Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz enter Roland Garros as the defending champions, yet their paths to the start of the second Grand Slam of the season are remarkably different.
This year, Alcaraz has claimed Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, where he showcased dominance against world number one Jannik Sinner. Despite missing the Madrid tournament due to injury, Alcaraz emerged as the lone consistent presence in the clay season, and he is positioned in the draw to avoid most of his formidable opponents until a potential final meeting with Sinner.
Interestingly, PSG player Ousmane Dembélé aided in the draw, which has kept Alcaraz away from many of the main threats in the tournament. Sinner, on his side of the bracket, is also likely to face Novak Djokovic, who won the gold medal in Paris 2024 and has previously claimed three titles in the French capital.
While Sinner has only won one of his 19 ATP titles on clay—at Umag three years ago—he proved his capabilities by reaching the finals in Rome, even after a three-month suspension. Meanwhile, Djokovic, who has faced ups and downs this season, will have to navigate past Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals if he hopes to continue his pursuit of a title at age 38.
Alcaraz’s journey is not without challenges, as he faces two-time Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud and the only player to defeat him on clay this year, Holger Rune. He must defend his title not only at Roland Garros but also at Wimbledon, putting pressure on his ranking.
In their personal rivalry, Alcaraz has triumphed in seven of their eleven encounters, including the last four. They have dominated the Grand Slam titles recently, sharing the last five championships between them.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, arrives with more uncertainty, having dropped to fifth in the WTA rankings after facing early exits in tournaments this year. She hasn’t mingled with victory this season and faces the daunting prospect of meeting Jelena Ostapenko, her nemesis, in the third round.
The women’s event lacks a clear favorite, with several players like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka emerging as contenders. Gauff has been particularly consistent, with appearances in finals at both Madrid and Rome, while Sabalenka, known for her power game, may struggle on the clay if she cannot adapt her strategy.
Despite the challenges that both Swiatek and Alcaraz face, the upcoming matches promise excitement and unpredictability, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of tennis. Fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and perhaps a new champion emerging, making Roland Garros an unmissable event this season.