In tennis, few tournaments hold the mystique and challenge quite like the French Open. As the red clay courts of Roland Garros await the footfalls of the world’s finest players in the spring of 2024, they beckon not just as a stage for athletic prowess, but as a crucible where champions are forged and legacies immortalized. The French Open’s allure lies not only in its scenic Parisian backdrop but in the unique trials posed by its unforgiving surface – a canvas where each stroke must be carefully crafted, each point earned through grit and strategy.
Yet, amidst the clay’s daunting embrace, lies the promise of historic feats. The French Open of 2024 stands as a battleground where the past meets the present, where established titans of the sport collide with the rising stars of tomorrow. This year will be more exciting than ever. Rafael Nadal returns. Iga Świątek goes for a third consecutive title win. Novak Djokovic tries to consolidate his legendary status. Here, beneath the shadow of Roland Garros’s storied history, every match is not just a contest for victory but a chance to etch one’s name alongside the legends of the game.
French Open 2024 Schedule
Below is the Roland Garros 2024 schedule. It kicks off in late May and the action continues until the Men’s Final on Saturday 9th June.
- Monday, May 20 – Friday, May 24: Qualifying
- Sunday, May 25: Men’s and Women’s singles first round
- Monday, May 26: Men’s and Women’s singles first round
- Tuesday, May 27: Men’s and Women’s singles first round
- Wednesday, May 28: Men’s and Women’s singles second round
- Thursday, May 29: Men’s and Women’s singles second round
- Friday, May 30: Men’s and Women’s singles third round
- Saturday, June 1: Men’s and Women’s singles third round
- Sunday, June 2: Men’s and Women’s singles fourth round
- Monday, June 3: Men’s and Women’s singles fourth round
- Tuesday, June 4: Men’s and Women’s singles quarter-finals
- Wednesday, June 5: Men’s and Women’s singles quarter-finals
- Thursday, June 6: Women’s singles semi-finals
- Friday, June 7: Men’s singles semi-finals
- Saturday, June 8: Women’s singles final, Men’s doubles final
- Sunday, June 9: Men’s singles final, Women’s doubles final
2024 ATP Calendar: dates, locations, and current champions
The Players: Legends and Newcomers Eyeing Glory
When newcomers face legends of the game in Grand Slams, it’s always riveting. From the newcomers front, Carlos Alcaraz (ranked 3rd on the ATP Rankings), Jannik Sinner (ranked 2nd on the ATP Rankings) and Ben Shelton (ranked 15th on the ATP Rankings) will all be looking to grab their first French Open titles. Alcaraz has been touted as a future legend of the game and already has a US Open title and a Wimbledon title under his belt. Sinner is fresh off an Australian Open win, the first Grand Slam of the year, and will be looking to get the French title in his awards capital.
The legends of the game are also keen to prove why they are indeed the legends of the game. Novak Djokovic is ranked 1st on the ATP Rankings and having won the 2023 edition of the tournament, will look to win his first back-to-back French Opens. Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay player in the history of the game, will be making a Grand Slam comeback for this monumental tournament. He’s played a limited number of fixtures this year and is ranked 512th on the ATP Rankings, but you can’t count him out. He’s won this tournament 14 times, wouldn’t it be insane for him to win a 15th and final?
After those more obvious candidates, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas will all be looking to add a French Open win to their collections.
On the women’s side, Iga Świątek is looking to win a third consecutive French Open title. The number one has been ranked first in the world for now over one hundred weeks, and she doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka will all be top contenders as well. Some young guns may burst onto the scene, but all eyes will be focused on the Polish champion.
What Makes Roland Garros Stand Out?
The surface at Roland Garros presents a challenge unlike any other in tennis. The slow, gritty nature of clay demands a nuanced approach, testing players’ endurance, patience, and adaptability. It’s a battleground where rallies stretch out like epic sagas, each point a strategic skirmish fought with precision and guile. This distinctiveness has led to some of the sport’s most thrilling encounters and surprising upsets, cementing Roland Garros as a crucible of resilience and skill.
From the iconic victories of Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay,” to the wicked seven triumphs of Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg’s successes, the tournament has witnessed moments of unparalleled greatness. Each year, new chapters are written, with records poised to be broken and legacies awaiting their next chapter. It’s this blend of challenge, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence that makes Roland Garros a revered and unforgettable stop on the Grand Slam circuit.
Past Meets Present: Record Chases and Surprises
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have an iron fist over this tournament and have asserted complete dominance over it for ten years. The last man who wasn’t either of those to win the tournament was Stan Wawrinka in 2015, and even that was after five consecutive Nadal wins. They’ll be seeking to continue their French dominance and secure either a 15th French Open for Nadal or a 4th for Djokovic, and a record 25th Grand Slam.
Predictions and Odds: Who Will Reign Supreme?
- Carlos Alcaraz is the favourite, listed at 13/8 on bet365. Following him is Novak Djokovic, priced at 5/2.
- Young hotshot Jannik Sinner is a cheeky 3/1 on bet365 whilst clay court GOAT Rafa Nadal is 6/1.
Whilst backing Rafael Nadal would be the fairytale option, it seems that tennis is experiencing a changing of the guard moment. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are starting to really show their class and one can’t help but expect that the winner will be one of the pair.
FAQs
When does the French Open start?
The French Open qualifying kicks off on Monday the 20th of May. The main draw begins on the 25th of May and the Men’s Final is the last match on Sunday the 9th of June.
Where can I watch the French Open?
It will vary depending on which country you’re in but by using the 365Scores website or application, you’ll be able to see where you can watch each match in your country.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
Keep up with all live tennis score and Roland Garros news and results on the 365Scores website and app!
