French Open 2022: The young guns to watch out for on the clay court

Tennis stars are often created – or discovered – at major slams, and the 2022 French Open will feature a diverse range of young and established talent. Let us look at some of the promising, young talents ahead of the tournament that begins on May 22.

Carlos Alcaraz

This year, the 19-year-old Spaniard has surged into the men’s tennis scene, breaking into the ATP top 10 and winning big wins over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Also read: French Open 2022: Looking back at Rafael Nadal’s clay-court journey

He’s shown he can beat the best of the best and is in top shape. Grand slam tennis, on the other hand, is a distinct type of tennis.

Alcaraz has demonstrated his ability to win events, triumphing at Miami, Barcelona, and Madrid so far in 2022, and now has the opportunity to build a name for himself at Roland-Garros.

His similarities to clay legend Rafael Nadal, both in country and playing style, will undoubtedly help him in the run-up to the French Open.

Iga Świątek

With a successful performance at Roland-Garros, Iga Świątek, who is arguably already a star, might cement herself as the unquestioned current best player in the world.

Following Ash Barty’s surprise retirement earlier this year, the 20-year-old took over the world No. 1 ranking and has rapidly shown her authority despite her youth, winning the recent Miami and Indian Wells tournaments.

Also read: French Open 2022: Can Barbora Krejcikova defend her title?

Witek was an improbable French Open champion in 2020 and will now return to Paris as a strong contender.

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner has won five ATP singles titles, making him the youngest man to do it since Novak Djokovic in 2007.

Fearlessness, calmness, and a powerful backhand are among the Italian’s strongest attributes, with the 20-year-old displaying maturity beyond his years.

The persistent supremacy of veterans like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal has made it difficult for young players to win majors, but Sinner is improving at a breakneck pace and will be in with a chance on Paris’ clay courts.

Taylor Fritz

Taylor Fritz has been steadily improving as a player since turning professional in 2015.

Also read: French Open 2022: List of all 2021 winners

The 24-year-old San Diego native won his first Masters 1000 title this year at Indian Wells and appears to be hitting his stride at the right time.

Despite supremacy in women’s tennis, the US has not had a local player win a men’s singles grand slam championship since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open. The last American to win the French Open was Andre Agassi in 1999.

It may take some time, but Fritz is on his way to breaking that record, and Roland-Garros could be the ideal venue for him to do so.

Thanasi Kokkinakis

Thanasi Kokkinakis has had a redemption year in 2022, re-finding his groove after suffering long-term ailments.

A triumph in his hometown Adelaide International competition shown that he can still compete with – and outclass – the best.

He has also had success as a doubles player, winning the Australian Open with boyhood buddy Nick Kyrgios despite losing in the first round of the singles competition.

Also read: French Open 2022: From Novak Djokovic to Iga Swiatek, here are probable contenders

Since then, the 26-year-old has had mixed singles results, but he might re-establish himself on the world stage in France.

Emma Raducanu

After her historic and surprising US Open victory last year, Emma Raducanu became a household name in the United Kingdom. The 19-year-old became the tournament’s first qualifier to win and was thrust into the spotlight.

However, it hasn’t been easy since then, with the young Brit handicapped by a series of injury setbacks. Raducanu, who is also without a coach for this French Open, has been doing well since her divorce from Torben Beltz.

Many have thought that her US Open victory was a fluke, but Roland-Garros could be the ideal venue to prove them wrong.

Daria Saville

Following a two-year battle with injuries, the tenacious Australian has risen quickly up the global rankings this year.

Also read: French Open 2022: Nadal-Djokovic, Alcaraz-Zverev on the cards as draws made

Saville is now ranked 134th in the world for women’s singles, having risen from 627th in February 2022. She had previously set a career-high of 20th in 2017.

Saville, who was knocked out in the first round of this year’s Australian Open, will be looking for a solid tournament run in Paris. Her recent quarter-final run at the Miami Open was outstanding, demonstrating her ability to grind her way through a tournament while being the underdog.

Clara Tauson

Clara Tauson is one of the sport’s most promising young players. The 19-year-old has been quietly going about her business, routinely putting up excellent results and climbing to world No. 41 in the WTA rankings.

Also read: French Open 2022: All you need to know about the upcoming Grand Slam

She is without a doubt the most promising Danish talent since Caroline Wozniacki, who turned pro at the age of 17.

In the third round of this year’s Australian Open, she took eventual finalist Danielle Collins to three sets. If she wins a streak of races in France, she may no longer be able to slip under the spotlight.