The French Open this year has had several nail biting matches already. On the women’s side, the top seeds and former champions are being tested in their first few rounds. On the men’s side we have been seeing several 4-5 set matches and tough times for the underdogs, while the favorites like Nadal and Djokovic were able to cruise through their first rounds.
Djokovic vs. Granollers
The score, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, indicates that Djokovic was sailing smoothly throughout the match. However, an observer could tell that Djokovic was having a rough time out there, whether it be because of the humid weather, or because the lack of confidence he has been facing lately. Djokovic’s opening set was shaky, and throughout the match he seemed to have as many unforced errors as he did winners. It took him eight set points to convert, and his serve wasn’t as effective as it normally is. Djokovic’s frustration was evident throughout the match, and it will be important for him to reduce his unforced error count if he wants any chance of winning this tournament.
“It was a bit of a rusty start. At a set and 4-1 up, I just played a couple of sloppish games. And in the third set when I had him on the ropes, I played very bad games on my serve,” Djokovic said. Djokovic also spoke a little about him and Andre.
“I’m going to try to use the time spent with him as best as I can. So far plenty of information to process. This is exactly what I need at this moment, a person like him that understands the transitions as a tennis player and as a person – going through this lifestyle and certain choices that you make, how that affects you later on. I’m really enjoying it so far. For me it’s very different relationship than from any other that I have had really with anybody, consistently talking a lot about those things. I can see only positives to now. But it’s hard to say whether there is significant difference on the court, because it’s only a few days that we are together.” Turns out Andre has a commitment and will be leaving at the end of this week. After being bombarded with questions about his new coach, Djokovic cheekily said “Maybe I should bring Andre to the next press conference so you guys can speak with him.”
Muguruza vs. Schiavone
Muguruza made easy work of Schiavone, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. There didn’t seem to be any point in the match where Muguruza seemed to have lost control of the match. Her aggressive game style and strong movement helped Garbine immensely throughout the match. Schiavone, being the old timer that she is, put up the best fight she could, but Muguruza proved too strong.
Schiavone’s backhand also seemed to let her down at times. With backhands flying out down-the-line, the only conclusion would be that Muguruza’s power was too much for Schiavone to handle, and she was contacting late. Schiavone however, seemed to see something in her own play that made her hint that she might revoke her decision to retire at the end of this season.
“It’s amazing. It’s something I think very special that just if you love the sport you can do it. If you keep going to work and push your limits every time, I think is fantastic. I see Venus here, and I say ‘Wow, this is a big example for everybody,” said Schiavone when revealing that she may not retire this season after being inspired by Venus Williams who is still playing for the title even after two decades.
Nadal vs. Paire
Nadal made easy work of Paire in a match that lasted less than 2 hours. Cruising through 6-1, 6-4, 6-1, Nadal almost had a scare in the second set where Paire broke him to make it 1-1. Riding the energy of the crowd, Paire sailed through another break to make it 3-1. Paire lost the break, making it 3-4, but even when he had two more chances to break, Nadal fought back to win with a backhand volley that barely landed within the lines.
Like most French players, this break in Paire’s momentum seemed to destroy him, and his body language changed drastically. That was all Nadal needed to swoop in, take control, and win the match.
In an interview Nadal said that every time he comes back to the French Open he becomes ‘unbelievably nervous’ although that didn’t particularly show during the match. Nadal did however seem to expect some more from his game, as he expressed his difficulties near the end of the match. “Today I started strong, he had more mistakes than usual off the forehand. He had a try for 5-3 in the second set, I played a good point. From there it was difficult.”
As the matches progress, and Nadal’s confidence grows, we can only expect more dominance from the Clay King.
Mladenovic vs. Brady
Mladenovic seemed to be struggling throughout this match, and barely managed to pull through with the win. Her serve was lacking its usual power and seemed shaky. Her forehand was error prone. Turns out that she had a strained back, and this seemed to effect not only her serve but her entire game. She was usually defensive in the first set, which she lost 3-6. Somewhere during the second set, Mladenovic was able to bring back her aggressive style of play, coming forward into the court more often, and attacking Brady’s backhand, helping her win the set 6-3.
It could have been her back, or the nerves, but Mladenovic swiftly lost the first three games in the third set. Luckily she was able to get back the winning strategy, and continued to attack Brady’s backhand. In a game level roller coaster, Mladenovic was finally able to take the match in a final set 9-7.
Mladenovic had some positive words to say through the tears after the match. “I don’t want to complain but I put my back out. I wanted to give myself a chance to win the match and you were really behind me right to the end. Compared to yesterday [my back] is better and I am going to do my best to recover. I will fight to the end.”
Zverev vs. Verdasco
Looks like Verdasco was actually able to ‘keep his head in the game’, giving Zverev a run for his money, before the match got suspended due to rain. Both players left the court at 1 set all, with Verdasco taking the first set 6-4, and Zverev taking the second 6-3. The match resumed today and Verdasco finished Zverev’s 2017’s French Open campaign by taking two consecutive sets on day 3.
Zverev was for most part ten feet behind the base line which allowed Verdasco ample time to reach most of Zverev’s ground shots and create his own angle at leisure with no pressure from Zverev whatsoever. Zverev lost his match to Nadal in the Australian Open for the same reason and he must improve this aspect of his game if he wants to be a regular fixture in the top 10 in years to come. His net game and volleys too are non-existent as he rarely attempts to approach the net and that would soon become a gaping hole to be exploited by all.
Verdasco kept constant pressure and never let up or let his mind wander and his reward is a meeting with Ph. Herbert in the 2nd round of the French Open.
Day 3 and 4 continue to hold the promise of some more great tennis, and with the initial nerves out of the way, we can expect some great tennis not from our favorites but also from the underdogs who are ready to bite back.
