Underdogs to Watch: Potential Breakthrough Stars at the 2025 French Open

As the 2025 French Open approaches, underdogs like Joao Fonseca and Daniil Medvedev are emerging as potential disruptors. Both players have made impressive strides on clay courts leading up to the tournament, showcasing resilience and adaptability in their game strategies. The French Open, which is set to begin in late May, will serve as the stage for these rising stars to test their mettle against the favorites. If Fonseca and Medvedev can continue their upward trajectory, this tournament could reveal whether they have what it takes to challenge the established champions and shake up the competition.

Key Takeaways

Joao Fonseca, at just 18, already holds a title and possesses potential for a surprise run at the French Open,
Lorenzo Musetti's artistic style and recent Top 10 ranking hint at a possible breakthrough in the tournament,
Holger Rune's recent resurgence and consistent performances could lead to a deep run on clay,
Matteo Berrettini's solid clay court record and powerful game make him a potential standout competitor,
Daniil Medvedev's improving clay strategy and growing confidence suggest he might overcome his past struggles at the French Open.

Lorenzo Musetti: Building on Recent Success

Watch as Lorenzo Musetti continues to forge his path as a rising star in the world of tennis. At 23, he's already left his mark by breaking into the Top 10 ATP rankings, becoming Italy’s third youngest to achieve this.

He’s showcased his talents in 2024 with a Wimbledon semifinal and an Olympic bronze. Coached by Simone Tartarini since childhood, Musetti's artistic, Federer-inspired style shines, especially his one-handed backhand.

Hailing from Carrara in the Tuscany region, Musetti's journey is celebrated as part of a golden era for Italian tennis, with nine Italians in the Top 100. His 100th career win at Monte-Carlo Masters marks a milestone of his journey. With tactical versatility and proven success on different surfaces, Musetti’s poised for a breakthrough at the 2025 French Open.

Holger Rune: Bouncing Back From Mid-Career Slump

Although Holger Rune faced an intimidating mid-career slump, his recent resurgence suggests he's once again a force to be reckoned with. Having reached the quarterfinals at both the 2023 French Open and Wimbledon, Rune's consistency on the big stage is evident. He secured his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, showcasing clutch performance and improved mental resilience.

By ascending back into the Top 10, Rune signals his renewed prowess. His run to the Indian Wells final, ousting top players like Tsitsipas and Medvedev, further emphasizes his rise. With an aggressive serving strategy and error reduction focus, Rune's adaptability on clay and big-match composure make him a formidable contender at the 2025 Open—reflected in his strong position in the latest French Open tennis odds.

Matteo Berrettini: High-Stakes Performer on Clay

As the 2025 French Open draws near, Matteo Berrettini stands out as a high-stakes performer poised to leave his mark on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

With a solid clay court pedigree, he's demonstrated a 60% win rate at this venue and reached the 2021 quarterfinals. His aggressive baseline game suits the slow surface, complemented by a forehand with heavy topspin.

Despite injury setbacks, Berrettini's resilience was clear in his 200th win at the 2025 Madrid Open. His serve and forehand combination, yielding 47 winners and 14 aces, will be essential for his success this year.

Daniil Medvedev: Adaptation to Clay Conditions

Daniil Medvedev has faced significant challenges adapting to clay court conditions, with a career record of 95-51 in clay events highlighting the struggle.

Yet, there's hope. Recent gritty wins indicate improvement and a shift in attitude. Medvedev's adapting by focusing on learning to build points and improve sliding techniques specific to slow surfaces.

Despite technical challenges like bad bounces, his experience on slow courts could translate to improved clay performance. Current tennis betting data and trends also reflect growing optimism around his potential on clay.His coaching team plays an essential role, too, helping refine strategies.

As confidence grows, Medvedev's dedication to evolving on clay might surprise many at the 2025 French Open.

Joao Fonseca: The Teenage Wildcard Threat

Even at just 18 years old, Joao Fonseca has swiftly established himself as a formidable wildcard in the tennis world. Hailing from Brazil, he's already reached a career-high World No. 68 in 2025.

He's the youngest South American to win an ATP Tour title, securing the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires. Joao's impressive on-court success includes defeating Top 10 player Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open and dominating the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals.

Starting as World No. 655, his rapid ascent highlights his talent and potential. He’s a vibrant symbol of emerging tennis prowess from South America.

Alexander Zverev: Underdog With Top-Tier Credentials

Joao Fonseca's meteoric rise underscores the thrilling young talent emerging in tennis, but seasoned players remind us that experience often shifts the balance on the grandest stages.

Enter Alexander Zverev. While not exactly the underdog, his path to a French Open title captures the spirit. Holding 24 singles titles, he reclaimed his world No. 2 ranking after triumphing at the Bavarian Open in Munich.

Although he stumbled early in the season, his clay court prowess remains evident. His 2025 Australian Open final appearance and consistent Roland-Garros semis since 2021 fortify him against contenders like Sinner and Alcaraz.