The big story is 14 time French Open champ Rafael Nadal drew the no. 4 seed and recent Rome titlist Alexander Zverev. After the recent spate of convenient draws from Rafa this year vs. teenagers and other no-hopers, it’s a surprise to see Nadal facing a formidable test right out of the starting blocks of what could be his final Grand Slam appearance. Of course, the conspiracy theorists are already suspecting Zverev is compromised by his upcoming court case about domestic violence allegations (or false allegations) and could roll over for the King of Clay. We shall see.
Nadal was placed in Djokovic’s half of the draw. The world no. 1 will face Pierre Hugues-Herbert in the first round.
In a battle of the graybeard legends, Wawrinka vs. Murray.
Jannik Sinner will battle Chris Eubanks first round. 13 seed Holger Rune plays Dan Evans.
Other interesting first rounders: Deminaur vs Michelsen. Fils vs. Arnaldi. Humbert vs Sonego. Tsitsipas vs Fucsovics. Shelton vs Hugo Gaston. Felix vs. Nishioka. Korda vs Mayot. Carlos Alcaraz vs Qualifier or LL. Moutet vs. Jarry. Dimitrov vs Kovacevic.
Richard Gasquet, wildcard, will play Borna Coric.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek, world no. 1, plays a qualifier/LL and could face Osaka in second round if Naomi beats Bronzetti.
Alize Cornet plays Qinwen Zheng in what will be her final French Open.
Andreescu vs. Sorribes Tormo. Svitolina vs Pliskova. Putintseva vs. Stephens.
Scoop Malinowski · May 23, 2024 at 10:51 am
Murray vs Wawrinka 13-9 head to head. 46 titles vs 16. Age 37 vs 39. 75 ranking vs 97. Last match was 2022 Cincy with Murray winning 76 57 75. Now that’s a fantastic first round clash of legends.
catherine · May 24, 2024 at 9:04 am
When did Bianca last play ? Why did she get Direct Entry to main draw ?
Unless I missed it.
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2024 at 1:06 pm
Catherine, not sure, I thought she might have retired or switched to pickleball. Andreescu and Bouchard are now at journeywoman state and it’s hard to envision them ever being factors in Grand Slams ever again. Tennis can be a cruel and vicious sport.
catherine · May 26, 2024 at 8:53 am
https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4028395/bianca-andreescu-s-mindful-approach-sparks-her-2024-revival
More about Bianca. The pro tour has always been a rough ride for her.
Scoop Malinowski · May 26, 2024 at 11:05 am
Catherine, I don’t see her, Emma or Bouchard challenging for big titles ever again. Do you?
catherine · May 26, 2024 at 1:48 pm
No. I’ve come to think of Emma now as an amateur. She loves the game, is nice to watch but does not want to be a pro player. I’d be very surprised if she returns full time.
Bianca is too prone to injury and Bouchard’s day is long past.
Scoop Malinowski · May 26, 2024 at 8:37 pm
Raducanu wants to win more big titles and be an elite WTA player again with big results. But it may not be in the cards for her, her shocking success came when it was least expected. No pressure, no expectations. Now with pressure and expectations, she’s not producing. Andreescu got in top shape but no big results came. Bouchard same deal, she worked her tail off but like Bianca, has nothing to show for it.
catherine · May 27, 2024 at 4:36 am
My view of Emma at present is that she isn’t behaving like someone who wants to commit herself to the game. She has had opportunites but has turned them down.
She prefers riding motorbikes 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · May 27, 2024 at 8:35 am
Catherine she committed 100 percent to winning the second major and being elite but all her efforts failed and she’a journeywoman, second or third tier level player now. So she’s enjoying life instead of grieving about her status and low ranking. And feel proud about being a Grand Slam champion which nobody can take away from her.