Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic have claimed the last eight French Open titles, but this year's tournament holds promise for a new champion as the aging titans are not at their peak. Nadal, a 14-time victor at Roland Garros, has been plagued by injuries in his final season on tour, while Djokovic has not reached a final in 2024. Young Grand Slam champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are also grappling with injuries, adding to the unpredictability of this year's French Open.
This has created an opportunity for players such as Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev to make their mark. Zverev, who faced challenges after sustaining an ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semifinal, has rebounded triumphantly, clinching his sixth Masters title at the Italian Open. He expressed his determination to excel at Roland Garros, a tournament he ardently aspires to win.
Meanwhile, Rublev overcame significant obstacles, including a suspected virus and an anaesthetized foot, to emerge victorious at the Madrid Open. Despite previously faltering at the quarterfinal stage in Grand Slam events, he has secured two titles this season, injecting confidence into his campaign. Likewise, Tsitsipas demonstrated his prowess by securing his third Monte Carlo Masters title and expressed satisfaction at his improved performance, signaling progress in his game.
Ruud, seeking redemption after his defeats to Nadal and Djokovic in the last two French Open finals, tasted success in Barcelona after enduring a string of final losses on the ATP Tour. His hard-earned victory offered solace for the setbacks he had faced.
