The Red Clay Ruins Dreams

Roland Garros is the scene of many heartbreaks for Americans. Sampras never won there, McEnroe never won there, and countless others have been turned away by the red clay. It's the great equalizer. The bad footing and the heavy ball makes for long rallies and longer matches. It is not a surface most Americans are accustomed to playing on and they struggle. The hard court is not good preparation for what they face in France. It has been said that to truly be a great tennis player you must win on hard courts, grass and clay. The latter seems to be the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Much like soccer the rest of the world has an easier time adapting to the change and this year won't be any different. Roddick has little or no chance and I were a betting man (which I am) I would put my money on Nadal. Serena has an outside chance, but Sharapova is overdue and her length will be an advantage. Can't wait for Paris.