Jannik Sinner, the men’s title favourite with Carlos
Alcaraz sidelined by injury, will begin his bid for a first Roland Garros crown
against French wildcard Clement Tabur (world number 165).
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka
was given a challenging pathway to the final, with possible opponents including
Naomi Osaka, Victoria Mboko and reigning champion Coco Gauff.
The tournament build-up in Paris has been overshadowed
by threats from players to boycott some media duties over a pay dispute with
Grand Slam organisers. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said they were not
willing to “budge,” adding that prize money has doubled over the past decade.
In the men’s singles, Sinner is set to face American
fifth seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, with Daniil Medvedev a possible
semi-final opponent after the Russian pushed Sinner hard earlier this month in
Rome.
Sinner’s recent form includes winning a sixth
consecutive Masters 1000 title in Rome by beating Casper Ruud.
Top seed Novak Djokovic, who will turn 39 on Friday,
starts against home hope Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Djokovic is also expected
to face Alexander Zverev in a potential semi-final, after their past Roland
Garros meetings ended with Djokovic winning in 2019 and last year. Djokovic is
chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, looking to move past Margaret
Court.
Other notable first-round clashes include Arthur Fils
vs Stan Wawrinka and a farewell appearance for Gael Monfils against Hugo
Gaston.
On the women’s side, Gauff begins her title defence
against fellow American Taylor Townsend. Sabalenka, who has never won Roland
Garros, opens against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and could meet Osaka in
the later rounds. Mboko and fifth seed Jessica Pegula are also possible
opponents for Sabalenka in the quarters.
Sabalenka’s potential last-eight opponent includes
American Amanda Anisimova, while Iga Swiatek, seeded third, could face Elina
Svitolina in the quarters. Second seed Elena Rybakina is projected to meet
Swiatek in the semi-finals.
A potential second-round Southeast Asian clash
features Indonesia’s Janice Tjen against the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala.
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