Jannik Sinner's exit has belief spreading at Roland Garros, but who can be the next first-time champion

Jannik Sinner's shock exit has ensured that the French Open will get at least one first-time finalist. The World No.1 tennis star was expected to reach his second successive final in Paris but suffered an unexpected loss in the second round.

Sinner could not contend with the heat in Paris and lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in an unexpected fashion. The Italian was dominating the match and leading 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 before he started struggling and his opponent took the advantage. Sinner went off court to recieve medical treatment and looked like a pale shadow of himself once he returned.

Cerundolo stormed back into the match to secure a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 victory. And this result has opened up the top half of the French Open with a new finalist locked in.

New French Open finalist confirmed

As the draw for the French Open was revealed, many believed that the top half was little light and now with Sinner out, it has turned out to be true as well. There are only 16 men remaining on Sinner's half of the draw and none of them have previously appeared in a French Open and most of them have not even gone into any Grand Slam title clash.

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Canada’s No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime is now the highest seeded player in the top half with some other top stars like Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev also already out.

The leaves the tournament wide open with many hoping for a first-time final appearance and even a maiden title. Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is among those who are now ahead in the line. 19th seed Frances Tiafoe too will be eyeing a deep run now that Sinner is out. Italy’s Flavio Cobolli also remains a strong contender alongside some young names who will all be brimming with belief that they can make things happen.

From the other half, Novak Djokovic's hopes of a 25th Grand Slam must have increased but he is set to face tough competition from former French Open finalists Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev.

With Sinner out and Alcaraz already sidelined, tennis fans are set to get a new Grand Slam champion for the first time 2023. The only question that remains is will it once again be Djokovic or a new champion would emerge.