Roland Garros, Men's French Open 2026 - Grand Slam

[don_fabio]

Berrettini kind of like Del Potro. Always injured, but when he is eventually able to play then he can be dangerous. Especially when opponents forget how to expose his BH. It's one of the weakest shots on the tour. He is compensating it with a good slice though.

I'm glad for him, he deserves some good results given the constant health struggles. Is this his best result in RG? Did he play with Novak in QF in 2021 when he gave him hell, with unbelievable serving and huge forehands?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Berrettini kind of like Del Potro. Always injured, but when he is eventually able to play then he can be dangerous. Especially when opponents forget how to expose his BH. It's one of the weakest shots on the tour. He is compensating it with a good slice though.

I'm glad for him, he deserves some good results given the constant health struggles. Is this his best result in RG? Did he play with Novak in QF in 2021 when he gave him hell, with unbelievable serving and huge forehands?

Don
The last time Matteo made the QFs of RG was 2021 he did play Novak, Novak won in 4 sets
There are now 3 Italians in the QF, great result considering Jannik and Musetti, is out to due to injury

 

[El Dude]

I'm not writing anyone off - it is such a crazy Slam. I wouldn't be suprised by any of the final 8 winning, though I'd say Arnaldi or Mensik would surprise me most.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'm not writing anyone off - it is such a crazy Slam. I wouldn't be suprised by any of the final 8 winning, though I'd say Arnaldi or Mensik would surprise me most.

I had already written off Arnaldi ages ago he showed such promise early in his career, went wayward of late, I was thrilled the way he fought back in his match today
3 Italians in QFs, without Jannik or Musetti

 

[El Dude]

I don’t like that match up for Felix..he was previously cousins friends with Matteo and I felt he was too close personally with Berrenttini at the time..If it happens I hope someone gets inside Felix’s head to crush Matteo..speaking of head doctor coaching, El Dude do you think they should add Toni back to the team? Where’s Tossip for the inside info from Canada

No idea. I mentioned this a few months back when you weren't around, but was watching a bunch of those stupid Youtube tennis trivia videos and Felix just seemed like such a nice guy, and definitely one of the smarter and more cultured of the players they interviewed. But he doesn't seem to have that crazy competitive fire that the best champions have, and I'm not sure that can be instilled in someone...it has to come from within. Maybe if he loses in the Final and gets the hunger, then hiring Toni would be a good idea to fan the flames.

 

[El Dude]

As for who I'd like to win, I'm sort of torn. On one hand, I'd be happy with anyone of the eight winning it, because it is a new Slam winner. On the other, I've been open about being on Team Fonseca, who is probably my current favorite player.

That said, I really like FAA, and Fonzie will have tons more chances. FAA will too, but he's just not as good and if guys like Fonzie, Jodar, an Mensik are taking it up a notch, it is going to be harder to win Slams going forward.

I also pitty Zverev and kind of want him to win it. I know, he's a mega-douche, but still. I also think that losing to an even younger generation might break him. He could get past the Big Three, then Sincaraz emerged, and now Menjoseca?! (Fonsikdar?)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am positive Toni wont come back to coaching on the tour
Zverev pleaded with him, when he had a training block this year and Toni said No
Zverev is welcomed to come back and train at Rafa's academy

 

[the AntiPusher]

No idea. I mentioned this a few months back when you weren't around, but was watching a bunch of those stupid Youtube tennis trivia videos and Felix just seemed like such a nice guy, and definitely one of the smarter and more cultured of the players they interviewed. But he doesn't seem to have that crazy competitive fire that the best champions have, and I'm not sure that can be instilled in someone...it has to come from within. Maybe if he loses in the Final and gets the hunger, then hiring Toni would be a good idea to fan the flames.

Someone asked him in his presser did he add Toni to help him on his clay preparation..Felix said no..he trained as a junior in South America on clay ..he said he brought TONI to help him get to the next level against the top players.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

As for who I'd like to win, I'm sort of torn. On one hand, I'd be happy with anyone of the eight winning it, because it is a new Slam winner. On the other, I've been open about being on Team Fonseca, who is probably my current favorite player.

That said, I really like FAA, and Fonzie will have tons more chances. FAA will too, but he's just not as good and if guys like Fonzie, Jodar, an Mensik are taking it up a notch, it is going to be harder to win Slams going forward.

I also pitty Zverev and kind of want him to win it. I know, he's a mega-douche, but still. I also think that losing to an even younger generation might break him. He could get past the Big Three, then Sincaraz emerged, and now Menjoseca?! (Fonsikdar?)

I am on my favorite youngsters side Fonseca to win, he has shown the grit, mentality how to win, and he has all the variety that is needed on the clay to win
Anyone but Zverev full stop!
Fonseca is gving me Rafa chills at present when Rafa won his first slam at RG at 18 yo

 

[the AntiPusher]

As for who I'd like to win, I'm sort of torn. On one hand, I'd be happy with anyone of the eight winning it, because it is a new Slam winner. On the other, I've been open about being on Team Fonseca, who is probably my current favorite player.

That said, I really like FAA, and Fonzie will have tons more chances. FAA will too, but he's just not as good and if guys like Fonzie, Jodar, an Mensik are taking it up a notch, it is going to be harder to win Slams going forward.

I also pitty Zverev and kind of want him to win it. I know, he's a mega-douche, but still. I also think that losing to an even younger generation might break him. He could get past the Big Three, then Sincaraz emerged, and now Menjoseca?! (Fonsikdar?)

