The French Open men’s field is set, and all eyes are on Paris as tennis’s clay court showdown approaches.
While the main draw doesn’t kick off until May 25th, we already know who’s in the mix for the season’s second Grand Slam. And let’s be honest – while players compete in various clay tournaments, Roland Garros is the one they’re really after.
Just look at Novak Djokovic. After his disappointing exit at Monte Carlo, he admitted Paris was his only real target. The Serbian star is hunting for his fourth French Open title, having previously won in 2016, 2021, and 2023. He’d probably have more if not for Rafael Nadal repeatedly standing in his way.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| es Carlos Alcaraz | 21 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
Djokovic’s 2024 campaign ended in frustration when knee problems forced him to withdraw before his quarterfinal match against Casper Ruud.
But he bounced back in spectacular fashion just months later, winning Olympic gold on those same Roland Garros courts. That victory over Carlos Alcaraz finally gave him the one major accolade missing from his trophy cabinet.
Speaking of Alcaraz, the defending champion returns to protect his title. The young Spaniard outlasted Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set battle last year to claim his first Paris title – something many had predicted since he grew up playing on clay.
He’s already looking sharp this season. Alcaraz just won his first Monte Carlo Masters title, which is pretty remarkable considering he’d never even won a match there before this year.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will be trying to break through in Paris. He came agonizingly close last year, pushing Alcaraz to five sets in the semifinal before physical issues caught up with him.
Sinner has been sidelined since February 9th due to a doping case settlement, but he’ll return at next month’s Italian Open. The timing of his ban actually worked out well – the 23-year-old didn’t miss any Grand Slams.
Alexander Zverev gets another crack at winning his first major. The German’s most recent heartbreak came against Sinner at this year’s Australian Open final. Zverev has previously said he believes Roland Garros gives him his best shot at Grand Slam glory.
Jack Draper’s expectations are likely more modest, despite his incredible run to the Indian Wells title this year. Clay has never been the Brit’s strong suit – he’s lost in the first round both times he’s played at Roland Garros.
Don’t sleep on Casper Ruud. The Norwegian somehow flies under the radar despite reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023, plus last year’s semifinal. His clay court credentials are seriously impressive.
The entry list also features Miami Open champ Jakub Mensik, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz among many others.
One notable absence? Nick Kyrgios – who’s never hidden his dislike for clay courts.
2025 French Open Men’s Players Field:
The 128-player field features a mix of established stars and rising talents:
• Jannik Sinner (1) – World No. 1 returning from ban
• Carlos Alcaraz (2) – Defending champion fresh off Monte Carlo win
• Alexander Zverev (3) – Three-time Grand Slam finalist seeking first major
• Taylor Fritz (4) – America’s top-ranked player
• Novak Djokovic (5) – Three-time champion and Olympic gold medalist
The field includes 32 seeded players plus qualifiers and wildcards that will be determined closer to the tournament. Players using protected rankings include Reilly Opelka, Sebastian Ofner, Jenson Brooksby, and Emil Ruusuvuori.
With Sinner back from his ban, Alcaraz finding form on clay, and Djokovic targeting this tournament specifically, we’re set for an absolutely thrilling fortnight in Paris.
