The tennis calendar is interesting because it starts off with a bang, and then enters into a bit of a quiet period. The Australian Open commenced the 2023 tennis season, and saw Novak Djokovic win the title on the men’s side, and Aryna Sabalenka win in the women’s draw. After that, it is four long months until the French Open commences at Roland Garros.
We’ll take a closer look at three players to keep an eye on at the next major tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz
With Roger Federer now out of the picture, and an aging (but still very dangerous) Djokovic in the picture, it should be time for some of the sport’s younger prospects to take a step up. Carlos Alcaraz is still just 20 years old, but has had a flurry of attention directed his way. He’s been at or near the top of the men’s rankings for a little while now, especially after his 2022 U.S. Open victory last fall.
In order to build a resume that will keep him in the conversation as one of tennis’ next great stars, Alcaraz will need to build on his success. It’s going to be interesting to see if he operates differently than he did at Rome where he lost to a virtual unknown in Hungarian Fabian Marozsan, or if he stays true to his game. Carlitos is in a strange position of being the favorite according to the tennis betting odds from bookmakers. That’s down to the injury problems of perennial favorite Rafael Nadal. So, this is a different kind of pressure for the young Spaniard.
Jessica Pegula
An American woman has not won a Grand Slam event since 2020, when Sofia Kenin triumphed at the Australian Open that year. Before that, you would have to go back to 2017 to find the previous time an American woman won a tennis major, when Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens both accomplished the feat. Jessica Pegula is hoping to take the mantle and prove that she can compete for major titles consistently.
Her family is well known in sports circles, as her parents own the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Pegula has had a front-row seat to some prominent sporting events throughout her life, and she hopes that her matches will become a hot ticket in short order. Pegula has advanced as far as the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam, and will need to advance further in order to cement her status as a Grand Slam threat in the tennis world.
Holger Rune
While many people will be focused on Alcaraz to see if he can keep building, it appears another 20 year old is ready to win his first Grand Slam title. Rune lost in the finals of Rome to Daniil Medvedev but performed very impressively during the 2023 clay court season, accomplishing a 13-3 match record on the tricky surface.
Now ranked no. 6 in the world, Rune has a a champion’s mindset and famously – or infamously – stated boldly a couple of years ago that he believes he can actually break Nadal’s French Open record of winning fourteen titles in Paris. Think about that for a moment – that may be the most bold declaration in the history of sport… even more so than when Muhammad Ali said, “I am the greatest.” Though Rune hasn’t won a major title yet, he appears to be on the verge. This year Rune made three clay tournament finals in four events and he is an established top 10 player, so, like Rafael Nadal, he is a favorite anytime he walks on to center court. The question will be if he can take the next big step now?
Rune reached the quarterfinals of French Open a year ago, losing to Casper Ruud, who he just defeated in the Rome semifinal 63 64. Rune himself sees himself as a favorite to win 2023 French Open however he admits there are three stronger contenders he will need to overcome. “I still think Novak [Djokovic] is the main favorite for the event,” Rune said. “He’s the one with the most Slams of who’s playing (22), the most experienced. Then we have [Carlos] Alcaraz. We have Medvedev. We have a lot of guys. I think if I have to pick one favorite, I’ll probably pick Novak.”
Carlos Alcaraz · French Open · Holger Rune · Jessica Pegula · Rafael Nadal · Roland Garros
Scoop Malinowski · May 22, 2023 at 7:56 am
Also curious to see the performances of Medvedev, Shelton, Fritz, Gauff, Cirstea, Kenin in qualies (she made final a few years ago), Paul, Foe.
catherine · May 22, 2023 at 2:59 pm
One fan will be watching Djokovic:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/may/22/boris-becker-interview-tennis-different-sport-when-you-become-the-hunted
Interesting comments on Emma R as well (it’s a British paper)
I don’t think Boris will have to wait 10 years – there was no violence involved.
Kenin lost in the RG qualifying BTW.
Scoop Malinowski · May 22, 2023 at 3:37 pm
Catherine, We just found the best possible option for Raducanu to hire as her next coach. Nobody is more qualified than Boris Becker. He is exactly what Emma needs when she returns. If she doesn’t hire Becker, she’s a fool. Kenin was doing pretty well this year too, that’s a bad loss. Pablo Cuevas lost to Shang, probably his final grand slam match.
