2009 Roland Garros - French Open Preview

It's the time of the year again for the (some say) most challenging grand slam, the French Open.

Here's a preview of the tournament.



This year's tournament will run from May 24th to June 7th, which means there are only 3 days left before the players are tested on the dusty, challenging red clay courts of Roland Garros.

So, are you ready for some brutally brilliant tennis?

I bet Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic fans are ready.

Gael Monfils doubtful for French Open after knee injury

Reuters reported that Gael Monfils was on the verge of withdrawing from the French Open on Wednesday because of a knee injury.

In an interview after the exhibition match in Rueil where he lost 6-4, 6-0 to Marcos Baghdatis, Monfils said, "If I had to decide today, the answer would be no," the world number 11, who reached the semi-finals at Roland-Garros last year.

"I clench my teeth but my knee is still hurting. I'll make my decision at the last minute. I have six days left as I have asked to play on Tuesday. I still believe a miracle will happen," he added.

According to French federation doctor Bernard Montalvan, the 22-year-old Monfils suffers from an inflammation of the kneecap which could require surgery and a long period of rehabilitation.

Updates: Monfils was at the Disneyland Paris together with Stanislas Wawrinka for a promotional event.

Go read it at Black Tennis Pro's blog.


(Via guardian.co.uk; Image via menstennisforums.com, blacktennispros.com)

Players hit the practice court prior to French Open

Here are some photos of some of the star players at the practice court.

Sorry but there's no shirtless photos... This is not the Australian Open.

Roger Federer

Sebastien Grosjean did some shopping at the Roland Garros souvenir shop.

Paul-Henri Mathieu

Marcos Baghdatis

Gaston Gaudio

Amelie Mauresmo

Venus Williams

Serena Williams with daddy Richard who just got married recently.

Jelena Jankovic

(Images via French Open official website)

Rafael Nadal fears no one

Rafael Nadal will grace the cover page of Men's Journal magazine in June.

The title on the magazine seems to appear at the right time, after the world no.1 was humbled by his biggest rival, Roger Federer at the Madrid Masters last Sunday.

It's like a reminder to all of us that whoever his opponents are at the French Open, Nadal fears no one including Federer.

Nadal is still very much the favourite to clinch a fifth consecutive French Open title.

(Via menstennisforums.com)