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Expert Picks

2023 Roland Garros: Which No. 1 seed has the best chance to win?

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have both looked, at times, like the clear-cut rulers on tour. Which will have the best chance to assert their authority in Paris?

ByTENNIS.com

Published May 25, 2023

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Our expert picks are in. Click around on TENNIS.com for our editors' and writers' thoughts on:

As most dominant player in Paris goes, there are compelling cases to be made for both Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek.

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Peter Bodo

Carlos Alcaraz: Partly because the symbolic “passing the baton” of Spanish tennis, from Rafa to Carlos, is too alluring a storyline for this sentimentalist to ignore. Alcaraz’s unexpected loss in Rome was somewhat convenient, and it gave him a nice opportunity to refill the tank of motivation.

Joel Drucker

Iga Swiatek: Yes, not as dominant as she was last year. Yes, some matches have revealed signs of fragility. Yes, contenders Sabalenka and Rybakina have blossomed into legitimate rivals. Still: Swiatek has plenty of the goods to earn a third Roland Garros title—just slightly more than Alcaraz can win his first.

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Matt Fitzgerald

Iga Swiatek: While the Pole may not arrive with an undefeated record on clay this time around, she’s won 18 of her last 19 matches at the Paris major. Her road to the title doesn't have the equivalency Alcaraz potentially faces in a champion with 22 majors to his name.

David Kane

Iga Swiatek: Swiatek has bigger distance between herself and the field, particularly on this surface, and has proven herself at this tournament twice before. Only question mark is her health after retiring in Rome.

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Jon Levey

Carlos Alcaraz: Being a two-time winner and defending champ, the smart money is on Swiatek. However, having never won the title, hunger will be on the side of Alcaraz. Yes, he’ll probably have to figure a way through Djokovic in the semifinals, but if there’s a Slam and surface to do it, this is the one.

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Stephanie Livaudais

Carlos Alcaraz: He was methodical during his double-title defense in Barcelona and Madrid, dropping just two sets in 11 matches. Back to world No. 1 after an early exit in Rome, he looks rested and ready for his most successful Grand Slam after the US Open.

Ed McGrogan

Carlos Alcaraz: He’s the closest thing there is to a blue chip on the men’s side, and the best-of-five-set format makes upsets harder to come by. Furthermore, Ryabkina has proven to be a problem for Swiatek.

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Steve Tignor

Iga Swiatek: She and Alcaraz have been equally impressive for the past year, but Iga already has two Roland Garros titles, and doesn’t have a 22-time Slam winner potentially standing in her way.

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