Who on earth is winning this French Open? Ranking the first-time grand slam champion contenders

Sinner Defeat at French Open Leaves Zverev and Djokovic Among Leading Title Contenders Jannik Sinner’s fourth-round loss at the 2025 French Open on 1 June in Paris has removed the world number one from the draw at Roland Garros, leaving Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic among the players still eligible to contest the title. The Italian’s defeat ended a run that had included three prior Grand Slam victories and came against a lower-ranked opponent.

The Shock Exit

Sinner entered the tournament on a 22-match winning streak yet fell in straight sets on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Tournament officials confirmed the result through the official Roland Garros website and ATP media releases. No official statement from Sinner’s team was issued immediately after the match, consistent with standard post-match protocols. The outcome has shifted attention to the remaining draw and the opportunities now available to other competitors.

Background on the French Open and Clay-Court Tennis

The French Open, held annually at Stade Roland Garros since 1891, is the only Grand Slam contested on clay. Matches are best-of-five sets, with slower ball speeds and higher bounce favouring baseline consistency over raw power. Historical data from the ATP show that players with prior clay-court titles have dominated the event. Sinner’s pre-tournament record on clay stood at 28 wins and 12 losses, according to ATP statistics. These surface characteristics continue to shape the tactical demands placed on every remaining contender.

Remaining Contenders Without Prior Grand Slam Titles

Several players yet to win a major remain in contention. Alexander Zverev, the 2020 US Open runner-up and 2024 Olympic champion, has reached the semifinals or better at Roland Garros on three previous occasions. Novak Djokovic, already holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, continues to pursue a record-extending 25th but is not counted among first-time winners. Other names frequently cited by analysts include Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti, both of whom have recorded victories on clay this season. Attribution for these assessments rests with tournament commentary and performance records released by the ATP.

Implications for the Later Stages

The removal of the top seed alters the path through the quarter-finals and beyond. Zverev’s experience on the surface and Djokovic’s record in major events provide clear reference points for assessing likely progress. The tournament schedule will now determine which of these players can sustain performance levels across the remaining best-of-five-set matches. Observers will watch closely for adjustments in strategy that reflect the physical demands of clay. The competition at Roland Garros continues with these altered dynamics, and the eventual champion will be decided by results on the court in the coming days.

By Erica Thornton, Staff Writer