With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury and several men’s hopefuls such as Arthur Fils and Lorenzo Musetti also out, the French Open arrives amid a flurry of player unrest over prize money and the looming boycott talks. Jannik Sinner steps in as the overwhelming favorite, riding a 29‑match winning streak that includes 26 straight‑set victories on clay.

Iga Swiatek enters Paris carrying a mixed record; after a dominant early career she has slipped to 17‑7 on clay since 2022 and lost three of her last seven Slams. Aryna Sabalenka, fresh from a Sunshine Double, battles lower‑back and hip issues that have hampered her rotation, leaving her first Grand Slam title on clay still elusive.

Elena Rybakina, winner of 30 of 37 matches this season, has turned her Stuttgart clay success into a credible threat at Roland Garros, despite the surface ranking her as a relative underdog. Coco Gauff’s improved serve percentages keep her in contention, while 19‑year‑old Mirra Andreeva seeks to convert her 2024 semifinal run into a title. The draw promises several high‑stakes clashes before the final weekend.