Review of the 2024 French Open

The 2024 French Open, held from May 26 to June 9 at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, marked the 123rd edition of this prestigious Grand Slam tournament. As the year's second major, it captivated tennis fans worldwide with its unique clay court challenges and € 53,478,000 prize pool €.

This year's tournament was particularly notable for its dramatic matches, historic victories, and the emergence of new champions.

Men's Singles

Champion: Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz's victory in the men's singles final was a defining moment of the 2024 French Open. The young Spanish sensation defeated Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set match (6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2), claiming his first French Open title and third Grand Slam overall. Alcaraz showcased his exceptional skill and mental toughness throughout the tournament, particularly in his semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner, highlighting his ability to dominate on clay.

His victory solidified his status as the youngest male player to reach major finals on all three surfaces, a testament to his versatility and potential to dominate the sport for years.

Runner-Up: Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev's journey to the final was equally impressive. His semifinal win over Casper Ruud demonstrated his resilience and tactical prowess. However, the final against Alcaraz presented significant challenges. Despite a strong start, Zverev struggled to maintain consistency, ultimately falling short in the decisive sets. This marked Zverev's second major final appearance, underscoring his growth and potential to secure a Grand Slam title shortly.

Women's Singles

Champion: Iga Świątek

Iga Świątek's dominance at Roland Garros continued with her fourth French Open title, defeating Jasmine Paolini 6–2, 6–1 in the final. Overall, this victory marked her fifth Grand Slam title, establishing her as a formidable force in women's tennis.

Świątek's journey was highlighted by a dramatic second-round match against Naomi Osaka, where she saved a match point, showcasing her mental fortitude. Her consistent and powerful performance throughout the tournament emphasized her exceptional skill on clay and her potential to continue her reign at the top.

Runner-Up: Jasmine Paolini

Jasmine Paolini's run to the final was a breakthrough moment in her career. Despite the one-sided final, her journey was marked by impressive victories and a newfound confidence. Significant milestones were reaching her first major final and debuting in the top ten of the WTA rankings. Paolini's performance at Roland Garros demonstrated her potential to compete at the highest level, hinting at a promising future in women's tennis.

Men's Doubles

Champions: Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić

Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić claimed the men's doubles title, who defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7–5, 6–3 in the final. Pavić's victory was particularly significant as it completed his career Golden Slam in doubles.

Their semifinal against Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos was a standout match, showcasing their strategic brilliance and synergy on the court. Arévalo and Pavić's triumph highlighted their dominance in the doubles circuit and their exceptional partnership.

Runner-Up: Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori

Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori's path to the final was marked by tenacity and skill. Despite falling short in the final, their performance throughout the tournament was commendable. Key challenges in their matches showcased their resilience and tactical acumen, earning them respect and recognition in the doubles field.

Women's Doubles

Champions: Coco Gauff and Kateřina Siniaková

Coco Gauff and Kateřina Siniaková captured the women's doubles title, defeating Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini 7–6(7–5), 6–3. This victory was Gauff's first major women's doubles title and Siniaková's eighth, a testament to their talents and effective partnership.

Their semifinal win against Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk was particularly notable. Their last-minute partnership proved to be a winning combination. Their success added a new chapter to their burgeoning careers and highlighted their potential in future doubles competitions.

Runner-Up: Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini

Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini's journey to the final showcased their resilience and tactical proficiency. Despite Paolini's consecutive final appearances, they faced formidable opponents in Gauff and Siniaková.

Their performance throughout the tournament was a testament to their skills and determination, earning them admiration and solidifying their status in the doubles arena.

Mixed Doubles

Champions: Laura Siegemund and Édouard Roger-Vasselin

Laura Siegemund and Édouard Roger-Vasselin emerged victorious in the mixed doubles category. Their performance in the final, marked by strategic plays and key moments, highlighted their exceptional teamwork and adaptability.

This win significantly improved their careers, showcasing their prowess in mixed doubles and enhancing their legacy in the sport.

Junior and Wheelchair Events

The junior and wheelchair events at the 2024 French Open provided a platform for emerging talents and exceptional athletes. Notable winners included:

• Boys' Singles: Kaylan Bigun
• Girls' Singles: Tereza Valentová
• Wheelchair Men's Singles: Tokito Oda
• Wheelchair Women's Singles: Diede de Groot
• Wheelchair Quad Singles: Guy Sasson

These victories highlighted the depth of talent across different categories and the future stars of tennis.

Tournament Highlights and Controversies

The 2024 French Open was not without its memorable moments and controversies:

• Notable Matches and Moments: Novak Djokovic's injury-related withdrawal significantly impacted the men's draw, while Rafael Nadal's early exit raised questions about his future in the sport. These developments added drama and unpredictability to the tournament.
• Organizational Challenges: Concerns included ticket sales, empty seats, and scheduling imbalances between men's and women's matches. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo addressed these issues, emphasizing the need for better planning and execution in future editions.

Conclusion

The 2024 French Open tournament will be remembered for its thrilling matches, historic victories, and emerging talents. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek's victories underscored their dominance and potential to shape the future of tennis.

The performances of other players, including Jasmine Paolini and Alexander Zverev, highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the field. As the tennis world looks ahead to future Grand Slam events, the 2024 French Open reminds us of the sport's excitement, unpredictability, and the continuous evolution of its stars.