2023-05-27 01:01:27
The French Open 2023 not only offers the athletes the chance for fame and glory in the tennis world. Rather, it opens up the opportunity – at least for the gentlemen – to follow in the footsteps of the clay court king.
With Rafael Nadal, that shining light of sport, who secured the title 14 times at the Stade Roland Garros and is the sole record winner at the French Open, is missing.
But who can fill this great gap? Which German players will start in Paris?
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All questions and answers about the French Open 2023.
What’s up?
The 122nd French Open in Paris, also known as Roland Garros. The second Grand Slam tournament of the year, the only one on clay and the chance to win a total of 49.6 million euros in prize money. From May 28th to June 11th, more than 200 players will fight for the crown in the French capital – among them the defending champion Iga Swiatek from Poland.
Who is missing?
And otherwise? Australia’s extroverted Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios is missing – according to a consultant due to the consequences of a robbery – as is top Italian player Matteo Berrettini (abdominal muscle injury). In addition, two-time Olympic champion Sir Andy Murray also has to pass. And of course Angelique Kerber, who gave birth to daughter Liana in February and is not yet ready again.
Rafael Nadal will miss the 2023 French Open
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Who are the favourites?
In the absence of “King Rafa”, the men’s competition is more open than ever, and there is a generational duel: 36-year-old Serbian Novak Djokovic, winner of the Australian Open, wants his 23rd Grand Slam title and thus the sole record – probably his worst competitor is 16 years younger and goes by the name of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard travels to Paris as the US Open winner, world number one and – after an outstanding clay court season – slightly favored.
Shooting star Holger Rune from Denmark (20) and the Russian Rome winner Daniil Medvedev (27) also have chances.
Swiatek is the favorite for the women, despite minor injuries. But Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the defending champion in the final in Madrid, and Wimbledon winner Jelena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) have legitimate hopes.
And Alexander Zverev?
The Olympic champion returns to the scene of the greatest drama of his career. A year ago he faced Nadal in impressive form in the semifinals – and injured his ankle badly. After a seven-month break, the 26-year-old is now desperately looking for his top condition, the previous clay court season is not encouraging.
Things are very different with Jan-Lennard Struff: Germany’s new number one (world rankings No. 26) made history at the ATP Masters in Madrid when he qualified for the final and only just failed at Alcaraz. According to tennis legend Boris Becker, the 33-year-old Warsteiner can also “cause a sensation” in Paris.
Alexander Zverev
Fotocredit: Getty Images
What are German women doing?
Tatjana Maria, Jule Niemeier and Co. hope for a liberation in Paris. With the exception of Maria’s victory at the WTA tournament in Bogota in April and the German team’s qualification for the final tournament in the Billie Jean King Cup, the season was mixed. A semi-final like Maria’s at Wimbledon last year would be a big surprise.
Where can you see the matches?
As usual, Eurosport reports extensively from Paris. The TV station shows the highlight of the clay court season both on linear television and on various web channels and relies on a prominent team of experts around ex-Wimbledon champion Becker. Among others, national coach Barbara Rittner and ex-professionals Andrea Petkovic and Mischa Zverev will comment on and analyze the games.
(SID)
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