Nadal, a 14-time winner at Roland Garros, has been beset by injuries in his final campaign on tour while world No. 1 Djokovic has failed to reach a final in 2024.
Meanwhile, young Grand Slam champions like Carlos Alcaraz, 21, and Jannik Sinner, 22, are also nursing injuries. That has opened the door for the likes of Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud to step up and open their Grand Slam account.
Zverev has not had it easy since he injured his ankle in the 2022 French Open semi-final against Nadal and underwent surgery, but the 27-year-old has peaked at the right time, winning his sixth Masters title at the Italian Open on May 19.
He will, however, have to get past Nadal in the first round and should that happen, the German world No.
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Denne historien er fra May 26, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Under-16s need more exposure, says fraternity
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Singapore Under-16 football team's defeats at the recent Lion City Cup (LCC), said the community on Oct 8.
Kane given 'all-clear' for Nations League games
LONDON – Captain Harry Kane has been given the green light to remain with England for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Oct 7, after the striker was examined by Football Association (FA) medical staff.
Historic Ohtani 50-50 ball remains in play as auction continues
LOS ANGELES – The owner of the ball that Shohei Ohtani hit for his historic 50th homer of 2024 remains in dispute, but the souvenir will continue to be auctioned off while legal proceedings continue.
DJOKOVIC STORMS PAST COBOLLI
Serb eases into Shanghai Masters last 16 after days of schedule disruption due to rain
France Rugby plans to impose strict discipline
PARIS - French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Grill announced on Oct 7 an overhaul of the system of discipline in the France teams after a summer tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.
CHAMPS GALORE AT SWIM WORLD CUP IN S'PORE
Star-studded cast includes Marchand, Pan, le Clos, McKeown, Zhang and Douglass
BOY XANDER LOOKING FRESH FOR THE TASK
Two-time Kranji winner returns after 29 months out, goes well in training on Oct 8
Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing
The rise of South Korean books about burnout has taken the world by storm.
How is it that Netanyahu is able to keep defying Biden?
The 'tail wagging the dog' situation is not simply about the power of the 'Israel Lobby'. Other factors in the patron-client relationship are in play too.
Most Asean fund managers avoiding new economy firms
Uncertainty over future returns, growth prospects among factors
