The French Open is set to witness an unprecedented event as Novak Djokovic vies for a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title without his long-standing rival Rafael Nadal, who is absent from the tournament for the first time since 2004.
Meanwhile, defending champion Iga Swiatek aims to become the first woman in 16 years to retain her title.
Despite struggling with an elbow injury and facing early exits in his three clay-court events this season, Serbian veteran Djokovic will seize the opportunity to surpass Rafael Nadal’s 14-time French Open victory.
However, the road to victory won’t be easy, as Carlos Alcaraz, the new world number one after winning the Barcelona and Madrid Opens, poses a significant threat. Additionally, Daniil Medvedev, seeded second after his maiden clay triumph in Rome, is also a strong contender.
Djokovic’s path to victory may include facing Andrey Rublev, the champion of the Monte Carlo Masters, in the quarter-finals. The other half of the draw appears more open, with Medvedev, despite never progressing past the quarter-finals in Paris, being the highest seed.
Notably, rising star Holger Rune, who surprised everyone with a quarter-final appearance last year, may have a chance to face Casper Ruud in the last eight, setting the stage for a potentially intense rematch.
On the women’s side, the top contenders for the title are the reigning champion Iga Swiatek, Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina. Together, they have clinched the last four Grand Slam titles, with at least one of them featuring in every WTA 1000 final this season.
Swiatek, favoured to win her third Roland Garros title and achieve a historic women’s title defence, retired from her Italian Open quarter-final due to a thigh injury. However, she remains determined to perform well at the French Open.
Elena Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion and ranked fourth, comes into the tournament with recent victories in Rome and Indian Wells. The possibility of a Swiatek-Rybakina showdown in the semis adds further excitement.
Among other title hopefuls are last year’s runner-up Coco Gauff, Tunisian player Ons Jabeur, and world number three Jessica Pegula. With these formidable athletes set to compete, the French Open promises thrilling matches and intense competition.
Stay tuned as the action unfolds on the clay courts of Roland Garros, where history will be made and new champions will be crowned.
