The highly anticipated French Open kicks off this Sunday, with tennis enthusiasts eagerly awaiting to see if the legendary Rafael Nadal or the defending champion Novak Djokovic can rise to the occasion. On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek appears unstoppable. Our experts share their insights on who they believe will emerge victorious.
Who Will Win the Men’s Singles Title?
Pam Shriver: I’m going with Rafa Nadal. The 14-time champion remains the greatest clay-court player in history, and despite the numerous questions surrounding the current favorites, I still believe in his magic. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Djokovic all carry uncertainties that make it difficult to confidently pick any of them. Although Nadal faces a daunting first-round match against Alexander Zverev, he has continually defied expectations for two decades. While it might seem unlikely for him to claim his 15th Roland Garros title, never count Nadal out.
Brad Gilbert: This year’s men’s field is perhaps the most open it has been in two decades. Djokovic, who typically dominates, has not won a tournament in 2024. With injury concerns for Sinner and Alcaraz, the field is wide open. The fact that Nadal is unseeded and facing Zverev in the first round adds to the unpredictability. The first week will likely eliminate some top seeds, leading to an intense second-week showdown. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, and Zverev could capitalize on this opportunity. Expect surprises as the tournament unfolds.
Bill Connelly: For players like Zverev, Tsitsipas, Ruud, and Holger Rune, this is a golden opportunity to seize a Grand Slam title amidst the uncertainty. Despite this, my pick is Djokovic. His track record in best-of-five matches is formidable, and even though he hasn’t clinched a title this season, his experience and resilience make him a strong contender.
Tom Hamilton: The men’s field is more unpredictable than ever. Sinner’s recovery from a hip injury, Nadal’s potential resurgence, Djokovic’s potential dominance, and Alcaraz’s arm injury all add layers of complexity. While many players, including Zverev, Rublev, Rune, and Ruud, have chances, my pick is Alcaraz if he’s fit. If not, Djokovic or Ruud could very well take the title.
D’Arcy Maine: This is one of the hardest French Opens to predict for the men’s side. The numerous contenders and their respective question marks make it a tough call. Initially, I considered Sinner, assuming he was fully recovered. However, his path to the final looks challenging. Therefore, I’m picking Ruud, who has reached the final in the past two years and won the title in Barcelona this year. He has also beaten Djokovic recently, which could boost his confidence.
Who Will Win the Women’s Singles Title?
Pam Shriver: Iga Swiatek is poised to win her fourth Roland Garros. Her dominance on clay, comparable to Nadal’s, makes her the clear favorite. Having won both Madrid and Rome, Swiatek is well-positioned to claim her fifth major title. It’s fitting to pick both Swiatek and Nadal, given her admiration for him.
Bill Connelly: Swiatek is listed as the overwhelming favorite by ESPN BET, and for good reason. If she wins, she’ll have matched Nadal’s French Open titles by the age of 23. Her prowess on clay makes it impossible to bet against her.
Tom Hamilton: We’re witnessing a transition from Nadal’s era to Swiatek’s on clay. Swiatek’s performance in Madrid and Rome highlights her exceptional form. Her developing rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka is exciting, but Swiatek’s command on clay is unparalleled. Unless someone replicates an Elena Rybakina-type upset, Swiatek is the one to beat.
D’Arcy Maine: Swiatek has further distanced herself from the competition this season. Her victories over Sabalenka in Madrid and Rome underscore her superiority. Barring any injuries, Swiatek’s confidence and form make her the favorite to dominate at Roland Garros this year.
As the French Open unfolds, all eyes will be on these top contenders. With unpredictable elements and high stakes, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history.
Disclaimer:
These predictions are based on the current form and condition of the players as observed by our experts. Tennis matches are subject to various unpredictable factors, including player injuries, weather conditions, and other unforeseen events. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual experts and do not guarantee any specific outcomes.
