French Open talking points: Bleak for Brits and unstoppable Swiatek?

The second grand slam of the year begins on Sunday with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek looking to retain their French Open titles at Roland Garros.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the major talking points ahead of this year’s tournament.

Rafa would love 15

Rafael Nadal is still battling to be fit for one final tilt at the title which has defined his stellar career. The 37-year-old Spaniard’s farewell tour has not gone to plan so far, with a thigh injury sustained in January restricting him to just four tournaments. If Nadal does not feel he can win Roland Garros title number 15, he is unlikely to play. However, he said: “Physically I have some issues, but probably not yet enough to say I’m not playing in the most important event of my tennis career.”

Bleak for Brits

Andy Murray is presumably not expecting a deep run at his least favourite grand slam, given he has entered a grass court event in Surbiton that coincides with the second week. Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie are also short on form, so Jack Draper might be Britain’s main hope on the men’s side. Emma Raducanu’s surprise withdrawal from qualifying leaves Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart leading the British women’s challenge.

Can anybody stop Swiatek?

Men’s title up for grabs

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