The French Open started on Sunday with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the match. Nonetheless, No. 1 ranked participant Jannik Sinner has damaged information on clay this season and appears like the person to beat.
On the ladies’s facet, Coco Gauff is predicted to win the 2025 French Open title, with Aryna Sabalenka, Jelena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek difficult for the title.
We surveyed specialists about their opinions on tournaments and their greatest betting ideas.
Is there anybody who can beat Shinar?
Darcy Principal: The quick reply is not any. That is not the case now, and it isn’t like Alcaraz is not within the draw.
Sinner has been a dominant pattern for a few years. He hasn’t misplaced a match since February, has gained 5 consecutive titles, amazingly all at Masters 1000 stage, and is on a 29-game profitable streak. And in that point, he is solely dropped three units. Set of three! Positive, he has some robust opponents in his path – Ben Shelton within the quarterfinals and Daniil Medvedev within the semifinals, to call a number of – however with such a golden alternative for a profession Grand Slam at stake, it appears unlikely that any of them will beat him. Within the phrases of Alexander Zverev, who misplaced to Sinner 6-1, 6-2 within the Madrid ultimate, “Proper now there’s a large distinction between Sinner and the opposite gamers.” That could be an understatement.
Invoice Connelly: I noticed Sergiy Stakhovsky beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon a very long time in the past, so it is positively true. can occur. Nonetheless, right here is the whole listing of non-Alcaraz gamers who’ve defeated Sinner in a best-of-five match up to now in 2024: Daniil Medvedev (Wimbledon 2024) and Novak Djokovic (Australian Open 2026).
The one participant energetic exterior of Alcaraz Till now The gamers who beat him in a best-of-five match on clay have been Andrei Rublev (2022) and Daniel Altmaier (2023). Among the rising gamers who may give him issues – Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodal, to call a number of – haven’t been in a position to show that they’re wherever close to able to transcend 5 units. So for him to be eradicated, it should positively take a “one thing occurs” day or an incredible efficiency from Djokovic within the ultimate.
Simon Cambers: The one manner that would occur is that if Sinner will get harm or has unhealthy cramps. It is doable with the warmth wave predicted for the primary week, however from a pure tennis standpoint, it isn’t going to occur. Sinner hasn’t misplaced since Doha and has performed quite a bit, however he has an enormous benefit on the sphere, particularly with Alcaraz not enjoying as a consequence of damage. All issues being equal, he can’t win at full pace, even when there are good gamers in entrance of him. Good, however not ok.
Who will advance to the finals from the non-Sinner facet of the draw?
Maine: In some methods, Novak Djokovic seems to be the favourite – he has gained thrice at Roland Garros – however he misplaced his solely clay courtroom match of the season, dropping to French megastar Giovanni Mpesi Peri within the first spherical. He faces an extremely troublesome draw with Karl, doubtlessly Joao Fonseca within the third spherical, two-time finalist Casper Ruud within the fourth spherical and 2024 runner-up Zverev within the second spherical. Semi-finals.
Logically, Djokovic, who turned 39 on Friday, does not want to succeed in the ultimate, however we’re speaking about Novak Djokovic. Djokovic, who beat Sinner on the Australian Open in January and is properly conscious that this can be his greatest likelihood to win a record-breaking twenty fifth main title, will do all the pieces in his energy to get again to the finals – and which may be sufficient.
Connelly: Djokovic’s draw was actually ridiculous and gave him little time to get again on observe. Regardless of his delayed schedule, he reached 5 straight semifinals and 12 of 14 video games. It is solely truthful to offer him the advantage of the doubt. Nonetheless, Alexander Zverev most likely has the most effective odds in the intervening time, as his attracts have improved a bit and his latest type with gamers aside from Sinner has been fairly good as properly.
However given the fragility of the sphere as a complete, now wouldn’t be the worst time for younger gamers like Fonseca and Rafael Jodal to make their breakthrough within the large tournaments. They’re each in the fitting half of the bracket.
