On 18th May, the quest for French Open glory will begin. Last year, Carlos Alcaraz overcame generational rival Jannik Sinner in five sets to secure his second major title. The Spaniard already has one Grand Slam under his belt this season after triumphing over Novak Djokovic in Australia in January.
However, with Alcaraz’s participation in Paris in doubt, the chances of Sinner winning the only Grand Slam trophy that eludes him could be significantly boosted. But who else could stake their claim for glory, regardless of whether Alcaraz can make an appearance on the clay at Roland Garros or not?
Jannik Sinner
We begin with the Italian. The current world number one will be looking to exact revenge for the defeat in last year’s final to Alcaraz. And his pathway could be clearer if the Spaniard cannot shake off a wrist injury. The pair have entered a seemingly impenetrable period of domination with one or the other claiming the last nine Grand Slam trophies. Even if Alcaraz makes the tournament, Sinner goes into the event as one of the hot favourites to lift his fifth major trophy.
Alexander Zverez
Perhaps this is finally the tournament for the German to break his Grand Slam duck. The world number three has made three finals, including the French Open in 2024, but has not managed to get over the line yet. The German is at a peak age, but Zverev can consider himself slightly unlucky to be peaking at a time just as Alcaraz and Sinner were emerging to replace the old guard of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. Zverev enjoys the clay, although his last title was back in 2025 in Munich.
Lorenzo Musetti
If tennis fans are looking for a dark horse, then another Italian could shake up the current tennis hierarchy. Musetti is by no means a serial trophy winner, but on his day, he can pose a major threat to any player on the circuit. In Australia, Musetti was leading Djokovic by two sets to love before he unfortunately had to retire with a leg injury. Check today’s Roland Garros betting markets and player odds for Musetti’s chances and those of other underdogs in the tournament. A similar performance in Paris to those in Australia could see Musetti go further than his quarter-final appearance in Melbourne.
Daniil Medvedev
Which Medvedev will we see in Paris? Following his extraordinary outburst in Monte Carlo when Medvedev annihilated his tennis racket on his way to an incredible double bagel 0-6, 0-6 defeat to Matteo Berrettini, the Russian will be looking to make amends. The US Open champion from 2021 would not rank clay as his favourite surface. Medvedev is certainly one of the more emotional players on the tour and on his day, Medvedev can mix it with the best.
Could Roland Garros 2026 Deliver a Surprise Champion?
Many players will be keeping an eye on Alcaraz’s fitness. If the Spaniard misses out, it would be a huge boost for players on his side of the draw. Despite being one of the elder statesmen, Djokovic (38) can never be ruled out of contention. The likes of Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Andrey Rublev will also want to state their credentials. And Jack Draper will be looking to continue his charge back into the top ten. There is always the chance a new name will be inscribed on the trophy on 7th June.
