Top Contenders for the 2026 French Open Following Alcaraz's Withdrawal

With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury, the tournament landscape has shifted dramatically. Jannik Sinner is now the favorite, but the pressure is on him to perform. This article delves into three other potential champions: Alexander Zverev, who seeks his first Grand Slam title, Lorenzo Musetti, a talented player with fitness concerns, and the ever-resilient Novak Djokovic, aiming for his fourth French Open title. Each player brings unique strengths and challenges, making the upcoming tournament an exciting prospect for tennis fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 15:44 IST

Alcaraz's Exit Opens Doors for Other Players

Two-time French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the tournament due to a wrist injury. As a leading contender to defend his title, his absence creates opportunities for other players. With Alcaraz sidelined, Jannik Sinner emerges as the favorite to clinch the title. However, the pressure of expectations may weigh heavily on him as he aims for a career Grand Slam, with all eyes on his performance on clay this year. This article explores three other players who could potentially win the French Open in 2026.

Potential Winners for the 2026 French Open

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev has consistently performed well over the years, finishing in the top 10 for eight of the last nine seasons, yet he has not secured a Grand Slam title. He reached the finals of the US Open in 2020, the French Open in 2024, and the Australian Open in 2025, but fell short in all three. Zverev's main challenge is Jannik Sinner, against whom he has lost eight consecutive matches. Competing on clay, where he has won nine titles and boasts a 175-64 win-loss record, could provide Zverev with the opportunity to break his losing streak against Sinner. If Zverev performs well and Sinner is not at his best, he may have a chance to claim his first Grand Slam.

Lorenzo Musetti

Lorenzo Musetti is a talented player, but he often struggles with focus, leading to losses in matches he should win, which explains his two-title count. Fitness issues have also plagued Musetti. He holds a respectable 79-42 record on clay and possesses the skills necessary to win a Grand Slam. However, he must maintain his intensity throughout the tournament and ensure his fitness remains stable. Like others, he will face the challenge of competing against Jannik Sinner, having lost all three encounters with him, including their last meeting on clay in 2023.

Novak Djokovic

Veteran player Novak Djokovic is always a formidable presence in Grand Slam tournaments. Having achieved remarkable success in his career, the pursuit of a 25th Slam title continues to motivate him. Djokovic's clay court record is impressive, with 21 titles, including three French Opens in 2016, 2021, and 2023, along with an Olympic Gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. In recent years, he has consistently reached the later stages of Grand Slams but has struggled against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, his victory over Sinner at the Australian Open 2026, despite ultimately losing to Alcaraz in the final, has boosted his confidence. As he prepares for the French Open, fitness will be a critical factor for the 38-year-old, especially in the later rounds.