Tsitsipas to win his first Grand Slam in Paris

Oui Oui! Ollie's Takes returns for a French Open Preview. We are 1 from 1 with Grand Slam predictions in 2024 with Jannik Sinner winning the Australian Open. I am predicting a first time grand slam winner yet again for this year's French Open.

Take #1: Djokovic is no chance

Novak Djokovic enters the 2024 French Open as the defending champion (Credit: Roland Garros)

The Djoker has struggled in 2024 and I simply cannot see the defending champion winning this year's title. Shame on me for writing off a champion but parting ways with his coach, two other members of his team and recent losses to Alejandro Tabillo (who?), Casper Ruud and Luca Nardi is too much to look past.

Despite being the defending champion and arguably the greatest of all time, the Djoker is no chance at Roland Garros 2024.

Take #2: Swiatek boilover

Iga Swiatek enters the 2024 French Open in hot form as the defending champion (Credit: Roland Garros)

I'm predicting short odds favourite Iga Swiatek, paying only $1.73, to not win the tournament. This goes against everything I see of Swiatek who has won the two major lead in tournaments and is the defending champion in Paris.

Based purely off a vibe, I think Swiatek will lose in the semi finals. Watch this space.

Take #3: Zverev a sniff

Alexander Zverev celebrating his maiden Italion Open title this week (Credit: Italion Open)

Sascha Zverev won the Italian Open this week and enters the tournament in good form. That is all. Do I think he wins it? Probs not but stranger things have happened.

Take #4: Dem Boys will go deep however they are not Ollie's tip

Carlos Alcaraz will always be tough to beat on Clay (Credit: Carlos Alcaraz)

Who are dem boys? Alcaraz, Ruud and Sinner. Alcaraz has been ordinary by his standards since winning Wimbledon last year, Sinner broke through and won his first major at the Aus Open and Casper Ruud has re-found his form on the dirt in 2024. These players will be no doubt go deep into the second week in Paris, however they are not my tip.

Take #5: Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev are my smokies

Nothing further to add. They both probably won't win it but you just never know...

Take #6: Elena Rybakina the Champ

Elena Rybakina holding up her first 1000 Claycourt trophy a few weeks ago (Credit: AFLO)

Being the only player to take down Iga Swiatek on the clay this year and pushing Sabalenka to the brink recently, I am predicting Rybakina to win her first Claycourt Grand Slam. The 2022 Wimbledon champion has never made it past the Quarter Finals in Paris but this year could be the Khazakstani's year to go all the way and bring home the chocolates.

Rybakina has one of the most well rounded games on tour, and whilst a lot will have to go right for her to win the title, Rybakina is my pick for the 2024 French Open.

Take #7: Tsitsipas to win his first major

Tsitsipas won his first Monte Carlo Masters this year (Credit: ATP)

Now this could either be a shocking take or one of the greatest you'll ever see. I do not rate Tsitsipas but guess what, I am picking him to win the French Open… Makes sense. The Greek freak has had a stellar claycourt season so far winning the Monte Carlo Masters and making the final in Barcelona.

Tsitsipas has found some form after breaking up with his partner Paula Badosa. Am I inferring that this has had a positive impact on his tennis? Absolutely. Normally, I find Tsitsipas a bit spineless and someone who lacked the gravitas to win a major. But his form and application towards his tennis at the moment speaks otherwise, so I am tipping the natural claycourt player to win his first slam in Paris.

We will see you shortly for another edition of Ollie's Takes. We are mixing up the format a bit here at OT in the coming weeks so be prepared to see more quick fire, consistent content.

Merci,

OT

P.S. Happy Harley Reid Day