The 2015 French Open is shaping up to being one of the most open championships in many years.
Can Novak Djokovic claim his first title at Roland Garros, and complete the career Grand Slam Can Rafael Nadal overcome his poor form, by his high standards, to claim an unprecedented 10th championship on Court Philippe Chatrier?
Or, can an outsider, be it an established one, a young gun, or a journeyman, surprise everyone and steal the French Open crown from underneath their noses?
Here, I will dissect the men’s singles draw to sort out who I think will do well, and who I think will be the champion at Roland Garros in 2015.
Section 1
Novak Djokovic should have no problems making the quarter-finals at the very worst at Roland Garros with the players in this section unlikely to threaten him on clay. It sets up a likely quarter-final blockbuster with Rafael Nadal, who is in uncharacteristically poor form at this moment in time.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (1) Novak Djokovic versus (20) Richard Gasquet
Section 2
However, despite his indifferent form, Nadal is still a huge chance of winning an unprecedented 10th French Open crown. Even though he has a tougher section to negotiate to meet Djokovic, I just cannot see anyone in his section knocking him out. It is set to be Djokovic and Nadal in what would be on paper one of the greatest Grand Slam quarter-finals of all-time.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (10) Grigor Dimitrov versus (6) Rafael Nadal
Section 3
Andy Murray should make the quarter-finals, and he doesn’t have too many credible threats who are in good form to really challenge him in the opening four rounds of this Grand Slam championship.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (3) Andy Murray versus (16) John Isner
Section 4
David Ferrer should make at least the fourth round here, where he should meet Marin Cilic. However, he needs to find a bit more form to not only make sure that he gets there, but that he can give a good challenge to the Spaniard.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (9) Marin Cilic versus (7) David Ferrer
Section 5
Despite a couple of potential tricky opponents, I can see no reason why Kei Nishikori shouldn’t make the quarter-finals at Roland Garros. He is clearly the best player in his section, and barring any sort of outrageous performance from his opposition, Nishikori should be comfortable.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (5) Kei Nishikori versus (19) Roberto Bautista-Agut
Section 6
This is a tough section for Tomas Berdych, but he should still make the fourth round, and is likely to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in what would an exciting round of 16 encounter, especially for the French public.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (14) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga versus (4) Tomas Berdych
Section 7
Stan Wawrinka should have very little trouble in getting to the quarter-finals. He has a couple of potentially tricky opponents, but his class should see him through with no problems.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (8) Stan Wawrinka versus (WC) Lucas Pouille
Section 8
Roger Federer should also have no problems getting through to fourth round, but a potential match-up with Gael Monfils will have him and his camp concerned, not only due to his recent record against Monfils, but also that he is starting to show signs of having a few bad or average days at the office, despite the fact that he is still the second-best player in the world.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (13) Gael Monfils versus (2) Roger Federer
My predicted quarter-final match-ups
(1) Novak Djokovic versus (6) Rafael Nadal
(3) Andy Murray versus (7) David Ferrer
(5) Kei Nishikori versus (4) Tomas Berdych
(8) Stan Wawrinka versus (13) Gael Monfils
My predicted semi-Final match-ups
(1) Novak Djokovic versus (3) Andy Murray
(5) Kei Nishikori versus (13) Gael Monfils
My predicted final match-up
(1) Novak Djokovic versus (5) Kei Nishikori
My predicted 2015 French Open champion
(1) Novak Djokovic
marcy studzinski
Guest
Anyone who loves Rafa, and I do, want him to win...but it seems as though novak is a machine, and no one will stand in his way, only time will tell. Regarding Roger and stan....they have their own battle going on, I don't think it matters who wins, unfortunately. Andy versus David, it'll be Andy. Kei versus tsongas, I'd like to see either one, but it won't matter. So who will it be? Andy v. novak and I hope for andy, but it'll probablly be novak. onlytime will tell.
David Lampe
Roar Rookie
I quite like the predictions you have made. Most of the favourites getting through with a couple of relative outsiders sneaking in who you have identified well. The 7th section of the draw is probably the hardest to pick. Honestly, I can't see Pouille getting through Simon in the first round. I actually do rate Pouille quite highly but Simon is getting back towards some of his form of old and is a brick wall, especially on clay. I would actually predict Simon and Garcia-Lopez in the fourth round. Garcia-Lopez is playing career best tennis and if you remember back actually knocked off Wawrinka in 4 sets in the first round of the French last year. On natural talent and ball striking alone Wawrinka should get through but i'm just not too sure. He's the kind of player who could get knocked out early or with this draw even make it through to the final. Like I said i'm predicting knocked out early. I'm going with the Djoker over Rafa. Surely it has to be his time right? I think Fed will get knocked of by Monfils as well. If this occurs it will be interesting to see Monfils in the next round against Wawrinka or otherwise. How far he can actually take it? On natural talent alone (giving Federer's age and recent form against him and on clay in general) I think he has the talent to make the final. I don't think he will but I also wouldn't put it past him. I am actually going to go a Berdych-Djokovic final. Berdych has been playing unreal lately and has only been denied by Djokovic In Monte Carlo and Rafa in one of his best performances all year in Madrid. If Djokovic does play Berdych it could get real ugly. A drubbing similar to, or worse than Nadal-Ferrer in 2013 could be on the cards.
Avatar
Roar Guru
I still think Nadal will beat Djokovic if they meet in the quarter-finals. Yes, the Djoker has had the edge on him in recent times, especially on clay, but Nadal seems to win the matches that matter the most. Think the 2012 and 2014 finals, on either side of that five-set semi-final thriller in 2013. In addition Nadal is 6-0 against Djokovic at the French Open. But in saying that I hope that Djokovic does go on to complete his Career Grand Slam, this year is his best chance yet to do it.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
This draw is almost too good for Federer. I have real fears he'll bottle it.