For the first time in 20 years, the men’s singles at Roland-Garros lacks a definitive favorite.
With Djokovic, Nadal, Sinner, and Zverev all in the mix, the 123rd edition of this prestigious tournament promises to be unpredictable and thrilling.
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A wide-open field
As the 2024 Roland-Garros tournament kicks off, there’s no clear frontrunner among the men. Unlike the women’s draw, where Iga Swiatek is the dominant force, the men’s competition is wide open. This year’s tournament, starting on May 26th, could be anyone’s game.
The pre-Nadal era returns
It’s been nearly two decades since the men’s field was this open. Before Rafael Nadal’s reign of dominance on clay, such uncertainty was common. This year, Nadal is competing for what could be his last Roland-Garros title, having claimed victory 14 times on the Parisian clay.
Injury concerns and uncertain performances
Several top players enter the tournament with question marks hanging over them. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, world numbers 2 and 3, have both dealt with injuries recently. Sinner’s hip and Alcaraz’s forearm issues have raised doubts about their ability to perform at their peak during this Grand Slam event.
Recent form and draws
Despite their injuries, Sinner and Alcaraz have been fortunate with their draw, potentially facing each other in the semifinals. Sinner, in particular, has had a stellar season, winning the Australian Open, Miami Masters, and Rotterdam, propelling him to world number two. A victory at Roland-Garros would secure his spot as the ATP’s top player, marking a historic achievement for Italian tennis.
Who is YOUR favorite player?
We know Alcaraz's one 😁#RolandGarros @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/KuEPRPHsbi
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2024
Djokovic: A fallen giant?
Normally, when Nadal is absent, Novak Djokovic takes center stage at Roland-Garros. However, 2024 has been a challenging year for the Serbian superstar. Djokovic has not won a tournament or reached a final this year, an unusual slump for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Challenging path ahead
Djokovic’s journey won’t be easy, as he could face Nadal or Zverev in the semifinals. He begins his campaign against France’s Pierre-Hughes Herbert, a seemingly easy start but one that leads to potential high-stakes matches later on.
Nadal’s possible farewell
Returning to training on Philippe-Chatrier, Rafael Nadal is preparing for what many believe could be his final Roland-Garros. Despite physical struggles over the past two years, Nadal seems ready to compete again. His current ranking of 276 presents a tough challenge, starting with a match against world number 4, Alexander Zverev.
An uphill battle
Nadal’s low ranking means a tough draw, but his determination and experience could carry him far. Facing Zverev in the first round is a daunting task, yet the Spanish legend’s resilience on clay has surprised many before.
Zverev: The dark horse
Alexander Zverev faces a significant challenge right from the start with Nadal as his opponent. The German has bitter memories of his semifinal loss to Nadal two years ago due to injury. However, his recent victory at the Rome Masters 1000 positions him as a formidable contender.
Strong form and High stakes
Zverev’s current form and his past successes at Roland-Garros, where he has reached the semifinals three times, make him a key player to watch. His ability to navigate the early rounds could set the stage for a deep run.
Other contenders: Tsitsipas, Ruud, and more
With the usual favorites in uncertain form, players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, and others see an opportunity. Tsitsipas and Ruud have shown strong performances in recent tournaments but have yet to establish themselves as clear favorites.
Unpredictable outcomes
The titles this season have been evenly distributed among players, adding to the unpredictability. Besides Sinner and Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz won at Indian Wells, Tsitsipas triumphed in Monte-Carlo, and Andrey Rublev took Madrid. Ruud also shows promise with his consistency, but none have dominated enough to be deemed the favorite.
This article explores the unprecedented openness of the 2024 Roland-Garros men’s draw, examining the contenders and their recent forms. With top players like Djokovic and Nadal not in peak form and emerging talents like Sinner and Alcaraz dealing with injuries, the tournament is set for an exciting and unpredictable showdown.
