Tennis fans are getting set for the biggest show on clay. For the next two weeks, the best pros in the world will play on the clay courts of the Stade Roland Garros for the French Open Championships in Paris.
Spring in Paris. How nice! But the pros face long rallies on a slippery surface and unpredictable weather. The women play best-of-of-three sets. The men, however, play best-of-five sets, and the champion will have survived seven rounds of what some think is the most difficult of the four grand slams to win. And you have to stay focused for two full weeks. So for the women and especially the men, it is a grueling test of strength and talent.So what does it take to win the “world title on dirt?” Superb physical fitness is a must. Four-hour matches over five sets are to be expected. The human backboards are always tough on clay. They have the lethal groundstrokes and footwork that is comfortable on the slippery clay in Paris.Patience is also key. The pros who have success are mentally prepared in several ways. They know a two-week event takes special concentration. You can’t get too high or too low. Level attitude for the two weeks is needed. Be mentally prepared for long rallies, sometimes 20 to30 hits a rally. Weather delays can also be metally taxing. Again, patience is the key.The French crowds are always very vocal and can add a lot of “atmosphere” to any match. So enjoy the long rallies, superb footwork and finely conditioned pros play these next two weeks for the biggest prize on clay–The French Open.By Cliff Richey from Worldtennismagazine.com
No comments:
Post a Comment