Who steps up in Carlos Alcaraz’s absence at the French Open
TL;DR
Carlos Alcaraz is out for the clay season and will miss the French Open, leaving the title open for other contenders. Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner have expressed their regrets over his absence.
Key points
- Carlos Alcaraz is out for the clay season.
- He will miss the French Open next month.
- Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner expressed their regrets.
- Alcaraz has won the last two French Open titles.
- Others now have a chance to win the tournament.
Mentioned in this story
Everyone is reeling from the news that Carlos Alcaraz is out for the remainder of the clay season. He will not compete for his third consecutive French Open title next month.
While we should not be surprised, Alcaraz was wearing a cast earlier this week, and his words seemingly hinted that this could happen. Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner both expressed their regrets that he won’t be at Roland Garros.
Hopefully he heals quickly, but with Sinner and Alcaraz winning the last nine Grand Slams, it opens the door for someone else to step up and win the French Open.
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The biggest contenders
The most obvious is World No. 1 Sinner. Sinner came so close to winning the French Open last year. He won the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. If he wins Roland Garros, he completes his own Career Grand Slam.
Alexander Zverev has long been a contender for a Grand Slam. It would be fitting if he won Roland Garros after the devastating ankle injury took him out of contention against Rafael Nadal in 2022.
Beyond that, we could see the emergence of a new star. Who it is depends on how he manages his body and the hectic schedule between Madrid, Italy, and Roland Garros.
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Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils won clay court titles in Munich and Barcelona last week so they could be considered threats.
Or could it be another Spaniard? Rafael Jodar, a 19 year old, who defeated Alex de Minaur at Madrid is a player to watch.
Novak Djokovic, the living legend, should never be counted out either until he is officially retired which is reportedly years away.
Q&A
Why is Carlos Alcaraz not competing in the French Open?
Carlos Alcaraz is out for the remainder of the clay season due to an injury that required him to wear a cast.
Who are the top contenders for the French Open now that Alcaraz is absent?
With Alcaraz out, players like Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal are among the top contenders for the French Open title.
What impact does Alcaraz's absence have on the French Open?
Alcaraz's absence opens the door for other players to potentially win the French Open, as he has won the last two titles.
