All the talk around tennis at the moment seems to return to Carlos Alcaraz, whose latest revelation is unsurprisingly stealing headlines.
After all, when a two-time defending champion and world number two shares that they will be missing a Grand Slam tournament, the sporting world takes note.
Alas, that is the unfortunate truth of this situation, with the Spaniard having ruled himself out of contention at Roland Garros due to a wrist injury sustained in Barcelona earlier this month.
His desperation to play in his home country has massively backfired, and there has been an outpouring of sympathy towards this supreme young challenger who would have been the heavy favourite to win the entire event.
Alas, whilst many mourn the loss of Alcaraz from the French Open draw, this has provided a huge opportunity for a few players to take advantage.
Carlos Alcaraz’s injury provides a huge opportunity at the French Open
Jannik Sinner is chief among those who will likely relish his absence, despite what he may argue.
After all, last year he was just one point away from the title, yet was somehow thwarted by Carlos Alcaraz in the final. This year, without the 22-year-old there to stop him, it’s hard to imagine anyone causing him any trouble.
How worried are you about Carlos Alcaraz’s injury?
Carlos Alcaraz will miss Rome and Roland Garros…
Alas, Alexander Zverev will fancy his chances as well, as another player who has been beaten by Alcaraz in a French Open final. In 2024, the German led by two sets to one, but another miraculous comeback once again quelled his Grand Slam title hopes.
For those two superstars, opportunity knocks, but there is confidence that this will not be their last chance to capture this crown.
However, for Novak Djokovic, time is certainly ticking.
Why Novak Djokovic can win Roland Garros this year
That is likely what will make him even more enthused for this year’s Roland Garros, where an opportunity has presented itself.
Previously, the 38-year-old had proven his ability to compete with Alcaraz and Sinner in one-off matches.
| Year | Event | Opponent | Round | Winner |
| 2026 | Australian Open | Carlos Alcaraz | Final | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2026 | Australian Open | Jannik Sinner | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic |
| 2025 | US Open | Carlos Alcaraz | Semi-final | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2025 | Wimbledon | Jannik Sinner | Semi-final | Jannik Sinner |
| 2025 | Roland Garros | Jannik Sinner | Semi-final | Jannik Sinner |
| 2025 | Australian Open | Carlos Alcaraz | Quarter-finals | Novak Djokovic |
| 2024 | Wimbledon | Carlos Alcaraz | Final | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2024 | Australian Open | Jannik Sinner | Semi-final | Jannik Sinner |
| 2023 | Wimbledon | Carlos Alcaraz | Final | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2023 | Wimbledon | Jannik Sinner | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic |
| 2023 | Roland Garros | Carlos Alcaraz | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic |
| 2022 | Wimbledon | Jannik Sinner | Quarter-final | Novak Djokovic |
However, when forced to go through both of them, it has proved too much for his body to handle.
But, with one of them removed, his chances increase massively, especially considering he beat Sinner earlier this year in the semi-final of the Australian Open.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
Clay is far from his favourite surface to play on, but Djokovic is a born winner, and will not be thwarted by something as rudimentary as the conditions.
It is always unwise to bet against legends, and in this case, it would be truly foolish to disregard the 24-time Grand Slam champion from taking full advantage of Alcaraz’s absence at Roland Garros.
