As the 2025 French Open nears, attention turns to form. Paris may claim to crown the most complete clay-court player, but momentum often separates early exits from deep runs. This year’s build-up offers more clarity than usual, with top names logging meaningful results across Madrid, Rome, and Stuttgart. The red clay is revealing patterns—some reassuring, others unexpected. From established champions to surging threats, contenders are either peaking at the right time or showing cracks beneath the surface.
For fans and bettors alike, evaluating form before Roland Garros offers more than hype—it’s the foundation of smart analysis.
Coco Gauff’s Clay-Court Momentum Builds Toward Paris
Coco Gauff enters Roland Garros 2025 riding one of the strongest clay-court stretches of her career. Following quarterfinal appearances in Stuttgart and a runner-up finish in Madrid, she has continued to raise her level. Most recently, at the Italian Open, Gauff defeated Emma Raducanu in commanding fashion, marking her third career quarterfinal in Rome—an achievement unmatched by an American woman since Serena Williams in 2008.
Her improvements are both technical and strategic. Her forehand, once a liability under pressure, has become more consistent thanks to improved footwork and early preparation. She’s also showing greater clarity in her point construction, especially on slower surfaces where her athleticism shines. That blend of physicality and evolving shot selection has made her more dangerous in extended rallies.
Among bettors following major platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook, Gauff has become a popular name—not just for outright picks but also for individual match attention. Her consistency on clay and history of strong French Open performances make her an appealing option across various formats. With her momentum and maturity both on the rise, she arrives in Paris with a profile few can overlook.
Carlos Alcaraz Quietly Regaining Command
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending Roland Garros champion, has had a less visible lead-in compared to last year. A minor forearm injury kept him out of Rome, but earlier clay events like Madrid and Monte Carlo displayed his growing sharpness. He combines raw athleticism with intricate shot-making, particularly drop shots and sharp angles that unlock defensive players.
Much of the conversation around Alcaraz has centered on how his game translates to five-set matches and how he adapts to physical demands. As seen across the latest tennis news, speculation continues regarding how rested and ready he truly is entering Paris.
Alcaraz’s Roland Garros draw will matter. If he avoids a physically demanding first week, his style thrives in the best-of-five format. He hasn’t shown the same invincibility on clay as in 2023, but he remains one of the few players with the endurance and firepower to go deep. Betting markets still place him among the top three favorites, with odds fluctuating depending on his health reports heading into Paris.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Clay Evolution Is Underrated
Aryna Sabalenka has quietly become a consistent force on clay. Once considered most dangerous on faster hard courts, she’s added patience to her power game. This season, she reached the semifinals in both Stuttgart and Madrid, falling narrowly to Świątek each time. Her serve remains one of the best in the women’s game, and she’s improved in constructing points rather than rushing to end them prematurely.
Her form suggests she’s better positioned than ever to challenge for the title. If she lands on the opposite side of the draw from Świątek, she becomes a compelling finalist pick. Betting markets still undervalue her on clay, offering decent returns for outright backers or finalist futures. Her improved fitness and discipline could tilt a tight match in her favor if the opportunity arises.
Novak Djokovic’s Route Through Geneva
The decision by Novak Djokovic to skip the Rome Masters and instead play the Geneva Open ahead of Roland Garros surprised many. He’s played sparingly this season and hasn’t yet reached a final in 2025. But Djokovic’s ability to time his peak remains unmatched. His game on clay relies less on raw power and more on precision and elasticity. Paris brings the best out of him—he’s a three-time French Open champion with deep tactical knowledge of these courts.
However, concerns remain. His early loss in Monte Carlo and visible frustration in Madrid suggest form still eludes him. Geneva may serve as a confidence tune-up, but it’s unlikely to fully prepare him for five-set showdowns in Paris. Still, he cannot be dismissed. His odds reflect cautious respect—longer than Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, but still among the shortest for title contention.
Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud: Steady and Dangerous
Jannik Sinner has solidified his top-three status, thanks to powerful baseline play and increasingly reliable decision-making. While not as natural on clay as Alcaraz or Djokovic, he’s made notable improvements. His footwork and rally construction have matured, and his fitness levels now support deep Grand Slam runs. If conditions favor faster clay, his flat strokes could break through heavier defenses.
Meanwhile, Casper Ruud continues to show why he thrives on clay. The Norwegian won Madrid this year and holds one of the best win percentages on the surface since 2022. His forehand is heavy, and he understands point patterns specific to clay. He lacks the aura of the very top seeds, but his consistency makes him a strong dark-horse option. Betting-wise, Ruud is often priced with mid-tier favorites—ideal for value seekers looking beyond household names.
Other Names to Track for Surprises
Every Roland Garros features a few names who rise beyond expectations. On the women’s side, Iga Świątek has been a notable yet average presence, especially as regards her serve and positioning. However, her previous finals appearances in Paris shows she knows how to navigate this surface. Elena Rybakina, though inconsistent, remains a threat thanks to her flat hitting and serve-heavy style. Danielle Collins, fresh off the Rome upset, enters with real momentum and no pressure.
For the men, Stefanos Tsitsipas remains a capable clay player despite a quieter season. His ability to hit deep topspin and manage long exchanges keeps him relevant. Holger Rune, though less consistent in 2025, has the variety and athleticism to frustrate top seeds. These players may not lift the trophy, but they could certainly derail someone else’s path—an angle worth considering for match-by-match betting.
What Comes Next
As the draws release and first-round matches come into view, the foundation laid by this clay swing becomes crucial. Whether you’re following the top seeds or keeping tabs on potential spoilers, understanding current form sharpens every prediction. Roland Garros rewards those who arrive ready—not just in skill, but in timing. For those watching closely, the signs are already there.