This week marks the start of the second Grand Slam of tennis in 2023, and there’s a lot to know about one of the most beloved, followed, and significant tournaments on the ATP circuit.
Today we’re going to explain everything you need to know as we approach the start of the second major tournament of the year, following the Australian Open held in January. The biggest highlight this year is that the king of clay, Rafa Nadal, won’t be participating.
History of Roland Garros
The history of the Roland Garros tournament dates back to 1891, when the first French Open was held. Originally, the tournament was called Championnat de France and only members of French clubs could participate in it.
The tournament was held annually, except during World War I and World War II, and gained popularity over the years.
Today it is, with Wimbledon, the Grand Slam with the greatest renown and fame among players and the public. The tennis player who has won this tournament the most times is Rafa Nadal, who has lifted the cup 14 times.
When does Roland Garros 2023 start
Roland Garros will last a whopping three weeks in this 2023 edition. The tournament starts today, May 22, and will end on June 11, with the grand finale to be played – as always – on center court: Court Philippe Chatrier.
This week will be played by all the players who arrive with the Wild Card or who have been invited to the tournament. Those who make it through the first matches will be able to reach the second week, where the tournament really starts.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz or Medvedev will start next week, when the first qualifying phase is over. Those who are entitled to go because of their position in the ATP ranking will not have to compete until Monday, May 29.
Roland Garros 2023 players and favorites
This year the top 10 players in the ATP ranking will play the Roland Garros tournament. These are, on the boys’ side:
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Daniil Medvedev
- Novak Djokovic
- Casper Ruud
- Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Holger Rune
- Jannik Sinner
- Andrey Rublev
- Taylor Fritz
- Félix Auger-Aliassime
As favorite of the men’s tournament we have Carlos Alcaraz, who has had an almost perfect season on clay by winning the Conde de Godo in Barcelona and the Madrid Open.
Although we always have to take into account Novak Djokovic, the best tennis player of the last 10 years with Rafa Nadal’s permission.
In the women’s draw we have:
- Iga Swiatek
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Jessica Pegula
- Elena Rybakina
- Caroline García
- Cori Gauff
- Ons Jabeur
- Maria Sakkari
- Daria Kasatkina
- Petra Kvitova
Here the fight is even clearer, as Iga Swiatek is the number 1 in the world and, in addition, an expert tennis player on clay. Here we could also see Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka lifting the coveted cup.
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