Sam · May 22, 2023 at 6:48 pm
Rune says:
I still think Novak [Djokovic] is the main favorite for the event. He’s the one with the most Slams of who’s playing (22), the most experienced. Then we have [Carlos] Alcaraz. We have Medvedev. We have a lot of guys. I think if I have to pick one favorite, I’ll probably pick Novak.
Smart guy! 👍
Scoop Malinowski · May 22, 2023 at 8:06 pm
Sam, Rune is no dummy, I think he likes his own chances too. Can’t recall any grand slam contender declaring, “I am the favorite to win this title.” This year is unique, I think there are five equal favorites – Novak, Rune, Carlos, Med and Stefanos. With Rublev, Khachanov, Fritz not far behind. Djokovic is 36.
Matt Segel · May 22, 2023 at 9:15 pm
I am really excited to see how Medvedev is going to fare. The Rome win was maybe the most surprising win in a long time considering his attitude towards clay in the past. Beating Tsitsipas and Rune is just awesome. I really wanted him to win those. Remember when he got tossed from a match against Donald Young? Pretty funny. Anyways, I would like him, Sinner or Djoker to win.
Should be a great tournament.
Scoop Malinowski · May 23, 2023 at 7:11 am
Matt, Medvedev looked so good on clay it’s possible he was faking how much he disliked it, he has the game and variety to do well on all surfaces. He’s a big threat to win RG. Yes I remember that Med meltdown or tank job vs Young it was in Savannah many moons ago. This may be the last time DY is mentioned, he’s finished.
Scoop Malinowski · May 23, 2023 at 12:43 pm
Damage that Daniil Medvedev has caused for Novak Djokovic:
1. Denied him calendar slam in 2021
2. Choked against Nadal in AO’22
3. Got Djokovic injured in Adelaide ‘23
4. Took away Rank 2 from Novak out of nowhere to disrupt his draw
It almost appears Medvedev is the tennis deep state’s hired hitman to sabotage Djokovic?
Sam · May 23, 2023 at 4:25 pm
If you look at the betting odds, Alcaraz is on top, followed closely by Djokovic. Rune is a distant third, with Medvedev even further back.
Although betting odds are often wrong, of course, I think in this case they’re reasonable: I would consider Djokovic and Alcaraz the big favorites. And frankly, I’d be surprised if Medvedev makes a deep run in Paris. I mean, he’s like the Dow Jones—up one day, down the next. 📉
Scoop Malinowski · May 23, 2023 at 7:25 pm
Sam, but Medvedev is the most confident player right now and he always seems to produce his best tennis when Djokovic is shooting for a major historical achievement. I am sure Medvedev will be a factor in this Roland Garros. Even without Rafa this is a very interesting major. No one wants to see Rafa, or Rafa’s ghost, get trounced by some second rater.
Sam · May 23, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Scoop, you may be right, of course. I just have a gut feeling that Medvedev left his best tennis on the courts of Rome. 😉
Considering that he’s the number-two seed and just won Rome, why do you think the bettors aren’t giving him more love?? 🤔
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2023 at 8:05 am
They don’t believe he’s great on clay yet, think it was a fluke maybe. Hey, why isn’t Nadal playing doubles or mixed at French Open? Just for the heck of it?
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2023 at 8:39 am
Interesting info on Guillermo Coria… what they don’t tell you is that Coria came from a family with fewer resources, he didn’t come from the families of children of clubs like Zabaleta and Gaudio did, for him it was always a struggle to excel despite his height and weight. There is another interview where he tells how he sneaked into hotels because his family couldn’t pay for them. Imagine being a kid from South America who travels alone to Europe and sometimes you don’t have to eat and your rivals know that about you, and you know that life is wild and very tough in competitions. I think that’s why he didn’t belong to the circle. intimate of the beginnings of the Argentine legion of the early 2000s.
Sam · May 24, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Hey, why isn’t Nadal playing doubles or mixed at French Open? Just for the heck of it?
Probably because there’s not much glory in it. I mean, the King of Roland Garros doesn’t want to settle for being merely a royal attendant. 👑
Scoop Malinowski · May 24, 2023 at 7:32 pm
Sam, didn’t Rafa try to claim a few years ago he wasn’t obsessed with winning like Novak, he plays more for the joy of playing? Skipping 2023 sure will drive up ticket sales and sponsor $ for the Rafa return or farewell tour in 2024.
Sam · May 25, 2023 at 6:15 pm
Sam, didn’t Rafa try to claim a few years ago he wasn’t obsessed with winning like Novak, he plays more for the joy of playing?
