With Rafael Nadal out, who are top contenders for French Open as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz bid for title?

Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will not be defending his French Open title. The 36-year-old has won 14 of the last 17 editions of the Grand Slam, but has said it is «impossible» for him to return from injury in time to play this year. Ad His absence looks to have set up one of the most open men's draws at the French Open in recent memory.

Roland-GarrosNadal withdraws from French Open but how did he become the King of Clay?2 HOURS AGO Asked whether he thought that was the case after exiting the Italian Open on Wednesday, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said: “It depends if Nadal plays or not.” So with Nadal now confirmed out of the tournament, who will be the leading contenders to inherit his crown? Novak Djokovic As the only player now in the draw to have won the French Open (twice), as well as 20 other Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has to be the favourite in Paris. He hasn’t looked in Grand Slam-winning form leading up to the tournament, exiting early in Monte Carlo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, withdrawing from Madrid, and then winning two matches in Rome before losing to Holger Rune in the quarter-finals.

It will be the first time since 2018 that Djokovic heads to the French Open without having won a clay title beforehand. But speaking after his loss to Rune he didn't seem too concerned about his level. “I know I can always play better.

Definitely am looking forward to working on various aspects of my game, of my body, hopefully getting myself in 100 percent shape. That's the goal. “I always like my chances in Grand Slams against anybody on any surface, best of five.