As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Roland Garros, former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem has sparked intrigue with his predictions for the clay-court Grand Slam, notably leaving out 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic from his list of favorites. The Austrian, a two-time finalist at the Paris major, shared his insights while attending the BMW Open in Munich on April 21, 2025, where he presented the winner’s trophy to his close friend Alexander Zverev. Thiem’s bold omission of Djokovic, a three-time Roland Garros champion, has ignited debate among fans and pundits, especially given the Serb’s storied history on the terre battue.
Thiem, who retired from professional tennis in 2024 after a career hampered by a persistent wrist injury, was in high spirits as he celebrated Zverev’s commanding victory over American Ben Shelton in Munich. Reflecting on Zverev’s performance, Thiem praised his friend’s resilience and tactical brilliance, citing him as a top contender for the upcoming French Open. “Sascha was too good. Shelton served at 220, 225 km/h, and Sascha stayed back, neutralizing those balls on the return,” Thiem remarked. “It’s sensational. These are the little things that show why he deserved to win. He’s so good.” Zverev’s recent form, including a strong showing at the Australian Open earlier in 2025, has convinced Thiem that the world No. 2 is primed for a deep run in Paris.
Joining Zverev on Thiem’s shortlist are world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 1 Jannik Sinner, two young stars who have dominated the ATP Tour in recent seasons. Alcaraz, the 2024 Roland Garros champion, has proven his mettle on clay, with his explosive movement and heavy topspin making him a natural fit for the surface. Sinner, meanwhile, has shown remarkable consistency, with his powerful baseline game and improved clay-court adaptability earning him praise. “I think Sascha, Carlos, and Jannik are the ones to watch,” Thiem stated, highlighting their ability to handle the grueling demands of the two-week tournament. His confidence in this trio reflects their recent dominance, with Alcaraz and Sinner trading Grand Slam titles and Zverev rebounding from a brief dip in form.
The conspicuous absence of Djokovic, who won Roland Garros in 2016, 2021, and 2023, has raised eyebrows, particularly given Thiem’s history with the Serb. Thiem famously defeated Djokovic in the 2017 quarterfinals (7-6[5], 6-3, 6-0) and the 2019 semifinals (6-2, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 7-5) at Roland Garros, showcasing his ability to challenge the tennis titan on clay. However, Djokovic’s 2025 season has been marred by inconsistency, with a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open and ongoing concerns about his physical condition at age 37. Thiem’s decision to overlook Djokovic may reflect doubts about the Serb’s current form, especially as younger players like Alcaraz and Sinner continue to ascend.
Thiem’s predictions carry weight due to his own illustrious history at Roland Garros, where he reached the finals in 2018 and 2019, only to fall to the indomitable Rafael Nadal. His blistering groundstrokes and relentless baseline game made him a fan favorite in Paris, where he amassed a 26-5 record from 2016 to 2020. Despite his retirement, Thiem remains a respected voice in the sport, and his endorsement of Zverev, Alcaraz, and Sinner underscores the shifting landscape of men’s tennis. “It’s a new era, and these guys are ready to take over,” he noted, acknowledging the transition from the Big Three—Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer—to a new generation of stars.
The snub of Djokovic, intentional or not, adds a layer of drama to the Roland Garros narrative. While the Serb has defied expectations before, his path to a fourth title in Paris will be fraught with challenges, including a stacked field and the physical toll of the clay season. Meanwhile, Thiem’s favorites face their own hurdles: Zverev must overcome his history of faltering in Grand Slam finals, Alcaraz is recovering from a recent muscle issue, and Sinner will need to maintain his stamina through the grueling clay swing. As the tennis world awaits the May 25 start of Roland Garros, Thiem’s bold call has set the stage for a thrilling battle on the red dirt, with or without Djokovic in the spotlight.