It’s one week before Roland Garros, and you wouldn’t normally expect to see the world number 1 in action. But here we are, in Switzerland, with the world number one. Here’s a quick preview of what we can expect in Geneva this week.
Novak Djokovic has taken a Wildcard to try to find some form before Paris. For just the second time since 2006, Djokovic hasn’t won a title at this time of year.
But what is really getting the tennis world excited, is his potential first round match up. Should a certain Scotsman get past German, Yannick Hanfmann, were going to see one of the great rivalries in history, for probably the last time. Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic is what we all want to see. Hanfmann hasn’t been in great form this year, but has recorded a win over Nicolas Jarry on the clay, so it’s not a fait accompli that the two giants of our sport will clash.
American, Taylor Fritz will also choose more matches over the practice court this week. Considering the form he’s been in, he might’ve decided to just keep rolling on, and try to claim his first clay court title.
Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor is a player I’m watching this week. Generally this year, he’s only been defeated by quality players (Rublev, De Minaur, Sinner, Zverev), but an uncharacteristic first round exit in Rome, will have him freshened up for this week.
Tomas Machac v Jack Draper is probably the pick of the first round matches. Only 5 spots on the rankings separates them, and both players records this year are similar (12/7 vs 12/9). The winner will play a qualifier, so it’s a chance to find some match practice before Paris.
Ben Shelton hasn’t set the world on fire throughout the Madrid/Rome weeks, but he did win Houston last month, so has the potential to do damage in any event.
Second seeded Casper Ruud has to fancy his chances to win his first major at Roland Garros. Taking into account Novak’s form, and injuries to Sinner and Alcaraz, he’s got every right to feel confident (despite his early exit in Rome).
Other players in the field which could cause some issues for the top seeds, are Sebastian Baez, who is always dangerous on clay, yet has been horribly out of form since the South American swing. Also keep an eye on Italian Flavio Cobolli, who defeated Tabilo and Jarry back-to-back in Madrid. The Chileans then went on to make semis in Rome, so Cobolli’s form line is quite good.
Predictions:
Semi-finals:
Djokovic v Fritz
Ruud v Shelton
Final:
Fritz v Ruud
Champion: Ruud
