The French Open is the second Grand Slam tournament of the tennis year – without clay court king Rafael Nadal, but with defending champion Iga Swiatek. The most important information about the tournament.
When does the French Open take place?
The first matches are scheduled for Sunday 28th May, the women’s final at the Stade Roland Garros for Saturday 10th June and the men’s final for Sunday 11th June. The French Open is the second Grand Slam tournament of the year.
Who are the men’s favourites?
Novak Djokovic, winner of the Australian Open, wants to win his 23rd Grand Slam title and thus the sole record. Probably the 36-year-old’s toughest competitor is Carlos Alcaraz, who is 16 years his junior. The Spaniard arrives as the US Open winner and world number one. After an outstanding clay court season, he is slightly favoured. The two opponents could already meet in the semi-finals.
Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz in action
Shooting star Holger Rune from Denmark (20) and the Russian Rome winner Daniil Medvedev (27) also have chances.
What about Rafael Nadal?
14-time Paris winner Rafael Nadal is injured – for the first time in 19 years. The hip flexor doesn’t cooperate. In a well-received press conference, the Spaniard recently ordered himself a break before going on a big farewell tour in 2024.
And what about Alexander Zverev?
The Olympic champion returns to the scene of the greatest drama of his career. A year ago he faced Nadal in impressive form in the semifinals – and injured his ankle badly. After a seven-month break, the 26-year-old is now desperately looking for his top form. In round one it is against the world number 306. Lloyd Harris of South Africa.
Which other German players are there?
Great hopes rest on Jan-Lennard Struff (33). Germany’s new number one (world ranking No. 26) made history at the ATP Masters in Madrid when he marched to the final as a qualifier and narrowly missed out on Alcaraz. At the start, a tricky task awaits Warsteiner in Jiri Lehecka (Czech Republic), who, according to tennis legend Boris Becker, also “create sensations“can. Daniel Altmaier (world rankings No. 72) and Oscar Otte (120) are also in action.
Who are the favorites among the women?
Despite minor injuries, defending champion Iga Swiatek is the top favourite. But Aryna Sabalenka is also to be expected, the Australian Open winner defeated Swiatek in the final in Madrid. Also worth mentioning is Wimbledon champion Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan.
Iga Swiatek with the French Open trophy
Which German ladies are there?
Tatjana Maria, Jule Niemeier and Anna-Lena Friedsam hope for a liberation. With the exception of Maria’s victory at the WTA tournament in Bogota in April and the German team’s qualification for the final tournament in the Billie Jean King Cup, the season was mixed. A semi-final, like Maria’s last year in Wimbledonwould be a big surprise – especially since there are already big chunks waiting in the first round.
Who else is missing besides Nadal?
In addition to Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios from Australia and the Italian top player Matteo Berrettini, the two-time Olympic champion also has to Sir Andy Murray fit. And of course Angelique Kerber, who gave birth to daughter Liana in February and is not yet ready again.
How much prize money is there?
After an increase, a total of 49.6 million euros. The winners will receive 2.3 million euros, the finalists another 1.15 million euros. The premiums are the same for women and men.
Where is the French Open live?
Eurosport shows the tournament both on linear television and on various web channels and relies on a team of experts around ex-Wimbledon champion Becker. sportschau.de offers live results and detailed live tickers for selected games.