French Open 2023 Preview: Who will make the most of Nadals absence? | In Focus podcast
This year\u2019s French Open, which is starting on May 28th, will take place in the looming shadow of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal\u2019s absence. It is also expected that this year could finally mark the long overdue transition in men\u2019s tennis \u2013 from the domination of the Big Three of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, to the next generation of players led by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner. \nOn the women\u2019s side, defending champion Iga Swiatek is under an injury cloud \u2013 though its reportedly not serious -- and it\u2019s a typically open field, defined by a growing rivalry between this year\u2019s Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. It is also possible that we could see a completely new women\u2019s Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros this time. \nWho are favourites? Who are the dark horses? And can Djokovic take advantage of Nadal\u2019s absence to notch up a record 23rd Grand Slam?