Dark Horses at the French Open 2016

With Roger Federer opting out of French Open this year and 9-time Champions Rafael Nadal opting out with wrist injury after reaching the third round, an opportunity awaits for several players in the ATP circuit to win their first title at Roland Garros. Not only that, but for a lot of players in the Top 20, it opens an opportunity to win their first ever Slam.

There was a time when French Open had an inevitability about it, the period when Rafael Nadal was at his peak and would storm past every tournament on his way to 9 French Open titles. Such was his dominance that he lost only 2 matches at Roland Garros till last year, one to Robin Soderling of Sweden in 2009, and the other to World No.1 Novak Djokovic last year.

Statistically speaking, Roland Garros still remains the best slam for players to win their first major. This goes by the fact that in the Open Era, 21 players have captured their first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, as compared to just 13 in the US Open, 11 in the Australian Open and nine at Wimbledon. Out of these 21 players, 10 players never won another slam in their careers.

All this suggests that if we are to see a surprise winner in Men’s Tennis, Roland Garros would more often than not provide it. We take a look at the 5 Dark Horses of this year’s tournament.

David Ferrer has always been seen as the guy in Tennis who never gives up and always fights till the end. It’s a shame that his never say die attitude and performances are mostly overshadowed by fellow countrymen Rafael Nadal’s performances. Ferrer is currently ranked no.11 and has 26 ATP Titles to his name, but not a single major.

In 2013, Ferrer came very close to claiming his first major when he reached the finals of 2013 French Open without dropping a set and reached an all time high career ranking of number 3. Though he hasn’t had a great 2016 yet, many believe that the kind of fighter he is, he will always be a challenge for the favourites.

Many people regard David Ferrer as one of the best players to have not won a major despite trying so hard again and again. Hopefully at the age of 34, and in his 53rd Grand Slam, he’ll be able to shed that tag.

The Frenchman, who is currently ranked number 12, made headlines when he reached the semifinals of Wimbledon last year after defeating Stan Wawrinka in an enthralling five setter. Gasquet has 13 titles to his name and he won two of those last year by winning 2015 Open Sud de France and 2015 Estoril Open. In 2016, he claimed his 13th title by defending his Open Sud de France title.

He already achieved his best ever performance at Roland Garros this year by reaching the quarter finals, and if he’s able to replicate his good form of last year, he could be a fierce competitor to the top seeds. 

The 22 year-old Austrian has been in the news ever since he defeated Rafael Nadal in the Argentina Open in the semifinals after saving a match point and then winning his 4th ATP title. He then surprised David Ferrer with a 6-3, 6-2 win in Rio Open. After defeating Roger Federer in the quarter finals of Rome Masters 7-6, 6-4, he bagged his 4th Top 10 win of his career. The Austrian is now ranked World No.15 and has his eyes set on to the top of the rankings in the coming season.

With titles at Gstaad, Umag, and Nice in 2015, and winning the Argentina Open, Mexican Open and defending his title in Nice in 2016, the 22-year-old has served notice that he is a force to be reckoned with, particularly on clay. With his big, aggressive groundstrokes, mobility throughout the court, and ability to attack from the baseline, success on all surfaces appears inevitable. During his title runs, Thiem defeated opponents such as David Goffin, Feliciano Lopez, Gael Monfils, and John Isner.

“Dominic is one of the leaders of this generation, no question about it. He’s already established himself as a Top 20 player the last couple years. He’s getting stronger and more confident,” said Djokovic after his win against Theim in Miami Masters.

Dominic Theim surely is one player who can spring a surprise at this year’s French Open.

The 25 year old Belgian turned pro in 2009 and rose to fame when he reached the 4th round of the French Open in 2012 where he lost to Roger Federer. He is currently ranked number 13 and reached the 4th round of Wimbledon last year (a personal best) along with the fourth round of the Australian Open this year when he lost to Federer in  straight sets.

Goffin won his only two career titles last year and progressed to his first ATP masters 1000 semifinal this year at Indian Wells where he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic.