Carlos Alcaraz has sent a clear warning about his chief rival Jannik Sinner ahead of the French Open, describing the Italian as “dangerous” after their intense final showdown at the Italian Open. Fresh from capturing his first title in Rome, Alcaraz’s respect for Sinner was evident despite having just defeated him in straight sets. The upcoming fortnight in Paris could see these two top seeds clash in a grand slam final for the first time, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated battles in men’s tennis.
Alcaraz has faced immense pressure since his return from a three-month doping ban earlier this year. The expectations to win every tournament weighed heavily on him, and at times, the stress was overwhelming. He admitted that anxiety before matches was debilitating, making it difficult to perform at his best. However, recent performances show a transformation. Rather than succumbing to nerves or focusing solely on results, Alcaraz has shifted his mindset towards enjoying the game and embracing the moment. This change has brought a maturity to his play, combining moments of brilliance with consistent, solid tennis when it matters most.
In Rome, this maturity was on full display. Alcaraz balanced spectacular shot-making with grinding down his opponents, adapting his level to what each situation required. “Before I was totally nervous, couldn’t handle the nerves as better as I’m doing right now,” he explained. “Right now I’m focusing in totally a different way… just being happy, being proud about the moments that I’m living.” This new approach appears to have revitalized him just in time for his title defense at Roland Garros.
For Sinner, the Italian Open marked a significant return to form after his suspension. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, he made it all the way to the final, demonstrating that he remains a formidable contender on all surfaces. While Sinner acknowledged that match play feels very different from practice, and he still has work to do to reach his desired physical condition, his performance signaled he is on the right track. The grueling best-of-five sets format at the French Open will be a crucial test of his stamina and resilience.
The men’s field beyond the top two seeds is uncertain, with former contenders like Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev struggling to find consistent form. Meanwhile, emerging players such as Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti have pushed into the top eight, though neither has yet broken through to challenge for a major title. This tournament could prove pivotal in establishing the next generation of champions.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek’s dominance at Roland Garros has defined an era. The Polish star has won four of the last five French Open titles, an unprecedented feat in the open era. Yet 2025 has brought challenges. Swiatek is experiencing her biggest slump since becoming world No.1 three years ago. She has failed to secure a single title this season, grappling with a drop in confidence following a shock Olympic semi-final loss last summer and a recent one-month ban linked to a contaminated supplement. Her early exits from key tournaments have opened the door for others to challenge her supremacy.
Coco Gauff has emerged as one of Swiatek’s most formidable rivals, having defeated her twice this year and convincingly beating her in Madrid. Aryna Sabalenka has also solidified her place as one of the top contenders through greater consistency. Young talents like Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Zheng Qinwen have shown promising progress, demonstrating that the women’s field is becoming increasingly competitive.
With so much at stake, Swiatek’s quest to reclaim her throne at Roland Garros will be closely watched. History shows that the greatest champions often rise in moments of adversity, and the French Open could provide the perfect stage for her to prove she remains the dominant force in women’s tennis. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, the possibility of a thrilling Alcaraz versus Sinner final adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, promising compelling drama as these two stars seek to cement their legacies on the iconic clay courts of Paris.
