FIVE PLAYERS WHO COULD UPSET THE BIG THREE AT ROLAND GARROS 2019…
The second slam of the year in Paris is under way! The favorites have started off with comfortable victories in their opening bouts but at the same time , we have witnessed some huge upsets that are seldom seen in grand slams in the early stages of the tournament , with the likes of Marin Cilic , Fernando Verdasco and Grigor Dimitrov in the men’s side of the draw , and Angelique Kerber , Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams in the women’s side already being dumped out of the competition. Coming back to the men’s draw , despite loads of the guys performing exceedingly well so far , it is hard to look beyond the three standout icons (Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal , Novak Djokovic) as the primary contenders to claim the coveted title. They have been in relentless touch and are dispatching opponents with some swashbuckling tennis! However , there are a few names in the draw that I believe can cause some major upsets over the big boys and potentially win Roland Garros this year:-
- DOMINIC THIEM
The hard-hitting Austrian is already being called the ‘Prince of Clay’ , alongside king Nadal. The moment the clay court season begins , you will see Thiem all over , making headlines and dominating the circuit. The fourth seed for the tournament has beaten Rafa , Novak and Roger on clay before and is 100% capable of doing it again and going one step further from his career-best finals finish at this tournament last year to take the beautiful silver championship back home to Austria. (STRENGTHS: Backhand and court movement)
2. STEFANOS TSITSIPAS
This young talent is a constant threat to anyone on tour at present , considering the way he has been striking the ball since the second half of 2018. He is a much improved player on clay , and even defeated Nadal in the build-up to the French Open , in the Madrid Masters.The 20 year-old Greek star has come out all guns blazing and is relatively confident of his chances this year at RG , recently having stated in an interview that he was feeling great to achieve his current goal which was to win the clay slam this year! (STRENGTHS: Service and mental strength)
3. GAEL MONFILS
The home favorite has regained form over the last six months and is a more than able player on this surface. Moreover , the Frenchman has loads of experience and has faced the greats on many occasions in the past. He certainly has what it takes to be crowned champion and had a brilliant season on clay leading up to the slam , including an intense match against Federer in Madrid where he even had match points at one stage but failed to convert. If Monfils can be patient enough to stay in the rallies for a prolonged period , nothing can stop him from making his dreams come true on one of the grandest stages of them all! (STRENGTHS: Court movement and accuracy)
4. ALEXANDER ZVEREV
Though Sascha Zverev is not at his best , all it takes is one good game or a magical moment somewhere to turn things around. The next-gen German has started the tournament well and has notched up some great victories against some tricky opponents. He is an experienced campaigner on the red dirt and will be determined to take out anybody who stands in his path of winning the title , including the four seeds ahead of him. (STRENGTHS: Service and power)
5. STANISLAS WAWRINKA
Stan the man is known for quietly going about his business and doing his damage , and this edition of the Roland Garros is no exception. He has started off on a quiet , yet dangerous note , and has already taken out the likes of Garin and Dimitrov. While the Swiss star may not be the preferable pick to reign supreme for most people , the 2015 champion can annihilate his opposition when fit and on-song , which is why he cannot be written off for one second. (STRENGTHS: Power and stroke-play)
