How clay-court chaos is a return to the norm at the French Open
The French Open men's draw has seen significant upheaval, with many top seeds eliminated and no clear favorite emerging. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is absent due to injury, and other contenders like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have also faltered. This year's tournament highlights the unique nature of Roland-Garros, particularly its clay surface, which sets it apart from other grand slam events.
- ▪Jannik Sinner and other top seeds have been knocked out of the tournament.
- ▪Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, is absent due to injury.
- ▪This year marks the opportunity for a new player to win a grand slam singles title for only the fourth time in 11 years.
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analysisFrench Open men's draw back to glorious chaos with no clear favouriteSBy Simon SmaleTopic:TennisSun 31 May 2026 at 5:21amSun 31 May 2026 at 5:21amSun 31 May 2026 at 5:21amJannik Sinner is out, along with almost all the top seeds in the men's draw. (Getty Images: Eurasia Sport Images/Antonio Borga)abc.net.au/news/french-open-mens-draw-no-clear-favourite/106741000Link copiedShareShare articleThe French Open form guide has been spectacularly torn up at Roland-Garros heading into the second week.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).