Alcaraz, Sinner rivalry takes centre stage in French Open's post-Nadal era

BENGALURU : Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner resume the hottest rivalry in men's tennis at the French Open, where Novak Djokovic will fly the flag for the old guard as the claycourt Grand Slam enters the post-Rafa Nadal era.

After Nadal exited the 2024 edition of the major he won a record 14 times, Alcaraz emerged as the Spaniard's heir apparent with his first Roland Garros title.

Alcaraz has geared up for his title defence with a sparkling campaign on clay this season, with the 22-year-old capturing his first Monte Carlo crown and defeating Sinner in the Italian Open final on Sunday to complete his set of elite claycourt honours.

"All eyes are on Paris now, on Roland Garros," said the world number two.

"Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give me great confidence going to Paris. I always say 'the final isn't about playing, the final is about winning'.

"I just repeat that approach every time I play a final."

Sinner showed little sign of rust in his first event back from a three-month ban for two doping violations, and fans will be hoping the world number one scythes through the draw to meet Alcaraz in the final.

Former Roland Garros champion Jim Courier said both players would be feeling confident after the level they showed in Rome.

"Alcaraz continues this run, four wins in a row against Sinner, which no one else is able to come close to, so that's going to give him a little extra boost," Courier said on the Tennis Channel.

"What a clay season he has had. This has been perfect for Carlos, but also for Jannik. Re-entering (the tour) he couldn't do much better than this."

'NEW REALITY'

Djokovic won the last of his record 24 Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open in 2023 and is