French Open news: A fresh name for Grand Slam winner on the way at Roland Garros

By Daniele Capri

On Sunday, June 7, a new men’s singles slam winner will be awarded since Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open in 2024. 

For the past two years, only Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been triumphing in the major Grand Slams.

With Sinner, Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic out of the slam run, a new champion will reign in Paris at the Roland Garros.

There are a few names who could be favourites, but there can be surprises since nothing is guaranteed in tennis.

The Paris favourites

Sinner was supposed to be the favourite for the Roland Garros, but since he was beaten due to unfortunate conditions, there are new favourites here in Paris.

Alexander Zverev, the world number three in the ATP ranking, is a past-slam finalist and can finally have his chance to win his first major tournament on clay. 

Today, June 2, Zverev will play against the 19-year-old Rafael Jodar in the quarter-final, saying he is “ready for it” on TNT Sports.

Jodar is also a name to look out for. The teenager was only ranked in the top 900 in the ATP rankings, yet he has been playing sensational tennis, reaching the quarter-finals at the ATP 1000 tournaments in Madrid and Rome this season.

READ MORE: Premier League news: Former Man City and Liverpool star James Milner retires

Berrettini a slam contender 

Matteo Berrettini, a past slam finalist, has finally reached the quarter-finals since 2022 after winning three long sets against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. 

“After all the setbacks, all the injuries, all the bad moments, I came back once again,” Berrettini said on BBC Sport.

Berrettini is also a candidate for Roland Garros, having reached a slam final at Wimbledon in 2021 against Djokovic.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, the world number six in the ATP ranking, has only reached two Grand Slam semi-finals.

On June 1, he reached the quarter-finals against Alejandro Tabilo after winning three consecutive sets.

Cobolli’s first-time quarter-finals

Auger-Aliassime will play against the Italian Flavio Cobolli, who reached the quarter-finals at the 2025 Wimbledon, his first major tournament.

Cobolli, currently ranked 14th, is playing in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the first time after beating Zachary Svadja. 

The Italian has experience handling pressure after securing the Davis Cup for Italy in November 2025; he could be a surprise to watch in Paris.

Fonseca a surprise package

Lastly, Joao Fonseca can be another surprise at the Roland Garros. The 19-year-old Brazilian secured the win over Djokovic in the third round after coming back from two sets down.

The Brazilian told TNT Sports he is “feeling more confident” after reaching the quarter-finals, where he will play against Jakub Menšík.

History in the making

Looking at the statistics, Zverev, ranked number three in the world, is the favourite to win Roland Garros, but do not underestimate the teenagers who reached the quarter-finals.

Even Berrettini can be a big name for Paris, having experience in a slam final can bring a big surprise in this tournament.

After all the unlucky moments in his career, this can be his chance for redemption.

READ NEXT: MotoGP Italian Grand Prix: Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia secure first home victory