Jimmy Connors has outlined his reason for suggesting the men’s 2024 Roland Garros field is ‘wide open’.
For quite possibly the first time in the last two decades there is no clear or overwhelming favourite for the clay court Grand Slam.
There are question marks surrounding the fitness of young guns Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, both of whom have yet to taste success on the Parisian clay.
But Connors, who himself did not win Roland Garros during his glittering career, provided another reason for the difference in feeling ahead of this year’s tournament.
Why does Jimmy Connors think the men’s Roland Garros draw is ‘wide open?
Connors mentioned men’s tennis’ so-called ‘Big 3’, consisting of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The pair have an astounding 66 Grand Slams between them and they dominated the ATP Tour for the better part of 20 years. Given their success they were usually the first three name’s on fans’ lips for who are likely to win the majors.
But with Federer now retired, Nadal not at his best and closing in on retirement, and Djokovic also struggling for form, there is no outright favourite, according to Connors.
“You said it about it being wide open because normally going into the French, especially on clay, before the last year or two years you had Federer, Djokovic and Nadal,” the eight time Grand Slam singles champion said on his ‘Advantage’ Podcast.
“And you could take those three against the field and come out on top almost every year. Or just Nadal. But now, with Federer gone, Nadal injured and Djokovic kind of struggling to get some match play, you’re right, it is wide open.”
Jimmy Connors says there is chance for younger talent to shine at Roland Garros
With uncertainty surrounding Djokovic and Nadal, Connors believes there is a chance for younger players to shine.
Especially the likes of Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who have yet to win a major and have seen players younger then them such as Alcaraz and Sinner come up and triumph on the sport’s biggest stage.
Therefore, Connors believes they must see this year’s French Open as a prime opportunity to take the next step in their careers.
“What an opportunity for a lot of these younger guys coming up,” Connors added. “Even guys like Zverev who are like 27/28/29, to take advantage of that and start laying the groundwork for their legacy. To start taking over and understanding that this is their time.
“The other guys, as great as they are, as great as they were, as great as they still are, it’s time. They’re in their 30s, it’s time for us to take over. And so it’s going to be very interesting to see how that’s handled.”
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