Here are the men to watch out in French Open
What's the story
The French Open is one of the most interesting Grand Slams in the tennis calendar, since it is the only Slam to be played on clay. While Rafael Nadal is the King of Clay with 11 titles, this year could sprung a surprise, with a number of players being backed to make a huge impact. Here we have a look at those players.
Rafael Nadal
Nadal: The King of Clay
Nadal is certainly a no brainer. His record of 11 titles at Roland Garros is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of Open Era and might never get broken. Being world number two, he is still a favorite to win his 12th. However, his recent poor run on clay, winning just a tournament of four, has cast some doubt over his chances this time.
Novak Djokovic
Chance for Novak Djokovic to script history
World number one Novak Djokovic, who won the title back in 2016, has a chance to enter the record books once again. Deemed as one of the favorites, if he wins the title, he would go past Roger Federer to clinch two titles at Roland Garros. Further, it would be his fourth Grand Slam win on the trot, thus completing his second 'Djoko Slam'.
Roger Federer
The greatest of all time cannot be counted out
Clay is not one of the preferred courts of Roger Federer, as he himself admitted it this week. However, being a GOAT, he cannot be ruled out on any surface. Federer has managed to win only once here, in 2009. Further, he is returning to Roland Garros after missing three seasons. Overall, he doesn't look a pre-tournament favorite but with him you never know.
Dominic Thiem
Is it finally time for the Austrian to shine?
Dominic Thiem has been a sensation on clay-court since 2017. While he reached the semis the same year, he even bettered the record by being the runner-up last year. Is there a chance he could be crowned the champion this year? Judging by his current form and having beaten Nadal on clay in Barcelona Open, he is certainly one of the favorites to win.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
A potential Greek threat to Nadal's reign
Nadal has been the victim to a number of players this clay-court season, with Stefanos Tsitsipas being one of them, who defeated him in Madrid Open. Having reached the semis of the Australian Open this year, Tsitsipas is improving with each passing game. Currently ranked number six in the world, he is certainly not scared to take on the big guns, including Nadal.