World number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic have been placed in opposite halves of the men’s draw, meaning they cannot meet until the final of the French Open at Roland Garros.
The draw, released on Thursday, sets up a potential blockbuster final clash between two of the sport’s dominant forces, with Sinner entering the tournament as the leading title favourite following the absence of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner will begin his campaign against French wildcard Clément Tabur, while Djokovic opens against home player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard as he pursues a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
The Italian, who recently claimed his sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title in Rome, is projected to meet fifth seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, with Daniil Medvedev a possible semi-final opponent.
Djokovic, who turns 39 on Friday, could face second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, continuing a rivalry that has seen the German fall to the Serb twice at Roland Garros.
In the women’s draw, reigning champion Coco Gauff faces a challenging path to defending her title and could meet world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
Sabalenka, who has never won the French Open, faces a tough route that could include former world number one Naomi Osaka, rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko, and former US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova.
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek will begin her campaign against Australian wildcard Emerson Jones, with a potential quarter-final clash against Italian Open winner Elina Svitolina.
The tournament has also been overshadowed by tensions over a pay dispute, with players threatening to boycott certain media commitments ahead of the event.
Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said organisers would not back down on the issue, noting that prize money has “doubled in 10 years”.
The men’s draw also features notable opening matches, including rising French star Arthur Fils against 41-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka, who is expected to make his final appearance at Roland Garros.
Home favourite Gaël Monfils will also begin what could be his farewell French Open campaign against fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston.
The tournament begins on Sunday, with expectations high for a dramatic fortnight featuring rising stars, veteran champions, and several potential marquee clashes deep into the draw.
