French Open: Norrie Grits Past Medvedev, Djokovic Lurks, and the Future’s Now
By TennisConnected Staff
American great Andy Roddick Returns for his informative blog from Betway to provide his thoughts on the year’s second Major in Paris.
The former world No. 1 and US Open champion is excited about the 2025 French Open and warns fans not to forget past champions like Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic.
The 2025 French Open
Cam Norrie’s gutsy win over Daniil Medvedev wasn’t just a surprise—it was the match of the tournament so far. Pure five-set theatre. If you ever need a reminder of why best-of-five matters in tennis, this was it. One player’s relentless will can shake the whole draw, and Norrie showed once again why he’s one of the toughest outs in the sport.
You never question Norrie’s fitness. He’s one of those 30 or so guys in any Slam who can will himself into the second week purely on legs and belief. He knows the territory now—he’s been on these stages—and he’s built for the grind.
Of course, things don’t get easier from here. He’s landed in Novak Djokovic’s section, and that presents its own kind of problem. Coming into Roland Garros, plenty of us wondered whether Novak had the mileage to last. Skipping Rome raised eyebrows. But then he went to Geneva, got some matches under his belt, and, well—he looked like Novak again.
First rounds have been shaky for him this season, sure. But once he gets rolling, he’s a different beast. Novak in round four is not the Novak you meet in round one. He’s the diesel engine of tennis—slow to start, but hard to stop once he’s running.
Let’s not kid ourselves, though: winning this Slam is a huge ask, especially with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz tearing through the field. But here’s the thing—Novak doesn’t fear them. He genuinely believes his best is still better than theirs, and frankly, he’s one of the only players who can say that and actually mean it.
We saw him struggle in Monte Carlo and Rome. But give him a few matches, and it’s like flipping a switch. He looked like a different player in Geneva, and suddenly, betting against him seems like a mistake. Again.
Sinner vs Alcaraz: Box Office Tennis
Let’s be honest—Sinner and Alcaraz are the two best players in the world right now. Even Novak would probably say so. They’ve split the last five Grand Slam titles, and every time they share a court, it feels like the future of tennis is happening in real time.
A final between those two? Sign us up. It’s appointment viewing. We’ve been lucky—spoiled, really—by the era of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. But this new rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz? It’s the next chapter. Still, while fans are busy dreaming of finals, 126 other players in the draw are planning to ruin those scripts.
Musetti’s Rise Feels Real
One name we keep circling: Lorenzo Musetti. A year ago, his Wimbledon semifinal run raised eyebrows. Now, it would barely register as a shock. He’s no longer just flashy; he’s reliable. Quarterfinals and semifinals are becoming his norm, not the exception. In a draw heavy on headline-makers, Musetti is quietly turning into one of the world’s most consistent threats.
Don’t Sleep on Swiatek
On the women’s side, the spotlight’s drifted a bit from Iga Swiatek—and that’s a mistake. Sure, she’s being compared to her own ridiculous standard right now, but the results are still there. Semis in Madrid. Semis in Australia. Not exactly a slump.
If anything, a tough draw might sharpen her focus. She’s never lost a Slam final. When she smells the finish line, she closes. Aryna Sabalenka might be the form player coming in, but we’re not betting against Iga deep in a major. If she makes it to the quarters, there’s every chance she steamrolls from there. Honestly, with four of the last five French Opens in her pocket? She’s got a point to prove, even if she shouldn’t have to.
Keep an Eye on Keys and Andreeva
Madison Keys is flying under the radar again, which is just how she likes it. The reigning Australian Open champ has the tools, the temperament, and that explosive X-factor—especially on a surface she knows well. She’s made the semis here before, and she’s more than capable of doing it again.
Then there’s Mirra Andreeva. She’s already taken out big names, including Sabalenka last year at Roland Garros. Her time is coming—it’s just a question of when. Could it be now? Possibly. The only red flag is her head-to-head with Coco Gauff, who’s had her number so far. But if you’re playing the long game, picking Andreeva to win one of the next six Slams might be the smartest call you’ll make.
Naomi Osaka’s Honesty Deserves Respect
Naomi Osaka continues to be one of the most misunderstood voices in tennis. Her openness about the emotional toll of losing? That’s not weakness—it’s drive. She wants to get back to the business end of majors because that’s where she belongs. She’s only 27. No, we may never see her ranked No. 1 again, but semis of a Slam? Very possible. The French Open isn’t her best surface, but don’t judge her too soon—especially with the U.S. Open looming.
The Matchup We’re Hoping For
If we’re being honest, the dream scenario is Novak taking on one of the new kings—Sinner or Alcaraz—on the red clay. Geneva changed the entire tenor of Novak’s campaign. He looks ready to test himself against the next-gen elite. That’s the match we want. That’s the match tennis deserves.
