Day 10 of the French Open is here and as we as approach the business end of the tournament we take a look at some of the favourites to win men’s title. This year’s tournament has seen a multitude of upsets and incredible comebacks. The next generation of young players has stepped up this year, showing that they are well and truly coming of age. However, through the drama that is the Roland Garros, eight men still stand, all vying for one mutual goal – to become a Grand Slam Champion.
RAFAEL NADAL: How could you ever go past Nadal at the French Open? The Spaniard has won the second Grand Slam of the year on nine previous occasions and it’s hard to bet against the King of Clay winning his tenth. Having only lost once this clay court season, to Dominic Thiem, the fourth seed looks in good stead to capture his 15th Grand Slam title overall. However, Nadal has been placed in a tough section of the draw, having to face either Djokovic or Thiem in the semifinal if he advances past fellow countryman Pablo Carreno-Busta. Nadal has never lost in the semifinal or final stage at the Roland Garros and looks likely to continue this tradition, having only dropped 20 games throughout the entire tournament.
Potential Draw: QF: Carreno Busta [20], SF: Djokovic [2], F: Murray [1]
DOMINIC THIEM: Thiem was considered a major chance to take the title at the start of the tournament and has shown why he was so highly regarded by the bookmakers. The Austrian has shown very impressive form, handing Nadal his only loss on clay earlier this year. Djokovic will no doubt have something to say about Thiem progressing any further, however, the rising star has shown that he can and will play well on the big stage. Nadal and Murray may also present hurdles for Thiem on route to winning his maiden Grand Slam title. The 23-year-old will have to play out of his skin to insert his name in the history books at this year’s French Open.
Potential Draw: QF: Djokovic [2], SF: Nadal [4], F: Murray [1]
MARIN CILIC: Cilic has crept under the radar at this year’s Roland Garros. The Croat has shown tremendous form through the first rounds of the tournament, winning through without dropping a set. Arguably in the weaker half of the draw, the top half, the 6’6” giant will have a chance to sneak through to the final. The quarterfinal will see the big serving Cilic take on the 2015 Champion, Stanislav Wawrinka, in what promises to be an entertaining matchup. Cilic has only managed to prevail over Stan on two previous occasions and will go in as the underdog in their 14th meeting. However, Cilic’s fourth-round match was cut short due to Anderson retiring midway through the second set, meaning the 28-year-old should be fresh and energised for his first French Open quarterfinal. Cilic will have to play amazing tennis to move past the second-ranked Swiss; however, he should be considered a true dark horse to win the Championship.
Potential Draw: QF: Wawrinka [3], SF: Murray [1], F: Djokovic [2]
