Thiem’s Bold Prediction: No Djokovic in French Open Top 3!

Dominic Thiem, the former US Open champion, has stirred up quite the debate in the tennis world by naming his top three favorites for the upcoming French Open 2025 – and notably excluding Novak Djokovic from the list. This bold prediction has definitely grabbed attention, especially considering Djokovic’s impressive record at Roland Garros, where he has triumphed three times. So, who does Thiem believe has the best shot at lifting the trophy in Paris?

The Chosen Few: Alcaraz, Sinner, and Zverev

According to Thiem, the players to watch at the French Open are Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. He highlighted Zverev’s recent victory in Munich as a sign of his strong form, stating, “Sascha played great tennis in Munich, but it’s clear that winning a Grand Slam is more complicated. He has to be perfect from the beginning to the end of the tournament to achieve his dream, but I think it’s a realistic goal for him.”

• Carlos Alcaraz: The young Spaniard has already proven his prowess on clay, winning the Monte Carlo Masters. However, a recent adductor injury has cast a shadow over his participation in upcoming tournaments, including the Madrid Open. His fitness will undoubtedly be a key factor in his French Open campaign.
• Jannik Sinner: The world No. 1 is eagerly anticipated to return to the court in Rome after a three-month absence. He will be using the Rome Masters and Hamburg ATP to fine-tune his game in preparation for Roland Garros. Sinner’s form and fitness upon his return will be crucial to his chances.
• Alexander Zverev: After a period of struggling to find his best form, Zverev’s victory in Munich suggests he is returning to his top level. The conditions in Madrid are also expected to suit his game, giving him another opportunity to build momentum ahead of the French Open.

Djokovic’s Omission: A Calculated Assessment?

Thiem’s exclusion of Novak Djokovic from his list of favorites has raised eyebrows. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, is always a formidable contender in any major tournament. While Thiem acknowledged Djokovic’s legendary status, he seemingly believes that other players are currently in better form or have a greater advantage on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Several factors could be influencing Thiem’s assessment:

• Djokovic’s Recent Form: While still a top player, Djokovic’s recent performances haven’t been as dominant as in previous years. He may be facing tougher competition from the younger generation of players.
• Clay Court Specialization: Alcaraz, Sinner, and Zverev have all demonstrated strong clay-court skills and recent success on the surface, potentially giving them an edge over Djokovic at the French Open.
• Djokovic’s Age and Physical Condition: At 37 years old, Djokovic’s physical condition and ability to endure the grueling demands of a Grand Slam tournament may be a factor in Thiem’s assessment.

Other Potential Contenders

While Thiem has named his top three, the French Open is known for its unpredictable nature, and several other players could make a deep run in the tournament.

• Rafael Nadal: The “King of Clay” is always a threat at Roland Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles. However, his recent injury struggles and questions about his fitness mean his participation and potential performance remain uncertain. There is even speculation that 2025 may be his final French Open appearance.
• Casper Ruud: A former French Open finalist, Ruud has proven his ability on clay and could be a contender if he finds his best form.
• Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek player has consistently performed well on clay and could be a dark horse to win the title.

The Clay Season So Far

The clay court season leading up to the French Open has already provided some exciting moments and insights into the potential contenders.

• Monte Carlo Masters: Carlos Alcaraz’s victory at Monte Carlo demonstrated his clay-court prowess, but his subsequent injury has raised concerns about his fitness.
• Barcelona Open: Alcaraz’s run in Barcelona was halted by Holger Rune, who also displayed strong form on clay.
• Munich Open: Alexander Zverev’s triumph in Munich marked his return to top form and solidified his status as a contender for the French Open.

What the Experts Say

Dominic Thiem isn’t the only one offering insights into the French Open favorites. Jim Courier has previously stated that Nadal is usually the favorite, putting Djokovic a close second, potentially tied with Thiem.

Thiem’s Own French Open History

Dominic Thiem himself has a strong connection to the French Open, having reached the final twice (2018 and 2019), losing on both occasions to Rafael Nadal. While he has since retired from professional tennis, his experience and knowledge of the game, particularly on clay, make his opinions noteworthy.

The French Open: A Tournament of Surprises

The French Open is renowned for its unpredictable nature and ability to produce surprising results. The physically demanding nature of clay-court tennis, combined with the mental fortitude required to endure long matches, often leads to unexpected upsets and breakthroughs.

Looking Ahead to Roland Garros 2025

As the French Open 2025 approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to build. Whether Dominic Thiem’s predictions prove accurate remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle of skill, athleticism, and drama, with a host of talented players vying for the ultimate prize on clay. Keep an eye on Alcaraz’s fitness, Sinner’s return, and Zverev’s form as the tournament draws closer. And, of course, never count out Novak Djokovic, who will undoubtedly be determined to prove his doubters wrong and add another Grand Slam title to his illustrious career.