5 Predictions for the Americans in the 2012 French Open

Traditionally, American players struggle on clay surfaces, while European players excel on it. If recent records or showings are of any indication, the best the Americans can hope for is that one of their players actually show up and compete.

The last American man to win the French Open was Andre Agassi in 1999. The last American woman was Serena Williams in 2002.

While an on-the-court final victory is not likely when Paris concludes, a moral victory may certainly be had as there are many Americans who have a chance to help American tennis take a giant leap forward.

The Americans may not have the strongest representation to win the 2012 French Open, but there are certainly some players who will look to challenge the favorites.

Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick has not had any stellar performances lately, and he is coming off a two-month break to recover from an injury.

He has not won on clay since March of last year, and the few times he has played at Roland Garros, he has never gotten beyond the third round. Even with his all-powerful serve and competitive drive, Roddick’s loss-of-focus tendency will get the best of him and cause him to make an early exit.

John Isner

John Isner is by the far the best American player on the men’s side.

Despite his recent slump—no wins in Madrid and an early exit in Rome—Isner does have wins on clay this year against both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

He has shown he can be a contender at Roland Garros, playing well against Nadal last year. His game is becoming more and more complete.

Among the American men, he is the most likely to go deep in Paris. Look for him to make a relatively easy run to the semifinal, where he will face a potential rematch with Nadal.

Brian Baker

No player has been talked about more during the last month or so than Brian Baker.

Finally taking the court after a number of surgeries, Baker is having a Cinderella story season. He made a run at the final in Nice, France, earning him a wild card to the French Open.

With the scars from his five operations as reminders that his career has never really started, Baker will be out to prove he is a force to contend with because last time he was in the French Open, he was in the 2003 junior finals and defeated the likes of Baghdatis, Tsonga and Djokovic. 

Melanie Oudin

Melanie Oudin reminds us why we watch the game.

Her game has been up and down, starting with her unbelievable run at the U.S. Open and ending with her drastic fall from 37^th to 370^th in the world rankings. With her dedication and competitive spirit, Oudin is ready to make a resurgence.

Look for her to push her opponents and make another run parallel to the 2009 U.S. Open.

Venus Williams

Just playing in this year’s French Open is an accomplishment for Venus Williams.

After announcing that she had Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune condition that causes fatigue and joint pain, she took time off to learn how to cope with her condition.

Her relentless spirit, however, did not let her slow down for long. She is back in her first major tournament since her announcement, and her overwhelming tenacity will help carry her far in Paris.

While it is unlikely she will make a deep run, she will give the No. 3-seed Agnieszka Radwanska trouble in the second round.