The French open is right around the corner. And both the top men and women are scheduled to play. The 2.2 million dollar event is one of tennis most lucrative tournament, unfortunately this too is a place where U.S falls quickly and I am not talking about on the clay. The last American to win the trophy was Serena Williams way back in 2002, and since then no American has ever reached the semifinals. Why is that you ask?
My theory about Americans and clay is that they just don’t mix. Americans are brought up playing tennis on fast hard courts for most of their tennis life. So for them to transition their games to a slow clay court must be a challenge. Take for instance Andy Roddick on the fast courts at the U.S Open his game suits that court perfectly hard flat serve, and penetrating ground strokes this leaves him in control of the points. but on the slow courts in Paris his game is the complete opposite. his opponents can get each of his balls back in play, and leave him on the defensive end. Plus your movement on the clay is crucial is your feet work is not precise then your opponent will take advantage of you and move you from side to side. With that said the Americans may still have a chance if they play to their strenghts.
May_ - 09 June _ -09 is the first day of the French Open and the top American players are all rostered to play. # 2 in the world Serena Williams her sister #5 Venus Williams, #6 Andy Roddick and # 16 James Blake these players must remember to play their games in order to succeed. they are only hope for a win do us proud!
No comments:
Post a Comment