World No. 1 Serena Williams came into the French Open main draw with only one title in nine months, but the American told media on Friday that she’ s confident in defending her title here at Roland Garros. Williams could tie Steffi Graf for most singles titles with a French Open victory while Djokovic could complete his career Grand Slam, the French Open being the only major title that has eluded him in his career thus far.
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The likelihood of that looks more favorable than in previous years given the absence of 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, who pulled out on Thursday after failing to shake off a back problem, Nadal’s struggles to get back to his best level on clay, and the inconsistent form of defending champion Stan Wawrinka. It snaps Federer’s streak of 65 straight Grand Slam tournaments played, a record.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Serena Williams – targeting a fourth French Open title – could meet 2010 victor Francesca Schiavone in round three.
There then followed losses in the finals of the USA and Australian Opens and a defeat to main rival Victoria Azarenka at Indian Wells.
But Nishikori’s record at the French Open is modest with a quarter-final spot previous year representing his best performance.
“I am still not 100 percent and feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event before I am really ready”.
Serena eyes 22nd Slam: Murray, fresh from beating Djokovic in the Rome Masters final, will meet a qualifier in the first round with a potential quarter-final against Japan’s Kei Nishikori.
“For me, if I’m not winning, I’m not happy about my year”, added the 34-year-old.
Her victory in Paris past year followed successes in 2002 and 2013, and she then followed up with the Wimbledon title in July. “For the fans and everybody”, Nadal said Friday.
Murray lost to Djokovic in last year’s semifinals at Roland Garros, but not before he frustrated the Serb by battling back from two sets down to force a decider.
He had gotten off to a good start on clay this season reaching the Monte-Carlo final – the first French player to do so since Cedric Pioline won the title in 2000 – losing in three sets to Rafael Nadal 7-5, 5-7, 6-0.
Skipping the French Open will give Federer more time to prepare for Wimbledon, a tournament he has won a record-equaling seven times.
A year ago, he beat Nadal in the French Open quarterfinals, only the second loss in 72 career matches at the tournament for the nine-time champion.
It was Isner’s first competitive match since April 10.
It is the second time the Frenchman has missed the tournament after 2012, when he did not play because of a knee injury.
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Serena Williams, who like Federer will turn 35 later this year, hailed the Swiss star’s longevity and conceded it would be unusual not to see the 2009 French Open champion in Paris.
