The general consensus amongst the tennis world is that the French Open title will be hotly contested by primarily two men – nine-time winner Rafael Nadal and defending champion Novak Djokovic.

The former has been back to his invincible best on clay this season, winning at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Madrid, while the latter’s comeback trail after his 12-month slump received a big boost with his performance in Rome, where he reached the final. Certainly, both these multiple Slam winners are hitting form at the right time, and appear to be the two favorites to triumph in this year’s Roland Garros.

However, results this season have not followed the usual trend, and players far and wide are beginning to fancy their chances, just like we have seen with Alexander Zverev’s victory in Rome on Sunday. So, here’s four players who will be feeling confident of springing a surprise in Paris.

Alexander Zverev

French Open record: 2-1

Best French Open result: Third round (2016)

2016 French Open result: Third round

2017 Win/Loss record: 27-9

Best 2017 results: Win - Rome Masters                                                                                                                                                                     

At 6’6”, and with long blonde hair and a slender frame, this young German has always boasted the style of a champion tennis player. More importantly, however, his recent performances suggest he also has the explosive game to suit.

At only 20 years old, Zverev has started this season fresh, motivated and bursting with confidence. His stunning triumph at the Rome Masters on Sunday, where he crushed Djokovic in straight sets for his first ever Masters 1000 victory, was a seismic achievement and illustrated the striking development within his game. As he prefers to construct his points from the baseline, the Parisian clay should provide Zverev with the perfect conditions to pull off a shock or two.

Stan Wawrinka

French Open record: 32-11

Best French Open result: Winner (2015)

2016 French Open result: Semifinal

2017 Win/Loss record: 18-8

Best 2017 results: Final - Indian Wells Masters                                                                                                                                                                                            

Having won a Grand Slam in each of the last three seasons, including the French Open crown in 2015, the powerful Swiss star – Wawrinka – will certainly be setting his sights on reaching the latter stages at Roland Garros. The 32-year-old considers the clay his best surface as the balls bounce up slower, allowing him more time from the baseline to rip his one-handed backhands to devastating effect.

Wawrinka’s form has been patchy this season, with his best result coming at Indian Wells, where he lost in the final to an enthused Federer. However, long considered a big match player, if he can navigate his way past the early rounds in Paris, then his rivals will begin to worry.

Dominic Thiem

French Open record: 7-3

Best French Open result: Semifinal (2016)

2016 French Open result: Semifinal

2017 Win/Loss record: 29-12

Best 2017 results: Win - Rio Open, Final - Barcelona, Madrid

This first half of 2017 has been a breakthrough period for this young Austrian as he’s played with incredible freedom and poise. After winning his eighth ATP Tour title at the Rio Open in February, Thiem has endured a consistent and imposing clay court season, where he reached the finals of both Barcelona and Madrid, only to be beaten by an inspired Nadal. Meanwhile, in Rome, he progressed to the semi-finals before exiting at the hands of a resurgent Djokovic.

Some will question Thiem’s ability to beat the best over five sets, however, it should be noted that the 23-year-old’s powerful hitting, dazzling groundstrokes, and unbelievable topspin all perform spectacularly well on clay and, therefore, after reaching the last four in Paris last year, he will be feeling confident that he can reach even loftier heights this time around.

Nick Kyrgios 

French Open record: 5-4

Best French Open result: Third round (2016)

2016 French Open result: Third round

2017 Win/Loss record: 18-5

Best 2017 results: Semifinal Miami Masters                                                         

Having worked strenuously on his temperament, the blistering Kyrgios has started 2017 with much improved performances and stellar results to match. On his way to reaching the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, the Australian convincingly dispatched Djokovic in straight sets and, in the last four in Miami, he pushed Roger Federer to a magical third set tie-breaker. Both showings underlined the youngster’s progression, and reinforced the widely-held view that he possesses the ability to mix it at the very top.

Despite often suggesting that the red dirt acts as a hindrance to his serving and aggressive approach shooting, the 22-year-old’s unpredictability and amplified momentum makes him a dangerous draw for the elite.