Saito, Pacheco Mendez headline juniors draws

The draws for the junior events are out, with play starting on the terre battue on Sunday Day 8.

Grand Slam glory here can provide the perfect platform to make waves on the professional tour. Over the years, players including Ons Jabeur (2011), Daria Kasatkina (2014) and Coco Gauff (2018) have won the girls’ title to burst into the WTA top 10.

It's the same on the men’s side; players including Stan Wawrinka (2003), Andrey Rublev (2014) and Holger Rune (2019) lifted the junior silverware in Paris before rocketing into major contention.

Looking for the double

Japan's Sara Saito leads the title charge for the girls. The top seed has amassed an impressive 14-2 record on clay in 2023, lifting J300 titles in Asuncion, Paraguay, and then Porto Alegre, Brazil. 

The junior world No.2 will be vying for the title in a strong field that includes Australian Open champion Alina Korneeva.  

Korneeva, who edged Roland-Garros breakout star Mirra Andreeeva in the Melbourne final, is bidding to become the first girl to win two Grand Slam singles titles since 2013, when Ana Konjuh and Belinda Bencic took home two titles each.

>> FULL GIRLS' SINGLES DRAW

Five Czech girls are attempting to emulate their compatriots Linda Noskova (2021) and Lucie Havlickova (2022) for a Czech three-peat. The French boys are seeking a third title in a row too, with 10 on the hunt to follow the home triumphs of Luca Van Assche (2021) and Gabriel Debru (2022).

Mendez momentum

Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez is the top seed for the boys. The 18-year-old Mexican warmed up for Roland-Garros with a J500 title in Milan, Italy, at the end of May.

Second seed Alexander Blockx will hope to replicate his Melbourne magic. The Belgian defeated American Learner Tien for the singles trophy and was doubles runner-up alongside Joao Fonseca.

Blockx is aiming to become the first boy to win the opening two junior Grand Slams of the season since Gael Monfils in 2004.

>> FULL BOYS' SINGLES DRAW