The 2014 French Open draw ceremony was held on Friday in Paris. Potential semifinals include Rafael Nadal vs. either Stanislas Wawrinka or Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer.
As for the four quarters of the bracket, Nadal could face fellow Spaniard David Ferrer as early as the quarterfinals in what would be a rematch of last year’s championship match. Ferrer may first have to get past Grigor Dimitrov, who cannot like his first-round opponent in Ivo Karlovic. Nadal is in line for an intriguing second-rounder against the up-and-coming Dominic Thiem.
Wawrinka and Murray should be able to play their way into a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown as the two most consistent players in their section. Talented opposition abounds, but it comes with major question marks. Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils are not healthy and Fabio Fognini has cooled off since a hot start to the season. Gasquet is a potential fourth-round adversary for Murray, while the winner of a potential–but maybe not probable–third-round date between Monfils and Fognini would likely meet Wawrinka in the last 16.
Federer cannot be expected to have any problems through his first three rounds, but trouble could come his way as the second week approaches. The mercurial Ernests Gulbis is a possible fourth-round opponent, while Tomas Berdych and John Isner loom large–literally–in the other half of the quarter. Berdych generally plays well against Federer and Isner is always dangerous. The 6’10” American could run into friend and familiar foe Nicolas Mahut in the second round.
Djokovic’s section is borderline loaded. An on-fire Kei Nishikori, who is 14-1 in his last 15 matches, could be the second-ranked Serb’s quarterfinal opponent; so could Milos Raonic, who just tested Djokovic in a three-setter last week in Rome. Djokovic likely awaits Marin Cilic in the last 32 and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last 16. Tsonga is cold right now, but as recently as 2013 that would have been a matchup worthy of a Grand Slam semifinal.
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Augusta@2;23pm
The subject cropped up two or three days ago on the Non-Big 4 thread.
As far as I know there were no reports of an injury during Rome. He complained of a sore back early in the week attributed to the unseasonal cold weather. I picked up on it in an article about his official name change which implied it dated as far back as the AO.
http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Wawrinka-changes-his-name-from-Stanislas-to-Stan-362585.htm
What started as a niggle became a problem: then the problem became an injury.
I recall there was a tweet when he announced he needed to rest his back but it wasn’t serious and he would be fine for RG.
#ChineseWhispers
#StormInTheTeacup
You couldn’t make it up:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BoUiperIYAAUfar.jpg
^^posted same in my post above:
rafaisthebest says: May 23, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Good luck to Stan-formerly-known-as-Stanislas……………
^^There’d actually be come kind of cosmic justice in play if Stan(islas) meets Rafa in the semis only this time it’s Stan who has the back issues. Rafa won’t be demanding
Stan(islas)’s medical report.
@pseudoJ-stan? or j-Stan.
Should have changed his name to Stanford.
Fed says:
“Physically I feel very strong. If I have to draw on reserves I’m very confident. I feel very strong.”
I just hope he runs up against his usual kryptonite this fortnight, no?
#SuperPowers
Hawkeye you were WAY off with that under 23 thing in the Top 100
Well I just hope you don’t compare a bit off with WAY off. Don’t you? Or do you.
I was off by a measly 3% which, in a way, is way off for Me.
I’ve created a monster admittedly.
#Sock
#Tomic
#PCB
#Thiem
@jpacnw,
Regarding your comment @ 4:36 pm, right on! If Stan’s back does act up and he has to go off court for treatment, we know that Rafa won’t have a hissy fit and get in the chair umpire’s face demanding to know what’s wrong! 🙂
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20140523/french-open-men-preview-rafael-nadal-roger-federer/
Djoko being picked to win by all and sundry..Good for Rafa
Fed is only using RG as prep for Wimby so Djoko has a nice ride to the final….
Pressure is really on Djokovic this year. This is the year everyone says/feels he has to get it.
Vamos Rafa!!
@Sanju,
I expected this to happen once Novak beat Rafa in Rome. It’s the bandwagon effect. They all want to get on the train! But when all is said and done, it means nothing. Novak still has to go out there and do it, that’s if he gets there.
Tignor’s picked Djokovic.
Stan seems to be making the same mistake that Novak has in the past, i.e. talking himself up before the start of a slam. I guess he’s going to have to learn the hard way that it’s what happens on the court that counts. I remember Rafa saying that very thing one year when he went into the AO and wasn’t the favorite. He acknowledged that the pundits and analysts have to pick a favorite, but then he said that in the end the only thing that matters is what happens on the court. That’s the only thing that counts.
Wise words from the one who should know! 🙂
Bleacher Report picked Rafa.
too bad
Racket bracket (someone let me know if this works) – http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketFrenchOpenATP/Grandstand/Pre-Register.aspx
Where are your picks RD?
pfft
https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/470315853339049984
Fed plays first day. Not the No. 1 and defending champ.
#NID
#YoureWelcome
#Humb1e
The #1 and defending Champion on the women’s side, Serena Williams, plays on the first day.