As the 2025 French Open approaches, set to unfold from May 25 to June 8 at Roland Garros, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation over who will claim the women’s singles title on the iconic red clay. Former American tennis star John Isner has weighed in with a bold prediction, naming world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and rising American Coco Gauff as the leading contenders, while casting doubt on defending champion Iga Swiatek’s chances due to her recent struggles. Isner’s insights, shared on the Nothing Major podcast, highlight the shifting dynamics in women’s tennis as the clay-court Grand Slam looms.
Iga Swiatek, the 23-year-old Polish phenom, has dominated Roland Garros in recent years, securing four of the last five titles, including a three-peat from 2022 to 2024. Her 35-2 record at the tournament underscores her mastery on clay, where her topspin-heavy game and relentless defense thrive. Yet, Isner points to Swiatek’s lackluster 2025 season as cause for concern. “Iga is down to number four, has not won a title in 12 months. She’s not playing her best tennis right now,” he observed, noting her current No. 4 ranking and a title drought since her 2024 French Open triumph. Swiatek’s challenges have been compounded by a one-month doping suspension in late 2024, stemming from an unintentional ingestion of a banned substance via contaminated medication, which forced her to miss key tournaments. Despite her historical dominance in Paris, Isner believes she’ll need to rediscover her form early in the tournament to contend. “She loves playing at Roland Garros. She could certainly turn things around there if she just can get comfortable with her first few matches,” he added.
In contrast, Isner sees Sabalenka and Gauff riding waves of momentum into the French Open. Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse, has been a force throughout 2025, cementing her status as the world’s top-ranked player. Her commanding performance at the Madrid Open, where she defeated Gauff in the final, showcased her ability to dictate play with blistering groundstrokes. “Sabalenka, who’s just been purely dominant all year long,” Isner said, praising her control over matches from the first ball. Despite never winning at Roland Garros—her best result was a 2024 quarter-final loss to Mirra Andreeva—Sabalenka’s recent consistency makes her a formidable threat. Isner previously called her a co-favorite alongside Swiatek, but her sustained excellence has elevated her to the top of his list. “She’s head and shoulders above the rest of the women’s field right now,” he noted, emphasizing her ability to dominate on any surface.
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American and 2023 US Open champion, has also caught Isner’s eye with her resurgence on clay. After a shaky start to 2025, Gauff reached the Madrid Open final and has climbed back to No. 3 in the rankings. “Coco Gauff is playing some really good tennis,” Isner remarked, highlighting her mental toughness and competitive fire. Gauff’s clay-court credentials include a 2022 French Open final appearance, where she fell to Swiatek, and a 2024 semi-final run. Her recent victories over Swiatek, including a stunning 6-1, 6-1 rout in Madrid, signal a shift in their rivalry, with Gauff now holding a 3-0 edge since late 2024. Her speed, defensive prowess, and improved serve make her a dangerous contender, particularly if Swiatek or Sabalenka falter early.
Isner’s predictions align with broader sentiments in the tennis community, though some analysts remain surprised by Swiatek’s underdog status. Despite her struggles, betting odds still place her as the favorite at +150, ahead of Sabalenka at +275 and Gauff at +600, reflecting her proven track record at Roland Garros. However, her early exit at the 2025 Italian Open against Danielle Collins and a lack of finals appearances since last year’s French Open raise questions about her readiness. Sabalenka and Gauff, seeded first and second respectively, are poised to capitalize on any missteps, with their aggressive styles well-suited to the faster clay conditions in Paris.
As the French Open draws near, the women’s draw promises intrigue and fierce competition. Sabalenka’s quest for a maiden Roland Garros title, Gauff’s pursuit of a second Grand Slam, and Swiatek’s bid to reclaim her clay-court throne set the stage for a thrilling fortnight. Isner’s verdict underscores the unpredictability of this year’s tournament, where form, resilience, and a touch of clay-court magic will determine the champion.
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