are saying...the BIG breakthrough. Novak Djokovic has something to say about that though...he is ready for this moment. I guarantee that. This could turn into a donnybrook.

Yesterday I wrote about the bottom half. The top half is equally as compelling and quite possibly significantly stronger. It is stronger in the sense that both Djokovic and Nadal are in the top half. Other than that...it is questionable which is stronger. Because they both have some fabulous matches in the near horizon. Few will have much interest in the Hanescu vs. Kohlschreiber pairing...both won abbreviated matches in the previous round. But take a look just below in the next foursome...three Americans. One of them must get through...barring something awful. Tommy Haas will have a sensational match with Jack Sock. There’s a name for a tennis player for you. He might not have the guns or the experience to hang with Haas but the experience isn’t going to hurt him. It will give us a good chance to assess his potential at least.

The next foursome is probably the least likely to have a major impact on the tournament but Verdasco and Tipsarevic might prove to be somewhat interesting. Somewhat. But the real marching begins just below as Rafael Nadal really bow his neck now. This will be a real test of his fitness and if he has any problems with the knee we will certainly be aware of it in the next several days. It appears that Nadal and his braintrust have timed it perfectly for the season. He warmed up with a handful of tournaments...came away with a boatload of trophies. He's pronounced ready and fit for fight. This is his house and everyone knows it. Everyone looks forwards to the Fognini-Nadal match...that is anyone that isn’t gay.

Which brings us to Benoit Paire...who is being mega hyped by our licensedcoach. I am not so sure about this one. Reputation wise he apparently has some issues with temperament although I have not seen it the couple of times that I have seen him play. I don’t know if he has the whole package to be a legitimate contender. But I say if he does...bring it on. The more the merrier these days and if he is going to one of the up and comers to start challenging the top players that’s great. Once again...Mats Wilander seemed to agree with me and he more or less gave the nod to the diminutive Japanese fellow...Kei Nishikori. He projected Nishikori to one of the top five or six players in the world in the next couple of years. That’s pretty ambitious stuff coming from Mats. This is a match that could be highly entertaining as well. I would like to see what Paire looks like when he blows his stack. Just curious.

But I think that the next projected match is the most interesting of all...if one could make that distinction. Stanislas Wawrinka wants to come out of the shadow of “The Man” just as Grigor DiMitrov does. That is what happens to an aging champion...everyone wants to pile onto his demise and make him obsolete. Dust bin material. Jerzy “Joe” Janowicz has been equally hyped by our tennis_chiro and I have been watching him with great interest as well. When tennis_chiro speaks...I listen. Big Don to me. We differ a bit...I love the drop shots and I love the temper. We will see a lot of what he is made of here in the next couple of days. I don’t think that Robin Haase is going to concede a spot to face the winner of Wawrinka and Zeballos. May the best man win...I just hope for the Wawrinka and Janowicz match. Both of these guys are hungry. You can see the determination etched on Wawrinka’s face. He was getting a bit testy during his match with DiMitrov last week. I love the emotion. Passion.

Quietly...the bottom of the top half eases on into the Parisian night. Richard Gasquet? Not certain he will ever get over that kiss from the lady in the Miami night club. She with the cocaine lips.

[stotty]

Paire

Which brings us to Benoit Paire...who is being mega hyped by our licensedcoach.

I wouldn't say "mega hyped"...wrong expression. Just someone picked out who is good to watch and could be a threat to anyone, and looks like he's on the up. He has a great backhand. How good his forehand is I'm not to sure. He runs round his forehand to hit backhands sometimes...unusual. He does audacious touches both from the back of the court and from the net.

He's different, decent to watch...that's why I like him. It's as good a reason as any to support a player. Whether he has a big heart or not remains to be seen. Judgement day is tomorrow...let's wait and see.

[stroke]

What a great couple of matches today with Querry/Simon and Robredo/Monfil. Both Robredo and Simon, such impressive wins. Both of those guys just simply took it from their opponents. Robredo in particular put on his hard hat on, a la Nadal and Ferrer,, and just took the fight out of Monfils. Robredo is such a professional. That was how it is done.

[stotty]

Monfils v Robredo

What a great couple of matches today with Querry/Simon and Robredo/Monfil. Both Robredo and Simon, such impressive wins. Both of those guys just simply took it from their opponents. Robredo in particular put on his hard hat on, a la Nadal and Ferrer,, and just took the fight out of Monfils. Robredo is such a professional. That was how it is done.