Camber: Regardless of having barely performed since reaching the Australian Open ultimate, Djokovic’s return to the ultimate might be onerous to overlook. However with Fonseca, Tommy Paul and Casper Ruud in his quarter, they may turn out to be troublesome for him and will go away him with little on the finish. He is 39 years outdated and superhuman, however quite a bit is being requested of him this time round.
I believe we’ll see an enormous match from Jodal, one other Spanish Rafa who emerged this yr. Jodal gained in Marrakech, reached the semi-finals in Barcelona and the quarter-finals in Madrid and Rome. He might have run out of steam, however he was the identical age as the opposite Rafa when he gained his first race at Roland Garros. He could not do it, may he? If not, I believe I’d select Ludo.
Will Gauff be capable of defend her title?
Maine: Defending a significant title is hard, nevertheless it’s one thing Gauff wasn’t in a position to do after profitable her first Grand Slam title on the U.S. Open. Nonetheless, she arrived in Paris with appreciable momentum, reaching the Italian Open ultimate simply as she did in 2025, and in Rome she gained a detailed three-set match towards high quality gamers similar to Mila Andreeva and Iva Jovic.
Her path again to the finals could also be troublesome – with Sabalenka seemingly ready within the semi-finals – however Gauff has pretty much as good an opportunity as anybody to win the trophy, with no clear favorites on the ladies’s crew and with all of the top-ranked gamers enjoying considerably inconsistently on the floor in the intervening time. She typically finds a option to win even when she’s not enjoying her greatest sport.
Connelly: With Swiatek looking for confidence and Sabalenka dropping before anticipated in simply two matches on clay (and having handled some bodily illnesses), it seems like Gauff is in a greater place to win this yr than earlier than. final yr. Her attracts will not be simple — Taylor Townsend within the first spherical and the in-form Anastasia Potapova within the third — nevertheless it’ll be manageable given her latest play. There isn’t a favourite to win this match, however she must be one in every of three or 4 favorites.
Camber: I believe she has a extremely good likelihood. Even if her build-up to Roland Garros has not been as constant as she would have favored, together with her forehand and serve typically shaky, she confirmed in Rome that she is just not removed from the match, whereas on the similar time exhibiting that her combating means is unparalleled. If this warmth continues, she’s going to prefer it and is within the good part of the draw. Dealing with Sabalenka within the semi-finals is just not what I’d most count on, however contemplating she gained the title final yr with out enjoying properly, by her greatest requirements she may win once more. It could be no shock if she made it to a different ultimate, relying on who wins the opposite half.
What do you assume will occur to Swiatek?
Maine: It was a tricky season for Swiatek, with disappointing losses and a change of supervisor, however on the Italian Open, he lastly gave the impression to be again on observe. She overtook Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, every of whom solely gained a complete of three wins towards her, however was stopped by eventual champion Elina Svitolina within the semifinals. Nonetheless, the match marked her first semifinal look of the yr and gave her the boldness she desperately wanted heading into her longtime favourite occasion.
Nonetheless, the attract Paris didn’t work in her favor. Within the third spherical, 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko, who has a 6-0 report towards Swiatek, could also be ready. Marta Kostyuk, who gained the title in Madrid final month, may very well be ready within the fourth spherical. And it is by no means simple from there. Up-and-coming Svitolina, who defeated Swiatek in Indian Wells this season, may very well be her opponent within the quarterfinals. Rybakina, who has gained her previous two matches, may very well be within the semifinals. Swiatek, who has gained this match 4 occasions, is aware of the right way to win on crimson clay, however he might want to rediscover his earlier stage and aura – and shortly – if he needs to have an opportunity this time.
Connelly: She nonetheless serves up loads of breadsticks (6-1 units) and bagels (6-0), and her previous six losses have all are available in three units. She’s nearer to her greatest than her worst. That is necessary to recollect. And in her greatest type, she is nearly untouchable on clay. It would not be shocking to see her break by means of this draw, as she’s been by means of it many occasions through the years. Nonetheless, her drawings are tough. and it is virtually personalised In a manner that, like Ostapenko, has to beat obstacles peculiar to Swiatek. With out her prime type, Swiatek most likely will not make it to the semifinals.
