French Open 2015: Predictions for Top Singles Stars of Monday's Draw Schedule
We’re into the second week of the French Open, and it’s at this juncture the players still remaining start to think about grasping the coveted title at Roland Garros.
But running the rule over the stars still in the hunt in both the men’s and women’s draw, it’s tough to shake the sense that the game’s superstars will be holding silverware aloft once again this weekend.
The vast majority of the most recognisable faces in tennis will take to the iconic clay Monday, as we can see here courtesy of tennis journalist Simon Cambers:
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Here’s a closer look at how the biggest names will fare in their respective matches as we move toward the business end of this unique tournament.
Djokovic, Nadal Surge Towards Illustrious Quarter-Final
When the draw for this year’s French Open was made, tennis fans around the world were immediately excited at the prospect of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic meeting in the quarter-finals; if both men win their next match, it’ll become a reality.
As noted by Infostrada Sports, after beating Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets in Round 3, Djokovic’s record in 2015 is pretty spectacular:
He’ll face home-crowd favourite Richard Gasquet Monday. The Frenchman is one of the most talented players on tour, and on his day, he is capable of beating anyone. But he’s a little erratic against the very top guys, and a red-hot Djokovic will clinch this one in straight sets.
Nadal also faces an intriguing opponent in Jack Sock. As noted by Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times, the youngster has been brilliant so far:
The American seems to enjoy playing on the clay surface, but even though he’s not quite at his very best, the Spaniard—who is going in search of his 10th French Open win—will be too strong. Expect Sock to make things difficult and to take a set off Nadal, but for the experience of the 14-time Slam winner to tell and set up a mouthwatering tie with Novak.
Federer to Edge Out Monfils
Roger Federer had to have been delighted play was called for the day Sunday when it was, as Gael Monfils had the Swiss on the ropes in their contest.
Roared on by a fervent home support, the Frenchman took the second set to level things up before the night drew in in Paris. As noted by Rothenberg, the supporters in attendance at this one were emphatically behind their man:
Had this match continued, Federer may have found things difficult. Monfils may be a little capricious at times, but he was on an upward curve in this contest, with the veteran Swiss struggling to cope with his dynamic playing style.
Expect a little more composure from the 17-time Grand Slam winner when play does resume Monday. Monfils will be well backed again and will come out of the traps with spades of ferocity, but Federer’s languid ability to step up at critical moments will see him get the better of a five-set thriller.
Sharapova Marches On
Maria Sharapova’s defence of her French Open title has gone smoothly so far, but her match against Lucie Safarova was delayed Sunday because of poor weather. It means those in situ Monday will get the chance to lay eyes on another genuine superstar.
As noted by the tournament’s official account, the Russian has been magnificent on the bespoke surface as of late:
Sharapova’s previous match against Samantha Stosur was a clash many expected to be a major test for the five-time Grand Slam winner. But she came through with a swagger, dominating with thunderous groundstrokes and manoeuvring her opponent all over the court.
Safarova is a class above, however, and after her previous win, Sharapova admitted she’s expecting a very difficult fixture, per BT Sport:
"I think the last time was a really tough match in Stuttgart last year where she was serving for the match.
I know I have a tough one ahead of me. Left-handers are always tricky. It will be my first one of the tournament. I will definitely need to be ready, but I know what I have to do. I just have to get it done.
"
The Czech picked up an impressive win in her last outing, beating Sabine Lisicki in straight sets; as aforementioned, her left-handed style can give opponents a lot of trouble, too. However, she has lost all of her past four matches against the reigning French Open champion, and it's tough to see her fortunes turning.
Maria has been mechanical rather than mesmerizing in her opening matches, but with the latter stages of the tournament approaching, this is typically when she ups the ante. Sharapova will turn in her best performance of the competition so far to clinch a straight-sets win, sending out a resounding message to those looking to wrest this trophy from her.
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