Beyond the clay court: Stefanos Tsitsipas's intriguing French Open forecast

Stefanos Tsitsipas saw off Marton Fucsovics 7-6, 6-4, 6-1 in order to set up a second round clash with Daniel Altmaier at the 2024 French Open. But while he doesn't put himself in the predictions, he has backtracked from his previous prediction.

Tsitsipas previously quipped that Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was the favourite for the 2024 French Open which he said was serious. Albeit both are friends off the court so is likely just a joke.

He said though that there isn't one particular favourite, but that Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz are certainly up there as he considered all routes. He said that the 24-time Grand Slam champion in particular is the favourite despite his recent results flattering to deceive. Djokovic opens up his campaign tonight against Pierre Hugues Herbert.

“I would probably say Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. I’m serious (smiling),” replied Tsitsipas after defeating Fucsovics in the opening round.

“Well, I think it’s split equally from all sides. There is not one particular player that is perhaps — you know, like thinking about it now, I would say probably it’s Novak Djokovic is still the favourite, because he has won here a few times,” he said.

“I would still believe that he’s considered someone, despite maybe not the best results from his side in the last few weeks in terms of we were used to Djokovic winning almost every week, and it hasn’t happened in the last few weeks. But I still consider him the favourite.”

“Obviously Carlos Alcaraz always remains the favourite, and so does Jannik Sinner. I feel like these are opponents that can play all-around equally on all surfaces, and they have incredible shots and of course speed on the court. They have what it takes to play good on clay. And a few other players that I haven’t mentioned, as well.”