Camber: Ostapenko’s third-round opponent took my breath away contemplating his ridiculously lopsided matchup report, however I believe Swiatek will discover a option to win this time if that occurs. I like that she went to Rafa Nadal’s academy and picked the Spaniard’s mind as she works with new coach Francisco Roig. As Madison Keys stated on her podcast with Jessica Pegula, “The very last thing Iga wanted on clay was Rafa. That needs to be unlawful.”
Swiatek is already hitting the ball higher below Roig, giving himself extra margin for error and appears calm and content material. She nonetheless has her unhealthy moments, however they appear to be fewer and fewer sooner or later. The quarter-final towards Elina Svitolina will even be a blockbuster, however she has a great likelihood of profitable for the fifth time right here.
Who will shock us within the subsequent two weeks?
Maine: Earlier than Saturday’s withdrawal, I assumed Arthur Fils was in an incredible place to make an enormous breakthrough – and in entrance of his dwelling crowd – however I am disillusioned. However Lerner Tien can be a younger participant who appears to be getting the floor on the proper time. The 20-year-old American gained his first ATP clay title in Geneva over the weekend and will proceed his momentum into the second week in Paris.
There are a number of gamers on the ladies’s facet who could make shock runs, however remember Sloane Stephens. The 2017 U.S. Open champion and 2018 French Open finalist made the minimize and seems to be discovering her rhythm after a lackluster yr. She has all the time liked crimson clay and carried out properly in tournaments. Will she be capable of flip all the pieces round and run deep slams once more?
Connelly: The underside half of the boys’s draw is full of darkish horses who’re at their peak on the proper time, whether or not it is younger gamers like Jodal or Fonseca or well-positioned veterans like Tommy Paul. If Djokovic is seeking to win one other Grand Slam, this may very well be his greatest shot with out Alcaraz. Is not {that a} shock?
On the ladies’s facet, Zheng Qinwen hasn’t made a lot noise since her return, however she has an efficient draw and has had some actually good gamers put up a great battle this spring. She gained a gold medal on the Paris Olympics two years in the past, and this might be an incredible likelihood for her to reaffirm herself.
Camber: I’ve already talked about Jodal as a participant to observe on the boys’s crew, but when not, Ruud will fill that position. The 2-time finalist right here appeared near his greatest in Rome and can benefit from the scorching and quick circumstances. His forehand permits him to cowl a lot of the subject. He may face Djokovic within the fourth spherical, however he has crushed him right here earlier than, and it will not be simple for the 39-year-old, a 24-time Grand Slam champion.
On the ladies’s facet, Amanda Anisimova’s district seems extensive open. She has not performed on clay this yr and her departure from Roma as a consequence of a left wrist damage was unhealthy information for her possibilities. A number of gamers may go her quarter, however big-hitting Czech Linda Noskova may do properly. She hasn’t executed a lot on clay this yr, however has misplaced to in-form gamers like Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk and Sorana Cirstea. The quarterfinals towards Gauff might be an enormous problem, however she has an enormous match and nobody enjoys enjoying towards her.
The lads’s champion…
Maine: Jannik Sinner. There are not any notes.
Connelly: Jodal! Simply kidding. sinner.
Camber: Jannik Sinner
The ladies’s champion…
Maine: coco gauff
Connelly: Elena Rybakina
Camber: Iga Swiatek
betting ideas
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook on the time of publication.
Who’s your favourite girl to win?
Pamela Maldonado: Rent Elena Rybakina (+650). She handed the draw the cleanest, regaining momentum from the title in Stuttgart, and has already confirmed that she will beat prime gamers similar to Aryna Sabalenka and Mila Andreeva (who will seemingly be her opponent within the quarterfinals). Rybakina’s serve is an actual weapon on clay, and she or he does not have the weak spot of Iga Swiatek’s second serve. Rybakina is presently probably the most full participant within the girls’s draw.