I missed Monfils and Robredo. Sounds like a tragedy for Monfils in front of his home crowd...he blew four match points apparently. Were any of them clearcut chances?

[stroke]

Stotty, you know how it is, you can almost always go for more. Monfils certainly did not go for winners on the match points, but Robredo did take the points. The 5th set was just Robredo finishing the job, Monfils had given in. As I am sure you know, if only Monfils had the never give in mentality of players like Nadal, Ferrer, Robredo.

[stotty]

Normal service is resumed...

Well the three up and comers, Dimitrov, Paire and Jerzy, were all thwarted at the same hurdle. The landscape is looking much the same with barely a dent on the surface. The top three look as impregnable as ever. I missed all three matches, save the last five games of Dimitrov/Djokovic, as I was working most of the day. Dimitrov looked flat and resigned from the few games I saw. Did anyone see the Jerzy or Benoit Paire games? Comments....

I did see quite a bit of the Nadal match. Fognini hits the ball so cleanly...so beautifully...shame he can't pull those winners off when it matters. I think tennis_chiro may be right about Nadal's knees...he looked to be struggling here and there at times.

I guess it's up to old timers Haas and Wawrinka to throw up the surprises.

I was optimistic someone might break through this year at Roland Garros...disappointing.

[tennis_chiro]

Replays of Janowicz and Paire

Well the three up and comers, Dimitrov, Paire and Jerzy, were all thwarted at the same hurdle. The landscape is looking much the same with barely a dent on the surface. The top three look as impregnable as ever. I missed all three matches, save the last five games of Dimitrov/Djokovic, as I was working most of the day. Dimitrov looked flat and resigned from the few games I saw. Did anyone see the Jerzy or Benoit Paire games? Comments....

I did see quite a bit of the Nadal match. Fognini hits the ball so cleanly...so beautifully...shame he can't pull those winners off when it matters. I think tennis_chiro may be right about Nadal's knees...he looked to be struggling here and there at times.

I guess it's up to old timers Haas and Wawrinka to throw up the surprises.

I was optimistic someone might break through this year at Roland Garros...disappointing.

Stotty,
Quite a few matches up for review on this site;

http://www.americaonesports.com/flashplayer/2013fo.html

I assume you can get this across the pond on the internet.

they don't list the Djokovic/Dimitrov match, but the others are there. The Janowicz that excites me is the one who came back from a break down at the end of the second set. He really went forward and took control of the points at the net. He really needs a better second serve and better lob. Needs some time with "lobanddropshot"! Amazing how big Wawrinka can hit the ball from deep in the court. He's not as big as some of the others, but he is awfully strong.

don

[stotty]

Stotty,
Quite a few matches up for review on this site;

http://www.americaonesports.com/flashplayer/2013fo.html

I assume you can get this across the pond on the internet.

they don't list the Djokovic/Dimitrov match, but the others are there. The Janowicz that excites me is the one who came back from a break down at the end of the second set. He really went forward and took control of the points at the net. He really needs a better second serve and better lob. Needs some time with "lobanddropshot"! Amazing how big Wawrinka can hit the ball from deep in the court. He's not as big as some of the others, but he is awfully strong.

don

Thanks for the link. However, it doesn't work at my end. These things often don't work over the pond due to licensing restrictions. The Paire match wasn't even shown over here, nor Wawrinka/Jerzy, so I couldn't even record them.

The best thing now would be the widely predicted Nadal v Djokovic semi. It will be the match of the year if it comes about. I really fancy Djokovic to take Nadal this time around. Djokovic knows he can do it, Nadal knows Djokovic can do it, all Djokovic has to do is do it.

Long way to go yet, but in the light of things Nadal/Djokovic is the best scenario to look forward to.

Tennis outside the top four is dire. According to Matts and Rusedski, it's not so much about the top four being so good as the players below being so bad. Harsh, but there may be a little truth in that...maybe our very own don_budge has been right all along.

[tennis_chiro]

Thanks for the link. However, it doesn't work at my end. These things often don't work over the pond due to licensing restrictions. The Paire match wasn't even shown over here, nor Wawrinka/Jerzy, so I couldn't even record them.

