As the 2025 French Open approaches, set to unfold on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros from May 25 to June 8, the men’s singles competition promises to be a thrilling battleground. With Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion, having retired in 2024, and Novak Djokovic no longer the dominant force he once was, the field is wide open for both established stars and emerging talents to claim the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner are the frontrunners, but a host of other contenders are poised to make their mark on the clay courts of Paris. From Britain’s Jack Draper to Norway’s Casper Ruud, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, and Denmark’s Holger Rune, this blog dives into the key players to watch, their recent performances, and what makes them formidable threats at the 2025 French Open.
The Changing Landscape of Men’s Tennis at Roland Garros
The French Open has long been synonymous with Rafael Nadal, whose 112–4 win-loss record and 14 titles on the Parisian clay remain unmatched. However, his retirement after the 2024 season, coupled with Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the 2024 tournament due to a knee injury, has shifted the dynamics of the men’s draw. Carlos Alcaraz, who claimed his first French Open title in 2024 by defeating Alexander Zverev in a gripping five-set final (6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2), enters as the defending champion. At just 21, Alcaraz became the youngest man to win major titles on three different surfaces, having previously triumphed at the 2022 US Open (hard) and 2023 Wimbledon (grass). Jannik Sinner, who ascended to the world number one ranking in 2024, is another top favorite, bringing his relentless baseline game and improved clay-court prowess to the fore.
Yet, beyond these two titans, a group of talented players is ready to challenge for the title. The clay courts of Roland Garros, known for their slow pace and high bounce, favor players with strong baseline games, topspin-heavy shots, and exceptional stamina. The best-of-five-set format rewards physical endurance and mental toughness, making the French Open a unique test. With the tournament kicking off on Sunday, May 25, 2025, here’s a detailed look at the other men’s contenders who could shine in Paris.
Jack Draper: Britain’s Rising Star
At 23, Britain’s Jack Draper has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in men’s tennis. Ranked world number five in May 2025, Draper has transformed his clay-court game, overcoming back-to-back first-round exits at the French Open in previous years. His 2025 season has been a breakout, highlighted by his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune en route to the trophy. On clay, Draper reached the Madrid final, losing to Casper Ruud, and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open, where he fell to Alcaraz. His powerful left-handed groundstrokes and improved movement on clay make him a dangerous contender.
Draper’s confidence is palpable. “Roland Garros is a good opportunity for me to carry on with the momentum,” he said after his Italian Open run. His ability to compete in long rallies and his aggressive baseline play suit the clay, but his relative inexperience in best-of-five-set matches at Roland Garros could be a hurdle. If Draper maintains his form and adapts to the grueling demands of the tournament, he could make a deep run, potentially reaching the semi-finals or beyond.
Casper Ruud: The Clay-Court Specialist
Norway’s Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open runner-up (2022 and 2023), is a clay-court maestro with a proven track record at Roland Garros. The 26-year-old has won 12 tour-level titles on clay since 2020, more than any other player, including his first Masters 1000 crown in Madrid in 2025. Ruud reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2023, showcasing his ability to thrive in the tournament’s demanding conditions. His topspin-heavy forehand and exceptional court coverage make him a formidable opponent on clay, where he excels in extended rallies.
“In best-of-five sets, I’ll be even tougher to beat,” Ruud declared after his Madrid victory, emphasizing his endurance in Grand Slam formats. While he has yet to defeat Sinner or Alcaraz on clay, his consistent deep runs in major tournaments—combined with his recent form, including a title in Geneva—position him as a strong contender. Ruud’s challenge will be overcoming the mental barrier of facing the top seeds and maintaining consistency throughout the two-week grind. A fourth Grand Slam final, and possibly a first title, is within his grasp.
Lorenzo Musetti: Italy’s Clay-Court Artist
Lorenzo Musetti, the 23-year-old Italian, has had a stellar 2025 clay season, propelling him into the top 10. His elegant, single-handed backhand and creative shot-making evoke comparisons to past clay-court artists. Musetti’s clay credentials were bolstered by an Olympic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games, followed by a remarkable run to his first Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo, where he defeated defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing to Alcaraz in three sets. He backed this up with semi-final appearances in Madrid and Rome, showcasing his consistency on the surface.
