Yes, the French Open begins today at Roland Garros. As an American, I cannot say I am incredibly elated to watch the latter rounds of the tournament dominated by foreigners. This year, however, should prove more successful for the U.S.A. Hard hitting Americans Sam Querrey and John Isner were mainstays throughout the clay court season, and Andy Roddick always comes to play in majors, albeit his worst major championship of the four.
To stay true to our name as profilers of the up-and-coming, I am thinking that Gael Monfils makes a serious run at Roland Garros. He is French, which always helps, and I love his athleticism to adapt to the clay court. In addition, the slower surface should hide his lack of a power on the serve and on the groundstrokes. His toughest opponent in the early round should be Sweden's Robin Soerdling, last year's runner-up. If Monfils behind the homecrowd could get by Soederling, an appearance in the quarterfinals or the semifinals is within reason.
The chances for Monfils are compounded by the inconsistent play of Andy Murray as well as injuries to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro and Russia's Nikolay Davydenko.
I also like Jelena Jankovic to make a nice run in Paris. She hasn't done much since being number one in the world just 2 years ago, but in a tournament lacking an elite women's player on clay, she has as realistic a chance as anyone to contend for her first major.
-DR
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