The French Open is set to begin at Roland-Garros, marking the culmination of the clay-court season, with anticipation building around both the men’s and women’s draws.The official draw is scheduled for Thursday 21 May at 2pm local time in Paris, which corresponds to 1pm in the United Kingdom.This event determines the early match-ups for one of tennis’s most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments.

In the men’s competition, world number one Jannik Sinner enters as the leading favourite, following a dominant season in which he has already established himself as one of the sport’s most consistent performers.Sinner is aiming for a maiden French Open title and a career Grand Slam.

His main rival in recent years, Carlos Alcaraz, is absent due to injury, leaving Novak Djokovic as one of the most experienced challengers in the field as he seeks a record 25th major title.Other seeded players include Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz among a strong field.The women’s draw is widely considered more open, with several contenders capable of winning the title.Defending champion Coco Gauff returns after a mixed clay season, while Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina are among the top seeds.

Swiatek, a multiple-time Roland-Garros champion, remains one of the strongest performers on clay, while Elina Svitolina arrives in good form following a recent title in Rome.The article also details full entry lists for both men’s and women’s draws, including seeded players, wildcards and remaining direct entrants.

Several notable absences are highlighted, including injured or recovering players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jack Draper on the men’s side, and Marketa Vondrousova in the women’s draw.Wildcards for French and international players have also been confirmed, adding further depth to the tournament field.