CARLOS Alcaraz is set to commence his French Open title defense against the seasoned Kei Nishikori, expressing his excitement to return to Paris following what he describes as an excellent clay-court season.
Alcaraz has emerged as the dominant force on clay in the weeks leading up to Roland Garros, cementing his status as the clear favorite after securing trophies in Barcelona and Rome. His opponent, Nishikori, a former top-five player, has faced recent challenges on the clay surface.
With an impressive 15-1 record on clay this season and having reclaimed the world No. 2 ranking, Alcaraz is positioned on the opposite side of the draw from top-ranked Jannik Sinner, meaning a potential clash between the two can only occur in the final.
“It’s been a great clay season so far,” Alcaraz remarked after Thursday’s (May 22, 2025) draw in Paris. “I’m excited. The confidence is really high right now.”
Collectively, Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last five Grand Slam titles, underscoring their recent dominance in men’s tennis.
Sinner, who recently returned from a three-month doping suspension, pushed Alcaraz in their Rome final earlier this month, though he ultimately lost in straight sets. Sinner will begin his French Open campaign against local favorite Arthur Rinderknech.
Last year, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a five-set thriller in the French Open semifinals before going on to successfully defend his Wimbledon title, securing his fourth Grand Slam trophy. Sinner’s career titles include only one on clay, which he won in Umag, Croatia, in 2022, notably beating Alcaraz in that final.
Novak Djokovic, who finally secured a clay-court victory this year at the Geneva Open on Wednesday, is slated to face Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in the first round.
The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, who won the Paris Olympics gold medal last August at Roland Garros, has been navigating a challenging clay season since then.
Potential men’s quarterfinal matchups could see Sinner facing No. 5 seed Jack Draper, Alexander Zverev (3) against Djokovic (6), Taylor Fritz (4) against Lorenzo Musetti (8, and Alcaraz against Casper Ruud (7).
The French Open is scheduled to commence on Monday and will conclude on June 8.
In the women’s draw, four-time champion Iga Swiatek continues her search for her best form.
Having dropped outside the top four in the rankings, Swiatek has yet to win a title or reach a final since her victory at Roland Garros last year.
Seeded No. 5 in Paris, Swiatek will open her campaign against Rebecca Sramkova, ranked No. 41. A potential second-round match could see her face former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Possible women’s quarterfinals include Sabalenka against No. 8 Qinwen Zheng, last year’s runner-up Jasmine Paolini against Swiatek, Jessica Pegula (3) against Mirra Andreeva (6), and Gauff against Madison Keys (7). / FROM THE WIRES