Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Roland Garros has presented a huge opportunity for several players on the ATP Tour.
Alcaraz pulled out of the French Open and later withdrew from Wimbledon as well due to an ongoing wrist injury.
The Spaniard’s omission means Jannik Sinner will be the overwhelming favourite to go all the way.
Jannik Sinner is now a bigger favorite to win Roland Garros than Rafael Nadal ever was
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But it has also increased the chances for every other star in men’s tennis, including former world number one Daniil Medvedev.
Prior to his campaign, Medvedev was asked how Alcaraz’s withdrawal is affecting him.
Daniil Medvedev discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he replied: “I’ll be honest, for me, it doesn’t make a a difference, because it’s Roland Garros, I’ve never been to the semis here, so I take it match at a time.
“Of course, if I’m in the semis and I play Jannik [Sinner], and maybe you know that Carlos is not there on the other side, you know it’s maybe an easier challenge to try to win the whole thing.
“But at the moment, we’re not there, I’m playing my first round, which I’ve probably lost six times at Roland Garros!
Is men’s tennis boring without Carlos Alcaraz?
“So I just want to do my best, try to go further through the draw. As I say, maybe if I’m in the semis or the final, I could answer the same question, and say, yeah, you know what, it might be easier to win the whole thing.
“But in general, I would say I hope he comes back, I know he’s not playing Wimbledon, so I hope he comes back as fast as possible, with what he has, I’m not sure what he has. We love to see him in the locker room and on court as well.”
Daniil Medvedev’s draw at the French Open
Medvedev will take on Adam Walton in the opening match of his Roland Garros campaign, whom he is 1-1 against at tour-level events.
Should he advance, he’ll play either former Masters champion Alexei Popyrin or American star Zachary Svajda in the second round.
Medvedev’s quarter of the draw is arguably the weakest of the four, and he’ll have a great chance of making the semifinals of the French Open for the first time in his career.
Names in his section include Felix Auger-Aliassime, Flavio Cobolli, Valentin Vacherot and Learner Tien.
Medvedev’s best result at Roland Garros is a quarterfinal finish, which he achieved during the 2021 season.
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