Casper Ruud is approaching the French Open as the Madrid Open champion, but world number one Jannik Sinner is now back on the ATP Tour.
Sinner had blisters on his hands in the early stages of his return to practice, having accepted a three-month ban after the Australian Open.
The ATP number one triumphed at the first Grand Slam of the season, beating Alexander Zverev in the final of the Australian Open.
Sinner now returns to action at the Italian Open in Rome, the latest ATP Masters 1000 tournament in the 2025 schedule.
But Ruud is the in-form player, having just beaten British number one Jack Draper in the final of the Madrid Open.
Jack Sock says Jannik Sinner is the player to beat at the French Open
Ruud received congratulations from Rafael Nadal after his win, with the latter having retired as the King of Clay.
He won a record 14 French Open titles, with his fellow former professional Jack Sock now giving his verdict on who is more likely to win this year’s title between Sinner and Ruud.
“I would probably have him behind Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz, even with Sinner’s time off,” Sock said of Ruud on Nothing Major.
“I think after this win, obviously, Zverev is up there but the confidence from this title will obviously help him, especially with the two finals that he has made prior.
“I was shocked that it was his first Masters series title, I didn’t know that, for as good as he is. I would put him in as three or four. I just think whatever with Sinner being out for some time, I still think he is going to be the guy to beat.”
Sam Querrey and John Isner agree over the two French Open favourites
Sinner became a three-time Grand Slam champion with his success at the Australian Open, where he successfully defended his title.
Ruud meanwhile is a three-time Grand Slam finalist, with the Norwegian having lost all three of his finals on the big stage.
Along with Sock, former players Sam Querrey and John Isner shared their verdicts on his chances of French Open success, along with that of defending champion Alcaraz.
“I think Sinner and Alcaraz are the top favourites and then there are 10 guys who are tied for third favourite,” said Querrey.
“Ruud being one of them. Draper being one of them at this point. [Holger] Rune being one of them. [Jakub] Mensik. The list goes on, there are so many guys who are third favourite. Casper has got himself back in the mix.
“I think prior to this tournament we would have said no way does he have a shot at even making the final at the French Open. But now he is back and tied for the third favourite to win it.”
Isner meanwhile commented: “I am more on Jack’s side. I would put him as the third favourite, after making two finals before.
“I know the Madrid conditions are very different than any other clay court event given how the ball flies but he just looked sharp out there.
“He was moving so incredibly well. I am going to put him as a solid third favourite. But he is a tier or two behind Sinner and Alcaraz.”
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