French Open Tennis 2012: Bold Predictions for Top Contenders

Stars shine brighter on clay.

The 2012 French Open is rapidly approaching. This is how you should expect the following stars to perform at Roland Garros.

Andy Murray

Murray is the No. 4 ranked player in the world, but he’s never won a Grand Slam. Don’t expect him to finally break through this year either. Murray lucked out competing in an era with a dominant trio of Hall of Fame-caliber players.

Roger Federer

Federer hates the French Open.

While he’s won every other Grand Slam at least four times, the only year he managed to triumph in Paris is when he dodged Rafael Nadal. With Nadal rated the No. 2 player in the world and he the No. 3, Federer won’t be able to sneak into the finals without facing off against the Spaniard.

Translation: Federer isn’t winning anything.

Novak Djokovic

The No. 1 player in the world suffered a second-straight loss on clay to Rafael Nadal in the Italian Open Final on Monday. Simon Cambers, of the guardian, reported that Djokovic said after the match:

"

I had many opportunities in this match but I didn't use them. When you do that against Rafa on clay, he is going to take advantage. But I will go to Paris with confidence, I am playing well and we will see what happens.

"

If Djoker had managed to knock off Nadal, he would’ve built up enough momentum to defeat him in the French Open. After another loss, though, it looks as if the King of Clay will hold on to his crown.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal isn’t the best tennis player in the world anymore. But on clay, it’s a whole different ballgame.

Rafa has won the French Open a whopping six times. The courts there basically have his name on them. Nadal isn’t losing in the final, so his competition’s only hope is to knock him off before he gets rolling.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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