2026 French Open Men’s Singles Preview: History beckons for Djokovic and Sinner

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2026 French Open Men’s Singles Preview: History beckons for Djokovic and Sinner image

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz pulling out of the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury, tennis fans are now dreaming of a blockbuster final between 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Both Djokovic and Sinner were placed on opposite sides of the bracket, making a championship showdown between the two tennis icons a distinct possibility. History will be made for either player if that Djokovic vs Sinner clash materializes, making these next two weeks a must-watch for their fans all over the globe.

Here’s what’s at stake for Djokovic and Sinner as they begin their respective campaigns at Roland Garros.

Djokovic’s hunt for Slam No. 25 continues

The main reason why Djokovic continues to play at this late stage of his career is that he wants to become the first-ever tennis player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles. He currently shares the record with Margaret Court, who won 24 Grand Slam titles in the women’s circuit.

Djokovic last won a Grand Slam title in 2023 when he captured the US Open. He came close several times to winning his 25th Slam in the past three years, but the two-headed monster of Sinner and Alcaraz have proven difficult to conquer.

Alcaraz’s injury, however, doesn’t mean Djokovic’s road to the 2026 final will be much easier. Far from it. The Serbian star will be tested immediately as he was drawn to face big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.

Other possible opponents for Djokovic in the latter stages of the tournament are Brazilian teen star Joao Fonseca in the third round, twice French Open runner-up Casper Ruud in the Round of 16 and 2024 Roland Garros finalist Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.

Sinner targets Career Grand Slam in Paris

History beckons for Sinner at this year’s French Open. A maiden victory at Roland Garros for the Italian would see him complete the Career Grand Slam. Only eight male players have achieved this feat, including Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner had a golden opportunity to claim the French Open title but lost in heartbreaking fashion to Alcaraz in the final. Sinner wasted three match points in the fourth set before losing in an epic five-set thriller which lasted five hours and 29 minutes.

His great rival’s withdrawal opens the door for Sinner to stamp his class in Paris and claim the only major title missing in his trophy cabinet. The World No. 1 has been in excellent form on clay this season, going unbeaten after winning the Monte Carlo Masters, Madrid Open and the Italian Open in succession.

Sinner will open his French Open campaign against Clement Tabur in the first round.

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