Mark Woodford: From Clay Frustration to Grass Glory - A Tennis Legend's View of the Grand Slams

23 May 2025

As the European tennis season enters its most prestigious phase, the focus shifts to the hallowed grounds of Roland Garros and Wimbledon. For a player who has won at all four Grand Slams, including an elusive men's doubles title at the French Open in his final year, Mark Woodford is the perfect guide to the intricacies of clay and grass.

The Allure and Agony of Roland Garros
Woodford describes Roland Garros as a "true test of patience, physical level, and mental capacity," and arguably the most difficult of the four majors to win. He explains that to succeed on clay, a player must have a complete game, combining a strong offensive presence with a great "defensive base." This unique challenge was particularly difficult for Woodford and his doubles partner, Todd Woodbridge, as their aggressive, net-rushing style had to be adapted.
He recalls the "heartbreak" of repeatedly coming close to victory on the Parisian clay, only to finally secure the men's doubles title in his final year on tour, a victory that provided immense relief. For him, the surface "diffused part of the strengths of our game," forcing them to "learn other ways of how to win."
Woodford also praises the French Federation for their significant investment in modernising the venue. He highlights the new retractable roof on Court Philippe Chatrier, the improved fan facilities, and the overall increase in "acreage" that has transformed Roland Garros into a world-class venue. He now considers it his "favourite Grand Slam" to commentate on, a stark contrast to his frustrations as a player. He loves the "fashion slam" and the passionate crowds who create a roar, “unlike any of the other majors”.

Players to Watch: From Sinner to Sabalenka
On the men's side, Woodford believes the field is wide open, with a few key players to watch. He identifies Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the standout players, but circles Italian dark horse Lorenzo Musetti due to his "incredible backhand slice" and well-rounded game. He also flags British player Jack Draper and Czech youngster Jakub Mensik as potential dangers, both of whom have the offensive weapons to disrupt the marquee names.
For the women, Woodford believes three-time champion Iga Swiatek remains a favourite despite her "spotty performance" leading up to the tournament. He's a firm believer that great champions "focus on the biggest tournaments," and expects her to be ready. He also highlights the potential of American Coco Gauff, whose defensive skills are aided by the clay surface, allowing her to stay in rallies against big hitters.
His ultimate predictions for Roland Garros are a fascinating call. He believes his "fellow ginger," Jannik Sinner, will win on the men's side, having had time to work on his game, body, and mind during a three-month suspension. For the women, he picks Italian Jasmine Paolini, a "street fighter" who proved she could handle the pressure of a home crowd by winning the recent Italian Open.

The Hallowed Turf: Wimbledon Changed Forever
Wimbledon, for Woodford, is steeped in "historical side." He felt that simply competing there meant you "had made it on the tour." He holds cherished memories of his numerous victories, including a specific story about playing the mixed doubles final with Martina Navratilova and receiving a crucial tip about using the "cracks in the court" to gain an advantage. This insight, which he then passed on to his doubles partner Todd Woodbridge, highlights the old-school grass-court strategy.
However, Woodford notes a significant change in the tournament over the years. The grass itself is "a lot different" now, grown to be stronger to survive the full British summer. This means the ball bounces "a lot higher," making the transition from clay to grass far easier for modern players. As a result, the classic serve-and-volley style is less prevalent, with many players able to stay on the baseline and "play almostan identical brand of tennis as to what they've just played over on Roland Garros."

Predictions: A British Hope and a Big Hitter
Woodford believes that Alcaraz will continue his winning ways at Wimbledon, predicting he will win the men's title again this year. He notes that the Spaniard finds the transition from clay to grass to be "less strenuous," and that his recent win over Sinner gives him a "Superman approach."
On the women's side, he predicts Aryna Sabalenka will claim the title. He argues that her powerful, offensive game and big serve are crucial weapons for winning majors. He feels she has "tasted defeat a number of times" at Wimbledon when in a strong position, and that these losses will fuel her to "learn" and win this year.
For Mark Woodford's full, exclusive stories and insights on Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and his personal career, make sure to listen to This Sporting Planet's podcast and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.