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The draw this year for the Men’s tournament was always going to be widely anticipated. Federer’s position in the draw was a definite talking point along with where the heavy hitting giant killers fell in the draw. Big servers like Milos Raonic and John Isner are names no one likes to see in their section and are added spice in an already eagerly anticipated draw. So without further ado, let delve into how the pieces of the jigsaws have been laid out with the quarter by quarter analysis of the men’s draw

Quarter 1:

The now familiar sight of Novak Djokovic at the head of the first quarter greets us as he opens against Italian Potito Starace. The unpredictable Ernest Gulbis, experienced Hewitt and inconsistent Verdasco are the biggest challenge in the top section of this quarter but none should derail the Serbian Express. The bottom section of the quarter is far more open with Gilles Simon and Stan Wawrinka vying with Jo-Wilfred Tsonga for the quarterfinal spot.

First Round match to watch: Troicki v Belluci

Quarterfinal: Djokovic v Tsonga

Semifinalist: Djokovic

Quarter 2:

Roger Federer falls in Novak’s half and the question on everyone’s lips is whether the two will keep their ends of the bargain to make it a repeat of last year’s phenomenal semifinal. Federer opens against German Tobias Kamke and could face former nemesis Nalbandian in the second round. Andy Roddick has a favourable section devoid of clay courters and could use this to progress into the third round against Federer. Feliciano Lopez could well be the 4^th round opponent for the maestro before a difficult quarterfinal against either Del Potro or Berdych. The Czech in particular has been in great form on clay this year and should be favoured to progress to the quarters.

Prospective 4^th rounder to watch: Del Potro v Berdych

Quarterfinal: Federer v Berdych

Semifinalist: Federer

Quarter 3:

Andy Murray has had an indifferent time this year mixing some highs with some lows without fully stepping up when push came to shove. The chips have fallen his way though as he sees a relatively comfortable path through to the quarters. The biggest barrier to the Scot’s progress will be the winner of the intriguing prospective tussle between Gasquet and Dolgopolov. The other half of this section should witness a fine battle between big serving John Isner and dogged David Ferrer for the second quarterfinal spot. The outcome of this battle could well come down to the court surface and balls chosen for this years French Open.

Quarterfinal: Murray v Ferrer

Semifinalist: Ferrer

Quarter 4:

Defending champion Rafael Nadal will not look at his draw feeling any great trepidation atleast initially. The Spaniard opens against Simone Bolelli and should ease through the opening week. The fourth round sees the intriguing prospect of Rafa finding a way to counter the bullet serves of Milos Raonic. The young Canadian has shown decent quality on clay this year even taking out Andy Murray in Barcelona. While it is too early to expect him to knock out Rafa on clay in Paris, expect him to give a good account of himself and push Rafa close in the initial stages atleast. Once in the quarters, Rafa will in all likelihood play the winner of the Almagro - Tipsarevic battle which could easily go either way. Popular Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis is also in this section and could spoil the party for Almagro and Tipsarevic.

Quarterfinal: Nadal v Tipsarevic

Semifinalist: Nadal

 

Semifinal 1: Djokovic v Federer – A rematch of last year’s semi final this has all the makings of a classic. However one suspect’s that Djokovic’s drive and focus on the French title this year is far greater than it was last year. This extra motivation could give that edge to his game that on clay, even a razor sharp Federer will not be able to counter.

Semfinal 2: Nadal v Ferrer – Ferrer has upset his more fancied compatriot on occasion at slams before. These victories have however come on hard courts and are less likely on the clay where Ferrer’s wheels and ability to take the ball early and redirect them do not hurt Nadal as much. The 6 time champion will dominate the match and proceed to his 7^th French Open final to face his greatest threat, Djokovic.

 

Final: Djokovic v Nadal – This will be the fourth straight slam final between the duo and their first in Paris. A couple of months ago, most would have favoured Djokovic to continue his recent domination over the Spaniard. However Rafa has found a way to turn the tide on clay and avenged his loss in Rome to the Serb last year. Djokovic will be dialled in and has the gameplan but will probably struggle to execute it for 3 out of 5 sets and Nadal will attain seventh heaven.

 

Read the French Open Preview here

Read the complete women's draw analysis here