Despite a brief absence from competitive play, Jannik Sinner has shown remarkable resilience. Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian tennis player, believes that if Sinner intends to reach the final at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is his primary challenger. Sinner made his comeback at the Italian Open after a three-month doping suspension, and he immediately made an impact, reaching the final where he faced world No. 2 Alcaraz. Although Sinner was impressive throughout the tournament, he ultimately lost to Alcaraz, marking Alcaraz’s fourth consecutive victory against him, making Alcaraz the only player to defeat Sinner more than once in the last two years.
Both Sinner and Alcaraz are expected to be top contenders for the championship at Roland Garros this season, and they have yet to face each other in a grand slam final. Kokkinakis confidently opined that if both players make it to the final, Alcaraz would be the only one capable of challenging Sinner, although he acknowledged Sinner as the slight favourite given his recent form. He highlighted Sinner’s strength and preparedness, stating that despite the absence of lead-up tournaments, Sinner was likely training vigorously during his suspension.
In the wake of his recovery, Kokkinakis will miss the 2025 tournament due to ongoing rehabilitation from a pectoral injury, for which he underwent surgery in February. He expressed disappointment over a challenging year but remains optimistic about returning to the clay courts in Paris next year.
While Kokkinakis prepares for his own comeback, he will be keeping an eye on fellow Australian Alex de Minaur, who is gearing up for the grand slam event. Kokkinakis believes that de Minaur has solidified his place among the world’s top players and sees him as a strong contender, despite facing a tricky opening match against Laslo Djere. As the ninth seed, de Minaur has the odds in his favour and is expected to perform well, especially in a five-set match, where his fitness and speed could prove advantageous.
As the tennis world anticipates the unfolding events at Roland Garros, the competition among these top players adds excitement to the upcoming tournament.