What's happened
As the French Open begins on May 28, reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek aim to defend their titles. Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2, faces tough competition from Jannik Sinner, who returns from a doping ban, and Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked female player. Streaming options for viewers are also detailed.
What's behind the headline?
Key Players to Watch
- Carlos Alcaraz: The reigning champion, Alcaraz, is coming off a victory at the Italian Open, solidifying his status as a favorite. His recent form suggests he will be a formidable opponent.
- Jannik Sinner: After a three-month doping ban, Sinner is back and ranked No. 1. He reached the semifinals last year and aims to improve on that performance despite facing crowd challenges in Paris.
- Iga Świątek: The defending champion has had a rocky start to 2025, currently ranked No. 5. She faces tough competition from Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, both of whom have shown strong performances this season.
- Aryna Sabalenka: As the top seed, Sabalenka's recent success includes winning titles on hard and clay courts, making her a strong contender for the title.
Streaming Options
- US Coverage: This year, the French Open will be broadcast on TNT and truTV, with options for cord-cutters through Sling TV and DirecTV. Viewers should check local listings for match availability.
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek are set to defend their titles at the French Open, with Alcaraz ranked No. 2 and Świątek at No. 5. The Independent highlights Jannik Sinner's return from a doping ban, noting the added pressures he faces at this major tournament. AP News provides insights into the competitive landscape, emphasizing the challenges for both Sinner and Świątek as they navigate a field filled with strong contenders like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. The coverage also details the changes in broadcasting, with US viewers needing to adjust to TNT and truTV for match coverage.
How we got here
The French Open, starting May 28, 2025, features top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek defending their titles. Alcaraz recently won the Italian Open, while Sinner returns after a doping suspension. The tournament's format and viewing options have also evolved this year.
Go deeper
- What are the key matches to watch?
- How has the tournament format changed this year?
- Who are the favorites to win?
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