Defending champion Novak Djokovic’s erratic form, Rafael Nadal’s fitness woes and untimely injuries to top-ranked youngsters have set up an uncertain French Open men’s tournament with players on the fringe of Grand Slam success sensing a golden opportunity.

Single-handedly carrying the flag for the “Big Three” last year following Roger Federer’s retirement and in Rafael Nadal’s prolonged absence due to a hip issue, Djokovic mowed down all challengers to nearly complete a sweep of the four majors.

But the sparkling form that helped the 37-year-old go level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam trophies has evaporated in the first five months of 2024 and tame defeats have hurt his rhythm ahead of his bid for a fourth Paris crown.

gers to nearly complete a sweep of the four majors.

But the sparkling form that helped the 37-year-old go level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam trophies has evaporated in the first five months of 2024 and tame defeats have hurt his rhythm ahead of his bid for a fourth Paris crown.

Perhaps the biggest blow came in Rome earlier this month as Djokovic was thrashed by Alejandro Tabilo two days after a freak accident in which he was hit on the head by a fan’s water bottle while signing autographs.

“Everything needs to be better in order for me to have at least a chance to win (the French Open),” said Djokovic, who has failed to win a tournament in the first 4-1/2 months of the season for the first time since 2018.

Adding to the minor crisis at the top of the men’s game in recent weeks is a hip injury to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner that threatens to hamper the 22-year-old Italian’s hopes of winning a second major and becoming the world No 1.

Spain’s Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz joined Sinner in skipping Rome and the 21-year-old is working his way back from a right forearm issue that also forced him out of Monte Carlo and derailed his Madrid title defence.

His compatriot Nadal enjoyed a run to the fourth round in the Spanish capital but the 14-times Paris champion missed his favourite major in 2023 with a hip injury and faces a challenge to win the title again if he continues to play within himself.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner returned to the tour after nearly a year out in January but suffered another muscle problem and will hope for the best in what is likely to be his final French Open appearance in his farewell season.