French Open 2023: Who’s Missing? Seeds and Much More.
The 2023 edition of the French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is scheduled to take place at the magnificent Stade Roland Garros in Paris. This historic tournament, marking its 93rd Grand Slam appearance, will commence on Sunday, May 28 and conclude on Sunday, June 11, with the men’s final. The women’s final will take place on Saturday, June 10. The qualifying tournament will kick off on Monday, May 22.
Stade Roland Garros has been the home of the French Open since 1928, featuring prominent courts such as Court Philippe Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Court Simonne Mathieu. Court Philippe Chatrier, previously known as Court Central, has a retractable roof and floodlights, allowing for night sessions. With a seating capacity of up to 15,225 spectators, it provides a remarkable atmosphere for the matches. Court Suzanne Lenglen can accommodate 10,068 spectators, while Court Simonne Mathieu has a capacity of 5,000. Court Simonne Mathieu underwent significant renovations before the 2019 edition, with its construction four meters below ground level and greenhouses surrounding all four sides.
In terms of defending champions, Rafael Nadal claimed his record-extending 14th French Open title last year, overpowering Casper Ruud in a one-sided final. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals as well. However, Nadal will not be participating in this year’s tournament due to a hip injury. On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek clinched her second Grand Slam and second French Open title by defeating Coco Gauff in the final.
Notable absences from this year’s French Open include Rafael Nadal, who won’t be participating for the first time since his debut in 2005, as he recovers from a hip injury. Additionally, Roger Federer, who retired last year, will also be absent, marking the first time since 1998 that both Federer and Nadal are missing from the tournament. Nick Kyrgios will be absent due to a foot injury sustained during an armed robbery at his house. Andy Murray decided to withdraw before the tournament to focus on the grass-court season. In the women’s draw, Simona Halep is still absent as she serves her doping suspension, and Emma Raducanu is recovering from surgery.
The main draw for the singles event will be held on Thursday, May 25, at 14:00 local time (13:00 BST). As for the seedings, Carlos Alcaraz leads the men’s draw after reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings. Daniil Medvedev follows him, having surpassed Novak Djokovic by winning the Italian Open. Djokovic himself holds the third seed, with Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, and Félix Auger-Aliassime completing the top ten.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek takes the top seed, while Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari, Daria Kasatkina, and Petra Kvitova round out the top ten seeds.
