Unsurprisingly, much of the talk over the past few days has been surrounding the news about Carlos Alcaraz.
After all, it’s not every day that a two-time defending champion and seven-time Grand Slam winner is forced to withdraw from a major.
Alas, that is the unfortunate position that the 22-year-old finds himself in, ruled out of action due to an ongoing wrist injury picked up earlier this month.
For him and much of the tennis world, it is a crushing blow that has consumed much of the enthusiasm surrounding Roland Garros.
However, for his rivals, an opportunity beckons.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic benefit from Carlos Alcaraz’s injury
Even if Jannik Sinner expressed his sympathy for Alcaraz, he will still be well aware of how the Spaniard’s absence impacts him.
After all, the chances of him now winning Roland Garros have increased exponentially, with his run to the title significantly eased.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
Djokovic is another who will feel quietly buoyed by Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal too, as the person most recently thwarted by the seven-time major champion.
However, above all else on the ATP Tour, this represents a golden opportunity for Alexander Zverev.
He must take advantage of it at Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev can take advantage at Roland Garros
The reason why the German will see this as a perfect opportunity is the timing.
Had Alcaraz been billed to miss Wimbledon, or even the US Open, Zverev would not have been seen as one of the favourites to step up and challenge for that title.
However, on clay, a surface where he thrives, few can deny his French Open title credentials.
In fact, were it not for Alcaraz back in 2024, he would have already claimed that elusive major title, having led the Spaniard by two sets to one in that Roland Garros final.
How worried are you about Carlos Alcaraz’s injury?
Carlos Alcaraz will miss Rome and Roland Garros…
Sinner still provides almighty opposition for ultimate glory, but in a one-off match, anything is possible. Before, when players had to get through both Sinner and Alcaraz for a title, it was near-impossible.
Zverev, on the Parisian clay, cannot afford to let this opportunity pass him by. He may never get a better one.
