French Open 2023 likely to be a chance for players to break through, feels former player Jill Craybas

2021 French Open - Day Fifteen
Stefanos Tsitsipas(left) and winner Novak Djokovic at the 2021 French Open

The French Open 2023 Qualifiers are currently underway. The highly anticipated two-week event will run until Sunday, June 11.

On SportsTalkOnPrime channel on Twitter, host Rennae Stubbs asked former American player Jill Craybas to name her favorites in men's singles and whom she thought is likely to be the winner.

Craybas named Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Stefanos Tsitsipas before adding that there were many contenders who had a shot at the title.

"On the men's [side], the standouts are obviously Djokovic, Alcaraz, Holger Rune, I would definitely put in there. Tsitsipas, obviously got into the finals of Roland Garros [previously]," she said.
"I feel like we've talked so much,Rennae, in the last five to ten years, of how anyone of the women can win and it almost feels lke it's starting to transfer over to men too. I think there are so many contentenders," she added.

She also added Daniil Medvedev to the list and stated that she was excited about the event as it was likely to see a breakthrough winner.

"And now you've got to go through Medvedev, too, right? I think there are just so many and to me that makes it more exciting, I love it. I love that anticipation of waiting to see who's gonna have that breakthrough. I'd like to see two new winners," she added.

Top men's singles contenders at the French Open 2023

Holger Rune(left and Daniil Medvedev(right)
Holger Rune(left and Daniil Medvedev(right)

The anticipation for the 2023 French Open is building up with some of the best talents gearing up in a bid to win the Grand Slam title. The draw for the event will be announced on Thursday, May 25.

22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic headlines the event. Despite a lukewarm clay season, the reigning Australian Open champion is a veteran across surfaces and is likely to pose a strong challenge.

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is also in strong contention for the title. The Spaniard has backed his first Grand Slam title win at the 2022 US Open with consistent performances this year. Three out of his four title wins this season have been on clay - the Argentina Open, Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open.

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev has five titles under his belt this season. Despite his self-confessed dislike for the clay surface, the Russian lifted his first clay title at this year's Italian Open and may possibly be the dark horse at Roland Garros.

“In a way [this is my] number one [success], just because it's the first one on clay and it's unbelievable,” said Medvedev in his post-match press conference.
“I would never have thought I would be able to make this. Then [I] have to be honest, a Grand Slam is always bigger."

The French Open first rounds will begin on Sunday, May 28.

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