Andre Snellings: Coco Gauff (+650). Swiatek is a scorching prospect, profitable three consecutive Roland Garros titles from 2022 to 2024, however Gauff is a greater guess right here. Gauff gained the French Open final yr, cementing her standing because the best-performing Grand Slam champion. Gauff has reached the quarterfinals of the French Open 5 years in a row, reaching the semifinals in 2024, reaching the ultimate in 2022 and profitable in 2025. Gauff has additionally reached the finals in three of the 4 WTA 1000-level tournaments she has performed up to now two seasons, together with this yr’s Italian Open. Gauff is 26-5 on clay over the previous two years, and has outperformed Swiatek on the floor throughout that span. Gauff additionally positively returns extra juice at +650 than Swiatek’s +250.
Who do the boys assume is their favourite to win?
Maldonado: The one reply right here is Jannik Sinner, and barring an surprising damage, a troublesome state of affairs, or an out-of-this-world upset, the coronation will not occur. He’s by far the most effective participant. His solely real looking rival, Carlos Alcaraz, was absent. Sinner has prevented a top-10 menace till a possible matchup with Ben Shelton within the quarterfinals, however with 9 straight wins with out dropping a set and a head-to-head report of 9-1, will Sinner be a lot of a menace? I hope Sinner faces Francisco Cerundro within the semifinals. A aggressive match is at the least doable. Sinner’s odds (-275) are shut at greatest. One unhealthy day, one wrist tweak, a delayed relay and a foul rhythm, a cramp that forces me to go W/D… Better of 5 is much more variable. Sinner is the fitting alternative, however (-275) is just not the fitting value. Though truthful, there are nonetheless dangers.
Snellings: Jannik Sinner (-275). For a lot of the previous three seasons, all males’s main championships have been contested by the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz. Nonetheless, Alcaraz was sidelined with a wrist damage, paving the best way for Sinner to take over. Except for his rivals, Sinner has gained each ATP 1000-level clay courtroom match he has performed this season, from the Monte Carlo Masters to the Madrid Open and the Italian Open. General, Sinner is 17-0 on clay this yr and 28-2 on clay over the previous two years. And his solely two losses each got here within the ultimate towards Alcaraz. There’s little motive to consider anybody else can or will beat him on the clay courts at Roland Garros this yr.
What’s the opposite guess that stands out on the ladies’s facet?
Maldonado: First spherical two-player: Mira Andreeva and Elina Svitolina win their first match in straight units at -110 (vs. Fiona Ferro and Anna Bondar). Andreeva’s report and dominant serving (74% service sport win price) will overwhelm Ferro, who does not have many reps (she has performed solely three video games this yr). Svitolina’s return sport is the defining statistic right here. That is as a result of she’s profitable return video games at a a lot increased clip than Bondar. Meaning she finally ends up continually breaking serve whereas Bondar struggles to do the identical towards top-10 gamers.
Snellings: Iga Swiatek advances to the semi-finals (-125). Swiatek has reached at the least the semifinals in 4 consecutive French Opens and 5 of the previous six. 4 of these outcomes have been victories, making Swiatek the winner of the Grand Slam on clay for the previous 10 years. Swiatek’s run of three consecutive French Open titles got here to an finish final season, however he nonetheless made it to the semifinals. She’s had a tough quarter, together with the in-form Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk, however in the case of Roland Garros and the French Open, Swiatek is a pure favourite to advance to the championship spherical.
What’s the opposite guess that stands out on the boys’s facet?
Maldonado: Within the first spherical, Rafael Jodal gained in straight units (3:0) towards Aleksandar Kovacevic (-120). Jodal went 15-3 on clay early in his skilled profession. The 19-year-old graduated from the College of Virginia and solely turned skilled in December, however he already has a title below his belt, profitable in Marrakech final month after which reaching the quarterfinals in Rome and Madrid. His serve is strong, exhibiting the traits of a real clay courtroom grinder with a report of 6 wins and three losses in deciding units. Rep and confidence are rising. Kovacevic’s return sport is alarming on any floor, however on clay, the place rallies are longer and factors require extra persistence, his return weaknesses are simpler to focus on.
