With Jannik Sinner’s success at the Australian Open, anticipation for the 2024 French Open has surged to new heights. The crimson clay of Roland Garros now awaits the pounding of tennis shoes and the resounding thwack of a racket meeting ball. The tournament is a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and raw determination. It begins on May 26 and ends on June 9, 2024.
As we prepare to witness history unfold on the clay courts of Roland Garros this May, let’s take a closer look at the players who are hyped to seize the spotlight, win the €49.6 million (up to 12.3 % of 2023) prize money, and etch their names into tennis greatness.
Men’s Top Contenders
Carlos Alcaraz
At 18 years old, Carlos Alcaraz rose rapidly in the tennis World. His talent was evident when he became the youngest player to reach the third round of the US Open since 1996. Alcaraz is the Youngest player to win the Miami Open at 18 and the Madrid Open at 19. He also became the youngest ATP world No. 1 at 19 years and four months.
Alcaraz has demonstrated exceptional skill on clay courts, claiming his first ATP title at the Rio Open in 2021. He has featured in two and won both Glam Slam finals (2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon). Alcaraz’s determination and fearlessness make him a strong contender to win his first victory on clay.
Novak Djokovic
The French Open defending champion has surpassed other male players in tennis history to become the most successful singles player of all time, with a record- 24 Grand Slam titles.
At 36 years and 20 days, he became the first to clinch a triple-career Grand Slam title while also becoming the oldest French Open champion. The Serb is the only male player to secure three titles each in all Gram Slam tournaments. His first Grand Slam win was at the 2008 Australian Open, and he now has an impressive tally of three French Open championships, ten championships in the Australian Open, seven at Wimbledon, and three at the U.S. Open.
Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner (who went on to win the tournament) in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open, ending his 10-time unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park. He would look to return to Paris to continue his dominance in Male tennis.
Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard is synonymous with clay court dominance, earning him the title “King of Clay.” His Legacy on the clay courts is unparalleled. Rafael Nadal announced this year’s tournament as his Last after he suffered a persisting hip injury that first emerged in the 2023 Australian Open. He missed last year’s French Open tournament for the first time since his debut in 2004.
With fourteen French Open titles, the 37-year-old will enter the tournament confident and knowledgeable. Nadel’s footwork and mental strength establish him as a formidable opponent for any player. His mastery of the surface and relentless intensity make him the favorite at what could be his final Roland Garros. As one of the greatest players of all time, Nadal’s sheer presence instills fear in his opponents.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have dominated the claycourt season for eight years. As the next Tournament approaches, they may go head-to-head with challenges from a new generation of talented players who relentlessly pursue glory on Clay.
Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud, the highest-ranked Norwegian player in history, first won his maiden ATP title at the Argentina Open in 2020. He has since continued to excel in every tournament, reaching multiple quarterfinals and semifinals at ATP Tour events.
Ruud has made it to three Grand Slam finals. He lost his first finals to Rafael Nadal in 2022. Ruud made it to the third rounds on multiple occasions, from 2019 to 2021, and also got to the third round of the US Open in 2020.
The 23-year-old reached his second Grand Slam final at the 2022 US Open. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz. His performance at the tournament put him up to rank No. 2. Ruud lost to Novak Djokovic in his second French Open finals appearance in 2023.
With each season, Ruud’s game continues to evolve. He would look to turn his fortune this time and capitalize on his previous mistakes, making him a threat at the French Open.
Women’s Top Contenders
Iga Swiatek
The Polish first shocked the world when she won the French Open title in 2020, becoming the youngest singles champion at Roland Garros since 1992 and the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Swiatek has consistently delivered impressive results and established herself as one of the best in the sport. She is a three-time winner at the French Open with victories in the 2022 and 2023 editions and currently ranks No. 1. Swiatek possesses all it takes to thrive at the 2024 French Open. All eyes will be on her to add another Grand Slam victory to her career.
Aryna Sabalenka
After winning the 2024 Australian Open in January, Aryna Sabalenka will come into the 2024 French Open as a favorite to win the tournament. The Belarusian has claimed multiple WTA titles and reached the top 10 rankings.
Sabalenka’s breakthrough at the Grand Slam level came at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, where she reached her first major semifinal. She has now won two Gram Slams (the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open).
Her aggressive style of play translates well to clay courts, as shown by her deep runs at previous French Open tournaments. Sabalenka can follow plays from the baseline and strike winners from all areas of the court, making her a formidable opponent to play on Clay courts.
Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur has made waves in women’s tennis with her unique playing style. Hailing from Tunisia, she became the first Arab woman to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam at the 2020 Australian Open. She is also the highest-ranked African and Arab tennis player in WTA and ATP rankings history.
Her style of play would be a challenge to her opponents on clay courts. Jabeur first reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2021. She has now appeared in and lost three Gram Slam finals, including the 2022 Wimbledon and US Open and the 2023 Wimbledon tournament.
Coco Gauff
The American made multiple headlines with her performances at Grand Slam tournaments as a teenager. These include her memorable runs to the fourth round at the 2019 Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 2020.
Coco Gauff’s style of play, physique, and speed drew comparisons to Selena and Venus Williams. She has already established herself as a great player on the clay courts. She lost to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 French Open finals and won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2023.
FRENCH OPEN TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY IN HIGH DEMAND!
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