Sascha has more experience and should be body serving 60% of the time.Felix should adopt the same strategy..it worked pretty good for righty who served with his “bad” left hand.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sascha has more experience and should be body serving 60% of the time.Felix should adopt the same strategy..it worked pretty good for righty who served with his “bad” left hand.

Sasha hasnt got a tactical mind full stop, he plays too defensive, when he gets past he retreats, his serve might give free points, he has one of the weakest fhand on tour and has never done anything to improve it? player should just target his weak fhand, I love when Jannik plays him just bullies him off the court

 

[the AntiPusher]

As for who I'd like to win, I'm sort of torn. On one hand, I'd be happy with anyone of the eight winning it, because it is a new Slam winner. On the other, I've been open about being on Team Fonseca, who is probably my current favorite player.

That said, I really like FAA, and Fonzie will have tons more chances. FAA will too, but he's just not as good and if guys like Fonzie, Jodar, an Mensik are taking it up a notch, it is going to be harder to win Slams going forward.

I also pitty Zverev and kind of want him to win it. I know, he's a mega-douche, but still. I also think that losing to an even younger generation might break him. He could get past the Big Three, then Sincaraz emerged, and now Menjoseca?! (Fonsikdar?)

Felix says that Sascha is the number three rank player in the world, no question about it. He says that he is a top ranked player so he believes he deserve to be there. Marriage might have gave the Felix the Cowardly Lion some courage.. RRRRRrrrrrr

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Felix says that Sascha is the number three rank player in the world, no question about it. He says that he is a top ranked player so he believes he deserve to be there. Marriage might have gave the Felix the Cowardly Lion some courage.. RRRRRrrrrrr

Felix needs to 'grow a pair then' I need to talk to Felix and talk some sense into him ASAP my Candadian Shirley has always said to me Felix lacks the Killer Mentality

 

[El Dude]

Roddick was talking about how Zverev must be confused. He adjusted his game solely to try to beat Sincaraz, but now he's only playing guys who has routinely beaten, so does he go back to his old approach? Either way, he should be the favorite but given his track record, that's questionable.

Fonzie has been playing better than anybody, imo. The question is how long he can sustain it. I suppose it is worth pointing out that Rafa had only reached an R16 when he won Roland Garros, but he had already dominated clay season. Fonzie was flailing a bit this year, and it all just came together to face Novak. He's riding a high. If he can keep it up, he's going to hoist the RG trophy because he can beat anyone now. But whether or not he can maintain this level is unknown.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Roddick was talking about how Zverev must be confused. He adjusted his game solely to try to beat Sincaraz, but now he's only playing guys who has routinely beaten, so does he go back to his old approach? Either way, he should be the favorite but given his track record, that's questionable.

Fonzie has been playing better than anybody, imo. The question is how long he can sustain it. I suppose it is worth pointing out that Rafa had only reached an R16 when he won Roland Garros, but he had already dominated clay season. Fonzie was flailing a bit this year, and it all just came together to face Novak. He's riding a high. If he can keep it up, he's going to hoist the RG trophy because he can beat anyone now. But whether or not he can maintain this level is unknown.

Look what Rafa did as a 18 yo at RG he won his first title in 5 sets, Fonzie is giving me Rafa chills at present he has the game and the mentality to win, he has shown that in his last 2 matches

 

[the AntiPusher]

Roddick was talking about how Zverev must be confused. He adjusted his game solely to try to beat Sincaraz, but now he's only playing guys who has routinely beaten, so does he go back to his old approach? Either way, he should be the favorite but given his track record, that's questionable.

Fonzie has been playing better than anybody, imo. The question is how long he can sustain it. I suppose it is worth pointing out that Rafa had only reached an R16 when he won Roland Garros, but he had already dominated clay season. Fonzie was flailing a bit this year, and it all just came together to face Novak. He's riding a high. If he can keep it up, he's going to hoist the RG trophy because he can beat anyone now. But whether or not he can maintain this level is unknown.

What does Roddick knows..That doesnt make sense. he is probably in bed with his gorgeous wife beside him still having nightmares about Roger. You think Rafa, Roger or Novak changed their games when one of the Three headed Goats got knocked out.

 

[El Dude]

What does Roddick knows..That doesnt make sense. he is probably in bed with his gorgeous wife beside him still having nightmares about Roger. You think Rafa, Roger or Novak changed their games when one of the Three headed Goats got knocked out.

Haha. Well, I think it makes a bit of sense in that for his entire career he played one way, then started making adjustments in the last year.

Either way he must realize this is his best, and perhaps only, chance to win a Slam. I think I heard him say he has his phone off because he's trying not to think about it.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Fonzie's run here reminds me more of Alcaraz's run at the 2022 US Open than Rafa's first RG. That was the one where Novak was absent, and Rafa was upset by Tiafoe. Alcaraz went through many marathon matches, including 5-setters over Sinner in the QF and Tiafoe in the SF, on the way to winning his first slam.

Rafa made it look so easy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Fonzie's run here reminds me more of Alcaraz's run at the 2022 US Open than Rafa's first RG. That was the one where Novak was absent, and Rafa was upset by Tiafoe. Alcaraz went through many marathon matches, including 5-setters over Sinner in the QF and Tiafoe in the SF, on the way to winning his first slam.

Rafa made it look so easy.

Gee Phil I totally Disagree
I was there live at RG when Rafa won his 1st GS
When your live at a tournament it is soo different than looking at results in matches
I look at the way a player wins

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Zverev has had a easy draw he hasn't been pushed which can back fire on him when he faces pressure
Gee we have all seen the script before with Zverev