French Open Opens With Sinner on 29-Match Streak as Alcaraz Withdraws and Monfils, Wawrinka Bow Out
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 23
French Open Opens With Sinner on 29-Match Streak as Alcaraz Withdraws and Monfils, Wawrinka Bow Out
11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 23
Roland Garros starts Sunday with Jannik Sinner the standout favorite after a 29-match winning streak, a 36-2 season and Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal with a wrist injury.
Novak Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, and Alexander Zverev headline the men’s challengers, while Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev and a cluster of younger threats add uncertainty behind Sinner.
Aryna Sabalenka leads the women’s field despite a lower-back issue and limited clay buildup, with Elena Rybakina, four-time champion Iga Świątek, defending champion Coco Gauff and Rome winner Elina Svitolina among the main contenders.
The women’s draw also features volatile dark horses and comeback stories, including Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Marta Kostyuk and top-10 seed Victoria Mboko, whose clay preparation was disrupted by illness and dental surgery.
Beyond the title race, Paris will stage farewell runs for Gaël Monfils, 39, and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka, 41, as the tournament mixes a changing guard with one last lap for veteran stars.
As tennis legends say farewell, can a new generation led by Jannik Sinner truly handle the immense pressure of favoritism?
With top players protesting for higher pay, will the fight for revenue overshadow the battle for the trophy?