5 Things to look for...

Hi everyone...

With Day 1 in the books after another Sunday start (which I'm still struggling to get used to) I thought I'd mention 5 things I am going to be looking for this French Open.

1- Is this where it ends?

Is this finally when Fed's streak of Slam semifinals is going to end? No question clay is still his worst surface and there are a handful of guys in his section that could take him out. His form has been suspect for this clay court season. BUT. At the end of the day, it's hard to ever bet against him.

2- Somebody help US(A).

Is this going to be the year when an American man breaks through and makes a run? Roddick hasn't played much dirt ball this year but is always a tough out in the Majors. Isner and Querrey are giving us some hope, but can there big bodies handle best of 5 grinding clay court matches? I predict one American man reaches week 2.

3- The Deadly Quarter

The blockbuster women's 1st quarter of the draw features Henin, Serena, Sharapova, Peer, Bartoli, and Stosur. All eyes are on Serena and #22 seed Henin...something tells me if they meet up, that result will decide the French Open champ.

4- The Wounded

Will the injury bug continue to bite at Roland Garros? Even before a ball was struck this tournament lost huge names on both sides. Clijster, Davydenko, Del Potro...just to name a few all weren't fit to play. Hopefully that's the end of injury in Paris.

5- Still the King?

Rafa has returned to domination on the clay. That being said, Slams are a different animal and I'm anxious to see how Rafa looks in his first few matches. Hopefully he can get on and off the court as quick as he can. Efficiency is going to be the key for Rafa to get his crown back.

Coverage starts at 5 AM ET tomorrow for Day 2 of the French Open on the Tennis Channel so tune in!

Don't watch it alone, I'll do my best to live tweet scores and commentary for all of you working without a TV. click HERE for the twitter page.

E-mail any questions/comments to Tiebreak.Tennis@yahoo.com

See you tomorrow,
TT