French Open Favourites 2022 – Who will win Roland Garros?

The 2022 edition of the International French Tennis Championships has arrived. Finally the audience is allowed to join the clay courts again for the most important clay tournament of the world – the French Open. Hopefully they will see some classic encounters between the older champions and the new generation.

Last year brought us one of the greatest matches of all times – the semi final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. That battle almost felt like another sport – compared to the rest of the matches. So will the two All Time Greats arrange the trophy between themselves once more? Or can a younger player step up and challenge them?

And how about the womens competition? The WTA tour is much less predictable, yet there seems to be just one name likely to win the trophy.

Mens Singles Favourites

10. Felix Auger Aliassime

Winning chance: 1%

Prediction: Last 16

9. Andrej Rublev

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Last 16

8. Daniil Medvedev

Might be the next number 1. But will not go far in Paris this year. His game just doesnt suit the clay so much. His strokes are too flat, you need some topspin.

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Quarterfinal

7. Diego Schwartzmann

In this list for his former performances in Roland Garros. Not a good clay season so far, but maybe he finds his form right on time.

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Early exit probably due to poor form. But you never know. He is a fighter and loves the French Open. Even troubled Rafa Nadal in recent years.

6. Casper Ruud

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Very steady clay court player. Will make the quarter finals at least. Even semi final seems possible due to good draw. But will never get past the big guns.

5. Alexander Zverev

The German has had an average season so far. He still hasnt stepped up to his potential. He has the game to beat anyone with his powerful serve and groundstrokes. He can can handle his nerves and doesnt get too passive, he could even beat the two All Time Greats. But he has never shown his Best of 3 level on the Grand Slam stage.

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Will probably loose to Alcaraz in the quarters. But he is capable of big wins, when he hits the serve and groundstrokes right. Would not be surprised if he beats Carlos, then Rafa/Novak, only to losse the final.

4. Carlos Alcaraz Garfia

The young Spaniard is the man of the hour. The best player of the world in the last couple of months. An All Time Great in the Making. Yet I cannot put him above Nadal or Djokovic in a list of favourites to win Roland Garros. It remains to be seen if he can sustain his top level on clay for 4-5 hours.

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: Best of 5 is another game. Will not gest past Novak.

3. Stefanos Tsitspas

Last years finalist has the perfect draw. Djokovic, Nadal and Alcaraz will all eliminate themselves in the other half, while he has to cope with Rublev, Medvedev and Ruud. Since he had a really good clay season so far, he is surely able to make the final. If he can win against one of the top dogs then, remains to be seen. He was close last year.

Winning chance: 9%

Prediction: Makes the final again due to favourable draw

2. Rafael Nadal

He is once again slightly injured and had a subpar preperation for his favourite tournament. But he still is Rafa Nadal and I still dont see anyone but Djokovic beat him on this court. His draw is tough, though. If the seeds come through, he would have to beat Novak, Carlos and Stefanos back to back.

Winning chance: 30%

Prediction: Struggling physcially, he will again loose to Djokovic.

1. Novak Djokovic

Not an easy year for Novak until now. Corona trouble in Australia and struggling with his form all spring. But he is back to top form right on time – winning Rome very convincingly. This leaves no choice but naming Djokovic as the top favourite for the French Open title. His draw is tough as well, but we have seen him do this before. If I had to bet, I would put all my money on Djokovic.

Winning chance: 40%

Prediction: Will defend the title.

Womens Singles Favourites

10. Barbora Krejcikova

Winning chance: 2%

Prediction: Last years finalist has injury problems, thus will probably go out early.

9. Jelena Ostapenko

Winning chance: 5%

Prediction: Very unsteady performances…but she is a former champion and has the strokes to trouble anyone on clay.

8. Danielle Collins

Winning chance: 5%

Prediction: Clay is not her favourite surface, but she is playing quality tennis this year and in womens tennis anything is possible.

7. Maria Sakkari

Winning chance: 8%

Prediction: The powerful girl from Greece is one of the dark horses. She has proven how good she plays on clay and has gotten far in Paris already. Her game suits the clay, so a deep run seems likely.

6. Aryna Sabalenka

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: The powerful girl from Belarus must always be watched.

5. Ons Jabeur

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: Played a fantastic clay court season so far. With her unique style she seems to be one of very few players able to trouble the hot favorite on the number one spot in this list.

4. Garbine Muguruza

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: A former champion with a powerful game. So you have to have an eye on her. She seems not to be focussed on tennis too much at the moment, though.

3. Paula Badosa

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: The Spanish newcomer has established herself in the Top 5 and loves to play on clay. Would love to see her in the final.

2. Simona Halep

Winning chance: 10%

Prediction: Halep is a legend of the game and has of course gotten less consistent with the years. But she still is able to produce fantastic baseline tennis. With her experience and tactical prowess you can never rule out the former champion.

1. Iga Swiatek

Winning chance: 30%

Prediction: She is the overwhelming favourite for win the French Open 2022. The only constant in the unsteady WTA circus. Seems almost unbeatable this year, since Barty has retired. Won the Sunshine Double of Miami and Indian Wells, dominated the clay season. Winning chance is on 30% only, just because its still the WTA. Usually the chance should be above 90%. Who should beat her?

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Do you agree with this list of favourites to win the French Open 2022 in Paris? Or do you think, somebody else then Djokovic and Swiatek will lift the trophies? Feel free to leave a comment.

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