Roland Garros 2018: Rafael Nadal is the favorite, but these 5 players can challenge him

5. Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori

The lone Asian man seriously in contention, Nishikori made it to the Monte Carlo Masters final last week before losing badly to Nadal.

He is a pretty consistent performer and regularly makes it to the last 8 of the Major tournaments. However, in order to go beyond that, he would have to improve his killer instinct and big-match temperament.

Nishikori has an excellent backhand; his cross-court groundstrokes are particularly special. His court-coverage and athleticism are very good too. However, his forehand is not as lethal and he often tends to commit errors on crucial points.

Nishikori needs to improve upon those aspects and if he is able to do so, there is no reason why he can't challenge for the title.

Career head to head against Nadal: 2-10

2018 win-loss record: 9-4