Here at Holabird we are gearing up for the French Open! We've made some predictions on which players will emerge victorious. Tell us what you think or add your own, then check back after it's over to see who was right, who was close and who was sadly mistaken.
Men's Championship: Rafael Nadal – When 8 of the last 9 French Opens have been won by the current #1 in the world, why mess with a good thing? Nadal all the way!
Women's Championship: Maria Sharapova – With a record of 46-3 on clay since the beginning of 2012 (and those three losses going to S. Williams), I'm feeling an upset as Sharapova retakes her place as the Queen of Clay.
-Allison
Men's Championship: Andy Murray- He's coming off of big wins in last year's Wimbledon and Australian Open. He's most certainly facing an uphill battle if he's going to beat Nadal, but I'll throw his name out there just to play devil's advocate.
Women's Championship: Serena Williams – She's my favorite because she's just so fun to watch and I think she's definitely on the hunt for a repeat of last year.
-Kandice
Men's Championship: Rafael Nadal - He’s going to win his 5th in a row because he’s still number 1, and he dominates the clay unlike anyone else right now.
Women's Championship: Agnieszka Radwanska – Not only would I just like to see her win, I really believe this is going to be a good year for her. But with the lack of dominance in women's tennis right now, it could easily be a toss up.
-Curtis
Men's Championship: Nadal vs. Wawrinka in the final – It’s hard to choose anyone besides the 8 time reigning champion of Roland Garros, even when he has had a bit of a down year so far. Nadal for the win.
Women's Championship: Williams vs. Sharapova in the final – A repeat of last year's final. Serena doesn't always dominate on clay like she does on the hard courts, but I think she can repeat and win her third French Open. Serena for the win.
-Dustin
Men's Championship: Rafael Nadal hasn't had a great clay campaign—especially by his standards—and he's lost some matches that had us scratching our heads. Still, it's awfully tough to pick against the eight-time champ. And let's be honest, his competition hasn't exactly been tearing up the clay court season either. Djokovic has missed time to wrist injury, Stan's been inconsistent, Murray doesn't seem to have recaptured his form after his surgery, and Federer might be preoccupied or underprepared after missing time for the birth of his twins. The rest of the tour—young guns and grizzled veterans alike—still haven't shown that they're really ready to challenge for a Major title.
Winner: Rafael Nadal
Women's Championship: For me, the women's result is much harder to predict. It seems like Maria Sharapova may be the odds on favorite given her surprising dominance on the clay recently, but I think that still depends upon how Serena Williams' thigh is feeling by the start of the tournament. A healthy, hungry Serena Williams still looks like the best player in the women's game. Former French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic has looked resurgent of late as well, but I just have trouble imagining her hoisting a Major trophy after so many years of spotty results. Simona Halep has looked strong this year too, but breaking through is going to be a tough task.
Winner: Serena Williams
-Ryan
Men's Championship: My male prediction is based on who has dominated the clay surface for years and personal favorite Rafael Nadal.
Women's Championship: My female prediction is hopeful, but with her surprise win against Ana Ivanovic in the Australian Open to reach the Semifinals, I think that Genie Bouchard surprises everyone with her first Grand Slam!
-Louie
2014 French Open Predictions
