A French Open without Rafael Nadal still has plenty of drama

The 2023 French Open is upon us and — spoiler alert — the event is going to have a markedly different vibe this year. Some familiar faces will be missing with the gigantic absence of Rafael Nadal for the first time since 2004, as well as former champions Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, along with the recent retirements of Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Notable names like Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Venus Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Emma Raducanu and Matteo Berrettini are also missing from the slate, so Roland Garros will be lacking some of its traditional star power.

But it won’t be lacking in talent, intense competition or compelling storylines.

The year’s second major is full of rising superstars like Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, burgeoning new rivalries, young hopefuls seeking their first Grand Slam titles, and, not to mention, Novak Djokovic, who will be looking to make history in Paris.

Which players do you need to keep an eye on? What’s at stake for some of the game’s biggest names? Can anyone replace Nadal in the hearts and minds of fans at his favorite tournament? We try to answer all that and more ahead of Sunday’s opening-round matches.

After competing in every tournament since 2005 and winning a cool 14 titles along the way, Nadal has rightfully been dubbed the “King of Clay,” complete with his own statue on the grounds at Roland Garros. But all good things must come to an end. Nadal was forced to withdraw from his favorite event last week because of a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. But Nadal, who also revealed the 2024 season would likely be his last on tour, did his best to keep things in perspective.

“Tournaments stay forever; players play and leave,” Nadal told reporters. “So Roland Garros will always be Roland Garros, with or without me, without a doubt. The tournament is going to keep being the best event in the world of clay, and there will be a new Roland Garros champion — and it is not going to be me. And that is life.”

Since winning the title in Paris during his debut at the event, Nadal has consistently been the favorite to hoist the trophy at the end of the fortnight, and it almost feels unnatural to be speaking of anyone else in this position. But for those curious, according to Caesars Sportsbook, the top five in order to win the men’s title are as follows: Alcaraz, Djokovic, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

While no one can replace Nadal, it will be fascinating to see who steps up in his absence and takes advantage of the opportunity.

Another Slam for Djokovic?

As a two-time champion at Roland Garros, and one of the few to defeat Nadal at the event, Djokovic is the de facto top contender for the title in the eyes of many. He proved as recently as 2021 that he has what it takes to win on the red clay, and he has more motivation than ever this time around.

Currently tied with Nadal for the most major titles by a male player in history at 22, Djokovic could break the tie to take sole possession of the men’s record, as well as tie Serena Williams’ record for the most Grand Slam titles in the Open era.

For a self-professed historian of the game like Djokovic, he is more than aware of what’s on the line, and, having just turned 36 and with a crop of young talent now contending for titles, he knows these opportunities can’t be taken for granted. (ESPN)

Djokovic hasn’t exactly played his best tennis as of late, however. In his three tournaments on clay, he went 5-3 and failed to advance past the quarterfinals in any event and withdrew from Madrid with a right elbow injury. While he recorded quality wins over Grigor Dimitrov and Cameron Norrie in Rome, he ultimately fell to Rune, 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, in the quarters. Despite the setbacks, Djokovic said he remained confident entering the French Open.

“I know I can always play better,” Djokovic said after the loss to Rune. “Definitely am looking forward to working on various aspects of my game, of my body, hopefully getting myself in 100% shape. That’s the goal.

“I always like my chances in Grand Slams against anybody on any surface, best-of-five. Let’s see how it goes.”

Djokovic would potentially face Alcaraz in the semifinals, in which case: get your popcorn ready. (ESPN)