THE French Open Grand Slam is set to see a new champion this year with tournament favourite Janik Sinner and old warhorse Novak Djokovic bowing out quite early. Both title contenders were downed by upcoming and unknown players but more than that it was the searing heat that knocked them out. It was unexpected but then their defeat is set to change the French Open leaderboard after a long, long time. And to add to the drama, there is not a single player remaining in the draw on whom one can place a bet to be the new champ of Roland Garros. For almost two decades, the red clay at the French Open was witness to an exhibition of supreme tennis by the triumvirate of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Since the surprise victory by Argentina’s Gaston Gaudio in 2004, the title had been shared by the legendary trio till 2023 with the only exception being Stanislaus Wawrinka’s victory in 2015. It was only after Nadal and Federer stepped back and Djokovic had an average run that Carlos Alcaraz has held the French Open trophy for the last two years.

 

This year, none of all these is present at Roland Garros and with the early defeat of Sinner and Djokovic, the field is wide open for the next-gen players. Who among them is capable of taking the honour is still a matter of debate. When Alcaraz pulled out of the tournament, tennis fans had pinned their hopes on a classic duel between Sinner and Djokovic. Both have had some wonderful fights in the last few years on different surfaces with Sinner mostly getting the better of the old pro. Sinner was expected to capture his first French Open crown but the top-ranked Italian lost in the second round. Three-time champion Djokovic, chasing a record 25th major title, will also have to wait until Wimbledon after losing a five-set thriller to 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca. Now, entire focus of the tennis world has taken a massive turn after their exit. It is now a search for the next-best among the crop left in the tournament field. Among those who can make the most of Sinner and Djokovic’s absence in 2004 runner-up Alexander Zverev, fourth-seed canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, latest tennis sensation from Spain Rafael Jodar, French teenager Moise Kouame, Norway’s Casper Ruud and Fonseca.

 

The names do not immediately ring a bell barring Zverev who has been around for some time. The non-familiarity with new players reflects the massive transition phase in men’s tennis since the retirement of Nadal and Federer. Along with Djokovic, the two had formed such a powerful grouping which just could not be breached by fresh talent. It was only after Alcaraz and Sinner mastered their anxieties and raised their skill level and temperament that they became champion material. For others, there is still a long way to go. Though Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz are set to make a comeback soon, this is a golden opportunity for the other contenders on the ATP circuit to make a statement by winning the French Open. A Grand Slam title can act as the most-needed booster dose for a successful journey. Remember Boris Becker?!!mber Boris Becker?!!