French Open first day: times, how to watch on TV, stream online the 2023 Roland Garros

The anticipation for the upcoming French Open 2023 is reaching a fever pitch as tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating tournament. With the notable absence of a dominant force in the men’s singles division, speculations abound that this year’s competition could be one of the most wide-open in recent memory.

The absence of the renowned 14-time champion, Rafael Nadal, has set the stage for a highly unpredictable tournament, fueling excitement among fans and players alike.

The organizers of Roland Garros announced that the total prize money for the tournament would be 49.6 million euros, with a 9.1 percent increase in the prize fund for the singles compared to last year. The objective is to ensure that all players receive bigger rewards. In the upcoming tournament, the men’s and women’s champions will be rewarded with a prize of 2.3 million euros each. Furthermore, the doubles prize fund has been raised by four percent, while players in wheelchairs will receive up to 80 percent more than before. As a result, the prize fund for this portion of the competition has been set at 810,000 euros.

When does Roland Garros start?

The first round of the second Grand Slam of the year, Roland Garros, begins on 28/05/2023 at

How to watch Roland Garros?

2023 Roland Garros preview

Men’s competition

A major announcement has shaken the men’s entry list for the 2023 French Open. Rafael Nadal, a 14-time champion and an icon of the sport, will not participate in the event for the first time since 2004 due to a lingering hip injury.

While Nadal’s absence may overshadow the competition, young Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz, Russian player and Grand Slam winner Daniil Medvedev are ready to take center stage. Novak Djokovic falling short at the Italian Open has propelled the “Murciano” to the top of the ATP rankings, making him the frontrunner of the men’s field at the French Open. Joining Alcaraz in the quest for glory are two former champions, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka. Djokovic, a remarkable force on the court, will be vying for the top spot and another prestigious title to lead the all-time Grand Slam race. Wawrinka’s powerful and elegant style of play has garnered him significant success in his career, but lately, the Swiss player is far from the form that could make him a contender for the French Open crown.

Though Rafael Nadal’s absence is a poignant reminder of his legacy, the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev and the presence of great champions like Djokovic and maybe Wawrinka ensure a competitive and exciting Grand Slam competition.

Women’s competition

The women’s draw at the upcoming French Open is headlined by the defending champion, Iga Swiatek. The Polish sensation aims to secure her third Coupe, Suzanne Lenglen, again showcasing her dominance on the clay courts.

Swiatek, however, will face formidable adversaries in her quest for glory. Aryna Sabalenka, the recently crowned champion of the Madrid Open, and Elena Rybakina, who triumphed at the Italian Open, pose significant challenges. Sabalenka and Rybakina have demonstrated their prowess on clay by securing victories over Swiatek, who unfortunately had to retire from her quarter-final match in Rome due to injury.

The women’s draw also welcomes the return of former champions Barbora Krejcikova and Jelena Ostapenko, adding a touch of nostalgia and experience to the competition. Additionally, Jennifer Brady, the finalist at the 2021 Australian Open, makes a long-awaited comeback after being absent from competitive play for over a year and a half. Her return will captivate fans as they witness her rekindle her competitive spirit on the grand stage of the French Open.

Furthermore, several talented players have been awarded wildcards in the women’s division. Kimberly Birrell and Emma Navarro will have the opportunity to showcase their skills alongside a selection of promising French talents, including Clara Burel, Selena Janicijevic, Leolia Jeanjean, Kristina Mladenovic, Diane Parry, and Jessika Ponchet. These wildcards add an element of surprise and excitement to the tournament, as they possess the potential to upset established players and make their mark on the prestigious event.

2023 Roland Garros predictions

We predict that the winners of this year’s Roland Garros will be Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic.