Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner are set to reignite the most compelling rivalry in men’s tennis at the French Open, as Novak Djokovic stands as the standard-bearer of a fading generation in the post-Rafael Nadal era on clay.
With Nadal bowing out of the 2024 edition of the tournament he won a record 14 times, Alcaraz has assumed the mantle as his natural successor, securing his maiden Roland Garros title last year.
The 22-year-old Spaniard has enjoyed an impressive clay-court campaign leading up to his title defence, claiming a first Monte Carlo Masters crown and defeating Sinner in Sunday’s Italian Open final to complete a full set of top-tier clay titles.
“All eyes are now on Paris, on Roland Garros,” said Alcaraz, currently ranked world number two. “Beating Jannik and winning in Rome gives me a great deal of confidence heading into the tournament.”
“I always say, the final isn’t just about playing, it’s about winning. That’s the mindset I take into every final I contest.”
Sinner, for his part, has returned from a three-month doping suspension showing few signs of rust. Fans are eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between the Italian and Alcaraz in the final, should both advance deep into the draw.
A New Era
Novak Djokovic, winner of a record 24 Grand Slam titles, has had a turbulent season and is currently enduring one of the most difficult stretches of his illustrious career. In a surprising move, the Serbian accepted a wildcard to play the Geneva Open this week in an attempt to rediscover his clay-court form following early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
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Now 38, Djokovic appears increasingly vulnerable to the sport’s younger stars. Nevertheless, few would dismiss his chances entirely, especially as he returns to the city where he won Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games.
“It’s a new reality for me focusing on winning a match or two rather than going deep in tournaments,” Djokovic admitted after his Madrid defeat.
“It’s a completely different feeling from what I’ve experienced over more than two decades as a professional. It’s a mental challenge to adjust to these new sensations on court.”
Zverev’s Pursuit Continues
While Djokovic chases a historic 25th Grand Slam title, Germany’s Alexander Zverev continues his quest for a first. The world number three was soundly beaten by Sinner in the Australian Open final earlier this year his third successive loss in a major final.
Zverev, who pushed Alcaraz to five sets in last year’s French Open semi-final, claimed victory in Munich last month but has struggled with consistency since. He will look to regain form at the Hamburg Open ahead of his campaign in Paris.
Contenders Gather in Paris
A competitive field awaits in the French capital. Barcelona champion Holger Rune, Madrid winner and former finalist Casper Ruud, and rising talents Lorenzo Musetti and Jack Draper are all expected to pose a serious challenge.
Though Nadal will not feature in this year’s competition, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is set to return to his most successful arena for a celebratory tribute on the tournament’s opening day, honouring his unparalleled legacy at Roland Garros.