The best thing now would be the widely predicted Nadal v Djokovic semi. It will be the match of the year if it comes about. I really fancy Djokovic to take Nadal this time around. Djokovic knows he can do it, Nadal knows Djokovic can do it, all Djokovic has to do is do it.

...

that's really a shame. there must be some comparable service. a lot of matches end up on youtube. maybe someone will put this one up. But the stretch of the 2nd set where Jerzy came alive and moved forward was really special. I didn't get to watch the rest of the match, but Wawrinka seems to have recovered from his injury problems. I like him against Gasquet in the next round.

But I don't think anyone will beat Djokovic in this tournament unless he is really hurt. He found out after his match was completed today that his first coach, Jelena Gencic, had died earlier Saturday. Novak was very close to her. I think he will respond by dedicating his effort in this event to her memory. It would be a bittersweet final piece to his career grand slam in that he would not be able to share it with her. But I think he will believe he has a little extra help from above and that inspiration will make him just too tough for anyone.

don

[don_budge]

The more things change...the more they stay the same.

I guess it's up to old timers Haas and Wawrinka to throw up the surprises.

I was optimistic someone might break through this year at Roland Garros...disappointing.

And so it goes with Big Time Tennis...as in Big Time Wrestling. Novak Djokovic still appears to hold the title and he is cruising through the tournament looking for a showdown with Mr. Roland Garros himself...Rafael Nadal.

Did Djokovic even break a sweat against Grigor DiMitrov. Hardly...and it makes we wonder about that victory in Madrid. Contrived drama? No...it couldn't be like that. But with all of the money in the game...who knows? Now it is Kohlschreiber...The Cabbage Patch Kid. Any questions...into the quarterfinals, no muss, no fuss.

Just below it's Tommy Haas versus Mikail (Gorbachev) Youzny. Youzny with an impressive win over Janko Tipsarevic who actually bowed out once again rather meekly. There is something rather meek about the way that "Tipsy" carries himself..again it makes me wonder. No...it couldn't be. Tommy Haas on the other hand showed great intestinal fortitude in his match with John Isner. Tommy had something like twelve match points in the fourth set...all of them except one were facing down the tube of Isner's howitzer of a serve. Haas double faulted on his only other chance to conclude the match. in four. Haas found himself down a break in the fifth with the formidable task of breaking back Isner's serve.

Isner's movement looks to be suspect and it is amazing that he could hold up so well for five sets two days in a row. Again...it says something about his intestinal fortitude. He seems to be something of a tough guy which is what American tennis needs more of. Isner finished the match which speaks volumes for his class and his sense of game. He was hobbling and in tremendous pain...but he finished the marathon. There is always something to be said for finishing...even if in this case it was second place. Isner won something. Haas now faces Youzny...and this could turn into another long contest if Youzny shows up to compete. Haas will that is for certain...he was dancing and moving his feet for the entire five sets which is pretty amazing for a guy of his advanced age in the modern game of tennis.

Nadal pretty much dispatched pretty boy Fabio Fognini. I can't decide who is better looking...him or his girlfriend. Fabio is entertaining to watch but like many great looking Italian players of the past, he lacks the commitment to win big time. I have seen him play a couple of times in person and his lack of commitment is more apparent in person as he casually slouches moodily around the tennis court. He pulls of some great shots and engages in some wonderfully constructed rallies but winning Grand Slam matches against "The King of Clay" is more than that. It takes real cojones. But Fabio did a great job of illustrating some of my tactical analysis and kept the ball on the backhand side of Nadal and played aggressively on the forehand when he did. He made a pretty decent match of it without wearing himself out completely. Afterall he had to save just a tiny bit for Svetoslava...did you notice the "S" that he wore around his neck? That doesn't stand for Superman.

Nadal on the other hand is biding his time...he knows who he's gunning for. But he also knows that he has one "small" problem between him and the real deal. That small problem is the "Samurai Kid"...Kia Nishikori. Make no mistake here...this guy is for real and he just may be the guy to make the big splash in the tournament. You saw how routinely he dispatched of Benoit Paire...the French hopeful. Stotty's hopeful. Mats Wilander and I both agreed on that one...it was all Kia. Here's a huge opportunity for him...if Nadal is the least bit hobbled as tennis_chiro is suggesting he is going to have his hand's full because this kid can flat out bring it and his best is yet to come. He has been around a while and astute tennis people have been waiting for him to "arrive". He has had some injury problems and if he is healthy this will be some interesting match. The thing about Nishikori is he is capable of playing "smart" tennis and he has a pretty good repertoire from which to choose. I am particularly curious to see how he uses tactics against the left handed Nadal. Can he exploit the backhand of Nadal?

