Hi Everyone!

It is the clay court match of the decade if it happens; the Nadal versus Federer final. My call is for Nadal to win it as I do not think Federer saw the best of him in Hamburg. Roger has spoken far more than usual about how good he feels going into this French Open and is possibly still trying to convince himself that he has the key to beating Nadal. However he is Federer which is why it will be so interesting if this final happens. Ironically it may be Nadal who falls before the last hurdle because other players like Djokovic have renewed energy because of the Hamburg result. For any ‘punters’ out there I have a sneaking suspicion that Gaston Gaudio will surprise and may make the quarter-finals as he has totally taken the pressure off himself with talk of retirement. Having won in Paris before he will have a massive feel good factor especially if it is his last. I have also seen him in the gym relaxed and positive despite a horrible run of form lately.

MCTA

I am in Paris coaching Wes Moodie and Todd Perry. Wes and I are discussing a longer term involvement with the MCTA. The Academy has advanced at a fast pace with Ilija breaking top 100 Juniors and Anna posting her best pro result so far with a Challenger quarter-final and doubles final with Ana Veselinovic (who qualified this week for a Challenger in Italy)

All three players are now at their career-high rankings and establishing new career highs almost weekly. We look forward to this continuing throughout the summer and for Ilija and Anna to impress at Junior Wimbledon. Anna starts next week in Surbiton and hopefully Ilija can play the French Open as he will be signing in as an alternate, due to the ranking cut-off being 4 weeks ago before his run into the top 100.

David