With the clay season coming to a head, all eyes are on Roland Garros and the French Open, which gets underway this Sunday. Here s what you need to know.
1.
Having routed Roger Federer in just 75 minutes of play time during the Italian Open final last Sunday, Novak Djokovic seems hungrier than ever to win the Coupe des Mousquetaires, which has so far eluded the top-ranked player. He arrives in Paris, however, slightly worse for the wear: The cork from a celebratory bottle of champagne busted his nose after that match. (The offending beverage, The New York Times noted, was Moët
Chandon, a Federer sponsor.)
2.
Clay has never been **Andy Murray
**s strong suit, but do not discount the Scotsman
s ability to pull through in Paris this year. He is on a 10-0 winning streak on the surface this season, including his first-ever clay victory over Nadal, whose ATP ranking has dropped to No.7, and Murray pulled out of the Italian Open, citing fatigue, to prepare for this tournament. It might be worth betting on a Murray-Djokovic final.
3.
Look out for Madison Keys. After falling to her role model Serena Williams in the semifinals of the Australian Open, the 20-year-old American stands to threaten Serena
s dominance and could just be the future of American tennis. Never, however, underestimate Serena, who is seeking her twentieth Grand Slam title.
4.
This could just be the year that Nick Kyrgios, the young Australian, breaks out in a big way. With diamond earrings the size of nickels, he will be hard to miss.
5.
As ever, expect great things from Roger Federer. He has won at Roland Garros only once, but he begins this year
s French Open having played in 62 consecutive Grand Slams, a streak unrivaled by any other player in the history of tennis. Jeu, set, et match.
Watch Serena Williams s version of Beyoncé s “7/11”:
