The 2024 French Open could be one of the most open Grand Slam tournaments in recent years.All of the top three in the ATP rankings have question marks over their form or fitness, while there is also uncertainty around 14-time winner Rafael Nadal.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is hoping to build some momentum by playing in Geneva the week before the tournament, as world No. 2 Jannik Sinner and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz face a race to be fit for Paris.
Ahead of the Grand Slam starting on May 26, live on discovery+, we run through which of the leading contenders look set to play, and assess their chances of victory…
This is where the most important chunk of the season starts for Djokovic.
The next three-and-a-half months include the French Open, Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics and the US Open. That’s three chances to overtake Margaret Court in the overall Grand Slam standings and an opportunity to win a first Olympic gold medal.
The problem for Djokovic is that ahead of such a crucial period he does not look in the best form.
He is yet to win a tournament this season and last time out was beaten in the third round at the Italian Open. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick has said he is more “concerned” about Djokovic’s displays than at any time in the last 15 years.
Djokovic will be looking to get into the groove at the Geneva Open, where he could play Andy Murray in his opening match.
While playing the week before the French Open is usually avoided by most players, Djokovic did so in 2021 when he played the Belgrade Open, which he won before also triumphing in Paris.
