No previous champions remain in French Open singles draws
After Iga Swiatek’s fourth-round loss to Marta Kostyuk, no previous champion remains in the men’s or women’s singles draws at the French Open. Swiatek, who had won three consecutive titles from 2022 to 2024, lost on her 25th birthday and said she was “tense.” Kostyuk, the 15th seed, has won all 16 of her clay-court matches this season and will face seventh seed Elina Svitolina in an all-Ukrainian quarter-final. In the women’s draw, top seed Aryna Sabalenka is the standout contender, while Naomi Osaka and 19th seed Madison Keys remain obstacles. In the men’s draw, the absence of Carlos Alcaraz (wrist injury) and early exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic guarantee a first-time Grand Slam winner. German second seed Alexander Zverev is the strong favourite, but faces young challengers including Rafael Jodar, Joao Fonseca, and Jakub Mensik. The article notes that a heatwave and cumulative physical effects have contributed to an unusually open tournament.
What’s reported
Iga Swiatek lost to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round.
No previous French Open champions remain in either singles draw.
Kostyuk has won all 16 of her clay-court matches this season.
Men’s draw will produce a first-time Grand Slam winner due to exits by Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz’s absence.
Alexander Zverev is the strong favourite in the men’s draw.
Nine of 16 men’s third-round matches went to a deciding fifth set, a first in the Open era.
A heatwave lasting almost a week in Paris altered clay conditions.
Key figures
Iga Swiatek, Marta Kostyuk, Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Sorana Cirstea, Mirra Andreeva, Elina Svitolina, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, Joao Fonseca, Jakub Mensik.
Sources: BBC News
