The 2024 French Open is shaping up to be a tournament for the ages, with storylines that will reel in tennis enthusiasts worldwide. We’ve already seen British hopeful Cameron Norrie, the five-time No.1 Rafael Nadal, and Swiss Rebeka Masarova crash out at Roland-Garros.
However, there are plenty of big stories we’ve expected to make headlines going into the tour. From legends ready to down their rackets to rising stars and potential upsets, this clay-court tournament promises not to be missed. Be sure to keep an eye on these seven storylines during the event.
1. Nadal’s Last Play at the French Open
Just like all enjoyable things in life, such as savoring a fine wine, nurturing a relationship, or enjoying a round of video poker, it pays for tennis players to know when to stop. Rafael Nadal, the undisputed King of Clay, has dominated at Roland-Garros over the years, with just three defeats in 115 appearances. The 37-year-old Spaniard missed the 2023 French Open due to an injury, and this tournament presents the perfect opportunity for a grand farewell as he plans to retire later in the year.
Of course, all eyes were on Nadal as he made his highly anticipated and emotional farewell appearance at the French Open. With an unprecedented 14 titles at this prestigious event, his dominance on the Parisian clay has been nothing short of remarkable. It was heartwarming when the crowd at Roland-Garros gave the King of Clay a standing ovation.
The 14th-time champion lost 3-6 on Monday on the Philippe-Chatrier court to the No.4 seed, Alexander Zverev. Despite crashing out at this year’s French Open, Nadal has hinted that he might return to Roland-Garros for the Paris 2023 Games, according to BBC Sport.
2. Murray’s Upcoming Retirement
Joining Nadal in bidding adieu to Roland-Garros is the beloved Andy Murray. The former world No. 1 and 2016 French Open runner-up has announced that this will be his final season on the ATP Tour. Despite battling injuries, Murray was determined to make one last appearance at the clay-court major, a clear sign of his unmistakable spirit and love for the game.
Fans undoubtedly cherished the opportunity to see the Scottish star grace the courts of Roland-Garros one final time. Unfortunately, the 37-year-old and former British No.1 could not go out on a high note after a 2-6 defeat to the No.3 seed, Stan Wawrinka, on Sunday.
3. Djokovic Bid to Redeem His Name
Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion, will seek redemption after a turbulent season marred by injuries, coaching changes, and inconsistent performances. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has struggled to find his rhythm, but a strong showing at Roland-Garros could reignite his dominance on the ATP Tour.
Will Djokovic rise to the occasion and defend his crown, or will the uncertainties surrounding his form prove too daunting? His first appearance at this year’s tournament is Tuesday, May 28th.
4. Swiatek’s Pursuit of a Three-Peat
On the women’s side, all eyes will be on Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion and the overwhelming favorite. The Polish sensation has been on a remarkable run, winning three of the last four French Open titles.
With her prowess on clay and a game that seems tailor-made for Roland-Garros, Swiatek will be aiming to join an elite group of players who have won three consecutive titles at this prestigious event. Can anyone stop her juggernaut, or will she continue her clay-court dominance?
Swiatek is definitely on course after beating the French Leolia Jeanjean 6-2 in the first round at the Roland Garros. Her next target is the former WTA world No.1 Naomi Osaka.
5. The Comeback of British Tennis
British tennis fans will keep a close eye on their contingent, led by the in-form Katie Boulter. Seeded 26th, Boulter, who reached the 4th round at the Miami Open, will debut in the main draw, and her recent performances have ignited hopes of a deep run.
Joining her will be seasoned campaigners like Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Dan Evans, all vying to make their mark on the clay courts of Paris. Despite Norrie’s 1st round defeat, British tennis is experiencing a comeback, and Roland-Garros could still be the stage for a breakthrough performance.
6. Zverev’s Legal Battle
The No.4 seed, Alexander Zverev, kicked off his Roland Garros campaign with a bang. The German trounced Rafael Nadal 6-3 to advance to the 2nd round. However, his on-court success will be slightly overshadowed by his ongoing legal battle.
The German star, facing domestic violence charges, will have his trial commence during the French Open, according to the New York Times. While he maintains his innocence, the high-profile case is sure to get plenty of attention, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Zverev’s pursuit of his first Grand Slam title. Can he block out the distractions and make a statement on the court?
7. Unexpected Upsets and Underdog Stories
No Grand Slam is complete without its fair share of surprises and upsets. Roland-Garros has a rich history of producing underdog stories, with lower-ranked players seizing their moment in the spotlight. Who will be this year’s giant killers, and which unexpected names will make headlines with their remarkable performances on the iconic clay courts? The unpredictable nature of the tournament only adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this prestigious event.
As the 2024 French Open unfolds, these storylines will undoubtedly capture the attention of tennis fans worldwide, making this year’s edition of Roland-Garros a must-watch event. From iconic farewells to the rise of new stars and the potential for shocking upsets, the clay courts of Paris promise to deliver an unforgettable spectacle that will etch its place in tennis history.
