French Open 2012: 15 Reasons We Can't Wait for the Next Grand Slam

The Australian Open was a breath taking experience for all who watched and played. The Big Four made the semifinals in the men's field, showing how strong they have become recently.

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in the longest Grand Slam final in history, nearing the six-hour mark.

On the women's side of the tournament, Kim Clijsters fell in the semifinals in her very last Aussie Open, while Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka proved they will stay at the top of the game for a long time to come.

Looking back at all of the tough matches that were played, it is shocking to think the next major event will be more competitive and difficult to win.

Here are 15 reasons why we all are on the edge of our seats for the next Slam in May.

It Is the Only Red Clay Major of the Year

Red clay calls for extra sliding and more intense baseline points.

It also means that there is an absence of the challenge system due to the checking of ball marks on the court.

The scrappy play and high-flying top spin shots may prove to tire some more than others.

Will Roger Federer Play Rafael Nadal in Consecutive Semifinals?

The Australian Open semifinal meeting between these two was the first time that they had met prior to the final since the 2005 French Open.

This was still very exciting, especially because the final guaranteed that Roger or Rafa would be a part of it.

Can Andy Murray Reach the Final of a Non-Hardcourt Slam?

Andy Murray has reached the semifinals or better of the last five majors. He has yet to reach the finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon in his career.

Perhaps he will go further in the draw this time around.

Will Nole Win the Career Slam?

The one Slam he has yet to win is one where he has never even reached the final.

It is also still very hard to imagine him winning the tile, even as good as he is. Yet, it is certainly possible and perhaps his biggest goal of the year.

Novak vs. Rafa in Final

If their Aussie Open final was the longest in history, expect this next one to last even longer.

All jokes aside though, the effort and determination will only increase with the stakes getting higher.

Can the Djoker knock off the king of clay? Until it happens, we must think it is unlikely.

Will the Americans Boost Their Levels?

The Americans had disappointing showings at the Aussie Open, and they are not too good on clay either.

Hopefully John Isner and Mardy Fish can lead the way and potentially inspire Andy Roddick, Sam Querrey, and Ryan Harrison.

Spain vs. the World

The Spaniards not only represent the best overall tennis country, they are also the best clay court players.

Will another nation be able to present enough contenders to silence the Spanish train of success?

If any country could do it, France would want to be the one.

Will the French Players Please Their Home Crowd?

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet, and Gilles Simon all have the capability to make runs in the tournament. However, Monfils usually leads hopes to the quarterfinals.

Look for either Tsonga or Gasquet to make the quarterfinals this time, and for Simon to have a solid fourth-round exit.

Will Robin Soderling Be Back to Normal at His Best Event?

The previous No. 5 player in the world has been out of the game for over half a year now.

When we think of red-clay game play, we imagine top spin, quick running and a lack of emphasis on having good serve—and then there is Robin Soderling to contradict all of that.

We would love to see him back in his top form again, but the injury plague might have hit him just as it has Tommy Haas and Fernando Gonzalez.

Llodra in Doubles

Micheal Llodra is always a pleasure to watch because of his comedic approaches to the game and his approaches in general.

His old school style allows him to be a top doubles player, and the French crowd would really appreciate a major win by a French player—he is the man to get the job done.

Can Victoria Azarenka Keep It Up?

Perhaps her loud grunts will signify her increased efforts to compete on the red clay, and it would be nice to see her keep up some momentum and consistency throughout the season.

If she makes the semifinals, or better, she will prove herself to be a worthy world No. 1.

Will Petra Kvitova Be the Rafael Nadal in the Women's Field?

The top spin hitting lefty can emulate the King of Clay's game plans on court by training for a clay-specific game.

Will there be a new found Queen of Clay?

Kim Clijsters

The incredibly flexible Belgian tennis superstar is seeing the end of her second career come closer and closer. Her game is very suited for the clay, but she has not won Roland Garros.

Can she finally capture this title that she was once a finalist for nearly a decade ago?

Caroline Wozniacki

The recently dethroned No. 1 player has some major—pun intended—thinking to do.

She needs to play more aggressively, and although her game seems to work well on the clay, the results have yet to be shown.

Her consistency, anticipation, movement and willingness to play long rallies should help her this time around if she gets her head right.

We will see if she performs any differently.

Serena Williams

Serena has had a subpar start to the year, crashing out very early in the Aussie Open.

She needs to bounce back now if she plans on staying at the top of the game—otherwise she and her sister, Venus, will be packing up their bags and moving strictly to the fashion industry.

Follow @Jeff_Cohn