Nightmare for Alexander Zverev, jackpot for Jannik Sinner — Roland Garros just got a lot more interesting
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Jannik Sinner heads into Roland Garros 2026 as the clear favourite on the men’s side, looking to build on a dominant run through the ATP season. Sinner has been in top form this year, racking up four consecutive Masters 1000 titles. Since his quarterfinal defeat in Qatar, he’s gone unbeaten with wins at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid.
Sinner was already favoured before the tournament began, but Carlos Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal has further increased his chances of success. The Italian is chasing his third Grand Slam title this week and comes in off one of the best stretches of tennis we’ve seen this season. And with Alcaraz out injured and Casper Ruud yet to truly find form again following his hip issue, Sinner stands alone as the obvious frontrunner to win it all.
Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images Alexander Zverev ruled out of Hamburg with injury setback With Carlos Alcaraz already out, there aren’t many players left on the ATP Tour who seem like a real danger to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros. One of them was Alexander Zverev, who’s been playing some strong tennis in 2026. The German has made deep runs this year, including semifinal appearances at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.
He also reached the final in Madrid, where he lost to Sinner. Zverev has now picked up a back injury and has pulled out of the upcoming Hamburg Open, according to Sky Sports. If Zverev ends up missing Roland Garros as well, it could make Sinner’s route to the trophy even more straightforward.
Novak Djokovic’s prospects of a 25th major title also improve It’s not just Sinner who stands to gain from Zverev’s potential absence. Novak Djokovic, still chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam, would also see his path made a little easier. Despite having played only three events this season, the 38-year-old remains the most significant obstacle in Sinner’s way.