Yes, Scoop, and everyone except Xisca knew that it was pure horse pucky. Actually, deep down inside, she probably knew it too. 🤣
Scoop Malinowski · May 25, 2023 at 9:20 pm
Sam that was really dirty by Rafa when he was taking those veiled cheap shots at Djokovic, alluding Djokovic’s obsession to win was unhealthy compared to his own. It really showed desperation, insecurity, jealousy and lack of character to do that.
Sam · May 26, 2023 at 2:45 pm
It really showed desperation, insecurity, jealousy and lack of character to do that.
Definitely, Scoop.
Rafa, we see your true colors,
shinin’ through!!
We see your true colors,
and that’s why we . . .
Well, never mind. 😉
Scoop Malinowski · May 26, 2023 at 3:06 pm
Sam, Rafa thought he had the total protection of the tennis establishment and deep state. His mistake was underestimating Djokovic and Nolefam, who are the most dedicated, devoted and doggedly loyal sports fans in the world. Very intelligent and they see every cheap shot launched at Djokovic and they always respond correctly and nicely and they expose the injustice and unfairness. It’s really impressive. Nolefam saved Djokovic from the vicious tennis media hate mob. A wonderful thing to Witness. And the work isn’t done yet. Let me ask, If Rafa is such a great fighter, why not at least try to play RG? We saw his training videos, no sign of any injury or limp, just a head down dejection about low confidence and poor form. I believe Rafa fears most of all losing badly like he did to McDonald at AO or how Federer lost to Hurkacz at Wimbledon 60 in the third. Rafa does not want to take the chance of losing badly like that, which would terribly damage is ego, image and aura of invincibility. If Rafa was truly hurt he would not have trained so hard for the last two months. But he tried.
Sam · May 30, 2023 at 1:01 am
Let me ask, If Rafa is such a great fighter, why not at least try to play RG? We saw his training videos, no sign of any injury or limp, just a head down dejection about low confidence and poor form. I believe Rafa fears most of all losing badly like he did to McDonald at AO or how Federer lost to Hurkacz at Wimbledon 60 in the third. Rafa does not want to take the chance of losing badly like that, which would terribly damage is ego, image and aura of invincibility. If Rafa was truly hurt he would not have trained so hard for the last two months. But he tried.
I agree with you, Scoop. And while I do not care for Nadal at all, it’s hard to blame him for wanting to protect his ego. Yes, it would definitely damage his aura of invincibility to get spanked at his very favorite tournament. Actually, the more titles you win, the bigger the name that you have to lose! 🙈
And I’m glad that Djokovic has so many intelligent, dedicated fans.
Scoop Malinowski · May 30, 2023 at 6:48 am
Sam, and the illusion of injury sustains Rafa as an attraction, he will be used to sell tickets, attract sponsors and sell Nike, Babolat products next year. If he loses badly at RG this week it is THE END of Rafa, the king of clay image. Now there is still buzz and fake belief that OH Rafa can still do damage just as long as he’s healthy, but it’s all smoke and mirrors and hocus pocus. Rafa is 1-9 in his last ten matches and he looked ordinary losing to McDonald at AO, the same McDonald who just lost to Korda in three sets. The king of clay throne has been vacated and a new king will be crowned next week.
Scoop Malinowski · May 30, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Thiago Seyboth Wild, who hasn’t done anything in about three years, somehow shocks Medvedev today at FO. I first saw Wild at US Open juniors and he lost to Jacob Paul of Switzerland in the first round. Good to see these Fabian Marozsan type shock upsets. They should happen more. Everybody has ever shot…
Scoop Malinowski · May 31, 2023 at 8:44 am
Maybe the biggest upset of this FO is the no. 1 seeds Siniakova and Krejcikova losing in first round to Hozumi and Eikeri in three sets. The Czechs have been the dominant WTA doubles team for three years. They have won 7 grand slam titles since 2018 including 3 in 2022 and they didn’t play French Open. They won it the last time they played in 2021… disturbing to see Thiago Seboth Wild win the biggest match of his life and then be asked by the rotten media about a lover’s quarrel he had with a former girlfriend. If this does not prove the tennis media is more interested in gossip, drama and negativity than the actual tennis, nothing will… Fognini has revived, crushed the slumping Felix and is rolling in round two.
