Clay-hot

• The French Open 2025 is the first edition without Rafael Nadal, leaving the field open for new players.

• Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner are leading contenders.

• Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Major winner, has returned to the conversation after a poor run since 2016-18.

• Alexander Zverev, a semifinalist or better for four successive years in Paris, aims to show his world-class form.

• Iga Swiatek, the three-time defending champion, is not in tournament-winning form and faces a difficult draw.

• World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, and Qinwen Zheng are also vying for the title.

• Jelena Ostapenko, a 2017 Roland-Garros winner, is an outside bet.