New Delhi: There was indeed some sort of magic that the legendary Rafael Nadal used to brew while taking on the clay courts at the Roland Garros. It seemed that the red clay and Nadal complemented each other too well as he rightly became the “King of Clay”, securing a record 14 men’s singles titles at the prestigious tournament. But the 124th edition of Roland Garros, which kicks off on Sunday, May 25, would rather feel strange.
Yes… It’s the beginning of the post-Nadal era at the French Open, as the tennis great called time on his international career in November last year, also bringing an end to a highly cherished Grand Slam stint. The 2025 French Open will be the first without Nadal, and his abdication means that there is a chance for someone to make an attempt at becoming the next king.
Alcaraz, Sinner as prospects?
It is understood that Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz has long been dubbed as the heir apparent, having won the tournament last year, and will walk into this year’s event a bit more favourite than all. The 22-year-old Spaniard looks to follow in the great footsteps of Nadal as his skillset makes him a natural clay-courter and currently carries a 15-1 win-loss record on the surface this year. This means he boasts more match practice than rival Jannik Sinner.
Sinner, who hails from Italy, is another candidate in the scenario. Currently the world no. 1, Sinner has dominated the courts over the past 18 months but has only recently returned from a three-month doping ban. On his road to the Italian Open final, he dropped just one set and had thrashed two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud in what was a ruthless quarter-final.
He came face to face with Alcaraz in the final and eventually lost the game in straight sets to the world no. 2. As the French Open concludes on June 8, many are already expecting a repeat of it in the Paris showpiece. These two are the only players in the current scenario who can be deemed as Nadal’s successor, and only time will tell how close they get to the legend’s French Open record.
More to follow…
Having won the French Open men’s singles title for a record 14 times, it would be for the first time that the Grand Slam tournament will be held without its illustrious star – Rafael Nadal. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
