Roland Garros is rapidly approaching, with many players using the Italian Open as preparation for the Paris Grand Slam.
The French Open returns to the ATP and WTA calendars later this month, representing the second Grand Slam of 2026.
But the current focus in the clay-court swing is the Italian Open, which comprises ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events.
Rome has, however, just played host to a very worrying update from Arthur Fils, which is certainly not good news for French tennis fans so close to Roland Garros.
Can any of these four players stop Jannik Sinner winning the French Open this year?
Is there anyone else you think could be a threat to Sinner?
French tennis fans hit by Arthur Fils injury scare before Roland Garros
Fils would have been eyeing a lengthy run at the Italian Open, having quickly become one of the leading players on the ATP Tour since his return from injury.
He made his return in February following eight months out with a back injury, and quickly showed his class by winning the title in Barcelona and reaching the final in Doha.
But the Frenchman has just been forced out of the Italian Open, retiring hurt against Andrea Pellegrino due to a hip injury.
Fils called a medical timeout early in the match, which he ended while trailing the Italian qualifier 0-4 in the opening set.
It’s a very worrying sign for the Frenchman and his followers as the French Open nears, with Fils undoubtedly representing the best chance of a home champion.
Despite the impending retirement of Gael Monfils, men’s tennis in the nation is certainly heading for a very bright future, but Fils is undoubtedly leading the way.
| 17 | Arthur Fils | ||||||
| 24 | Arthur Rinderknech | ||||||
| 30 | Corentin Moutet | ||||||
| 33 | Ugo Humbert | ||||||
| 45 | Adrian Mannarino | ||||||
| 51 | Terence Atmane | ||||||
| 58 | Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard | ||||||
| 71 | Valentin Royer | ||||||
| 73 | Arthur Cazaux | ||||||
| 93 | Quentin Halys | ||||||
Novak Djokovic joins Arthur Fils in French Open concerns
Of course, Fils’ withdrawal hasn’t been the biggest storyline to hit the Italian Open, with Carlos Alcaraz having been forced to withdraw beforehand.
The Spaniard is missing the tournament with a wrist injury, which has also unfortunately ruled him out of Roland Garros.
He will be a huge miss at this year’s clay-court Grand Slam, which he won last year after an unforgettable final victory over Jannik Sinner.
And there is even a worry for 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic as the tournament in Paris nears, albeit for a different reason.
Djokovic looked good in Italian Open practice, but the Serbian suffered a shock defeat to Dino Prizmic in his opening match.
How concerned are you about Novak Djokovic heading into Roland Garros?
Such form on the clay will be a real concern for his fans, although he has proven time and again that he can reach another level entirely when the Grand Slams arrive.
Fortunately Djokovic’s worries are not injury-related, but Fils would be a huge miss at Roland Garros should his problem be another lengthy one, particularly with Alcaraz already out of the event.
All three are players who pose a genuine threat to Sinner’s dominance of men’s tennis right now, which could very easily continue at the French Open, where he can complete the career Grand Slam.
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