Well its the eve of my favourite Tennis tournament, the French Open and I'm both excited and sad at about this years edition. Its not only the start of the second major of 2025 but also both the first since the retirement of Rafa the King of Clay, the 2nd best of all time whch also coincides with the 20th anniversary of Rafa's first Roland Garros triumph! So very mixed emotions this year.
For me there's noting much better in sport than a tennis major and I'm always so excited when they start but as a Rafafantic im also so sad that he won't ever play at his home again. Personally I think they should rename court Philippe Chatrier in his honour.
On the mens side even before the draw was made Alcaraz was favourite even more so the draw has been a dream for him, on both sides. Only Sinner for me can stop him although as much I was impressed with his Rome return and he's won last two majors, it is too soon in his comeback and he also has a tough draw.
Still can't wrap my head around not automatically thinking Djokovic will win, think he will have a good run though especially with his usual favourable draw, could he beat the top two over five, not for me, but he's Novak so it would be foolish to completely write him off.
On the women's side its quite open and I think with defendiing champion Swiatek issues on and off court I don't think it will be four in a row. I think its stunning that she hasn't even been in a final since Roland Garros last year though as with Novak don't completely write her off as long as she doesn't have to face Ostapenko! Gauff probably would be my favourite over Sabalenka and I was impessed with Paolini in Rome, for defintely got a shot infact I've had a bet on her at 15/1.
All in all I think its going to be a facinating Roland Garros this and I cant wait to watch it unfold, well I say watch it but with TNT charging a disgusting £30.99 per month to watch Bluesky will be where i'll mostly follow it! My tips are Alcaraz and it may surprise some people but Paolini, hense my bet!
Here is feed I've created which was originally for the Austrailian Open and I will update for Wimbledon after the French. https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wuojeafwvlqn7devygjbcdjk/feed/aaab2uyom2jze
