History Looms for Sinner in Alcaraz’s French Open Absence

There may not be another Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz epic to look forward to, with the new King of Clay injured, but the 2026 French Open still promises plenty of excitement across the men’s and women’s brackets.

On the men’s side, Sinner represents an unsurprising, considerable favourite. The world No. 1 enters Roland-Garros at -375 to win his fifth major and complete the career grand slam. With Alcaraz, a two-time winner here, out of the picture, it’s Sinner’s best opportunity yet to round out his résumé of slams. 

While it’s difficult to not mourn the loss of what could’ve been, after the pair’s incredible final last year and Sinner in the form of his life on a 29-match win streak, there are two central challengers expected to give him his toughest potential tests in Alcaraz's place.

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev (+875) will look to capitalize on Alcaraz's absence and finally break through with a grand slam victory. The three-time runner-up, including in the 2024 French Open, has endured a frustrating 2026. It began with a loss in a five-set marathon against Alcaraz in the Australian Open semis and was followed up by three straight semifinal losses in Masters 1000 events, all at the hands of Sinner. 

While Zverev is searching for his first slam, Novak Djokovic (third on the odds board, +1050) is looking to extend his record 24 major titles and win his first since 2023. The 39-year-old has become, wisely, selective about his play in 2026, playing just two tournaments since the Aussie Open. Indian Wells saw Djokovic lose in the fourth round, while his first taste of clay season was short-lived with a one-and-done loss in the Italian Open at the hands of qualifier Dino Prizmic.

On the women's side, there's a considerably more open field to consider. While six-time major winner Iga Swiatek and four-time winner Aryna Sabalenka lead the way at +225 and +250, respectively, there's a trio trailing with odds shorter than 10/1: Elena Rybakina (+700), Mirra Andreeva (+900), and Coco Gauff (+900). 

Breakout Canadian Victoria Mboko, meanwhile, is ninth on the odds board at +3300. The 19-year-old broke out last season in a campaign that included two WTA tournament victories, including a famous win over Naomi Osaka at the Canadian Open. In her second French Open, she’ll have the chance to join Bianca Andreescu as the only Canadian grand slam winners in history. 

Click here to see all French Open odds at BET99.

Odds as of May 21, 2026.