The French Open: Top 17 Questions

0
1463

By Bill Simons

1. Can Rafa defy the doubters, go “double digits” and win his 10th French?

2. Is the top quarter of the draw—the so-called “draw of death”—one of the toughest ever?

3. How great a run would it be if Djokovic wins the title by beating Tomic, Gasquet, Nadal, Murray and Federer?

4. If Nadal and Djokovic end up playing each other, will their match be the most anticipated Slam quarterfinal match ever (or at least in recent memory)?

5. Can the most devastating “Cow on Ice,” Ms. Sharapova, defend her title and win her third Roland Garros?

6. Can Serena win and continue her quest for the Grand Slam?

7. How long can the recently married Andy Murray continue his astounding unbeaten streak on clay?

8. Can a guy outside the Big Four—say the impressive Kei Nishikori, veteran Tomas Berdych, the long promising Grigor Dimitrov, or even Aussie sensation Nick Kyrgios—break through?

9. Can a WTA player not named Serena or Sharapova hold up the trophy? Perhaps Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Ana Ivanovic, or Angelique Kerber?

10. Will home fave Gael Monfils end up playing Federer in the fourth round, and if so, will he give Roger fits like he did at last year’s US Open, and in front of an intense French crowd like he did in the Davis Cup?

11. Can old Federer, 33, amaze and win his second French Open and first Slam in over three years?

12. Can an American man last a week? Isner has a good draw, but Jack Sock faces Grigor Dimitrov in the first round.

13. Who will go further, a young American woman—perhaps Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Madison Brengle or even Taylor Townsend—or an elder named Venus, 34, who might have to face sister Serena in the third round?

14. Can the young American flash, wildcard Frances Tiafoe, win a round or two?

15. Can US Open sensation Cici Bellis go far in the juniors?

16. Can the Bryan brothers win their third RG and 15th Slam?

17. Can a French man win the French Open?