French Open Day 2: 5 things to watch – including Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner

Oli Dickson Jefford 26 May 2024 5:47 PM

Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal face off in Day 2 of the French Open.

French Open action continues on Monday, with a huge order of play announced ahead of Day 2 at Roland Garros.

Some of the very biggest names in the sport will take to the court for their opening matches, with a defending champion in action – and one match, in particular, attracting huge attention.

We look at five huge talking points ahead of Day 2 at the French Open.

Nadal v Zverev blockbuster

The build-up to this clash has dominated the pre-tournament build-up ever since it was drawn.

Rafael Nadal, potentially in his last French Open match, has been handed a brutal draw against fourth seed and leading title contender Alexander Zverev.

All eyes were on when this match would be scheduled and organisers have seemingly leant more towards Nadal’s preference, with the match set to start the mid-to-late afternoon as the third match on Chatrier, and not be held in the night session.

Zverev is undoubtedly the favourite, especially after his victory in Rome.

But with the German prone to early-Slam jitters and Nadal expressing cautious optimism about his practice sessions, expect this match to be far from simple.

Swiatek’s title defence

Three-time Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek is probably the heaviest favourite we’ve seen for a women’s singles Slam since the dominance of Serena Williams a decade ago.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone not picking the Pole to claim a fourth title – and third consecutive – at the tournament, and her quest begins in the second match on Chatrier on Monday.

Swiatek is the overwhelming favourite for her opening contest but will have the crowd against her when she takes on French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean.

It will be fascinating to see what kind of message the Pole sends out to the rest of the field.

Sinner’s hip watch

The ATP form player of 2024, Jannik Sinner comes into Roland Garros with a realistic chance of rising to world No 1 after the event – but also as an injury doubt.

The Italian withdrew from his Madrid quarter-final and then from Rome with his hip issue, but has been optimistic about his chances in press this week.

World No 2 Sinner has been handed a good draw against Chris Eubanks, with the American ace not known for his clay court prowess.

But, in an early match on Court Suzanne Lenglen, it will be intriguing to see how Sinner handles not only the expectations on him but also his fitness.

Gauff’s quest begins

Among those looking to chase down Swiatek this year, third seed and 2022 runner-up Coco Gauff gets her campaign underway on Monday.

The third seed has a good draw in the opening round, with the reigning US Open champion a significant favourite against world No 208 Julia Avdeeva, who came through qualifying to reach the main draw.

Gauff looked in good form in Rome but since a strong start to the season Down Under, has generally been quite patchy form-wise.

A round one match against an opponent she should beat comprehensively will be a strong indicator of her title credentials.

Svitolina, Monfils handed rough schedule

The draw Gods were not too kind to either half of tennis super couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, and they have now been dealt a rough blow by schedulers also.

Home favourite Monfils will headline the Chatrier night session against Thiago Seyboth Wild, who beat Daniil Medvedev in round one 12 months ago.

While 15th seed Svitolina has also been handed a tough draw against former world No 1 and 2017 semi-finalist Karolina Pliskova, in the fourth match on Lenglen.

Those two matches are likely to clash, which means neither is likely to know how the other has fared until the conclusion of their matches.