So here is the real up and comer of the tournament...Stanislas Wawrinka. One of the biggest advantages that he has enjoyed career wise is that he has always played in the shadow of Roger Federer. Two advantages...it has allowed him to come in under the radar and the advantage of watching such great play and dominance through the years has paid off. It is actually paying dividends as I type. The match against Jerzy "Joe" Janowicz was a great example of this. Jerzy lost the first set really quick...I went out to the barn for something, came back and it was 6-3 to Wawrinka. But Janowicz showed why tennis_chiro and myself and a bunch of others are keen about this young Polish fellow...he can really bring it.

In the wink of a young girls eye he changed things around and tied the match by winning a rather scintillating tie breaker 7-2. At three points to one he made a tremendous closing backhand volley...and then he followed that point up with a ridiculously deft backhand dropshot. At five to one he smashed a backhand that Wawrinka didn't even budge for. But after that Wawrinka settled down and changed the pace of things and then changed it again. Real classy stuff...reminiscent of his mentor and countryman. Now he will have a really nice chance to take old "Cocaine Lips" to the task. I look for him to do it. He has that look about him...look at the width of that chest. Tennis player physiques have certainly changed...haven't they?

But I seem to be running out of steam now myself right now. Yesterday I played three sets on the clay...after I had warmed for the equivalent of "two sets" working on the farm...grass, bushes and trees. At ten o'clock in the evening I was still out trimming the hedges in the twilight. It really looks like a picture now. I should put a tennis court out in front of the yard. What a beautiful thing that would be.

The bottom half to follow...although it is not nearly so compelling as the top half. It is Federer's to lose...he is looking pretty sharp. But not quite so dominating as he used to. If only he had changed that equipment about two years ago.

[don_budge]

Gael Monfils...brightly feathered, stoned and immaculate

What a great couple of matches today with Querry/Simon and Robredo/Monfil. Both Robredo and Simon, such impressive wins. Both of those guys just simply took it from their opponents. Robredo in particular put on his hard hat on, a la Nadal and Ferrer,, and just took the fight out of Monfils. Robredo is such a professional. That was how it is done.

They are showing some of the last set of Robredo and Monfils. So true about Robredo...the second match in a row he came from two sets down. I can't imagine what it takes to come from such a deficit on the tough clay of Roland Garros. Can he make an impression on Nicolas Almagro...Almagro owns him 5-0 career. No chance.

Gael Monfils came into the tournament in slightly less that optimum match tough shape. But what a great impression he made on the tennis world...a great five set win over klacr's Tomas Berdych and another tough five setter against Ernesto "Silver Spoon" Gulbis. His match with Robredo was his third five setter in a row...he went down in a world of pain but what a hug at the end of the match. Just wonderful to watch. Two guys completely out of gas clutching each other in a brilliant honest moment, sharing each others victory and the others defeat.

Monfils brings to the tennis world something that is rather unique. The Negro Athleticism if I may say so. Such natural talent with his own unique interpretation on how to play the game. And play it he does. A natural and spontaneous personality...almost childlike.

He appears to be a bit loosely wrapped...but like Morrison sings...he is stoned-immaculate. Brightly feathered too. He certainly brought some color to the tournament...a little charisma. Substitute don_budge down below for "Negroes" if you like. Forget the night...out here on the perimeter there are no stars.

The Negroes in the forest brightly feathered
They are saying, "Forget the night.
Live with us in forests of azure.
Out here on the perimeter there are no stars
Out here we is stoned - immaculate." ...Jim Morrison "The Wasp (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)

[stroke]

Federer looks great thus far in the tournament, looking and playing as only he can, at his inimitable best. We have seen all this before. One gets the feeling he can beat anyone, well, almost anyone.

[don_budge]

Federer's sharpness?

Federer looks great thus far in the tournament, looking and playing as only he can, at his inimitable best. We have seen all this before. One gets the feeling he can beat anyone, well, almost anyone.

At the moment...he looks very vulnerable. He won the first going away but Simon has raised his game and is up a two breaks in the third. When one of these young guys catch fire Federer at his age feels a bit vulnerable. It doesn't look so pretty.