ROLAND GARROS: THE SECOND WEEKS ANALYSIS

WHO EARNS AN A+ ON THE FIRST WEEK?

The outstanding male players from the first week were undoubtedly Djokovic and Nadal. They continue to march forward in dominant form and look odds on favorites to be contesting for the Singles title next weekend. They have been focused, recorded comfortable wins, and have been generally extremely consistent in each match; just as you would expect from them.

But if our two most experienced players have been predictable up until now, much of the first week at Roland Garros has been anything but predictable. 

There have been both good and bad surprises during the first week which have given us plenty to talk about. Qualifiers Sebastian Korda, Hugo Gaston, and 17-year-old Dane Clara Tauson all made it through to the main draw and were able to record solid wins. 

Coco Gauff was disappointing this year, as was Wawrinka and Daniil Medvedev. Gauff recorded 19 double faults in her 2nd round loss, an extraordinary number of double faults for a club player, let alone a professional. 

But there were also many positives from the first week. The Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner looks like a star for the future. While his fellow countrymen Fognini and Berrettini went out before the first weekend, Sinner continues his startling progress in his first Grand Slam event as a professional.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS LIKE?

 

The COVID delayed French Open Championships this year have affected the conditions greatly. The European seasons change quickly, and the difference between playing the French Open in May, as compared to re-scheduling them for October is massive. If the conditions have altered, it will also affect which players will be at their best. 

Take the example of Stan Wawrinka. Wawrinka hits the ball big, and he gives himself smaller targets than a traditional clay-court player. When conditions are fast at Roland Garros his slightly risky approach pays off. But the conditions this year are quite the opposite. This year the courts are playing extremely slow due to the increased moisture in the courts, and the cooler weather conditions. This year the courts suit players with big games and lots of patience. 

Compare both Diego Schwartzman and Novak Djokovic. Schwartzman can run after balls all day, and with these slower conditions this year, the slower courts and heavier ball are perfect for him. But because Schwartzman doesn't have a big game where he can finish points easily, his opponents can also defend quite well against him also. For Schwartzman, the slower courts in October are a double-edged sword.

Djokovic and Thiem however have the ability to consistently defend the point all-day and to also take any weak stroke from there opponent and finish it quickly. This is the perfect mix for Roland Garros 2020.

WHICH PLAYERS WILL THRIVE AT ROLAND GARROS 2020?

Djokovic

The top half of the draw has opened up nicely for Djokovic. Being the ultimate professional, he's going to take each match in isolation and not get too far ahead of himself.

The conditions favor him more this year than in any other year so that's an ominous sign for his opponents. Favorable court conditions, a relatively easy path to the final, and massive experience put him firmly in the driver's seat for the second week of the French.

Nadal

Another player who is enjoying the slower conditions is the 12 time champion at Roland Garros and 'King of Clay', Rafael Nadal.

Nadal came into The French Open a little underdone, losing to Schwartzman at the Italian Open, but probably using Rome as preparation for Paris anyway. However, the ease of his wins during this first week may actually be a problem for him. Coming into The French, Nadal hadn't played a tournament for almost 7 months, He would probably have benefited from at least a bit more match time on-court. It will remain to be seen if the lack of match time hurts him when he faces Thiem in the semi-final, should they both make it that far.

Nadal has been completely dominant in his matches so far, so he will be physically feeling great, but probably not mentally quite where he would have liked to be.

Thiem

Thiem is another player who fits the description for Roland Garros 2020. This year, players need to bring high levels of attrition, patience in setting offensive opportunities, and effective finishing once those opportunities present themselves. This is Thiem.

The question is however can he beat both Djokovic and Nadal under conditions that they will enjoy equally as well as him?

Sinner

This is the guy that has all the parts necessary to play well this year. He can construct the point well, and when he does construct the point, he does so with the intention of getting his feet inside the baseline to attack, and his shot selection is immaculate.

His one problem this year will be his physique. He's just not going to be able to dominate at the baseline against a stronger man, like Nadal, his next opponent. If he doesn't dominate the rally against Nadal enough times, he will not be able to step forward into the court and finish the point. 

I expect that against Nadal he will be forced to try and hit winners from too deep in the court, resulting in a high unforced error rate that will hurt his chances of winning the match. This may not be his year to win the title, but expect big things from Jannik Sinner in the next few years.