Carlos Alcaraz, the very young world N.1, and Novak Djokovic are nevertheless the main contenders for the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

But, lurking just behind, a pack with a sharp appetite presses, led by the unexpected Daniil Medvedev, who discovers an unknown taste for clay with his most recent title in Rome, his first on ochre.

In the opening on Centre Court, a confrontation beyond the sporting stakes will oppose the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, world N.2 and candidate for the title, to the Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk (28th).

The latter considers the tennis authorities too accommodating towards Russian and Belarusian players since the invasion of her country.

At the 2022 US Open, Kostyuk refused to exchange a handshake with another Belarusian, former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka.

The regulars of Roland-Garros will not hear this year the little ritornelle formed by the long list of the legendary record of Nadal on the Parisian clay.

Soon to be 37 years old, the Mallorcan, victim of a stubborn muscle injury, is out of the circuit for an indefinite period, hoping to live a last season on the circuit in 2024.

Roland-Garros © Vincent LEFAI / AFP

In his absence, Alcaraz, the new winning face of Spanish tennis, and Djokovic, seeking a record 23rd Grand Slam trophy, are the two most serious contenders for victory.

"Story at stake"

"Even if +Rafa+ had been there, I would not have given myself less chances to win," dares the first, who became the youngest world N.1 in history last September in the wake of his first Grand Slam title, at the US Open.

Roland-Garros © / AFP

Nevertheless, "it was difficult to imagine how it will be this year without him," admits "Carlitos" who, like Djokovic, will launch his Parisian fortnight on Monday.

No one has won more matches on clay than the young Spaniard in 2023: twenty in 22 matches played. This earned him three titles: Buenos Aires, Barcelona and especially Madrid.

Djokovic, who has demonstrated time and again his clinical science of the most prestigious appointments, has the opportunity, for the first time, to take the lead alone in the race for the record of Grand Slam titles, ahead of Nadal (22). Even though they have only won five matches on ochre this season and lost three...

"From the point of view of play and form, if you compare his of the last few months to mine, I think he (Alcaraz) is the No. 1 favourite. Regardless of the fact that he won a Grand Slam and I won 22," said the 36-year-old Serb.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (center) greets spectators at Roland Garros before an exhibition match on the Parisian clay on May 27, 2023 © Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP

"But Grand Slams are like a different sport. I have the experience to myself," he said.

"For sure the fact that history is at stake is very motivating," Djokovic said.

Pouille never leaves court N.14

Of the six other potential winners identified, Medvedev (2nd), Stefanos Tsitsipas (5th), Holger Rune (6th), Jannik Sinner (8th), Andrey Rublev (7th) and Casper Ruud (4th), the outgoing finalist, two enter the competition on Sunday: Tsitsipas against the Czech tumble in the ranking Jiry Vesely, and Rublev against the Serbian Laslo Djere (57th).

France's Lucas Pouille during his quarterfinal against Russia's Andrey Rublev during the tournament in Marseille (southern France) on February 18, 2022 © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP

Lucas Pouille, who made a place in the main draw after experiencing a descent into hell, has been granted: he will find court N.14, the one that has succeeded him throughout qualifying.

Ironically, he will also meet his opponent in the third round, the Austrian Jurij Rodionov, "lucky loser".

Also on the program, two 100% French duels, between Ugo Humbert, the French N.1 of the moment, and Adrian Mannarino, and between the left-hander Corentin Moutet and Arthur Cazaux.

The French N.2 Alizé Cornet (62nd), who lives her 19th Roland-Garros at 33 years old, starts on Sunday, against the Italian Camila Giorgi (37th).

Caroline Garcia, world N.5 and best French chance despite her torments in recent months, will enter the competition on Monday. Iga Swiatek, world No. 1 and outgoing champion, will wait until Tuesday.

© 2023 AFP