Jannik Sinner opens 2026 French Open after Alcaraz withdrawal

The 2026 French Open begins on Sunday at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, with world number one Jannik Sinner arriving as the overwhelming favorite to claim his first title at the clay-court Grand Slam. The tournament, which runs through the men's final on June 7, will proceed without its two-time defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew due to a right wrist injury.

Sinner enters the event with significant momentum, having just won the Italian Open in Rome last Sunday. That victory made him the first Italian man to win his home tournament since 1976 and completed the Career Golden Masters, as he became only the second player after Novak Djokovic to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. He carries a 29-match winning streak and has won all five Masters 1000 tournaments held so far this season.

In the Italian Open final, Sinner defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets. After the match, Sinner acknowledged the pressure of the occasion, stating there was a lot of tension and that it was not perfect tennis. Ruud praised Sinner's level, saying that when Sinner plays his best, there are not many in the world who can reach that level.

Sinner's primary objective in Paris is to complete a...