Whilst the women’s side of the French Open draw is far more predictable, given the presence of the unstoppable Iga Swiatek, there is far more scrutiny over the men.
After all, with Rafael Nadal already out of the tournament, and Novak Djokovic still not looking his best, it feels like for the first time since 2004 we are due a Roland Garros winner from outside the big three.
Much debate is raging on regarding who that might be, with Taylor Fritz hitting form on clay at the right time, whilst Rome and Madrid champions Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev have to be in contention.
John McEnroe, however, has his clear favourite.
John McEnroe makes French Open final prediction
Speaking on Eurosport just yesterday, the former world number one, who actually only ever reached the final of this tournament during his career, spoke about who he fancied to go all the way.
Despite it being so open, there are a few undeniable favourites to storm through the competition, with one already showcasing his quality against one of the greatest.
It turns out that beating Nadal at Roland Garros, a feat only two other people have managed, does plenty for boosting your chances of winning the whole thing.
That is the thinking of McEnroe, who has backed Zverev to win the title: ‘It seems like he has got a lot going on off the court, so he has seemingly incredibly been able to compartmentalise most, if not all of it.
‘But to me, he is the guy who is playing the best, looks the fittest and is the hungriest I would assume, as he has been so close – one point away – from winning a major.’
Alexander Zverev has a great chance of a first Grand Slam title
To pick Zverev as the favourite is fast becoming the easiest route for many, given how imperious he looked against an old but spirited Nadal.
With a big enough serve to trouble anyone in the sport, and the right mindset to maintain a rock-solid forehand and backhand, it is hard to bet against him.
Especially after the ease with which he won in Rome, even beating Fritz on his way to the final where he defeated Chileans Alejandro Table and Nicolas Jarry in back-to-back matches.
It marked his first title of 2024, but it is also worth noting that in Melbourne he reached the semi-finals of that Grand Slam too.
But now, on a surface that is bringing him so much joy and in a tournament where there is no outstanding favourite, Zverev must be feeling confident of fulfilling McEnroe’s prediction.
He plays later today in a bumper day of action on day five of the French Open.
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