2019 French Open Preview - Men's Singles

The 2019 French Open is set to begin play this weekend, and there are a number of big stories to monitor. With a win in Paris, Novak Djokovic would, for the second time, secure the “Novak Slam,” holding all four Slams at once. Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal is going for his record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros. And Roger Federer returns to play for the first time since 2015, when he lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka.

As far as this year’s champion goes, the general consensus is it’s still a two-horse race between Nadal and Djokovic. With Federer being Federer, you can’t count him out. Then there’s the crop of younger guys in Dominic Thiem, Sasha Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Thiem would probably be the third favorite, while Tsitsipas might be a favorite (but ultimately fruitless) dark horse pick. But Zverev? I love his game, but I need to see him at least make one Grand Slam semifinal. Or maybe even a second quarterfinal? He has 10 career titles, including three Masters 1000 events. But he still hasn’t been able to break through on the game’s biggest stages.

The seeds are below, with a quarter-by-quarter preview following.

Men’s Singles Seeds

Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
Dominic Thiem
Alexander Zverev
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Kei Nishikori
Juan Martin del Potro
Fabio Fognini
Karen Khachanov
Marin Cilic
Daniil Medvedev
Borna Coric
Gael Monfils
Milos Raonic
Nikoloz Basilashvili
Marco Cecchinato
Diego Schwartzman
Roberto Bautista Agut
Guido Pella
Denis Shapovalov
Alex de Minaur
Lucas Pouille
Fernando Verdasco
Stan Wawrinka
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Gilles Simon
David Goffin
Kyle Edmund
Matteo Berrettini
Dusan Lajovic
Laslo Djere

Djokovic’s Quarter

Novak Djokovic can further cement his place in history by becoming the first player to win four consecutive Grand Slams on two separate occasions. Lesser players might crumble under that pressure, but you don’t have success like Djokovic has seen by succumbing to high-pressure situations. The opportunity should offer further motivation for a strong showing in Paris.

Alexander Zverev seemingly looms as Djokovic’s quarterfinal opponent, but I expect Fognini to be there instead. Borna Coric in the 4th round could also potentially pose a problem.

Early matches to watch: Fabio Fognini vs. Andreas Seppi; Taylor Fritz vs. Bernard Tomic; Alexander Zverev vs. John Millman

Keep an eye on: Alexander Zverev, Fabio Fognini, Borna Coric, Denis Shapovalov (probably not but my stanning for him is still going strong)

Prediction: Novak Djokovic

Nadal’s Quarter

I’m not sure Nadal could have asked for a better draw. He starts off with two qualifiers, and shouldn’t face a true test until Medvedev in the quarters. But it seems like the only thing that can keep Nadal out of the semis is Nadal. It would take an uncharacteristic off-day or an injury to stop him before them.

Early matches to watch: None? There are sure to be entertaining matches; there always are. But nothing obvious jumps out.

Keep an eye on: Daniil Medvedev, Kei Nishikori

Prediction: Rafael Nadal

Federer’s Quarter

There’s a definite collection of talent in this quarter. But luckily for Federer, it’s mostly stacked on his opposite half. Tsitsipas, Tiafoe, Wawrinka, and Cilic are all clustered up top. And Diego Schwartzman and Marco Cecchinato line up to face each other in the 3rd round, meaning Federer’s biggest test should wait until the 4th round.

We can’t overlook Tsitsipas’ success this clay-court season. He won his first career clay title at the Estoril Open and followed that with a runner-up finish (losing to Djokovic) at the Madrid Open. The run at Madrid included a win of Nadal in the semis.

Early matches to watch: Janko Tipsarevic vs. Grigor Dimitrov; Frances Tiafoe vs. Filip Krajinovic

Keep an eye on: Stefanos Tsitsipas, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, Marco Cecchinato

Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas

Thiem’s Quarter

Dominic Thiem has by far found his most Grand Slam success at the French Open, having made the semis in 2016 and 2017, followed by a runner-up finish last year. And he’s well-positioned to continue that success this time around. Like Nadal, Thiem has a favorable draw into the quarters. Waiting for him there would likely be Juan Martin del Potro. Delpo hasn’t had sustained success at the French, but he has made two semifinals appearances, including last year. And he looked like his old self during his quarterfinal run in Rome.

Early matches to watch: Ivo Karlovic vs. Feliciano Lopez; Daniel Taro vs. Gael Monfils (let’s be honest, every Monfils match is a must-watch)

Keep an eye on: Juan Martin del Potro, Gael Monfils, Lucas Pouille, Karen Khachanov

Prediction: Dominic Thiem