Snellings: Novak Djokovic advances to the semifinals (+250). Djokovic stays elite within the majors at this level in his legendary profession. Djokovic has reached at the least the semifinals up to now 5 Grand Slam tournaments, together with the semifinals at Roland Garros final yr. On the first main match of the yr, the Australian Open, Djokovic defeated Sinner within the semifinals, however misplaced to Alcaraz within the ultimate. Nonetheless, Alcaraz missed the French Open as a consequence of a proper wrist damage, with Djokovic showing on the opposite facet of the draw with Sinner. Djokovic has gained the French Video games thrice, most just lately in 2023, and in addition gained Olympic gold at Roland Garros in 2024. Djokovic has robust battles towards No. 9 seed Alex de Minaur and No. 17 Casper Ruud, however barring damage or a matchup with both Sinner or Alcaraz, Djokovic is almost unbeatable at majors. Djokovic has a great likelihood of reaching a sixth straight Grand Slam semifinal.
Who’s the most effective guess to win the ladies’s title?
Maldonado: Elina Svitolina (+1500). Her odds are a bit lengthy contemplating she gained the Italian Open by defeating Rybakina, Swiatek and Gauff in back-to-back matches in Rome. The blueprint for defeating Swiatek has already been established. The thought is to assault the second serve and take time away from the baseline. There’s additionally a risk that Swiatek will go away early. Svitolina has reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros 5 occasions, together with final yr, so she might be in higher form going into this match, and there are not any psychological mysteries that can hold her from competing.
Snellings: Mila Andreeva (+900). I believe Svitolina has a great likelihood of profitable, however Pam has already made an incredible case for her. So I wish to concentrate on Andreeva, who has excelled on clay courts and is knocking on the door to win the French Open as the favourite to win her first main. Andreeva, who turned 19 final month, has reached the quarterfinals and semifinals of the previous two French Opens. Andreeva is a former world No. 1 junior who reached the finals on clay at this yr’s Madrid Open. Andreeva can be a wonderful clay courtroom doubles participant, profitable the Italian Open and reaching the ultimate at this yr’s Madrid Open after ending within the semi-finals ultimately yr’s French Open. She has the sport to win a significant, the French Open is in her greatest type, and this may very well be her breakthrough match.
Who’s the most effective guess to win the boys’s title?
Maldonado: Novak Djokovic (+1600). There’s additionally the case of Alexander Zverev, who has maintained a powerful report of 28 wins and 9 losses this yr and reached the finals in Monte Carlo and Madrid, however there isn’t any manner for him to beat Sinner after dropping 9 straight with out profitable a set. Joker has proven time and time once more that he has that clutch gear, defeating Sinner on the Australian Open and Alcaraz on the Paris Olympics. Subsequent stage performance is there. His expertise is unparalleled. Some might query the truth that he has solely performed 10 video games this yr, however he’s nonetheless able to delivering on the highest stage when it issues most. His large match mentality trumps form-based arguments.
Snellings: Casper Impolite (+2800). Ruud was quietly probably the greatest clay courtroom gamers of the previous few years, however he was overshadowed by large names like Nadal, Djokovic, and now Alcaraz. Nonetheless, Ruud has reached two finals and one semi-final at Roland Garros from 2022 to 2024, and seems to be getting again into form for this yr’s match after battling accidents final yr. Ruud reached the quarterfinals of this yr’s Madrid Open and the ultimate of the Italian Open, dropping to Sinner. Sinner is the clear favourite to win this season’s match in France, however Ruud has extra chops and higher outcomes at Roland Garros than any participant aside from Djokovic. If Ruud performs his greatest tennis, he can compete for a championship.
