Gen Next Takes Over: 20 Years Later, No Federer, Djokovic Or Nadal In French Open Men's Singles Final

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were eliminated from the French Open 2024 early, though due to different reasons, as the tournament stares at first final in men's singles category that would not feature either of the two legends since 2009. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev are set to battle it out for the two final spots, bringing forth the 'gen next' of men's tennis

Even in 2009, when neither Djokovic nor Nadal made it to the men's singles final, it was the OG Roger Federer who took on Robert Soderling in the summit clash. Nadal had reached the final on all of the previous four occasions, with the last French Open final without him, Federer and Djokovic being the 2004 event where Gaston Gaudio had beaten Guillermo Coria.

As we edge closer to the 2024 deciders, here's a look at the two semi-finals in men's singles category:

Carlos Alcaraz (ESP x3) v Jannik Sinner (ITA x2)

When Alcaraz and Sinner collide the result has often been spectacular, leading the ninth instalment of a blossoming rivalry to be billed as the match "everybody wants to see".

The two best players of their generation are both seeking to reach a first Roland Garros final. The winner will go into Sunday's championship match as the title favourite with Novak Djokovic out of the picture.

Alcaraz and Sinner had injury concerns arriving in Paris, but the decision to skip Rome in the build-up looks to have been the right call.

The 21-year-old Spaniard has looked increasingly like a player capable of becoming the youngest man to win Grand Slams on all three surfaces.

But he knows his biggest test awaits in his first Grand Slam encounter with Sinner since their 2022 US Open quarter-final, where Alcaraz won in five sets en route