French Open Tennis Predictions 2008

In the 2007 French Open we saw Roger Federer once again denied by Rafael Nadal as the Spaniard claimed French Open title no. 3. In the women's tournament the world no. 1 player Justine Henin dominated her Serbian opponent to defeat Ana Ivanovic 6-1, 6-2.

Before making predictions about the French Open for 2008, one thing that will not happen is that Justine Henin will win the women's title. Henin shocked the tennis world with her recent immediate retirement from the sport she has dominated over recent years.

Looking at the current women's tour rankings we see Maria Sharapova is in the no. 1 spot vacated by Henin. Sharapova has a slender lead over world no. 2 Ana Ivanovic. This pair faced each other at the Australian Open earlier this year with Sharapova coming out on top.

You would have to say that one of the top two players will be a good chance to lift the women's trophy on finals day. Ivanovic is of course the losing finalist from last year and is expected to improve on that result. Sharapova if fit should also go close to winning the title. The current no.1 was troubled by a calf injury in the Rome tournament.

Looking at other players likely to challenge for the women's title are Jelena Jankovic who won in Rome, Serena Williams the 2002 champion and Svetlana Kuznetsova the 2006 runnerup.

So far I have only spoken about the top five players on the WTA rankings. It is hard to see anyone outside of this group breaking through for a French Open title. If I had to pick an outsider it would be world no. 12 Vera Zvonareva. The Russian has shown some good recent clay court form and could be ready to take on the top 5.

My prediction for the women's 2008 French Open tennis title is that Jelena Jankovic will get her breakthrough grand slam title.

Moving over to the men's tournament it is hard to go past the three time defending champion Rafael Nadal. No surprises here, the two most likely to dethrone the king of clay are world no. 1 Roger Federer and world no. 3 Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic as the Australian Open winner will be looking to take the next step towards a Grand Slam. He does have some chance of being crowned champion at Roland Garros however Nadal will be tough as usual. The recent early round loss for Nadal at the Rome Masters event would have freshened the champ up as we head into the French Open.

It is hard to see anyone but the top three winning the French Open men's title for 2008. Maybe local hope Richard Gasquet could step up for the occasion or perhaps David Nalbandian will grab his first grand slam title. He surprised all by making the Wimbledon final in 2002. If he is to win he will need to improve on recent form as he has not impressed so far this year. My other dark horse is David Ferrer who at no. 5 in the world should be ready to take the next step.

My prediction for the 2008 men's French Open title is Novak Djokovic. I see Nadal being surprised in the quarterfinals.