As we approach round one of the French Open 2021, or Roland Garros, we get closer to watching the best tennis players in action. After a few ATP Masters 1000 tournaments building up to this major competition in Paris, there are a few players who might be strong contenders to go back home with the shiny silver trophy at the end of June 13.

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Here are five male players to watch out for in French Open 2021:

Alexander Zverev

The world number six has never gone past quarterfinals in Roland Garros. But his recent triumph in the Madrid Open, beating Rafael Nadal on the way, might be a sign of better things to come for the German on clay.

Dominic Thiem

The Austrian may not have had the best of outings in the clay-court season prior to the French Open. But having been a runner-up twice in the slam, and also being a grand slam winner, he can not be written off.

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Novak Djokovic

An 18-time grand slam winner, French Open winner in 2016, would go into any tournament as one of the favourites. He will also be heading to Paris with the record of winning every grand slam twice on the cards.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

The young Greek had a promising French Open 2020, having marched on till the semifinals, and losing to Djokovic in a five-setter. He is known for his adaptability across surfaces. And going into the tournament following his triumph in the Lyon Open is a sign of more promise.

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Rafael Nadal

Nadal, 13-time French Open winner, 20-time grand slam winner, called the ‘king of clay’ in the tennis fraternity, is a strong contender to lift the trophy for the 14th time, which would also take him past Roger Federer to have the most number of grand slam titles in the men’s category.