PARIS — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his French Open campaign against seasoned player Kei Nishikori, expressing his enthusiasm to return to the vibrant courts of Paris after a stellar clay-court season.
Alcaraz has showcased dominance in the lead-up to Roland-Garros, emerging as the clear favorite after clinching titles in Barcelona and Rome. Nishikori, a former top-five competitor, has faced challenges on clay in recent years.
With an impressive 15-1 record on clay this season, Alcaraz has reclaimed the No. 2 spot in the rankings, meaning he won’t face top-ranked Jannik Sinner until the final, as they are placed on opposite sides of the draw.
“It’s been a fantastic clay season so far,” Alcaraz commented after Thursday’s draw in Paris. “I’m filled with excitement. My confidence is soaring right now.”
Remarkably, either Alcaraz or Sinner have claimed the last five Grand Slam titles.
Fresh off a three-month doping suspension, Sinner pushed Alcaraz to the limit in the recent Rome final but ultimately fell in straight sets. He will face off against local favorite Arthur Rinderknech in his opener and may meet three-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
Last year at the French Open, Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner in a thrilling five-set semifinal before successfully defending his Wimbledon title, taking home his fourth Grand Slam trophy.
Sinner has secured just one of his 19 career titles on clay, claiming victory in Umag, Croatia, in 2022, where he also defeated Alcaraz in the final.
Djokovic, who recently won a match on clay at the Geneva Open, will encounter Mackenzie McDonald from the United States in his first round. The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion also secured the Paris Olympics gold medal last August at Roland-Garros but has faced struggles on clay since.
Sinner may potentially face No. 5 seed Jack Draper in the quarterfinals, with intriguing matchups on the horizon including Alexander Zverev (3) against Djokovic (6), Taylor Fritz (4) versus Lorenzo Musetti (8), and Alcaraz squaring off with Casper Ruud (7).
On the women’s side, four-time champion Iga Swiatek is working hard to recapture her best form.
Having drifted out of the top four, Swiatek has not won a title or reached a final since her triumph at Roland-Garros last year. Seeded No. 5, she will begin her quest against Rebecca Sramkova, currently ranked No. 41. A second-round clash with former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu could be on the cards.
“I take pride in my accomplishments here,” Swiatek stated. “I’m putting in the effort to be ready. This season has provided more ups and downs than previous ones. Nonetheless, I believe my game is in a good place.”
No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Kamilla Rakhimova, while No. 2 Coco Gauff takes on Olivia Gadecki. An exciting matchup looms as No. 10 Paula Badosa is scheduled to face four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
The anticipated women’s quarterfinals could include Sabalenka vs. No. 8 Qinwen Zheng, last year’s runner-up Jasmine Paolini against Swiatek, Jessica Pegula (3) facing Mirra Andreeva (6), and Gauff vs. Madison Keys (7).
The French Open kicks off this Sunday and will conclude on June 8.
