French Open in the headlines: Alcaraz out injured, Sinner rises as favorite, bids for big slam share and top players call for changes. (Biog: Roland Garros, Paris)
Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he has withdrawn from the clay-court season including the Italian Open and Roland Garros after tests on his right wrist confirmed injury. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since hurting the wrist at Barcelona, has missed Madrid and is pausing competition to prioritise recovery ahead of a return date to be evaluated.
Top players have pressed for a larger share of Grand Slam revenues, citing pay gaps and welfare needs. Aryna Sabalenka has warned a boycott could occur if negotiations stall; players emphasize respect and governance changes alongside prize money increases.
Elina Svitolina has won her third Rome title, defeating Coco Gauff in a three-set final. The victory follows a remarkable resurgence after maternity leave, with Svitolina climbing to No.7 and threatening Grand Slam chances at Roland Garros. Ukraine’s top players are also maintaining a strong presence in the rankings amid ongoing wartime pressure.
The World No. 3 faces Czech upstart Tomas Machac on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Machac has been a dangerous, under-the-radar threat at the French Open, with late-season wins and a history of strong clay-court form. Zverev is the favourite, but Machac’s fitness and attack could produce a surprise under lights.
Emma Raducanu has crashed to a first-round defeat at Roland Garros, failing to win a game in the opening set against Solana Sierra before fighting back to force a tiebreak. She ultimately loses 6-0 7-6 (4). Frontrunner Fran Jones has celebrated her French Open debut win after injuries but Raducanu’s struggles dominate the day’s British stories.
Moïse Kouamé has defeated Marin Čilić in the French Open first round, becoming the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in 17 years. The 17-year-old French wildcard, playing on home soil, has drawn loud support and displayed composure beyond his years as he advances to face Adolfo Vallejo.