Roland Garros 2026 looms on the horizon and the men's draw has already lost three of its key contenders before the draw is even made. Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, was forced to withdraw due to a wrist injury sustained during his first round in Barcelona in April. Lorenzo Musetti, a 2025 semifinalist, announced his withdrawal on Wednesday. Holger Rune, a quarterfinalist last year, is also sidelined.
Alcaraz's absence reshapes the tournament hierarchy entirely. The Spaniard was targeting a third consecutive title at Roland Garros, a feat only Rafael Nadal had achieved in the 21st century. Without him, Jannik Sinner becomes the overwhelming favorite. The world number one, in the midst of a historic Masters 1000 winning streak, arrives on Parisian clay in stunning form. Should Rome deliver a sixth consecutive title at this level, he will land in Paris with unshakeable confidence.
Alcaraz's withdrawal also opens doors for other players. Daniil Medvedev, despite his complicated relationship with clay, finds himself in the most open half of a Grand Slam draw he has ever faced on this surface. Alexander Zverev, the 2024 finalist, hopes his Roman disappointment was merely a blip.
Musetti's withdrawal also triggered a reshuffle of wild card entries. Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, originally invited via wild card, now enters the main draw directly. His invitation went to Frenchman Clément Tabur. Gaël Monfils, 39, also received his wild card for what will likely be his final Roland Garros.
On the women's side, 17-year-old Ksenia Efremova, the junior world number one and Australian Open girls' champion, will make her Grand Slam main draw debut. A breath of fresh air in a women's draw where the favorites remain firmly in place.
The tournament begins on Monday, May 18. Without its reigning king, Roland Garros awaits a new champion. (Roland Garros, ATP Tour, WTA)
