The French Open: A New Era Without Carlos Alcaraz
The French Open, the most prestigious clay court tournament in the tennis calendar, is set to begin this year with a new dynamic. As the second Grand Slam of the season, it has always been a highlight for players and fans alike. However, this year’s event will be notably different due to the absence of two-time defending champion and world number two, Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz sustained a wrist injury during the Barcelona Open, which has ruled him out of the tournament.
Alcaraz made history last year by defeating Jannik Sinner in a grueling five-hour and 29-minute final, marking the longest final in Roland Garros’ history. His absence leaves a significant gap in the competition, especially as Sinner emerges as a strong contender to claim his first French Open title.
Top Seeds at Roland Garros
With Alcaraz out, the spotlight shifts to the top seeds who are expected to compete fiercely. World number one Jannik Sinner is the clear favorite to win his first Grand Slam title, having dominated the clay courts this year. He is followed closely by Alexander Zverev, who takes the second seed position after Alcaraz’s withdrawal. Other notable names include three-time champion Novak Djokovic, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik, and Flavio Cobolli, completing the top 10 seeds.
Here is the full list of the top 15 seeds:
- Jannik Sinner (ITA)
- Alexander Zverev (GER)
- Novak Djokovic (SRB)
- Félix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
- Ben Shelton (USA)
- Daniil Medvedev (RUS)
- Taylor Fritz (USA)
- Alex de Minaur (AUS)
- Alexander Bublik (KAZ)
- Flavio Cobolli (ITA)
- Andrey Rublev (RUS)
- Jiří Lehečka (CZE)
- Karen Khachanov (RUS)
- Luciano Darderi (ITA)
- Casper Ruud (NOR)
Who Are the Favourites?
Jannik Sinner is undoubtedly the favorite to win the title this year. He has won all the clay events he has participated in during 2026, showcasing exceptional form. This includes sweeping the Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome, making him only the second player in history to achieve this feat in a single season—after Rafael Nadal.
Sinner’s record on clay this year is impressive, with a perfect 17-0 win rate. His performance in the 2025 French Open, where he lost to Alcaraz in the final, adds to the intrigue of this year’s tournament. Sinner is determined to put that loss behind him and secure his first Grand Slam title.
Other players are also in strong form. Tommy Paul won his first clay title in Houston, saving three championship points to clinch the victory. Ben Shelton claimed his second clay title in Munich, while Mariano Navone triumphed in Bucharest. Players like Francisco Cerúndolo, Tomás Martín Etcheverry, and Luciano Darderi have also shown promising performances on clay.
Key Contenders
Jannik Sinner
Sinner’s achievements in the French Open include reaching the semifinals in 2024 and the final in 2025. He is now looking to break his Grand Slam drought and prove his dominance on clay. With a perfect record this year, he is the bookmakers’ favorite to win the title.
Alexander Zverev
Zverev has been a consistent performer in Paris, reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals multiple times. His 2026 clay court record stands at 13–4, with an overall 2026 record of 28–9. Despite not winning any major titles this year, his experience and form make him a serious threat.
Novak Djokovic
Djokovic, a three-time French Open champion, remains a formidable presence. Although his form has dipped slightly, his historical success on clay is undeniable. However, he has struggled in 2026, with no clay-court wins due to injury issues. His performance in the tournament will be crucial to watch.
Casper Ruud
Ruud, a two-time finalist, has had a strong 2026 clay season. His performance in the Rome Open, where he reached the final before losing to Sinner, highlights his potential. With a solid clay win-loss record and multiple titles on the surface, Ruud is a dark horse candidate.
Verdict
With Carlos Alcaraz out of the picture, the path to the title is wide open. Jannik Sinner is the strongest contender, but the competition is fierce. The French Open promises to be an exciting event with several players vying for glory on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
