Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek find themselves as the only remaining champions at the 2024 French Open in their respective draws after the conclusion of the first two rounds. Both the men’s and the women’s draw had three former champions each at the start of the tournament
This year’s French Open has seen a lot of drama within the opening two rounds. A lot of blockbuster matches in the early stages of the tournament have made it highly engaging for tennis fans. Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev, Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray, and Iga Swiatek vs Naomi Osaka, to name a few, were the ones that grabbed attention.
However, top names playing each other so early in the tournament led to several star players exiting the Paris Major by the end of two rounds. The early blockbuster matches have resulted in only one former champion remaining, each in the men’s and women’s draws.
Coincidentally, the two are also the defending champions. In the men’s draw, despite his dip in form, Novak Djokovic has had a smooth failing so far defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets. On the other hand, Iga Swiatek eliminated Leolia Jeanjean and survived Naomi Osaka’s inspired performance in the second round to go through successfully.
The men’s draw had two other former champions – 14-time winner Rafael Nadal and 2015 winner Stan Wawrinka. While the Spaniard fell to Alexander Zverev in the opening round, Wawrinka, who ousted Andy Murray in the opener, was defeated by Pavel Kotov in the second round.
The women’s draw also had two other former champions – 2021 champion Barbora Krejcikova and 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko. Krejcikova lost in the opening round to Viktorija Golubic whereas Ostapenko was defeated by Clara Tauson in a three-set marathon.
Novak Djokovic will face Lorenzo Musetti next, Iga Swiatek set to play Marie Bouzkova
Novak Djokovic will continue his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam as he takes on a tough challenge in Lorenzo Musetti next. Though the Serb leads their head-to-head 4-1, the Italian has been great so far with wins over Daniel Galan and home favorite and veteran Gael Monfils and is yet to drop a set.
On the other hand, Iga Swiatek, who is chasing to complete a three-peat at the French Open, will face Marie Bouzkova next in what will be their first meeting. Bouzkova has played sublime tennis so far at Roland Garros, comfortably defeating 28th seed Veronika Kudermatova and then Jana Fett in her first two rounds, winning both in straight sets.