Scoop Malinowski · May 31, 2023 at 8:48 am
Young American Peyton Stearns beat Ostapenko in three sets. Stearns played at Texas for a year. I first met her in Delray Beach when she was 700 something in the world about four years ago. Very nice polite girl. She has developed under the radar and is now a legit top 50 player. But she’s 0-3 vs head to head vs another young American Emma Navarro who also won her first round main draw this week. American women’s tennis looking strong with Coco, Pegula, Townsend, Keys, Sloane, Liu, but Baptiste, Osuigwe, Collins, Parks, need to pick it up.
Scoop Malinowski · May 31, 2023 at 8:52 am
Big surprise to see Korda lose to Ofner in three sets. Korda was sharp in dismissing McDonald and has done damage in Paris in the past. Maybe he took Ofner lightly? Anyway you cut it, it’s a bad loss for Korda who could have cracked the top 25 or 20 with a good run at FO.
Sam · May 31, 2023 at 6:07 pm
Sam, and the illusion of injury sustains Rafa as an attraction, he will be used to sell tickets, attract sponsors and sell Nike, Babolat products next year.
Just like with Federer, Scoop! 🦄
The king of clay throne has been vacated and a new king will be crowned next week.
Speaking of which, I heard that Djokovic looked pretty decent today—certainly good enough for the second round. And so glad that he sent Mr. “Djokovic doesn’t belong in the 2022 Australian Open at all” packing!! 🧳
Scoop Malinowski · June 1, 2023 at 7:16 am
Sam, Rafa will do what he’s told, he’s fine with being milked for maximum profits. Yes Djokovic is looking supreme and confident. Looked like at the henadshake Fucsovics said to him, “I’m sorry you are the goat.” Djokovic’s reaction of humility and acceptance seemed a response to that.
Scoop Malinowski · June 1, 2023 at 7:19 am
Djokovic has now won his last seven grand slam matches without losing a set. 21-0.
Dimitrov 3-0
De Minaur 3-0
Rublev 3-0
Paul 3-0
Tsitsipas 3-0
Kovacevic 3-0
Fucsovics 3-0
In this period he’s won all of the five tiebreaks played.
Sam · June 2, 2023 at 2:01 pm
Scoop, a lot of folks are saying different things about Djokovic. For instance, someone who actually likes him said that in his match today against Davidovich Fokina, he wasn’t playing great tennis. However, in the next breath, this same guy said that Djokovic was fighting like crazy to win. 💪
So, what’s your take—is Djokovic’s form good enough at this point, or at least likely to improve? 🤔
Anyway, glad that Djokovic was classy to that bratty Fucsovics.
Scoop Malinowski · June 2, 2023 at 6:26 pm
Sam, I see Djokovic or Rune winning it, yes Djokovic looks perfectly equipped to win the title. Rune will be dangerous, and Carlos too. And then someone can strike from out of the blue like a Wild could channel another Guga 97 eruption. The handshake of Djokovic and Fucsovics looked like Fucso apologetically saying something like, “I’m sorry I said that shi7, you’re the best.” Djokovic’s reaction seemed a response to Fucso being very humbly respectful and contrite. Fokina was playing with what seemed like an extra incentive for a big bonus to beat Novak, great effort. Curious how so many players play their best vs Novak )
Sam · June 2, 2023 at 10:12 pm
Sam, I see Djokovic or Rune winning it
Makes sense—thanks, Scoop. It’d actually be funny, though, if Ruud made the final again. 😊
Djokovic’s reaction seemed a response to Fucso being very humbly respectful and contrite.
Okay, if Fucsovics was on good behavior this time, glad to hear it.
Fokina was playing with what seemed like an extra incentive for a big bonus to beat Novak, great effort.
Since Fokina doesn’t seem to have a drop of Spanish blood in him, do you have any idea why he’s living in Spain? 🤷🏻♂️
Curious how so many players play their best vs Novak )
Must be that beefy Deep State ATP bonus. 💶 🦹♂️
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2023 at 7:01 am
Sam, Fokina has Russian parents and was born in Spain near Malaga, his dad was a former boxer. Haven’t heard how his parents ended up in Spain. Can’t recall anyone just rolling over for Djokovic and giving him a free ride win at a Grand Slam, unlike the numerous times Rafa and Carlos cruise to easy wins.
Sam · June 3, 2023 at 4:17 pm
That’s interesting about Fokina.
Yeah, Scoop, I find it hard to believe that all the “rolling over” is pure coincidence. 🎲
Scoop Malinowski · June 3, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Sam, Nike obviously wanted Carlos to beat Shapo and voila, it was so easy.