Three dark horses circle Roland-Garros crown following Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning withdrawal

Photo by IZHAR KHAN / AFP via Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz’s absence from this year’s French Open has created an opening at the top of the men’s draw.

Having already been ruled out of the Italian Open, the 22-year-old has now pulled out of Roland Garros with a wrist issue, dashing his hopes of chasing a third straight title in Paris.

Alcaraz was tipped to complete a hat-trick after overcoming Sinner in five sets in last year’s final. Now, with Sinner unbeaten since March and his health holding up, there’s little debate over who takes over as favourite.

Djokovic will still have plenty of say in how things unfold at Roland Garros, while Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev are all looking for their first Grand Slam titles.

Novak Djokovic, chasing what would be his fourth French Open title and record-extending 25th major overall, started slow but has gradually found his form.

1. Alexander Zverev

Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images

This year’s Roland Garros might be the best chance Alexander Zverev has had in a while to finally get his hands on a Grand Slam title.

The German, now 29, has made it to three major finals but hasn’t been able to finish the job yet.

Many still see him as the best player never to have won a Slam, but this tournament gives him another shot to shed that label – and on clay, where he’s always looked most comfortable.

Zverev was runner-up here last year and has had plenty of strong runs at Roland Garros over the years. It’s easily been his most consistent Slam.

With Alcaraz, who beat him last year, now out of the mix, the path might just come down to getting past Sinner for a first major title.