Navarro, Paul, Tien: Who wins pre Roland Garros clay title on Saturday

Emma Navarro, Tommy Paul, and Learner Tien are playing in a triple header of pre Roland Garros clay court finals on Saturday.

Who said American tennis players cannot compete on the clay? Navarro and Tien are competing for maiden clay court titles, and Tommy Paul is looking for his second in 2026 following US Men’s Clay Court Championship win in Houston.

Let’s look at each player’s chance of winning his or her respective title.

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Strasbourg: Emma Navarro vs. Victoria Mboko

Of the three, Emma Navarro has the most challenging matchup.

Mboko is ranked World No. 9, and the two players have never faced each other before.

Navarro is coming off a layoff due to health issues while Mboko has played well thus far this year and is probably the more match ready and confident of the two.

Mboko is the favorite on paper, but Navarro is the emotional favorite given her struggles on and off the court over the past year.

This match begins at 8 AM EDT on Saturday, May 23.

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Hamburg: Tommy Paul vs. Ignacio Buse

Though Tommy Paul’s ranking has dipped in recent months, he is still the World No. 26 facing World No. 57 Buse for the first time.

Paul is the veteran who has been in these pressure situations before; whereas 22-year-old Peruvian Buse is seeking his maiden ATP title.

Paul is the heavy favorite, but clay is the great equalizer especially for the South American players who grew up on clay and are more comfortable playing on it.

This match begins at 8:30 AM EDT on Saturday, May 23.

Geneva: Learner Tien vs. Mariano Navone

World No. 20 Tien faces World No. 42 Navone who is coming off a huge upset victory over Casper Ruud.

Navone’s confidence has to be at its peak.

Tien and Navone are 1-1 in two previous meetings, both in 2025, on outdoor hardcourts.

How well Tien handles the pressure and nerves of being the presumed favorite to win will be a big factor.

Tien is the favorite from a rankings standpoint, but Navone, an Argentinian, is more comfortable on clay, and his win over Ruud demonstrates that.

This match begins at 9 AM EDT on Saturday, May 23.