Qualifying has begun this Sunday and the main draw will be unveiled on Thursday, May 21, but one certainty already stands: Jannik Sinner arrives at Roland-Garros as the undisputed leader of men's tennis.
The world No. 1 just captured the Rome Masters 1000 title, defeating Casper Ruud in the final and becoming the youngest player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters (all nine Masters 1000 events). His 32-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level, surpassing Novak Djokovic's record, speaks to remarkable physical and mental form. The first Italian to win at the Foro Italico in fifty years, Sinner heads to Paris on a wave of dominance rarely seen on tour.
The absence of Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion sidelined with a right wrist injury, dramatically reshapes the field. Without his primary rival, Sinner has a clear path toward a maiden Roland-Garros crown. But clay always keeps its surprises.
Novak Djokovic, ranked 4th, remains the most experienced player in the draw. A three-time Roland-Garros champion, the Serbian possesses the tactical mastery and mental fortitude to produce a deep run over a fortnight. His 2026 season lacks consistency, but underestimating Djokovic at a Grand Slam has always been a mistake.
Alexander Zverev, world No. 3, profiles as a serious contender. The German, a 2024 finalist, has the serve and power to dominate on clay. His Rome quarterfinal run shows ascending form heading into Paris.
Daniil Medvedev, once notoriously uncomfortable on clay, has transformed into a competitive force on the surface over the past two seasons. The Russian, ranked 7th, pushed Sinner to the limit in their Rome semifinal, proving he can challenge the best even away from his preferred surfaces.
The wild card could be Casper Ruud, riding momentum from his Rome final, or Luciano Darderi, the young Italian who electrified the Foro Italico with his semifinal run. Rafael Jodar, ranked 29th at just 19, represents the new generation knocking on the door.
The main draw begins Sunday, May 24. Until then, all eyes will be on Thursday's draw ceremony, which will determine whether Sinner gets a clear path or a road full of obstacles.
