Jannik Sinner has crashed out of Roland Garros.
The world number one, who had won 30 consecutive matches on the ATP Tour, was beaten by world number 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Thursday afternoon.
Sinner led the contest 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 before suffering a bout of cramps.
Who is your favourite to win the French Open now that Jannik Sinner has been eliminated?
Despite undergoing a controversial medical timeout, Sinner was unable to sufficiently recover, losing the contest 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
For the first time since the 2023 US Open, a man not named Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner will win a Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic
Is this Novak Djokovic’s moment?
For the past two and a half years, Djokovic has been seeking an elusive 25th Grand Slam title; one that would see him surpass Margaret Court and become the most successful player in Grand Slam singles history.
The Serbian superstar has often seen his ambitions thwarted by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
However, with both players now absent from the draw, Djokovic has the perfect opportunity to make history.
Djokovic’s path is far from easy; he faces Brazilian starlet Joao Fonseca in the third round.
If Djokovic emerges victorious from Friday’s contest, he will play Casper Ruud or Tommy Paul in the fourth round.
Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev is chasing a different type of history.
The German star is yet to win a Grand Slam title, despite qualifying for three major finals.
Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam final appearances
- 2020 US Open: lost to Dominic Thiem, 2–6, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6
- 2024 Roland Garros: lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2
- 2025 Australian Open: lost to Jannik Sinner, 6–3, 7–6, 6–3
Zverev is undoubtedly one of the best players in tennis history to have never won a major event, as was conveyed by John McEnroe last year.
Time and again, the German star has struggled to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Grand Slam events.
On this occasion, these two gigantic hurdles are no longer present. Can Zverev take advantage of Alcaraz and Sinner’s plight and finally claim one of the greatest prizes in tennis?
Zverev, now the top seed in Paris, will play Quentin Halys in the third round on Friday.
Do you really believe that Alexander Zverev can win a Grand Slam title?
Rafael Jodar
Many may be surprised to see Rafael Jodar’s name on this list.
However, no player is too young to win a Grand Slam title, as demonstrated by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker.
Jodar, 19, has been nothing short of a sensation since turning professional at the start of this year, beating the likes of Alex de Minaur, João Fonseca and Learner Tien at significant ATP events.
Jodar’s excellent form has continued into this week: he swept aside Aleksandar Kovacevic, before knocking out Australian James Duckworth in four sets.
Jodar’s next test comes in the form of Alex Michelsen, the American 27th seed.
Rafael Jodar’s recent clay-court performances
- Barcelona Open – Semi-finals
- Madrid Open – Quarter-finals
- Italian Open – Quarter-finals
- Roland Garros – will play Alex Michelsen in the third round
If Jodar continues to demonstrate such scintillating form, there is no reason why he could not defeat Michelsen and go on to lift the Roland Garros trophy next Sunday.
