Jannik Sinner will enter the French Open on a 29-match winning streak, chasing immortality as he aims to complete a career grand slam. The Italian world No. 1 is the overwhelming favorite in the men's draw, while the women's event features several genuine contenders.
Sinner's Dominance
Daniil Medvedev, after a brilliant performance in the Italian Open semi-finals, admitted the difficulty of facing Sinner. "Any match that we saw even this year, because I think he lost only two, the only way to beat him, you need to be at your best for all four, five sets," said Medvedev. Sinner's record-breaking winning streak at Masters 1000 events now stands at 34 matches, with six consecutive titles at this level. He begins the French Open on an overall 29-match winning streak.
Sinner returns to Paris one year after the most heartbreaking defeat of his career. His maiden triumph on home soil at the Italian Open made him just the second man to win every Masters 1000 title, following Novak Djokovic in 2018. Now, he aims to become the second player in history to win every annual big tournament: four grand slams, nine Masters 1000 titles, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup.
Weak Challengers in Men's Draw
While Sinner performs at an incredibly high level, the field of challengers is less impressive. Alexander Zverev, the second seed, has lost nine consecutive matches against Sinner and 14 sets in succession. Djokovic, who turned 39, has struggled to remain healthy. Aside from Medvedev, other top players are either in poor form, ineffective on clay, or below Sinner's standards.
Women's Field Overflowing with Contenders
The women's draw is vastly different, overflowing with contenders. The current top 10 is one of the strongest in years. Nine of the top 10 players hold a grand slam or WTA 1000 title. Aryna Sabalenka, despite being a leading favourite, appears vulnerable after failing to reach semi-finals in her pre-Paris clay-court appearances. If she falters, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, Jessica Pegula, and Mirra Andreeva are all capable of winning.
Swiatek, attempting to win the French Open for a fifth time, has been handed a tough draw but appears on an upward curve with new coach Francisco Roig. Gauff, who toppled Sabalenka last year, has found her footing at the perfect time. Svitolina arrives fresh from her Italian Open title and has never looked more capable. The women's event promises a monumental battle.
