The French Open kicked off Sunday in sizzling temperatures and without injured defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, leaving many fans to wonder what – if anything – could stop Italy’s Jannik Sinner from lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires this year. “It’s a dream being here – but a bittersweet one in the absence of Alcaraz,” said Noah Kouchachi, a student from Cologne in Germany, holding a “Get well soon, Carlitos” banner in the colours of the Spanish flag. The 23-year-old said he did not see anyone capable of denying Sinner, the world No.1, the one Grand Slam title he is still chasing.
The 2025 champion is sorely missed by many at Roland Garros. © Benjamin Dodman
“Djoker (Novak Djokovic) is the only one who could pull it off,” he added. “But at his age – and in this heat – one has to be realistic.” Farewell to ‘La Monf’ Djokovic is one of just two men to beat Sinner this season, having ended his Australian Open reign in an epic five-set semi-final in January. But the Serbian, who turns 39 this week, has played – and lost – just one match on clay this year, and is struggling for form as he battles to hold back time in his quest for a record 25th major. Another ageing darling of the crowds, France’s Gaël Monfils will hang up his racquet at the end of the season and is waving goodbye to his home Grand Slam, where he takes on fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the first round on Monday. The 39-year-old reached the last four in Paris in 2008, one of his two major semi-final appearances, and has won 13 ATP titles over a career spanning two decades. Despite never winning a major, his showmanship and entertaining tennis have made him a fan favourite at home and around the world. “Never mind the Grand Slams – Gaël has brought so much more than titles to the sport,” said Roberta, a tennis fan from Italy, making her first trip to Roland Garros. “His positive, relaxed and uncomplaining attitude has always been refreshing for the sport.” As Djokovic put it on the eve of the tournament, “I don’t know anyone that really doesn’t like Gaël.”
