First Ball Forehand

Well, it’s that time of year again. I always can’t wait for the next grand slam. Dust off your French scorekeeping and get ready for an incredible tournament. Both the men’s and women’s have plenty of drama with the possibility of surprises. Without further delay, let’s get to the important question. Who is going to win? Well, drum roll please, let’s debate it. On the Women’s side—Ryabakina! On the Men’s side—Alcarez! We’ll use a best of 3 format on both of these. What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Spoiler alert, just remember, debating doesn’t mean I’ve picked the winner. You’ll have to read on for that.

Format: Best of 3

Background: Ladies first. Debate Rybakina as this year’s winner

Set 1: Rybakina has proven she has what it takes. She can win the big matches in the big situations against the top players. Wimbledon Champion 2022. Indian Wells Champion 2023. Rome Champion 2023. She’s mentally tough and knows how to win – Set 1 winner For Rybakina

Set 2: Yeah, but she’s been a runner-up a few times: Australian Open 2023 to Sabalenka. Miama 2023 to Kvitova, a match she was favored to win. Proven she CAN win, sure, but also CAN be beaten – Set 2 winner Against Rybakina

Set 3: I’m not going to criticize runner-ups. Rybakina has been the most consistent high performer of the year. After losing to Sabalenka in Australia, she beats her in Indian Wells. She’s beaten Swiatek. She has the weapons, firepower, and poise. Swiatek at her best can make a case, but she hasn’t been at her best – Set 3 winner For Rybakina

Winner: Rybakina wins 2023 French Open

---

Format: Best of 3

Background: Debate Alcarez as this year’s winner

Set 1: Alacarez also has proven he has what it takes. US Open 2022 Champion. Indian Wells Champion 2023. Madrid Champion 2023. He’s battle-tested and should only be getting better – Set 1 winner For Alcarez

Set 2: Love Alcarez. He’s the most dynamic, exciting player in the world today and to your point, he’s only getting better. But, let’s face it, he won the US Open and Indian Wells without Djokovic there. That’s a big deal. Djokovic won Australia without Alcarez there, but it’s not the same. You can’t be the best until you beat the best when it counts! – Set 2 winner Against Alcarez

Set 3: Ok, here it is, deciding set. Alcarez beat Djokovic in their only meeting, also on clay in Madrid 2022 (7-6 in the 3rd), and Alcarez is getting better, Djokovic has to be declining. Still, not enough. Djokovic is playing for history. Without Nadal, nothing is stopping him from leading in Grand Slams. He has the chance over the rest of the year to put all the nails in the coffin necessary to be the GOAT. He’ll play with a chip on his shoulder and will himself to win. There’s no doubt! – Set 3 winner Against Alcarez

Winner: Djokovic wins 2023 French Open

Rybakina and Djokovic are your 2023 Champions!

What do you think?

UPDATE: Rybakina sick, has to withdraw. Oh well, we’ll never know. It does make the prediction wrong!