Players You Should Totally Watch: Roland Garros Edition
- Evette Velasquez
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Roland Garros is officially here, and we are in for a treat. Here are six players you should watch at this year’s French Open!
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff is no stranger to the bright lights, and she has the potential to win it all. She is often compared to tennis icon Serena Williams because of her strong serve and aggressive playing style. This comparison is not one to be taken lightly. Coco has proved that age doesn’t define success. At just 19, Gauff won her first grand slam at the 2023 US Open. Now at 21 and ranked No. 2 overall, Coco plans to add even more to her resume and prove why she is here to stay.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz has shown that he is the new face of tennis. Ever since his debut, he has been unstoppable. He has won 19 titles, including four grand slams. Last year, he battled it out and clinched the French Open with a gritty win over Alexander Zverev. That’s pretty impressive for a 22-year-old, don’t you think? With his powerful forehand and winning mentality, Alcaraz has exactly what it takes to be the next great. Alcaraz hopes to repeat at this year’s French Open, and the odds are very much in his favor.
Madison Keys
Madison Keys hasn’t won the French Open - yet. And that’s exactly why you should watch her. Although Keys has only made it to the French Open semi-finals twice in her career, she certainly isn’t the same player she was a few years ago. Keys is coming off an electrifying win at this year’s Australian Open, where she took home her first grand slam title, defeating No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. Taking down the best player in the world is not easy, and it shows exactly why Keys is a serious threat. Now, she’s coming for Roland Garros. This time, she’s not just showing up; she’s aiming to take the crown.
Novak Djokovic
Winning the French Open would be no surprise for Novak Djokovic, as he’s won it three times. But this time, the road to Roland Garros feels more challenging than ever. Djokovic is getting older, and some are starting to worry that it’s time to hang up the racket. He just turned 38, and it’s been two years since he last won a grand slam. Although it's been a rocky road for Djokovic, he hopes to prove the doubters wrong and redeem himself at Roland Garros.
Iga Świątek
Iga Świątek is a powerhouse and is often referred to as the Queen of Clay. Why the royal title? Because she has single-handedly dominated the French Open. Over the last five years, Świątek has won the French Open four times and is striving to make it five. Świątek’s playing style is heavily influenced by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay. From her dynamic topspin to her lightning-fast footwork, the Nadal influence is clear. Will the defending champ live up to her nickname and follow in Rafa’s footsteps? Only time will tell.
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton is a rising star and is definitely someone to keep an eye on. He’s currently ranked in the Top 20 and has shown time and time again why he’s a true up-and-comer. Known for his high-voltage matches and clutch comebacks, Shelton brings the drama in the best way. With two ATP Tour titles under his belt, he’s already gone toe-to-toe with top-tier names like Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud. Despite all of his success, Shelton is unsatisfied. He’s gunning for his first grand slam and coming in hot.
There are so many amazing players to watch, and you won’t want to miss a second. Who do you think will take home the title?