The upstarts ready to ascend the throne

RAFAEL Nadal has already witnessed his name being etched 13 times on the Roland-Garros men's singles trophy, and it would take some bravery to bet against the indomitable Spaniard, who turns 35 this week.

His remarkable 13-0 record in finals at Roland-Garros is, by far, the best in a Grand Slam final by any male player at a single tournament in the Open Era. Nadal has played 102 matches on the famous red clay courts of Paris, losing only twice.

There are the usual contenders to his throne, and the likes of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Rolex Testimonees Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas come to mind.