Rafa can do feat on clay

22 May 2015 - 02:08 By Kevin Anderson

Springtime in Europe is always exciting for the tennis community. On the back of some competitive events in Madrid and Rome, we now look forward to the French Open, quickly followed by Wimbledon. A lot of the Roland Garros build-up surrounds world number seven Rafael Nadal and whether he can still be considered the favourite. It will be the first time in as long as I can remember that he has not been a top-four seed. The significance is that he could face any one of world number one Novak [Djokovic], Roger [Federer] or [Andy] Murray, as early as the quarterfinals.Novak's form this year has been phenomenal and Murray has had a great run on clay. However, despite the perceived dip in form, I find it hard not to make a guy who has won nine of the last 10 the favourite. Regardless, it should make for compelling viewing and I hope I can ruffle some of those feathers as well.There are also a few names in the chasing pack who I think could do well. David Ferrer is a player to whom I have lost in the last two French Opens and one I admire, especially on clay. He is such a tough competitor and I can see him possibly making a run to the semis. Kei Nishikori is another one to watch. He has crept up to the top five and already has a Grand Slam final under his belt.Contrary to popular opinion, myself and the other "big guys" [on the ATP world tour] actually feel quite comfortable playing on clay. On a personal note, the ball often sits up higher which puts it in my strike zone; and on a hot day my serves can really bounce up high on an opponent and make life very difficult for them. I have reached the last 16 at Roland Garros for the past two years and I'm aiming to go at least one round better this time.My European clay swing took a slow start. Making the initial adjustment from the hard courts of the US to the red clay can be tricky. After early exits in Estoril and Madrid, things started to come together in Rome, where I reached the last 16. I bowed out to an in-form Federer, which I can't be too disappointed about.On the women's side, Serena [Williams] is the favourite, having lost only one competitive match so far this year. [Maria] Sharapova has proved in recent years that clay can be one of her best surfaces and she won last week in Rome. My outside tips would be Petra Kvitova, who on her day can beat anyone, and Carla Suarez Navarro, who is not only a clay specialist, but also the form player on the WTA tour this year. Roland Garros begins on Sunday.SA's Anderson is ranked 16th in the ATP rankings, and has a 19-12 win-loss record this year. He has also won more than R5.8-million in prize money this year...

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