With the Roland Garros nominations set, the anticipation stands as players defend their status until the Musketeers Cup is awarded on June 11, replacing Nadal on the champions list. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, the two heavy favorites in Philippe Chatrier’s arena, enter the round of 16 this Friday after comfortably advancing through the first two rounds. Daniil Medvedev, world number 2, and Jannik Sinner, ranked ninth, were eliminated before reaching the second round’s end.
The real test begins for Alcaraz and Djokovic. Their goal from the start of the event remains clear: capture the first Roland Garros title for the Murcian in a Grand Slam victory or add a 23rd major for the Serbian. Both players have the firepower to test the field, and Dennis Shapovalov alongside Alexander Davidovich have the resources to push them to the limit.
Night session
Alcaraz will chase a quarterfinal berth in the night session at 20:15, broadcast by Eurosport, under conditions quite different from the daytime play on Chatrier. Humidity changes the pace of the surface, altering how the match unfolds. On the opposite side, Shapovalov faces a challenge he has not previously encountered.
The 24-year-old Canadian and the 32-year-old world champion have shown magic in bursts, yet they have not yet claimed a major title together. The introduction to the event at age 17, when he defeated Nadal at the 2017 Canadian Masters 1000, marked a hint of what might come, but his sole title on the clay circuit remains Stockholm in 2019.
Number one adoration
Shapovalov arrived with high expectations, though he has not yet translated that into a major title. He went so far as to express admiration for Alcaraz, recognizing the pressure that sits on a rising No. 1. “Being number 1 at such a young age invites a lot of noise, and the challenge is real,” he commented before the match. “It won’t be easy to win three of five sets, but I’m eager to compete.”
Davidovich, who has faced Djokovic three times in the past, will meet the Serb in Chatrier’s third round around 15:30, with Eurosport covering the action. The Spaniard, ranked 34th, recalls past clashes and notes that Monte Carlo remains a memory where he upset the eventual world No. 1 two years ago, a reminder that past form does not guarantee future results. He emphasizes readiness in both mental and physical preparation for the challenge ahead.
A hidden chip
Davidovich will step into the arena with Djokovic at peak capacity after a dramatic late-night win by Marton Fucsovics. The match featured a tight first set and wind that unsettled the court. The Spaniard hinted at a secret he has been guarding, a mysterious artifact his team claims to have developed to sharpen performance. He politely refused to reveal details, focusing instead on the task of testing Djokovic on the court.
When asked about his inspirations, Davidovich answered honestly about admiring Iron Man as a kid and about his team working on a cutting-edge system to help him compete at the highest level. The secret, whatever it may be, stays under wraps as he faces the test ahead.
BATTLE ROYALE
In a marathon clash, Daniel Altmaier outlasted Jannik Sinner 6-7, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 after five hours and twenty-six minutes, a display that showcased the unpredictable nature of Roland Garros and the grit required to advance to the later rounds. The drama of Paris continued to unfold as both players pushed through fatigue and tactical battles on the court.
Sinner, KO, unexpected
Favorites have not faltered at the top, yet challengers keep slipping from the field as the tournament progresses. World number two Daniel Medvedev exited in the upper echelons midweek, while Jannik Sinner battled through a long five-set marathon, ultimately falling after a hard-fought contest that featured late resistance from the German opponent. A match that kept fans on edge and underscored the relentless pace of a Grand Slam event.
Sara Sorribes sneaks into the third round
Sara Sorribes will represent Spain in the third round of the women’s tournament, having defeated Petra Martic in straight sets. The Castellón native, who overcame a difficult injury period, now faces a Kazakh opponent in the round of 16 on Saturday. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and a strong contender this season, remains a major threat in the draw. Sorribes, born in Vall d’Uxó, has endured setbacks after injuries but has shown resilience by competing at the highest level again. Her win sparked hope among fans who recall her past breakthroughs and the potential for another deep run in Paris. The field also saw Aliona Bolsova fall to Slovak opponent Anna Schmiedlova, a reminder that the depth of talent is wide and the path to glory is never easy on the clay.