Noted tennis analyst and former champion Patrick McEnroe was clear on social media when asked if the French Open was wide open with the absence of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal.
“Nope,” was the American’s response on Twitter.
McEnroe didn’t go any further and reveal his thoughts on who would win the 2023 French Open, which started Sunday, but current French Open tennis odds reveal the contenders. Here’s looking at a few of the favorites (all odds from FanDuel Sportsbook):
Novak Djokovic (+210)
Djokovic turned 36 just before the French Open started and is the last member of the ‘Big Three’ still playing at a high level. He has won 22 Grand Slams, including two French Opens in 2016 and 2021.
While clay isn’t his best surface, Djokovic is coming off a win at the Australian Open and is still the most accomplished player in the field.
Carlos Alcaraz (+135)
Alcaraz is supposed to be the next Nadal. The 20-year old Spaniard has a similar game to Nadal and broke through last year winning his first Grand Slam: the U.S. Open.
Alcaraz is No. 1 in ATP rankings but has been dealing with injuries and missed the Australian Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (+2400)
The powerful Greek is still looking for his first Grand Slam title and always seems to do well on clay. He has won the Monte-Carlo Masters twice but lost to Alcaraz in the 2023 Barcelona final. He played in the 2021 French Open final.
Casper Ruud (+2400)
Following some early-season troubles, Ruud has been forgotten in Paris — but he was in the final last year and has won 10 ATP titles, including nine on clay. Paris brings out his best tennis.
You can remove Djokovic from that list. He packs his bags tomorrow.
I had Sinner as my semi dark horse. He screwed me today
Never Nole. I’m for Stephanos