The draws are out for the 2022 edition of Roland Garros. With Rafael Nadal’s drought in clay Masters titles this season, it has been one of the more surprising lead ups to the clay slam in over a decade. With the skyrocketing success of Carlos Alcaraz, signs that Novak Djokovic is returning to form, and Nadal’s fitness up in the air; the stage is set for a thrilling fight for the French Open men’s title. Which matches are more likely to deliver the most thrills in the first rounds?

Since Ash Barty’s retirement following her win at the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek has become the dominant force on the WTA tour. The French Open during Rafa’s reign has been a foregone conclusion in most years. But this year, it’s Swiatek who is the heaviest favorite at the event. The main question is which among her challengers can make this a more competitive event than expected? And before we know who might be fighting for the title, which womens matches are likely to be the must-sees of the first rounds?

We are heading into the final Masters event of the clay swing in Rome. Will this be a redemption week for Djokovic and Nadal? Or can Alcaraz continue his fairy tale run? And before we learn the answers to those questions, what should we make sure to watch in the first days?

It’s the final weeks of the clay court circuit. Madrid will be the next big event on the men’s calendar and the first event of the year to feature Nadal and Djokovic. If Nadal and Djokovic were to meet, it would be a must-see match. But what about the matches in the early rounds? Which are likely to be the most exciting to watch?

Daniil Medvedev may not have gotten the result he wanted at his latest Major opportunity in Melbourne. But that doesn’t change the fact that he remains the most successful male player of his generation and the only non-Big-Four player among the current ATP top 10 to have a Grand Slam title. In this post, I look at the extent to which competition load played a role in getting Medvedev to what has so far been the milestone of his tennis career.