When it comes to the French Open Grand Slam, the only name that strikes one's mind is Rafael Nadal of Spain. Having won record 13 championships to date, he does not seem to stop winning more anytime soon.The 125th edition of the tournament goes underway from Monday. While Nadal is a favourite to retain the crown for the 14th time, he faces fierce competition from world number one, Serbia's Novak Djokovic.However, these two are not the only men who are in contention for winning it. On the same note, we look at the five possible contenders for the men's title this year.
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Rafael NadalThe defending champ has to be the first. He is undoubtedly a no-brainer here. Known as the King of Clay, he has lost just twice at Roland Garros. Although his performance on clay in the build-up tournaments was a bit shaky, it must not amuse fans, as he is well-known to be at his best when it comes to Franch Open. He is sure to sail into the final and has a 90% chance of retaining the crown.
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Novak DjokovicThe Serbian did win the competition back in 2015 when he beat Nadal in the quarters. However, it could well be considered a one-off. Furthermore, Djokovic's warm-up tournaments on clay before this have been below-par, winning just a 250-series title, the Belgrade Open on Saturday. Also, he was outplayed in the final last year by Nadal. While it could all change this term, Djokovic would have to bring up his A+ game and give his 200% to stand any chance if he faces Nadal again. However, it would all happen in the semis since both have been drawn in the same half.
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Dominic ThiemIf anyone other than the world number one can challenge Nadal on clay, it's this man. The Austrian, currently ranked fourth, has time and again proved that he could take Nadal to his limits on any surface. While he trails 6-9 to the Spaniard, in the 12 games played on clay, he trails 4-8. Having finished as the runner-up on two consecutive occasions in 2018 and 2019, Thiem is undoubtedly a favourite to reach the final.
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Daniil MedvedevThe Russian is one of the fast-rising stars in the sport. Ranked second, he has never made it beyond the opening round in Paris. However, it could all change this term, while he is sure to go a long way, even into the final. Nevertheless, if he happens to come across Nadal, he has a slim margin of making the cut.
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Stefanos TsitsipasThe Greek superstar also happens to be on the same lines as Medvedev and is a fast-rising star. He reached the semis last year and would be eager to change his fortunes this season. Clearly, he has a better chance of triumphing than the Russian. However, will he actually pass the Rafa test is a million-dollar question?NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
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