The French Imposition

Although it's true that France boasts a vast number of talented players populating the top 100 - proof of this being the Davis Cup final showing later this year - there is a secret behind it all. On the ATP calendar you can spot tournaments played at Marseille (250), Nice (250), Metz (250), Montpellier (250), Paris (1000) and, of course, Roland Garros.

It's not merely the advantage of playing infront of a partisan crowd but also the fact that wild cards are handed out to local players, thus improving their chances of cracking into the tour.

Apart from the before mentioned tournaments, we must add the Monte Carlo Masters which basically classifies as France and where French players are gifted wild cards. Also the French Federation has reached an agreement with the Australian and American Federations to assure a wild card for French players at both the US and Australian Open.

With this sort of help who knows what other nations would achieve in the game. Nevertheless fair play to the French for imposing themselves so well.