Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz are the favorites to win the gold medal in the women’s and men’s singles at Paris Olympics, respectively. But as we know, the Olympics are a tournament for outsiders; it often happens that the big favorites on the eve of the Olympic events become flops in favor of more unlikely opponents. In tennis the situation is a bit different, but how can we forget (considering the last few years) the unpredictable success of Monica Puig in the Rio 2016 final against Angelique Kerber?
This year, however, at least in the women’s singles, one thing must be said: Swiatek is unbeatable on clay-courts and has already won Roland Garros two months ago. Parisian clay is now her second home: it’s hard not to credit the WTA No.1 as the big favorite. The American tennis players could be the most fearsome pitfalls, especially Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins. Destiny seems written, but pressure could be the biggest enemy for Iga.
In the men’s draw, also considering the absence of Janik Sinner, the natural favorite is the winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon Calitos Alcaraz. Will the pride and experience of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (expected in a super 2nd round) be able to…
