French Open 2011: Factors That Can Play a Part in Roger Federer's Success

With the French Open coming up, Federer (who hasn't had a great year) is looking to seize another Grand Slam title. Some are giving him a small chance, and others are giving him none. There are tons of opinions swirling about Roger and his future success. Here are some things that can make or break this tournament for the Swiss superstar.

Positive: Not Many People Who Can Challenge Him

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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Jurgen Melzer of Austria, Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, Fernando Verdasco , Andy Roddick of the USA, Andy Murray of Great Britain, Novak Djokovic of Siberia, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain attend

Besides Nadal and Djokovic, there aren't too many other major contenders. Recently, people like Roddick and Murray aren't in form to compete with Fed's. Clay is Del Potro's worst surface because of the slow speed and longer points, which Delpo might not be able to handle at all due to his wrist. Soderling's best clay run was in 2009, and even then, in the final, the Swede couldn't take a set. Verdasco hasn't really ever been able to cope with Roger's game, and others like Youzhny, Monfils and Davydenko don't have big chances either.

Negative: Clay

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1993: The red clay court of Roland Garros during the 1993 Frnach Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France. \ Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior /Allsport

Federer's getting older and has become a half-step slower. Longer points on this surface are going to make him vulnerable to fatigue and injury. If he wants a chance, he has to try and finish points a little bit quicker.

Positive: 2009 French Open Title

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PARIS - JUNE 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with his French Open winners trophy at the Arc de Triomphe on June 8, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Fed knows what it's like to win this thing. He did it in 2009, beating Soderling in the final. Hopefully for him, it will give him confidence and experience to do it again.

Negative: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

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MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 08: Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia holds the Ion Tiriac's trophy besides runner up Rafael Nadal of Spain during the price giving ceremony on day eight of the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open Tennis on May 8, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by

Nadal, the world No. 1, has had a good 2011. With only five losses this year, he is looking to add another Grand Slam title to his total collection of nine. This isn't just a Grand Slam, it's Nadal's favorite- one that he's already won five times. He has been a beast on clay (as usual) and has already beaten Federer twice.

Djokovic has been playing sensational tennis this year, going undefeated through over 30 matches. With six titles already to his name, Djokovic is looking for his third Grand Slam. In addition, he's done the nearly impossible of beating Nadal on clay. Not only that, but he did so in three sets. 

These two men might pose threats for Roger's French Open.

Verdict

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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 23: Roger Federer of Switzerland answers questions at a press conference during the Sony Ericsson Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 23, 2011 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

All these things considered, the conclusion is that Fed is capable of beating everybody except Rafa and Nole.

Prediction: Roger will get to the semis, where he'll lose to Nadal.