The 2025 French Open is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory, with a mix of established champions and emerging talents vying for the coveted title. Here's a detailed breakdown of the top contenders and players to watch:

The Favorites

Carlos Alcaraz

• ESPN BET odds: +105
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 7 Casper Ruud (quarterfinals) Carlos Alcaraz arrives in Paris in stellar form, boasting a 15-1 record on clay in 2025. His recent victories over top players like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti solidify his status as the gold standard on clay.

Jannik Sinner

• ESPN BET odds: +220
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 5 Jack Draper or No. 9 Alex de Minaur (quarterfinals) Despite a recent doping suspension, Sinner remains a formidable force. His dominant performance in Rome, including a 6-0, 6-1 win over Casper Ruud, highlights his potential to reclaim the top spot.

Aryna Sabalenka

• ESPN BET odds: +250
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 8 Zheng Qinwen (quarterfinals) Sabalenka has been consistent throughout 2025, reaching six finals in eight tournaments. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her a strong contender for the title.

Iga Swiatek

• ESPN BET odds: +340
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 4 Jasmine Paolini (quarterfinals) Swiatek's dominance on clay is undeniable, but her recent form raises questions. A challenging draw could test her resilience, but her track record at Roland Garros speaks for itself.

Coco Gauff

• ESPN BET odds: +550
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 7 Madison Keys or No. 9 Emma Navarro (quarterfinals) Gauff's serve has been inconsistent, but her overall game has improved significantly. Her recent victories in Madrid and Rome demonstrate her potential to make a deep run.

Rising Stars

Mirra Andreeva

• ESPN BET odds: +600
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 10 Paula Badosa (fourth round) At just 18, Andreeva has already made a significant impact on the tour. Her recent victories over top players and her rapid improvement make her a player to watch.

Novak Djokovic

• ESPN BET odds: +1100
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 3 Alexander Zverev (quarterfinals) Djokovic's recent struggles on clay have been notable, but his experience and skill in best-of-five matches could still propel him to another deep run.

Jasmine Paolini

• ESPN BET odds: +1400
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 5 Iga Swiatek (quarterfinals) Paolini's recent success, including a victory in Rome, has established her as a serious contender. Her ability to perform on clay could lead to another impressive run.

Dark Horses

Alexander Zverev

• ESPN BET odds: +1400
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 6 Novak Djokovic (quarterfinals) Zverev's consistency at Roland Garros, including four consecutive semifinal appearances, makes him a dangerous opponent despite a shaky year.

Zheng Qinwen

• ESPN BET odds: +1800
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (quarterfinals) Qinwen's recent victories, including a win over Sabalenka in Rome, highlight her potential to make a significant impact.

Others to Watch

• Lorenzo Musetti: +2200
• Casper Ruud: +3300
• Jessica Pegula: +4000
• Holger Rune: +4000
• Stefanos Tsitsipas: +5000

American Contenders

Peyton Stearns

• ESPN BET odds: +5000
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 8 Qinwen Zheng (third round) Stearns' recent success on clay, including a semifinal run in Rome, makes her a player to watch.

Tommy Paul

• ESPN BET odds: +6600
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 7 Casper Ruud (fourth round) Paul's strong performances on clay, including victories over top-25 opponents, position him as a potential dark horse.

Unlucky Draws

Naomi Osaka

• ESPN BET odds: +5000
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 10 Paula Badosa (first round) Osaka's difficult draw, including a first-round match against Badosa, will test her resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Young Talents

Jakub Mensik

• ESPN BET odds: +5000
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 9 Alex de Minaur (third round) Mensik's recent victories, including a win in Miami, highlight his potential to make an impact at Roland Garros.

Marta Kostyuk

• ESPN BET odds: +5000
• First potential top-10 opponent: No. 5 Iga Swiatek (third round) Kostyuk's unbeaten record on clay in 2025, excluding matches against Sabalenka, makes her a player to watch.

Conclusion

The 2025 French Open promises to be a thrilling tournament, with a mix of established champions and emerging talents. Whether it's Alcaraz's dominance, Sinner's resurgence, or the rise of young stars like Andreeva and Mensik, there's no shortage of storylines to follow. As the action unfolds, fans can expect high-stakes matches and unforgettable moments on the clay courts of Roland Garros.