Novak Djokovic has already make clear who he sees as his largest rivals at Roland Garros. With 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal out of the equation as a consequence of harm, the Serb will certainly be eyeing up a twenty third Grand Slam title, which might put him alone on the high of the all-time charts.

Having gained 5 of the final six titles on the French Open, Nadal's clay-court dominance has left his rivals feeding off scraps. But a hip harm that has saved the Spaniard out since January has didn't get better in time for this 12 months's event, as he introduced in a press convention earlier this week.

Nadal's withdrawal has left the door ajar for Djokovic to construct on his two earlier triumphs at Roland Garros, along with his most up-to-date coming in 2021. But a choice of up-and-comers are unlikely to roll over and let him take the victory, with the Serb picking out two in particular.

Before Nadal's announcement shook up the stability of energy heading into the event, Djokovic admitted that the 36-year-old would doubtless be his important competitor.

However, he admitted: "Next to him, of course, is [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Holger] Rune. These guys are right there in the contention - some of the biggest favourites to win the title."

Alcaraz, 20, is at the moment ranked second on the earth, behind Djokovic, and he has already opened his Grand Slam account with a US Open triumph final 12 months. He additionally made the French Open quarter-finals in 2022, and with an additional 12 months of expertise below his belt, he may very well be a significant risk to Djokovic.

Although the Paris Grand Slam is edging nearer, Rune continues to be within the thick of the motion in Rome, the place he faces a troublesome semi-final conflict towards number-four ranked Casper Ruud in Saturday's semi-final.

By distinction, Djokovic and Alcaraz can benefit from the silver linings of their latest defeats on the Italian Open, because it has given them extra time to relaxation and recuperate forward of the demanding clay-court main, with the principle draw starting on May 28.