Heading into this year’s Roland Garros, there are many storylines to be followed, old rivalries, exciting newcomers and reemerging veterans. The outcome of this French Open will set the stage for the rest of 2022, and if the Spanish favorite Nadal wins, it could change tennis history. All in all, this French Open is going to be one for the history books, no matter who lifts the Musketeers Trophy.

Nadal vs. Djokovic

The main storyline this tournament is Nadal and Djokovic’s anticipated matchup. With Nadal winning his record breaking 21 Grand Slam in Australia, Djokovic now has to play catch up heading into Nadal’s favorite tournament, where he has won 13 times. Trailing by only one Grand Slam, after not being allowed to compete in the Australian Open due to his vaccination status. Now, coming into the quarter finals of the French Open, Nadal and Djokovic are set to face each other for the 59th time, Djokovic having one 30 of those, and Nadal having won 28. This one however, might be the most important duel they have ever had. Being the two favorites for the Grand Slam, whoever wins has a much better chance of winning the whole tournament. 

What’s on the line for Novak:

Novak has been chasing the likes of Nadal and Federer his whole career, and after finally catching up earlier last year, the Covid 19 pandemic put his progress on hold. By winning the Roland Garros in a couple weeks time, he would firmly put himself in the leading spot for the greatest tennis player of all time. 

What’s on the line for Nadal:

Roland Garros is Nadal’s best tournament. His level of dominance on the French clay rivals any athlete in any sport in history. Coming into this tournament he is the clear favorite for the trophy, and if he wins it, he’ll be 2 Grand Slams up on Djokovic and Federer. 

Jun 1, 2022: The day following this match, it is safe to say that the battle between the two titans did not disappoint. After taking the first set 6-2, Djokovic came back from 3-0 down in the second, to win it 6-4. However, after falling behind in the 3rd set, Nadal fought back and won it, along with the 4th and last set of the match. He looked dominant, which is certainly not surprising for someone like Nadal on clay. 

Spain’s New Hope: Carlos Alcarez

The young Spaniard seemed to come out of nowhere this season and has dominated the smaller tournaments leading up to the Roland Garros. He has won in both Madrid and Barcelona, beating the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev on his way to both Spanish trophies. Many have already begun to call him the next Rafael Nadal, as Rafa nears retirement. The 19-year old is fast, and has a monster forehand that seems to catch every opponent he faces off guard. This, paired with his strong serve makes him a very tough opponent to face, especially for the older veterans in the Tour.

The Dark Horses of the Quarter-Finals:

Marin Cilic has looked on top form for the first time in a while heading into the quarter finals. He dominated the world #2 Danil Medvedev, defeating the Russian 3-0 in sets, letting him win only a total of 7 games. In contrast to the veteran, a new face has gotten into the quarters, the Dane Holger Rune. After beating Tsitsipas in surprisingly dominating fashion, he is set to face Casper Ruud. With their playstyles being so similar, it is hard to see who will come out on top. 

Iga Swiatek 

Going into the Semi-Finals of the Women’s Singles, the favorite is Poland’s Iga Swiatek. She seems unstoppable, dominating all of her matchups, sweeping almost all of her competitors 2-0. She seems to cover the court better than anyone else, abusing any weaknesses in her opponents game. She has the best forehand in the women’s game, being able to hit powerful, deep shots from anywhere on the court. She has looked amazing this year winning both the Indian Wells and Miami Open. The world #1 was the first Polish player to win a singles Grand Slam title back in France in 2020, and now looks to repeat the feat 2 years later.

The New American Hope: Coco Gauff

 A surprising name in the Semi’s has been the USA’s Coco Guaff. After making waves in the tour 2 years ago, becoming the youngest female player ever ranked in the top 100, the now 18 year old has fought her way into contention for her first major title. Unlike every other player in the semi-finals, she is both in the semi finals in the singles competition and the doubles. She has a chance to win both the title for herself, and with her teammate Jessica Pegula. She is set to face Italy’s Martina Trevisan in the semi-finals, and the other American duo of Taylor Townsend and Madison Keys in the doubles.