Can Djokovic defend title or will Nadal make it 14? – French Open talking points

The French Open begins on Sunday with Novak Djokovic and Barbora Krejcikova looking to defend the titles they won last year, while Rafael Nadal goes in search of a 14th Paris crown.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the talking points ahead of Roland Garros fortnight.

With Nadal, fitness permitting, going for Roland Garros title number 14 and Djokovic, back from his Australian exile, aiming to tie his great rival on 21 grand slams, the men’s tournament is set up to be an absolute cracker. Throw in teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz – who beat the gilded duo in Madrid a fortnight ago – and last year’s runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas and the field feels the strongest for years, despite the continued absence of Roger Federer. If he can shake off an injury, Nadal will start as favourite, but last year’s semi-final defeat by eventual champion Djokovic will still smart.

British number one Emma Raducanu has been hampered by a series of injury problems since her shock US Open triumph last year. She was forced to retire from a match for the second time this season at the recent Italian Open due to a back injury. The 19-year-old, currently without a full-time coach, is in need of some support as her body adjusts to the demands of competing on the Tour week in, week out. Otherwise a long run in Paris looks unlikely.

This is the first major tournament since Ashleigh Barty, the world number one, 2019 champion and three-time grand slam winner, stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement. The void left by the charismatic Australian will be huge and difficult to fill. Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the 2020 champion, is now top of the rankings and favourite for the title but the women’s game is in danger of slipping back to a succession of