Yipes! Poor Novak! Alcaraz has been past red hot and his favorite surface is clay. I hope I am wrong, but Djokovic likely has rust, and not yet fully in the groove..A don’t miss match just for history. They haven’t played yet.
Youth will be served, I think. On the woman’s side as well, where Swiatek has moved her game to a very high level. At this point, Alcaraz and Swiatek are great to watch. Past the talent and skill – you see two young stars with nothing to lose, in full belief of themselves and loving it. And the sponsors sure have noticed the two.
And the stories will continue to come about how both are SERIOUS Rafa fans. Alcaraz didn’t like early comparisons to his idol. Part because he was his own person and didn’t feel he was a Rafa clone, but also because he thought it was disrespectful to Nadal, a Legend he only hoped to emulate in spirit, kindness, love of the game.

Jo Tsongas announced his retirement will happen at the French Open. Probably with Gasquet and Monfils close behind (Monfils will be a seniors circuit star!)
The thing that is nice is fans move past the fact none of the 3 ever won a Slam to how great all three have been for the sport and with French fans – for France.

April 11th, 2022 at 2:21 am

nice post @ chris ford. Carlos-Korda will be a good one too.

April 11th, 2022 at 7:05 am

Please don’t forget Stan Wawrinka returning to play. Like you guys, I am excited by the young guns rising up (no doubt at all that Alcaraz will win many tournaments) but I think players like Stan can still surprise us.

Novak will be rusty, no doubt at all that the lack of match play will take its toll. However, it is all about the slams and he will be doing everything he can to warm up for the French and for Wimbeldon.

By the time he gets to Roland Garros and to Wimbeldon he should be back to his finest. Let’s also hope Rafa is back by then so we get the best from all of them.

April 11th, 2022 at 7:03 pm