As the French Open 2024 kicks off at Roland-Garros on Sunday (26 May), all eyes are on top seeds Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, reigning champions of the prestigious tournament. With the tennis event for the Paris Olympics set to take place at Roland Garros, this year’s French Open gains even greater significance. The tournament will determine the remaining slots in the singles and doubles categories for the Summer Games based on end-of-tournament rankings, intensifying the competition and adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic eye first Grand Slam win of the year
However, the spotlight shines brightest on Rafael Nadal, the clay-court maestro, with 14 titles at Roland Garros. Nadal faces a formidable opponent in Italian Open 2024 champion Alexander Zverev in the opening round, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic faces the threat of losing his No.1 ranking to rising star Jannik Sinner, who gained momentum after clinching the Australian Open earlier this year. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz aims to bounce back from a forearm injury and reclaim his form on the court.
Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka headline women’s draw at French Open 2024
In the women’s singles, World No.1 Iga Swiatek emerges as the frontrunner, having secured consecutive titles at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023. Legendary player Chris Evert predicts Swiatek’s potential to surpass her record of seven French Open titles.
Aryna Sabalenka remains a strong contender to watch out for, despite recent losses to Swiatek in the finals of the Madrid and Italian Opens. Sabalenka’s prowess on clay, along with the talents of Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Qinwen Zheng, promises an exciting competition.
Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna in French open 2024 main draw
Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal gears up for his French Open main draw debut, marking a significant milestone in his career. Ranked 95th globally, Nagal aims to become the first Indian man to feature in the main draw in singles since Prajnesh Gunneswaran. However, he faces a tough challenge in the first round against World No. 18 Karen Khachanov of Russia.
In the men’s doubles category, Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri secure spots in the main draw. Bopanna, aged 44, achieved a career milestone by clinching his maiden Major in men’s doubles at the Australian Open this year alongside Matthew Ebden. Despite their struggles on clay this season, Bopanna and Ebden aim to make an impact in the French Open. On the other hand, Bhambri partnered with French player Albano Olivetti, securing victories at the Munich Open and finishing as runners-up in Lyon.
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French Open 2024 Live Streaming in India
In India, viewers will be able to watch the live telecast of the French Open on the Sony Sports Network and stream the matches live on SonyLiv and JioTV.
French Open 2024 Schedule for First Round Day 1
Court Philippe-Chatrier
Women’s Singles – Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs Lucia Bronzetti (ITA) – 3:30PM IST
Men’s Singles – [3] Carlos Alcaraz [ESP] vs [LL] J.J. Wolf (USA)
Women’s Singles – [21] Caroline Garcia (FRA) vs Eva Lys (GER)
Men’s Singles – Andy Murray (GBR) vs Stan Wawrinka (SUI) – Not before 11:45PM IST
Court Suzanne-Lenglen
Men’s Singles – [17] Ugo Humbert (FRA) vs Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) – 2:30PM IST
Women’s Singles – [9] Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) vs Jaqueline Cristian (ROU)
Men’s Singles – [WC] Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs Borna Coric (CRO)
Women’s Singles – [24] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) vs Viktorija Golubic (SUI)
Court Simonne-Mathieu
Men’s Singles – [6] Andrey Rublev vs Taro Daniel (JPN) – 2:30PM IST
Women’s Singles – Laura Siegemund (GER) vs Sofia Kenin (USA)
Women’s Singles – [WC] Chloe Paquet (FRA) vs Diana Shnaider
Men’s Singles – [16] Nicolas Jarry (CHI) vs Corentin Moutet (FRA)
Here are some of the fixtures to watch out on the other courts:
Court 14
Women’s Singles – [30] Dayana Yastremska (UKR) vs [WC] Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) – 2:30PM IST
Men’s Singles – [10] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA)
Men’s Singles – [27] Sebastian Korda (USA) vs [WC] Harold Mayot (FRA)
Court 7
Women’s Singles – [29] Veronika Kudermetova vs Marie Bouzkova (CZE) – 2:30PM IST
Men’s Singles – [8] Hubert Hurkacz (POL) vs [Q] Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN)
Court 6
Women’s Singles – [18] Marta Kostyuk (UKR) vs [Q] Laura Pigossi (BRA)
Men’s Singles – Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [Q] Gabriel Diallo (CAN)
Court 12
Women’s Singles – Donna Vekic (CRO) vs Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) – 2:30PM IST
Men’s Singles – Jack Draper (GBR) vs [Q] Jesper De Jong (NED)
Court 13
Men’s Singles – [24] Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) vs [Q] Zizou Bergs (BEL)
