5 MEN TO WATCH
Alexander Zverev Age 21 Nationality German World ranking 3 French Open best Third round (2016) Major titles 8 tour titles, 0 slams
With three Masters titles to his name, ‘Sascha’ is making good on the promise that has long since marked him out as a future world No 1. At the grand-slams, however, Zverev has yet to reach a quarter-final. A brilliant clay-court season – including winning the Madrid title and reaching the Italian Open final – suggests the youngster could be ready to make his slam breakthrough in Paris.
Kyle Edmund Age 23
French Open best Third round (2017) Nationality British World ranking 17 Major titles 0 tour titles, 0 slams
After reaching the Marrakesh final and then taking out David Goffin and Novak Djokovic in Madrid, Edmund confirmed his status as a French Open dark horse. Standing at a career-high ranking of No 17, Edmund is brimming with confidence and will look to build on reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January. Boasting arguably the biggest forehand in men’s tennis, Edmund has the game to go deep at Roland Garros.
Dominic Thiem Age 24 Nationality Austrian World ranking 8 French Open best Semi-finals (2017) Major titles 9 tour titles, 0 slams
The only man to beat Rafael Nadal on clay last year, and the only one to do so in 2018 thus far, underlines Thiem’s potential on the surface. Thiem also thumped reigning champion Novak Djokovic to reach the French Open semis last year, and his penetrating serve and heavy topspin backhand will make him a threat in Paris.
Novak Djokovic Age 31 Nationality Serbian World ranking 22 French Open best Winner (2016) Major titles 68 tour titles, 12 slams
After a miserable couple of years, Djokovic finally looks to be rediscovering something like his best form. He is still a way short of his unbeatable peak, but against Rafael Nadal in Rome last week there were glimpses that the old Djokovic could be about to make a comeback. His ranking of No 22 will mean a tougher path to the final but, realistically, almost all the higher-ranked players will be desperate to avoid playing him.
David Goffin Age: 27 French Open best Quarterfinals (2016) Nationality Belgian
World ranking 9
Major titles 4 tour titles, 0 slams
Assuming he has shaken off his unfortunate recent eye injury, Goffin has the class and imagination to go better than his run to the quarterfinals two years ago. The fizzed double-handed backhand is Goffin’s main weapon, but his variety and touch make him very dangerous on clay. Standing at 5ft 11in, the relatively diminutive Goffin always punches above his weight.