(Tennis news) Novak Djokovic could take on Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open semi-final and both have a good opportunity to win the Grand Slam in Rafael Nadal’s absence. Alcaraz will be playing his first major as a Grand Slam champion and will kick off proceedings against a qualifier while Djokovic, who is seeded third will take on American Aleksandar Kovacevic. Cameron Norrie is one of only 3 British players in the singles category and will face France’s Benoit Paire.

Andy Murray was forced to withdraw from the French Open in order to prioritise the grass-court season while Emma Raducanu has been ruled out due to operations on her wrists and an ankle. This means that no Britons will feature in the women’s singles category as six players failed to make it past the qualifying rounds. It will be the first time the nation is not represented in the main draw of a Grand Slam since the 2009 US Open. 

There is a void left at the French Open due to Rafael Nadal’s absence as the Spaniard has become synonymous with the tournament, having won the Grand Slam 14 times. The 36 year old ruled himself out, which means he won’t be participating at the Roland Garros for the first time in 19 years. This means that all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic who could become the most successful men’s tennis player in history if he wins the Grand Slam on clay. 

In the women’s category, defending champion Iga Swiatek will take on Spanish world number 67 Cristina Bucsa. The Polish player will hope to claim her fourth Grand Slam title despite recently recovering from a thigh injury. Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk while Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina faces a qualifier in her opening match. Third seed Jessica Pegula will face American Danielle Collins while Victoria Azarenka will take on Bianca Andreescu.

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