If you want an example of sheer dominance on the tennis court, just take a look at Rafael Nadal. The Spanish sensation has mastered the iconic red clay and has won the French Open title in seven of the past eight years. An untimely knee injury marred his 2012 campaign, but thankfully, “The King of Clay” appears to be back on track after claiming his first title since last year’s French Open by defeating David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open on Feb. 17.
The 2013 French Open is scheduled for May 26-June 9 at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France, and if Nadal can remain healthy, the 11-time Grand Slam champion has a great chance at continuing his reign. If there’s anyone who can dethrone Nadal in Paris, it’s the world’s top-ranked player, Novak Djokovic. In January, the Serbian superstar became the first player to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, and he was the runner-up in last year’s French Open, losing in four sets, 6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5. If Djokovic wins this year, he’ll have completed the elusive career Grand Slam feat.
On the Women’s side, Maria Sharapova will enter in as the defending champion. The Russian was able to win her first French Open and complete a career Grand Slam by defeating Italy’s Sara Errani, 6-3, 6-2. Both Nadal and Sharapova can expect the usual suspects like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, and Victoria Azarenka as challengers for this year’s title. The second Grand Slam of the season is always one of the finest, so book your seats today with a purchase of 2013 French Open tickets.
