French Open 2014 Predictions

Who's the real French Open 2014 favorite?

The 2014 French Open starts this weekend. Clay court giant Rafael Nadal is looking for his fifth straight French Open title and ninth overall. With a victory, he will tie Pete Sampras for second place on the men’s singles grand slam list.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams needs a win to tie Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova for fourth place on the women’s singles grand slam list at 18. How will the two fare? Here are predictions for the 2014 French Open finals.

Prediction Men: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic

Nadal hasn’t been his usual dominant self in this year’s clay court season. He has losses to Djokovic, David Ferrer, and unbelievably Nicolas Almagro.

Still, those losses were in three-set matches where Nadal dropped two sets. Beating him three sets on clay will be extremely difficult.

Nadal should get his first test when he takes on Ferrer in the quarterfinals. Despite this season’s loss, Nadal has 18 victories over him in 19 matches on clay and should win. From there Nadal will face the now elite Stanislas Wawrinka. Wawrinka beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian and has played him tough on all surfaces. I expect it to be a close, possible five set match, but for Nadal to get the victory.

Djokovic, who will be in the finals after a hard-fought battle with Roger Federer in the semis, will give Nadal another tough battle, but the Spaniard will get the win. Nadal’s earlier losses on clay should refocus him. He’s 27 and in his prime. He will get the title on his favorite surface.

Others to Watch:

• Stanislas Wawrinka 
• Roger Federer

Prediction women: Ana Ivanovic def. Serena Williams

Williams has two French Open titles and has often found a way to lose this title. She is the defending champion, so she is looking to continue her winning streak. A matchup with rival Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals could be tough, but I expect Williams to win.

In the semis Agnieszka Radwanska will likely await. Williams is the better clay court player and should get the win and move into the finals.

That brings us to Ivanovic.

Ivanovic, is a former World No. 1 who is playing her best tennis since that 2008 ranking. That year she also happened to win the French Open. Her draw in the quarters will likely be Simona Halep. They both have wins over each other on clay this year. I think Ivanovic’s experience and nerves will hold up better and she’ll get the victory.

In the semis, Australian Open winner and former French winner Li Na should be her opponent. The two have little history with each other, but Ivanovic’s serve should give her an edge if she can consistently get it in. I think she will and advance to face Williams. Ivanovic knocked Williams out of the Australian, but Williams beat her a week ago. This match will continue to come down to Ivanovic’s and Williams’ consistency. I see Ivanovic’s solid forehand as being the difference maker and her to pick up her second French Open title.

Others to Watch:

• Simona Halep
• Li Na
• Sara Errani