Short-haired 2010 Juanqui !

   This Spanish big event clearly sets the beginning of great deals on clay. Yet, we won’t deny Nadal’s withdrawal makes JC’s chance of victory highly rising.

But this would be too easy to explain this favorable position as a mere  question of opportunity. When you look back to Juan beginning of season’s, there’s well enough datas to catch the character: 2 victories and a final on the South American, plus, who will objet Ferrero was the most serious opponent Nadal had to face (especially for a courageous and quite unlucky 1st set from JC …) Besides, at the age of 30, it is clear JC’s now playing more relaxed than he used to over the past years.

His game evolved consequently, maybe less incisive than what he showed when he was world number one, but he managed to renew his game and sight of it, instead of falling to pieces to a chaotique retirment, as some players did. Juan is back. Being back after years of meanders and doubts can’t build a Nadal or a Federer. But in my opinion, a Verdasco or a Ferrer has less chance to be a good lieutenant than Juan is. His experience, his rythm is necessary to Spanish tennis and to tennis overall.

The press noticed it, and the echo of his possible victory is widely conveyed (For instance, Have a look to this Article from tennistalks.com)

As is first match again Russian Stakhovsky hasn’t started yet (should play around 5pm GMT), JC had the good surprise to be awarded a prize, rewarding his good beginning of season, labelling him the “Player 10″, as Juan managed to reach his current 16th rank (I think he yet even reached the 15th or 14th… any precise clue ?) You can see the whole article in the news, from the Official site of the tournament

That is why I solemnly put a coin on a JC victory or this Barcelona event ! What about you all  ? See you for a debriefing after the match !

Y VAMOS JUAN CARLOS !!