2011 French Open: Nikolay Davydenko & 5 Players Seeded Too Low at Roland Garros

The draw for the 2011 French Open has just come out, with Nadal and Djokovic as the two favorites, while some players like Federer, Murray, Soderling, and Ferrer disregarded as contenders.

However, this slideshow is focused on less likely contenders. Out of all the seeds, here are players that, in my opinion, should be higher.

Seed No. 26: Milos Raonic

Milos Raonic is a Canadian beast. At 6'5", his serve is huge, while his hard groundstrokes also pose problems for opponents. 

2011 has been Raonic's breakthrough year. He ended 2010 ranked No. 156, whereas this year, he made it all the way up to 25 at one point; his career high.

With a title already to his name, he hopes to increase his record of 23-10.

Seed No. 23: Thomaz Bellucci

Thomaz Bellucci is a Brazilian lefty with a canon-like forehand and an enormous serve. His favorite surface is clay, so the French might just be a great tournament for him.

Since the end of 2010, Bellucci has moved up just six spots in the rankings. This year, he has already beaten two men ranked in the top 10: Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych.

Seed No. 28: Nikolay Davydenko

Nikolay Davydenko is a Russian with solid groundstrokes. He is extremely quick, and can get to balls that most players can't get to.

However, Davydenko is getting old (29), and is slowing down a bit. He ended 2010 ranked 22, but since then, he has dropped eight spots.

He has been 13-11 this year, but has nonetheless won a title. Despite his age, Davydenko is better that some ranked above him.

Seed #16: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Beast. This man is 200 pounds of pure muscle, and no one can tell you that better than the ball. He kills every shot.

As one of the hardest hitters on the tour, Tsonga is capable of spectacular tennis.

Though Jo-Willy's 2011 has been shaky, he has top 10 potential, and I think he should be there. He will hope to do well in his home country.

Seed No. 25: Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro demolishes Nadal 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in the 2009 US Open Semifinal.

As another hard hitter, the Argentine hits his groundstrokes very flat. His height of 6'6" really helps his monster serve.

After hurting his wrist in '10 (after winning the 2009 US Open,) Del Potro dropped his ranking down to 485.

However, he has made a steady comeback since then, going 27-6 this year, and winning two titles. Many think that his being seeded like this is just part of his path to the top 10.