Can Novak Djokovic win French Open? Ex-British No 1 drops verdict: ‘Roland Garros has gotten rather interesting...'
The 2026 French Open has taken an intriguing turn following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal, leaving Jannik Sinner as the early favourite but opening the door for Novak Djokovic to make a statement with a record 25th Grand Slam.
The French Open has become an interesting stage ever since defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from the clay court Grand Slam. World number one Jannik Sinner might be the early favourite, but the likes of Novak Djokovic are still running strong.
Roland Garros is one of the most fascinating competitions because the challenge is played on clay. The court pushes the athletes to their limits, making it a stage where legends are forged in tennis.
Rusedski speaks on Djokovic's chances in French Open
Former British number one Greg Rusedski delivered an engrossing take on Djokovic, highlighting that the Serbian was his pick to win at Wimbledon. But Alcaraz's wrist injury has transformed the situation this year.
“For me, Wimbledon is the one Novak could win, but all of a sudden, Roland Garros has gotten rather interesting on the men’s side. Yes, Sinner is the hot favourite, but let’s see how the expectation is there because the expectation has been on two guys.
More from Tennis News"It’s been about Sinner. It’s been about Alcaraz, and now everybody’s saying Sinner, Sinner, Sinner. It’s going to put a little bit more pressure, a little bit more expectation on Sinner,” Rusedski said on his Off Court podcast.
Rusedski added that Djokovic might think that there's an opportunity when he shows up in Rome, and it would be interesting to see what happens now.
Will Djokovic feature in 2026 French Open?
Djokovic suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Jannik Sinner in last year's French Open semi-finals. The veteran struggled to outclass the Italian on clay, who didn't drop a set throughout his campaign.
Sinner had won 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) on Court Philippe-Chatrier and advanced to the final, where he lost to Alcaraz in one of the greatest Roland Garros summit clashes.
While there is no confirmation, Djokovic is expected to compete in the 2026 French Open in an attempt to break the all-time Grand Slam record.
Jannik Sinner retains Wimbledon title after beating Alexander Zverev
Noskova outlasts Muchova to claim maiden Wimbledon title in thrilling all-Czech final
Novak Djokovic's record title bid ends as Jannik Sinner storms into Wimbledon final
Muchova outlasts Gauff to set up all-Czech Wimbledon final
Taylor Fritz’s Wimbledon run cut short by knee tendinitis in quarterfinal defeat to Alexander Zverev