The Details

It’s that time of year when, at least according to Daniil Medvedev, some of the best players in the world like to be in the dirt like a dog. We’re not so sure about all that, but the French Open (or, Roland-Garros for the proper) main draw kicks off on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 11:00 am Paris time (5:00 am ET in the U.S.). This year’s ultimate red clay test concludes with the men’s final on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

How to Watch

Roland-Garros is the only major that is scheduled for 15 days, which provides a ton of opportunities to catch matches starting at nearly 5:00 am ET on most days. In the U.S., Tennis Channel will offer the most coverage between its tv channel and its app, TC Plus. Mary Carillo and John McEnroe will head up NBC and Peacock coverage, which includes the women’s final on Saturday, June 10th and the men’s final on Sunday June 11th. Tennis Channel’s T2 on Samsung TV’s and Bally Sports networks will offer spot coverage, as well. Check out Tennis Watchers for the full 2023 French Open tv schedule.

Three Big Questions

1) In some ways, the only question about this year’s Roland-Garros was: Will Rafael Nadal play the French Open this year? At the risk of reopening fresh wounds, unfortunately, the answer is simply: no. The hip injury that has kept Nadal off the tour since January will keep the King of Clay from claiming his throne in 2023 — the first time he’s not played since 2004. Since then, he’s amassed a 112-3 record. 

2) But what about Iga Swiatek? The world number one and the reigning French Open champion is, indeed, playing. That wasn’t so obvious 10 days ago, when she was forced to retire with a leg injury during her quarterfinal match in Rome against Elena Rybakina.

3) With Nadal out of Roland-Garros, there are a number of players who could win this major. For one player, there’s more on the line. Will Novak Djokovic take the title and the record for the most majors? Nadal and Djokovic are currently tied at 22.

Unfortunate First Rounds

Some people call it luck of the draw, but there are some first round match-ups that are anything but lucky. Here are some matches we wish weren’t opening up the tournament, but are.

On the women’s side:

  • Bianca Andreescu vs. Victoria Azarenka
  • Karolina Pliskova vs. Sloane Stephens
  • Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk
  • Danielle Collins vs. Jessica Pegula 

And on the men’s:

  • Brandon Nakashima vs. Denis Shapovolov 
  • Lorenzo Musetti vs. Mikael Ymer
  • Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Fabio Fognini 
  • Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego 
  • Gael Monfils vs. Sebastian Baez 

Reading List

A few things to read to get you in the mood:

  • Aryna Sabalenka, from Belarus, is set to play Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the first match on Court Philippe-Chatrier this year. Tennis.com shows exactly how difficult that match can be in the middle of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • ESPN takes a look at what it means for Rafa Nadal and Roland-Garros when the 14-time champion isn’t there. And GQ Sports takes a look at it from another angle.
  • If those Rafa stories brought you down a little, let this piece about Carlos Alcaraz by Tumaini Carayol over at The Guardian bring you right back up.

Who to Follow