Roland Garros: Commentary on the Start of the French Open

This year’s Roland Garros has been pure cinematic tennis. With upsets, breakout stars, and a few seasoned legends reminding us they’re not done yet. Let’s dive into the drama, the brilliance, and the battles that have defined the start of the French Open.

My Favorite Matches At the Moment 

Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego

Shelton’s Roland Garros campaign started with a hiccup. The American, known for his explosive serve and fearless baseline play, ran into Lorenzo Sonego in the first round. Despite taking the second set, Shelton couldn’t maintain momentum, falling 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. It was a reminder that clay courts demand more than just power. They require patience and adaptability. As Shelton is one of my favorite players to watch recently, I was on the edge of my seat, experiencing a mix of fear and excitement throughout the match. 

Gaël Monfils vs. Hugo Dellien

Gaël Monfils gave his home crowd a match worth watching with an electric win over Hugo Dellien. While Monfils was expected to win this matchup, the French player looked to be upset at the beginning of the match after tripping and hitting his knee against the side wall. After being down two sets, Monfils bounced back and secured the win, making the French crowd rejoice. The win was even more impressive because Monfils is 38 years old. Coming back from two sets after a harsh tumble shows Monfils' athleticism and determination to win. 

Tommy Paul vs. Márton Fucsovics

This clash was a rollercoaster. While it looked like Fucsovics was in full control after being up two sets, Paul climbed from the brink of elimination and won three straight sets to advance to the third round, where he was victorious against Khachanov, which had a similar game pattern to his second-round matchup. It is somewhat surprising to see an American player make a comeback like Paul's, given that some American players, such as Taylor Fritz, have struggled on clay courts. 

João Fonseca vs. Pierre-Hugues Herbert

Fonseca, the Brazilian teenager, faced off against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Despite the match taking place in France, the crowd was evenly divided between the local support for Herbert and the Brazilian fans supporting Fonseca. While Herbert did not win a set, each game was highly competitive, with scores of 7-6, 7-6, and 6-4. While Fonseca was the favorite to win the match, Herbert challenged Fonseca, making fans undecided on who would win. 

Ben Shelton vs. Matteo Gigante

Despite having a close game in the first round, Ben Shelton looked impressive in his third-round win against Matteo Gigante. One of the most entertaining aspects of the game was Shelton’s serve. There were certain points throughout the match where Gigante seemed to have no answer to the serves, resulting in a series of Shelton acing the Italian. Shelton also made a fantastic highlight of the game by winning a point while being on the ground. With the dominant display of serves and his hustle play on the clay floor, Shelton put on a show for fans. 

Player Spotlight: Who Caught My Attention 

Carlos Alcaraz

With his win against Jannik Sinner to win the Rome Open, Alcaraz is looking to continue his success at Roland Garros. Since the start of the tournament, Alcaraz has blown past opponents with 3 set win sweeps. His third-round match against Damir Dzumhur was a testament to his resilience. After dropping the third set, he regrouped and closed out the match in four, showcasing his mental fortitude and shot-making prowess. I definitely see him as a favorite to reach the final and win the major. 

Jannik Sinner

Similar to Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner is the top player to watch and root for throughout the tournament. The Italian’s baseline consistency and improved serve make him a formidable opponent on clay. Sinner has been dominating in the beginning rounds and is looking to bounce back after his finals loss against Carlos Alcaraz in the Rome Open. 

Jack Draper

When I think of a player who may not have the highest tennis status but could cause some damage throughout the tournament, the first player who comes to mind is Jack Draper. He demonstrated his great potential as a player with his victory over Fonseca. I would not be surprised if I see Draper upset any of the big names throughout his tournament. 

Ben Shelton

Despite an early setback, Shelton’s resurgence has been commendable. His aggressive play and improved movement on clay have been evident. While I do not see him winning the tournament due to his match-up against second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, Shelton has made history by being the fourth youngest American man to reach the fourth round at all majors. 

João Fonseca

The 18-year-old Brazilian has been the breakout star of the tournament. His fearless play and powerful forehand have caught everyone’s attention. Despite his loss to Draper, Fonseca’s future looks incredibly bright. I could see Fonseca potentially winning a major in the future. 

Predicting the Winner of Roland Garros 

Draper’s form suggests he could challenge the top seeds. His recent victories and growing confidence make him a dark horse throughout the tournament. However, based on the player’s current dominance and playstyle on the clay courts, Alcaraz remains the favorite. His ability to adapt, combined with his explosive game, makes him the man to beat. If he maintains this level, I believe he will clinch the Roland Garros title once again.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the clay courts of the French Open.