Jannik Sinner suffered a shock exit in the second round of the French Open 2026 on Thursday. The World No. 1 lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 1-6, 1-6, making a way for the likes of Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic.
In the absence of the World No. 2 and the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian was favourite to win the second Roland-Garros title and complete his career Grand Slam. But, with a surprise exit in the second round, the winning odds have changed completely in favor of the 24-time Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian legend is seeded third in Paris, behind Sinner and Zverev. Djokovic, who made it to the semifinals of all four majors last season and the final of the Australian Open early this year, is through to the third round after impressive wins against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Valentin Royer.
Novak Djokovic is a three-time French Open champion and is chasing his record 25th Grand Slam title, beginning with the 2024 season. The 39-year-old has struggled with injury and fitness issues in the last few seasons, but remains mentally strong on the tour.
The former World No. 1 came close to winning his 25th major in Melbourne this year. He stunned Sinner in a five-set thriller in the semifinals, but fell to Alcaraz in the final after a four-set battle at Melbourne Park.
Now, at the clay major, Djokovic is looking fit enough to bid for his 25th Grand Slam title. He was projected to meet Sinner in the semifinals, but the Italian exited the tournament early; the Serb will look to push his luck.
Also read: French Open 2026: Novak Djokovic's path to a record 25th grand slam has begun in Paris
However, Djokovic faces a tough challenge in the form of Joao Fonseca, the 28th-seeded Brazilian sensation, in the third round in Paris on Friday, May 29.
