As tennis returns to Paris, the sport’s finest players prepare for its most demanding Grand Slam
Every spring for two weeks, the beautiful city of Paris is transformed into the global capital of tennis. This year, from May 24 to June 9, the elite tennis players of the world will once again do battle on the famous clay courts of the French Open (aka Roland-Garros).
Unlike the grass at Wimbledon or the hard courts at the Australian Open and US Open, Roland-Garros is played on clay — the slowest and arguably the most physically demanding surface in tennis. To win here requires a good mix of perseverance, patience and stamina (a heavy topspin forehand also helps). Just ask fans of 14-time French Open champion and GOAT-on-clay Rafael Nadal.
This year is already shaping up with some major news. As the second Grand Slam of the season gets underway, here are the key players and talking points to watch.
Controversy of prize money
Starting in just a few weeks, the French Open is currently facing a major controversy regarding a player revolt over the tournament’s prize money and revenue sharing. Top players such as Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabaleka, together with other dissatisfied players, have mentioned a possible boycott of Grand Slam events as a necessary measure to fight for better player rights. The tennis stars claim that their share of tournament revenue had decreased from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026, far less than the 22% they wanted and received from ATP and WTA 1000 events (men’s and women’s professional tour events). Worse, Sinner said all this felt like a big disrespect for all players, as talks on this issue started about a year ago with little progress made in the negotiations so far. Beyond the issue of prize money, players are also demanding better representation in the four Grand Slams on decision-making and improvements in player welfare (physical and mental health). This hot-button topic will no doubt continue in the days to come and, hopefully, both players and tennis authorities can reach viable solutions and improvements.
Sinner’s hunt for career Grand Slam
Italian World No 1 Jannik Sinner, 24, is on a roll. Sinner made tennis history with his recent win at the Madrid Open, becoming the first man to win five consecutive Masters 1000 events (Monte Carlo, Miami, Indian Wells and in Paris last year). This means he is riding a 28-match winning streak at the ATP Masters 1000 level, an incredible feat, to say the least. He is in top form, and will be aiming for his career slam at this year’s French Open (Sinner has four Grand Slam titles — two Australian Opens, one Wimbledon, one US Open). With his main nemesis Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (last year’s winner) out of the tournament because of a wrist injury, Sinner is the clear favourite for this year’s title.
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Fun fact for Italian tennis and Formula One fans: Two of Italy’s brightest sporting young stars, Sinner and 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli (who drives for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team), have recently found themselves moving in uncanny sync.
On three occasions this year, their victories have landed on the same Sundays: Sinner’s Indian Wells triumph coincided with Antonelli’s Chinese Grand Prix win, Miami Masters with the Japanese Grand Prix, and Madrid Masters with the Miami Grand Prix — a run of “Italian synchronicity” across two very different sporting worlds.
Zverev doing his best
German World No 3, Alexander Zverev, 29, has been steadily improving his game, particularly his serve and being more aggressive on his shots. He reached the semi-finals of three Masters 1000 events and the final in Madrid (unfortunately for him, he lost to Sinner in all the above games). A three-time Grand Slam finalist, he looks determined to do his best and, who knows, everyone needs a little luck to fall in their favour every once in a while. This year, perhaps?
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Novak raises doubts again
Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, 38, has played in only two tournaments since losing this year’s Australian Open final to Alcaraz, no doubt balancing his schedule between his priorities (the Slams), injuries and his physical conditioning. His recent opening-round loss at the Italian Open to Croatian Dino Prizmic (ranked world No 79) again raised doubts about his form going into the French Open. Let’s see whether the Serbian legend still has what it takes to win a major again and rewrite the record books.
Dark horses in the men’s draw
French World No 17 Arthur Fils, 21, is an exciting player to watch, with his explosive athleticism and raw energy. He won the Barcelona Open, beating World No 14 Andrey Rublev, and lost to Sinner in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. He recently retired from his opening match at the Italian Open, however, owing to a reported hip issue, putting a dent in French hopes for a local champion. Meanwhile, Spain’s Rafael Jodar (yes, another Spaniard, another Rafael!) has impressed with wins over higher-ranked players with his aggressive baseline games and composure under pressure. Brazilian Joao Fonseca’s powerful serves and massive forehands give him a tough “one-two” punch in tennis, and Czech teenager Jakub Mensik continues to rise rapidly with his fearless power game, particularly his backhand.
Can Coco defend her title?
American world No 4 Coco Gauff, 22, has evolved from prodigy into a genuine Grand Slam force. A two-time major champion, she combines sharp movement, strong defensive instincts and growing maturity that make her well suited to clay. The question now is whether she can handle the weight of expectation that comes with being the defending champion.
Three top women favourites
Aryna Sabalenka, 28, World No 1 from Belarus, enters Paris arguably as the most dangerous player in women’s tennis. Along with her famous loud grunts on the court, she has added touch and greater control to her explosive baseline game, which would help her on clay and perhaps add another major to her four Grand Slam titles. In contrast, World No 2 Elena Rybakina, 26, from Kazakhstan remains ice-cold under pressure. Her effortless power and calm temperament make her one of the sport’s most elegant (and quiet) shot-makers — and a serious title threat, if fully fit. For several seasons, clay belonged to Polish World No 3 Iga Swiatek. Yet, recent inconsistency has raised rare doubts. Paris, however, has long felt like her kingdom (having won the French Open four times), and champions often rediscover themselves on familiar ground.
Other women to take notice of
Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva continues her rapid ascent, while Canada’s Victoria Mboko is emerging as an exciting new talent. American World No 5 Jessica Pegula brings consistency and intelligence, while leading mother-on-tour Elina Svitolina has impressed with her many wins this year and remains one of the tour’s fiercest competitors.
This year’s French Open promises high drama and dazzling shot-making as the chasing pack tries to dethrone Sinner and keep pace with the relentless World No 1. On the women’s side, Sabalenka looks primed to go one step further after last year’s runner-up finish, though she faces stiff competition all round. From marathon rallies to breathtaking winners, prepare for two unforgettable weeks of exquisite tennis on the majestic red clay of Roland-Garros.
