Djokovic to challenge Sinner? Swiatek to regain French Open title? Henman, Robson, del Potro and Sabatini make Roland Garros predictions

With Roland Garros fast approaching, many tennus fans are predicting and forecasting what is set to occur over the next two weeks in the French capital. Sky Sports pundits Tim Henman and Laura Robson were joined by Argentine duo Juan Martin del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini in predicting some of the events which are set to happen.

This ranges from who will be the champion, what chances do Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have of lifting the title with different aspirations in mind, who are the dark horses and what chance do the British players have.

To the surprise of nobody, both Henman and Robson were quick to label Jannik Sinner as their prediction to win the ATP Roland Garros title. "It will be Sinner," Henman confidently stated. "At the moment with Alcaraz out of the game, he's looking absolutely unbeatable. He's playing brilliant tennis. He's fit, he's healthy, and he has a significant mental advantage over the opposition."

Robson was more brief. "Sinner because no one is coming close to his level at the moment and Carlos isn't playing."

Novak Djokovic will most certainly be in the frame as well. The 24-time Grand Slam champion's Quest for an unprecedented 25th continues after reaching a first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024 at the Australian Open.

Henman was not in the belief that it was Djokovic's last chance, but felt that there were better opportunities elsewhere. "I don't think this is Novak's last chance because I think his best chance is at Wimbledon a couple of weeks later," he admitted. "I personally don't think with the seven matches over the best-of-five sets he's capable of winning Roland-Garros again. That's purely a physical thing, whereas on grass there are less players who know how to play on grass and it's less physically demanding, so I still think he has a very good chance at Wimbledon."

Robson also felt that the conditions would be his downfall. "Is it Novak's last chance? Maybe at Roland-Garros but I don't think it's his last chance at some of the other Slams - especially Wimbledon. It's definitely going to be harder on a slow clay-court."

Former US Open champion del Potro was full of praise for the Serbian. "For me, Novak is the greatest," he exclaimed. "He's still playing at almost 40 years old and he's fighting with Alcaraz and Sinner and he has all the records. I mean, he's a fantastic human being. He's a good friend and I love him."

There was more agreement when it came to the WTA competition. There is much more of an argument for a number of players winning the title. Ranging from world number one Aryna Sabalenka, to the Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, to the recent Rome Open champion Elina Svitolina, and of course the reigning title holder Coco Gauff.

However, it was four-time champion Iga Swiatek that caught Henman's eye. "Iga Swiatek. She's got a new coach in her corner, Francis Roig, who worked with Rafael Nadal and was a part of so many Roland-Garros titles. I love the way she's playing, but most importantly the way she's behaving on the court. She looks more relaxed, less stressed, playing controlled, aggressive tennis and I think she's going to get another French Open title."

Sticking with her guns, Robson also chose the Pole. "At the start of the year I went for Swiatek so I'm going to hold my nerve and still go for her," she stated. "She's implementing the right things. She's on the comeback - not that she really went anywhere - but good omens considering how well she played in Rome."

Former world number three Sabatini said her piece on why Sabalenka could be in contention for a first triumph in Paris. "Sabalenka has had to fight hard to win those Grand Slams but it's nice to see some variety from her. I personally like that because that used to be my game, so I like it when someone comes to the net or does something different."

The overriding majority opted for Joao Fonseca as the dark horse in the men's tournament. "Joao Fonseca. He is moving up the rankings rapidly. The way he plays on clay, he's got a massive forehand and I just think he's waiting for a breakout in one of the majors," Henman said.

"I believe Fonseca has the potential to go to the top of the game, but for all the players it's really difficult to say how far he will go in the next years," Del Potro analysed. "I couldn't say if it will be next year or in two years, three years, but I think he has the potential to reach the top."

Sabatini also sided with her fellow South American. "Fonseca is spectacular the way he plays and his mentality," the Argentine said. "He has shown that he can be there at the top but it takes time. You have to play a lot of matches and the experience to play against the top players, but he is coming along.

"He has everything to be there and I do believe he can compete with Alcaraz and Sinner. His mind is crucial for these type of matches and he has the focus and determination which is what you need for matches like this. He has the game but there is room for improvement. He has the power, the athleticism and I think he can really be there."

Robson switched things up. Whether or not it was a bit if a stretch, she stated Arthur Fils as her dark horse. "If he is healthy, hopefully this ages well, I'm going to say Arthur Fils. Can he even be called a dark horse anymore, probably not! But that's who I'm going with."

Three different women were predicted. Henman threw out a curve ball and chose a former Rome Open semi-finalist. "I'm going with Peyton Sterns. I've watched her and she's capable of playing some great tennis. Her ranking is down at 48 [before Rome] but I think she can be a lot higher than that and if she can get a good draw I think she can do some damage."

The obvious name has to be Anastasia Potapova, or that is at least according to Robson. "I'm going with Anastasia Potapova. She put together a great tournament in Madrid and she's not one of the names everyone is thinking about."

Sabatini technically went for two players, stating former Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova as a player who could do some damage with the inform Hailey Baptise eyeing up another chance for a deep run. "I really like Karolina Muchova," the former Grand Slam champion noted. "I think she's a great player and she also has great skills. She can do anything. I also really like the American Hailey Baptiste, but it's nice what is happening."

It is fair to say that British tennis is in a but of a sticky situation. Jack Draper is out for the rest of the clay swing after picking up a knee injury following his recovery from an arm problem. Sonay Kartal will also be missing, depleting the numbers attending the second Grand Slam in 2026.

The main man in the French capital from a British perspective has to be Cameron Norrie. "It's still a big challenge but we have a little bit of strength in depth. But the reality is they're going into those matches as underdogs," Henman acknowledged. "In the main draw, the player who's got the best chance of progressing is Cameron Norrie. He's back at No 20 in the world and looks like he's regained his confidence. If anyone is going to get through to the second week, it's going to be him."

If there was one player to make the second week, in Robson's eyes it was Norrie with the grass swing looming. "If the Brits have gone to Paris, they clearly intend to do well. No one is just going to show up and I always think that it was just a bit of a stereotype in the first place. Obviously grass is at the forefront of your mind until you're done at the tournament prior. If you're at Roland-Garros you're going to take it seriously."

Then you have Emma Raducanu. Only recently the 23-year-old made her first appearance on clay in 2026, losing in straight sets to Diane Parry at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. She comes into the French Open with a lack of clay court match experience which could hinder her chances of a deep run.

"Sabatini could not put her finger on what has been wrong with Raducanu since that Grand Slam triumph. "Since that US Open win she's been on and off. It's hard to tell what is happening when you don't know what is happening inside her mind or in the team. The hardest thing in tennis is to maintain your level. It's easier to get there but to stay there takes a lot more."