Fans pause for a photo in front of Rafael Nadal’s statue at Roland Garros. The statue stands fixed each day, with this Saturday feeling extra special. June 3 marks the anniversary of the Balearic legend’s 14th title, and while Nadal is not competing this year for the first time since 2005, his legacy remains vivid in the memories of tennis fans. A father told his son, with pride, that this moment is Nadal’s best chance to be remembered on a day that celebrates his greatness. The statue captures Nadal mid-forehand, a shot he mastered on Parisian courts.
Nadal isn’t on site, yet his impact is everywhere at Roland Garros. He promised a return in 2024, but shortly after turning 37, he underwent hip surgery that will keep him away from sport for several months. A new generation now carries the torch, led by Carlos Alcaraz, who aims to crown Paris with another French Open triumph after his recent breakthroughs. The young Spaniard is determined to write his own chapter in Paris, seeking a historic victory that echoes Nadal’s legacy.
friends since childhood
The Murcia-born racer Spirit of the new generation is clear in their contenders. Holger Rune of Denmark appears ready to push through, declaring the ambition to win Roland Garros this year, while Lorenzo Musetti of Italy expresses confidence in his rising form and sees himself as a challenger to the established Spanish hierarchy and the era of the Big Three.
These players have grown up competing against each other, sharing the same early tournaments, and now find themselves heading toward the business end of their careers. In Paris, they may cross paths with Philippe Chatrier in the third round (around 3:30 p.m., Eurosport). Novak Djokovic, a member of the Big Three era, faced Peruvian talent Juan Carlos Varillas who surprised in the earlier rounds, while Hubert Hurkacz and Roberto Bautista Agut also contested memorable matches with shifting scores and dramatic twists.
good test
The Musetti matchup is viewed as a meaningful test. The Italian bested a strong field in Hamburg last year and has clearly stepped toward asserting his options this season, though progress has varied. Musetti compares favorably as a challenger to a new generation and to the enduring contenders who defined the sport for years.
Alcaraz has been described as the first to win a Grand Slam among the post-Big Three era. After that legacy, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are seen as key figures who will push to follow, and Musetti hopes to add his own chapter, building on Hamburg’s confidence and looking to Paris as a place to demonstrate readiness and joy in competition.
Make way for ‘Carlosmanía’: the Alcaraz team shapes the new leader of Spanish sport
The ascent of Alcaraz signals a shift in Spanish sport, with his team driving a new era of expectations and national pride. The focus shifts from every single match to a broader standard of excellence that inspires young players and fans alike.
Rest for Alcaraz
In his recent outings, Musetti has shown flawless stamina, not dropping a set as he announced his Paris debut with a confident presence. He spoke of the importance of enjoying the moment and staying focused, guided by his entire team as they navigate Paris with clarity and purpose.
tears of happiness
In the women’s event, Sara Sorribes Tormo makes a remarkable run at Roland Garros, reaching the round of 16 after a remarkable week. The Castellón native, ranked 132, earned her spot after a withdrawal shifted the schedule, underscoring how fate can tilt in a tournament’s favor. Elena Rybakina, the world No. 4, cited illness as a factor in her decision to withdraw, adding a layer of intrigue to the day’s action. The Wimbledon champion explained that exhaustion and fever prevented her from competing, while Sorribes Tormo pressed forward with determination.
Another 4th seed, Elena Rybakina, withdrew, leaving Sara Sorribes Tormo to advance to the round of 16. The round of 16 matchups included a clash with Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated the Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in a tight three-set battle. The last Spanish woman to reach Roland Garros’ last 16 was Paula Badosa in 2021, who faced a different path this year due to a spinal injury affecting her Wimbledon plans.