Musetti’s graceful style, combined with his ability to construct points and adapt to clay’s nuances, makes him a threat. His Wimbledon semi-final run in 2024 further demonstrated his growth in high-stakes environments. However, Musetti’s challenge at Roland Garros will be sustaining his performance over five sets against physically imposing opponents like Sinner or Ruud. If he can harness his flair and maintain focus, Musetti could reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, potentially upsetting a top seed along the way.
Holger Rune: The Danish Prodigy
Denmark’s Holger Rune, a two-time French Open quarter-finalist, is another player to watch, though his 2025 season has been inconsistent. The 21-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of number four in 2023, has struggled with injuries and illness, retiring early in Monte Carlo and Madrid and losing to Corentin Moutet in Rome. Despite these setbacks, Rune’s aggressive, high-energy game—built around a consistent serve and powerful groundstrokes—has proven effective on clay. His standout performance came 18 months ago at the Paris Masters, where he became the first player to defeat half the top 10 in a single event, signaling his potential to compete with the elite.
Rune’s fearless approach and mental toughness make him a dangerous floater in the draw, but his health remains a concern. If he arrives in Paris fully fit, his ability to push opponents to their limits in long matches could see him replicate or surpass his previous quarter-final runs. A deep run, potentially to the semi-finals, is possible if Rune can rediscover the form that saw him challenge Djokovic in a three-set thriller at Indian Wells in 2025.
Other Notable Contenders
While Draper, Ruud, Musetti, and Rune headline the secondary contenders, several other players could make waves at Roland Garros:
- Alexander Zverev (Germany): The 2024 finalist and three-time semi-finalist (2021–2023) is a consistent performer on clay. His sixth Masters title in Rome in 2025 and strong serving (90.3% hold percentage) make him a threat, though his first-round loss to Nadal in 2024 highlights the need for efficiency in early rounds. Zverev’s experience and physicality could see him reach another deep stage, possibly the final again.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece): The 2021 finalist has a strong clay game but was upset by Musetti in Monte Carlo. His ability to generate topspin and compete in long rallies suits Roland Garros, but consistency will be key. A semi-final or quarter-final run is plausible.
- Andrey Rublev (Russia): A seven-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist, Rublev won Monte Carlo in 2023 but has struggled to maintain form this clay season. His powerful groundstrokes make him dangerous, but early peaking could hinder his chances. A quarter-final appearance is his likely ceiling.
- Novak Djokovic (Serbia): The 2023 champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner remains a wildcard despite recent form dips. Losses to Ruud in Monte Carlo and Tabilo in Rome suggest vulnerabilities, but his 45–2 Slam record since 2021 makes him a threat in best-of-five sets. A semi-final or final run is possible if he finds his rhythm.
The Clay-Court Challenge
The French Open’s red clay, made of crushed brick, is the slowest Grand Slam surface, producing high bounce and favoring players with endurance and topspin-heavy games. The 128-player main draw, including 32 seeds and 16 qualifiers, spans seven rounds over two weeks, testing physical and mental resilience. The 2025 tournament, with a prize pool exceeding €56 million, offers significant rewards, with the 2024 men’s champion, Alcaraz, earning €2.4 million.
The absence of Nadal and the open nature of the draw create opportunities for upsets. Clay’s unpredictability has historically produced surprise champions, such as Gustavo Kuerten (1997, 2000, 2001) and Stan Wawrinka (2015). With no player outside the top nine reaching the final in the last decade, however, the 2025 title is likely to be claimed by a top-tier contender or a breakout star like Draper or Musetti.
Predictions and Expectations
While Alcaraz and Sinner are the favorites, the depth of talent in the men’s draw ensures a competitive tournament. Jack Draper’s momentum and improved clay game make him a dark horse for a semi-final or better. Casper Ruud’s clay expertise and Grand Slam final experience position him as a near-certain quarter-finalist, with a strong chance at the final. Lorenzo Musetti’s artistry could see him upset a top seed, while Holger Rune’s potential hinges on his health. Zverev and Tsitsipas offer consistency, while Djokovic’s experience cannot be discounted.
Social media buzz reflects the excitement, with fans highlighting potential early-round clashes like Hubert Hurkacz vs. Joao Fonseca or Holger Rune vs. Roberto Bautista Agut, which could set the tone for the tournament. The absence of Nadal, as noted by fans, adds a layer of unpredictability, with many rooting for Alcaraz to defend his title or Sinner to claim his first French Open crown.
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