French Open Begins With Osaka, Thiem, Tsitsipas, Zverev Headlining Play

Pushed back a week, the French Open begins Sunday in Paris with a strong day one line-up from both bottom halves of the draw.

The men will be led by 2-time finalist Dominic Thiem and top contender and arguably the favorite to emerge from this half Stefanos Tsitsipas.

While Thiem has struggled since his big US Open title, Tsitsipas has soared in 2021. The ATP Race leader is 16-3 on the red stuff. He’ll open against French veteran Jeremy Chardy who has been far from good in Grand Slams.

Thiem opens against Pablo Andujar who comes in off a nice win over Roger Federer in Geneva earlier this month.

The men’s draw also sees action from Madrid champion Alexander Zverev, former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, Cristian Garin, Gilles Simon and Karen Khachanov.

On the marquee for the women is Naomi Osaka. Osaka has won her last 14 in Slams but has never been past the third round in Paris. Win or lose, we won’t hear from her after the match.

Petra Kvitova also opens play on Lenglen along with Aryna Sabalenka. In a battle of former Slam winners, Victoria Azarenka meets one-time French winner Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Americans Madison Keys, Danielle Collins and Amanda Anisimova are also in action.

On Monday, Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek and Roger Federer take the court while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be featured on Tuesday.

SUNDAY FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE
Court Philippe CHATRIER ** Début à 11h00
1 SD 1 Patricia Maria TIG (ROU) contre Naomi OSAKA (JPN) [2]
2 SM 1 Pablo ANDUJAR (ESP) contre Dominic THIEM (AUT)[4]
3 SD 1 Victoria AZARENKA (BLR)[15] contre Svetlana KUZNETSOVA (RUS)
4 SM 1 Stefanos TSITSIPAS (GRE) [5] contre Jeremy CHARDY (FRA)

Court Suzanne LENGLEN ** Début à 11h00
1 SM 1 Fabio FOGNINI (ITA) [27] contre Gregoire BARRERE (FRA)
2 SD 1 Greet MINNEN (BEL) contre Petra KVITOVA (CZE) [11]
3 SD 1 Ana KONJUH (CRO) contre Aryna SABALENKA (BLR)[3]
4 SM 1 Alexander ZVEREV (GER) [6] contre Oscar OTTE (GER)