Roll On Roland Garros

The draw has been made for the second Grand Slam of the year, and Andy’s preparations are just about complete. Today he faced David Nalbandian in the final of Le Trophee de Paris. Nalbandian edged the match 6-4, 6-4, however, Andy looks in good shape going into the French Open next week.

It was Andy’s and Nalbandian’s first meeting on clay, in the beautiful setting of the Paris Country Club. The numbers one and two seeds did not disappoint the Parisian crowd, as they wooed their onlookers with some delightful clay court play.

The first set saw an array of breaks, with Nalbandian taking a 5-2 lead. Andy was able to claim one break back with some aggressive, attacking play. But he was not able to stop the Argentine - who had been superb from the back of the court - from taking the first set.

Nalbandian continued his good form breaking Andy immediately in the first game of the second set. Although the match was played on a serious note, there was some banter between Andy and Nalbandian, particularly over Andy moving too soon in anticipation to hit a return forehand winner, resulting in a couple of aces from Nalbandian.

The second set was very competitive, and Andy showed good play, as he reached many drop shots and had much success with his smashes. As defeat loomed though, Andy tried a new tactic of serving and volleying behind his first serve, resulting in an almost perfect service game.

The match ended in laughs, jokes and high spirits, as at 5-4, 40-0, Nalbandian served what appeared to be an ace. Andy asked him to play it again, and on the second serve, Andy finally nailed a forehand return winner, which resulted in cheers of delight from Andy, and smiles from Nalbandian. The number two seed was not to be as lenient on his second match point though, as he sent home a winning ace. The two exchanged warmly at the net, to the appreciation of the crowd.

In the first round of the French Open, Andy, as the number two seed, has been drawn against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France.

Stay tuned for AR.com for a full French Open preview.