The men’s singles in Paris sees the return of the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer after he has skipped the clay court season for the last couple of years.

Federer, who has amazingly only one title to his name at Roland Garros hinted that his year may indeed be the very last time he will be appearing that the tournament.

“The fact that this can be my last Roland-Garros?

“Each tournament can be the last. Yes, it is not excluded, it's true. I do not see my arrival at Roland Garros this year as if it was the last.

“I want to play it like 10 years ago, it does not change.”

Spain’s Rafael Nadal is the overwhelming favourite to win a record 12th singles title in Paris, and more so after winning the Rome Masters for his first title in 2019.

After losing to Nadal in the Rome final, the world number one, Novak Djokovic, says that that Spaniard is the man to beat.

“Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt, then everyone else," said the 15-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia.

“But I think it's going to be a good tournament.

“Dominic Thiem is playing some really, really good tennis. He can beat anybody really, especially on clay. Fabio Fognini also playing great quality tennis.

“He showed it against Nadal in Monte-Carlo what he's capable of.

“I mean, on a given day, best-of-five, with one day between matches, I think players will have enough time to really be at their best.

“Everyone is trying to peak for Roland Garros, without a doubt. I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great tournament.”

The 2019 French Open gets underway next week Monday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport