We are in the middle of the best stretch of professional tennis of the year. Clay then Grass – the two polar opposite surfaces scheduled back to back. Then, the hard court season finishing in NYC, with the Rio Olympics served up right in the center of it all.
As the second week at the 2016 French Open kicks off, the absence of Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer is definitely the defining storyline now, and is likely to become a theme moving forward.
How the men’s draw unfolds without them will no doubt be intriguing. Will Novak or Murray fill the void with more tennis-superstardom? Or will one of these often noted ‘next generation’ talents step up and seize the moment? Might this finally be Gasquet’s moment?! He’ll need to get through Murray today.
On the women’s side, the ageless William’s sisters are both into the 4th round, and are joined by two other American’s: Madison Keys and Shelby Rogers. If Venus and Keys both win today, they’ll battle it out for a chance to face Serena as she chases her 22nd major title. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 seeds all out of the draw. Parody after Serena?
Rain, rain, go away, come again…after the tournament. Rain washed out the entire day of play on Monday, marking the first time in 16 years the French Open has lost a day due to rain. And, it’s going to be at least 4 years before the facility gets a court with a roof according to the tournament director.
As the tournament unfolds and as we move forward in the summer, it will be interesting to track a few of these themes: Rafa and Fed slowly slipping away? Will the young guns on the men’s side step up or will Novak/Murray hold the torch? Will Serena get that 22nd? 23rd? And, Maria in Rio?! It’s a great time to be a tennis fan. Check back here for answers as the action unfolds.
