Mallika Dureja
The year’s most anticipated tennis tournament has arrived! The French Open 2023 is expected to be a thrilling tournament, with all of the world’s best players competing for the grand prize. From Rafael Nadal’s quest for his 14th Roland Garros title to Novak Djokovic’s quest for his career Grand Slam, tennis fans around the world will be treated to a plethora of stories and drama.
This article will go over what to expect from this year’s event, from the favourites and dark horses to the most recent information on site procedures and crowd turnout. So, grab some popcorn, and let’s begin with our French Open 2023 preview.
What Is The French Open?
“It’s match, set, and game! As the highly anticipated French Open 2023 approaches, the tennis world is buzzing with excitement. With exciting matchups, star-studded rosters, and jaw-dropping upsets, this year’s event promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. The French Open is one of four major tennis events held each year.
It is the only major held on clay courts and is considered the most physically demanding. The competition is held over two weeks in late May and early June at Paris’s Roland Garros Stadium. As we prepare for the clay court action in Paris, let’s take a look at the big picture of one of tennis’ most famous tournaments.”
What’s New For 2023?
A number of changes will be made for the 2023 French Open. To begin, the competition will take place a week later than usual, from May 22 to June 6. Furthermore, after a year in Porte d’Auteuil, the tournament will return to its traditional home at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
There are several new features to look out for in the tournament itself. The most notable exception is American Madison Keys, who received a wildcard entry into the main draw. For the first time since 2017, Keys is competing in the French Open. Another name to keep an eye on is Estonian Anett Kontaveit, who was admitted directly to the competition due to her high rating of 24th.
How Has The COVID-19 Pandemic Affected The French Open?
The French Open has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The competition was supposed to take place from May 24 to June 7, but it was pushed back owing to the epidemic. It was later rescheduled on September 20 until October 4. Due to the virus’s continuous spread, the French authorities stated that the event would be staged without spectators. This decision was made to preserve public health and prevent the virus from spreading further.
The French Open’s postponement had an impact on the other Grand Slam competitions. Wimbledon was cancelled completely, but the US Open was held with fewer spectators and a smaller field. The 2020 Australian Open is presently set to take place as planned, but how the situation develops in the next months remains to be seen.
The COVID-19 epidemic has unquestionably had a significant influence on professional tennis. Yet, the sport will continue to evolve and change to guarantee that Grand Slam events can be hosted in a safe and effective manner.
Also read: What The Women’s Premier League Means For Women’s Cricket In India
Schedule Of French Open 2023
The 103rd French Open will be contested at the Stadium Roland Garros in Paris, France, from May 26 to June 9, 2023. The qualifying rounds will take place from May 22 to 25, followed by the main draw from May 26 to June 9. The prize pool for the event will be €42 million.
Monday, May 22nd: Qualification Rounds
Tuesday, May 23: Qualification Rounds
Wednesday, May 24: Qualification Rounds
Thursday, May 25: Qualification Rounds
Friday, May 26: The first round of the main draw begins.
Saturday, May 27: The first round of the main draw begins.
Sunday, May 28: The second round of the main draw begins.
Monday, May 29: The second round of the main draw begins.
Tuesday, 30 May: The third round of the main draw begins.
Wednesday, May 31: The third round of the main draw begins.
Thursday, June 1: Round of 16 games
Friday, June 2nd: Round of 16 games
Saturday, June 3rd: Quarter-finals games
Sunday, June 4: Quarter-finals games
Women’s Semi-Finals and Men’s Doubles Final on Monday, June 5th.
Men’s Semi-Finals & Women’s Doubles Final on Tuesday, June 6th.
Wednesday, June 7th: Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles Finals.
Thursday, June 8: Men’s and Boys’ Singles Finals.
Girls’ Singles Final on Friday, June 9th.
Who Are The Favourites To Win In 2023?
Rafael Nadal is the favourite to win his 14th French Open championship in men’s singles. This year, the Spaniard has been in fantastic form, winning two Grand Slams. Roger Federer, who won the French Open in 2009, is also a strong candidate. Novak Djokovic, the 2016 French Open champion, is also a favourite.
Simona Halep is the favourite to defend her women’s singles title. The Romanian has been in outstanding form this year, having recently won Wimbledon. Serena Williams, who has three French Open titles, is also a strong contender. Another strong contender is Naomi Osaka, who won the US Open last year.
Can Anyone Beat Rafael Nadal On Clay?
Rafael Nadal has recently dominated the clay court season, winning three of the previous four French Opens. He’s definitely the favourite coming into this year’s tournament, but a few guys might pose a threat.
Novak Djokovic, who Nadal defeated in the event quarterfinals last year, is one to watch. Djokovic is a fantastic all-around player who has beaten Nadal on clay before (at the Madrid Masters in 2011). Another player to keep an eye on is Juan Martin del Potro, who has had some success against Nadal in the past (including a win at Roland Garros in 2009).
Of course, it’s impossible to predict how any particular player will perform at a tournament, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens at this year’s French Open.
What Are the Other Major Storylines for the 2023 French Open?
The 2023 French Open will be the 122nd edition of the French Open and will be held from May 26 to June 6, 2023, at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France. The French Open will be held for the first time since 2021, since the 2022 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Among of the major storylines leading up to the 2023 French Open are as follows:
- Will Rafael Nadal win an incredible 13th Roland Garros title?
- Will Novak Djokovic be able to complete the Grand Slam?
- Who will be the next youthful star to shine on clay?
- How will Serena Williams fare in her bid for a record 24th major championship?
Conclusion
The 2023 French Open promises to be an intriguing tournament that the entire tennis world will be watching. With some of the sport’s biggest personalities scheduled to compete, it’s guaranteed to be an exciting week of action. This event, though, might generate some extraordinary results that could define the future of men’s and women’s tennis for years to come. We can only watch with bated breath to see who comes out on top!
