Emma Raducanu will face talented Argentine Solana Sierra in the first round of the French Open as she seeks to regain rhythm and form after a two-month injury layoff due to post-viral illness. The 2021 US Open champion lost her opening match in Strasbourg earlier this week and arrives in Paris with limited preparation.
Djokovic's Path
Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th grand slam singles title, has avoided Jannik Sinner's half of the draw but faces a challenging route. The three-time Roland Garros champion begins against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard and is placed in the same half as second seed Alexander Zverev. Djokovic has played only two tournaments since the Australian Open, most recently suffering a first-round loss to Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open.
Sinner's Dominance
Jannik Sinner arrives as the dominant player in men's tennis and the favourite in the absence of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. He opens against French wildcard Clement Tabur. After becoming the second man to win every Masters 1000 title, Sinner aims to add a career grand slam to his resume.
Raducanu's Challenge
Emma Raducanu faces a tough test against Solana Sierra, who sits at a career-high ranking of No. 64 after a strong clay-court season. Raducanu, who has struggled with form and fitness, will need to quickly find her best level to progress.
Women's Draw Wide Open
Unlike the men's draw, the women's competition is highly competitive. Defending champion Coco Gauff begins against Taylor Townsend. Other contenders include Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Victoria Mboko in the top half. The bottom half features Iga Swiatek, who hired new coach Francisco Roig, and Elena Rybakina, the second seed seeking a second straight grand slam title.
Swiatek is seeded to face Jelena Ostapenko in the third round; Ostapenko holds a 6-0 record against her. Rybakina is projected to meet Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals.
