The men's French Open has been thrown wide open after Jannik Sinner's stunning defeat, leaving a host of contenders ready to capitalise. The Italian, who was the overwhelming favourite, fell in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, marking one of the biggest shocks in recent Grand Slam history. With Carlos Alcaraz also absent due to injury, the path to glory is clearer than ever for the remaining players.
Alexander Zverev (2)
This could be the moment Alexander Zverev has been waiting for. The 29-year-old German has been a mainstay at the top of the sport for nearly a decade but has lost all three of his Grand Slam finals. Six years on from serving for the match in the US Open final against Dominic Thiem, he now has a golden opportunity. Although he is in the harder half of the draw and may have to beat Novak Djokovic, with Sinner and Alcaraz out, if not now, when?
Novak Djokovic (3)
Destiny may be calling for Novak Djokovic. Without Alcaraz and Sinner, the Serbian's remarkable longevity could be rewarded with a 25th Grand Slam title, breaking Margaret Court's record. The draw is not kind, with Joao Fonseca lurking and Casper Ruud potentially waiting in the fourth round. But if anyone can manage their body through the next nine days, it is Djokovic. Who would bet against him in a final?
Felix Auger-Aliassime (4)
The Canadian is on the right side of the draw and perfectly placed to make a breakthrough. He could face French teenage sensation Moise Kouame in the fourth round. First up is American Brandon Nakashima, but Auger-Aliassime must be eyeing a career-best performance at Roland Garros after two fourth-round appearances. His best Grand Slam result is a semi-final at the US Open in 2021 and 2025.
Casper Ruud (15)
The Norwegian may be dreaming of banishing his Roland Garros heartbreak. In 2022 and 2023, Ruud made stellar runs to the final only to lose to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Both icons beat him in straight sets, with Nadal even handing him a bagel. But Ruud is still young and has shown his prowess on clay. If he meets Djokovic again, it will be in the fourth round, with less pressure than a final. Next up is Tommy Paul in the third round.
Frances Tiafoe (19)
The popular American, who retrieved his racket from a fan after a social media plea, is the highest seed remaining in the 'Sinner quarter' of the draw. However, he may have little left in the tank after a five-hour, five-set battle against Hubert Hurkacz. While his grit and athleticism can take him far, he will need to be more clinical to go deep into the second week. A first Grand Slam final is now a realistic possibility for the 28-year-old.
Rafael Jodar (27)
A teenage winner at the French Open? That would be a story for the ages, the first champion of such an age since Nadal in 2005. The 19-year-old Spaniard made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open this year, reaching the second round, and has already bettered that by reaching round three in Paris. He entered Roland Garros on the back of his first pro title on clay, winning an ATP 250 trophy in Morocco. With form, youthful confidence, and no pressure, he could go far. He faces Alex Michelsen next.
Men's French Open Winner 2026 Odds
- Alexander Zverev: 15/8
- Novak Djokovic: 7/2
- Casper Ruud: 15/2
- Rafael Jodar: 9/1
- Francisco Cerundolo: 14/1
- Flavio Cobolli: 22/1
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: 25/1
- Alex De Minaur: 28/1
- Joao Fonseca: 33/1
- Matteo Berrettini: 50/1
- Learner Tien: 50/1
- Andrey Rublev: 50/1
- Frances Tiafoe: 50/1
- Raphael Collignon: 50/1
- Alejandro Tabilo: 80/1
- Tommy Paul: 80/1
- Karen Khachanov: 100/1
Odds via Betfair.
