The first month of the European clay court season is over an it is time for a short check-up on who is among the favorites for the French Open. So far it is only a handful of players who were able to claim a clay court title this year and in April all of them carried a Spanish passport. But the rest of the season was pretty much a Latin love affair, as well. Only one “white boy” was able to claim one of the 9 tournament titles handed out on the red dirt this year. And guess where he is from?!? –Switzerland of course. But surprise, surprise – it was not Roger who did it. It was Stan Wawrinka who took the title in Casablanca, Marocco in the beginning of April. All the other winner came either from Spain or South America. Nadal took the two ATP-1000 series titles in April, Juan Carlos Ferrero also captured two titles and fellow spainiards Verdasco and Ferrer won one event. The other two winners are Brasilian Thomasz Belluci and Juan Ignacio Chela from Argentina. So, who else will be among the contenders for the French this year? For sure it is Roger, who has an easy draw in Estoril this week and will probably win and get some confidence for his title defense in Madrid. Robin Soderling, who reached at least a final against Verdasco, is also playing quite well and might have a chance to get to the semis at Roland Garros. The most disappointing performance comes from Murray and Djokovic who did not do much damage on clay yet. But as soon as the French start and we will play best of five sets, they will be there again, I’m sure. But I don’t see more than a quarterfinal for them. Del Potro and Davydenko are still out because of injuries and this made it much easier for the Spanish clay court specialists so far. But at least Davydenko might be back for the French. But it remains uncertain, if he can show up with confidence and some clay court wins in his bag. So, far it all looks like a Latin love affair in Paris or Nadal and Federer again will get it on again... ;) Let’s see… Hardy Hesse Hesse Tennis Training Professional Training and Coaching for Top Juniors and Professionals