The Alessandro Benedetti Offside rundown of the French Open

The French Open started a week ago, the second grand slam of the year and the only one to take place on clay. Alessandro Benedetti Offside has been glued to the screen as this slam also promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent years, due to what is at stake for several of these players. Here is the Alessandro Benedetti Offside rundown of several male players and their chances at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal

This man has won 9 out of the last 10 French Opens, but for the first time in many years, Nadal may not actually be favourite for this year’s title. He’s still not quite at his indomitable best, but with his game, and history he’s always going to be a threat. This year has not been up to Nadal’s usual standards and rather strangely he has only won clay court title this year, beating Juan Monaco at the Argentina Open. He has struggled against the Italian Fabio Fognini, having lost to him twice this year on clay. He has played Djokovic once and lost in a comprehensive fashion, although perhaps most worrying was his loss in the Madrid final against Andy Murray, the first time Murray had beaten Nadal on clay. However, due to his incredible record Nadal is the Alessandro Benedetti Offside pick for the title.

Novak Djokovic

Many pundit’s favourite for the title, Novak is going for the only grand slam he hasn’t won. He’s been in imperious form this year, winning the Australian Open and the claiming both the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Rome masters, this year Novak has won 4 out of 4 Masters 1000 events. He has a tough draw, potentially facing Nadal in the quarters, Murray in the Semis and Federer in the final, but Djokovic has all the weapons to come out on top.

Andy Murray

Although not considered a naturally gifted clay court player, Andy Murray has slowly been building up momentum this year, having enjoyed a particularly good clay court season. He won his first clay title at the BMW Open, defeating Phillipp Kohlschreiber in the final. After this, he went on to win the Madrid open, defeating Nadal in straight sets in the final, most recently he continued his good work at the Italian Open, before retiring in the 3rd round, due to fatigue.

Roger Federer

Although not quite the dominant force he once was, Federer’s shot making ability will always make him a threat at grand slam level. He also has the advantage of a much more favourable draw this year. With Nadal, Murray and Djokovic all in the other half of the draw, the only potential matchup against another member of the ‘Big 4’ would be in the final. He’ll probably have to beat Monfils and Wawrinka to get there, but this is the Swiss maestro’s best chance in years.