A sad record at Roland Garros 2026

Roland Garros - Ảnh 1. — Novak Djokovic has yet to win his 25th Grand Slam title - Photo: AFP

When the tournament started, fans expected the dominance of the champions, with 5 players who had previously lifted the men's singles Grand Slam trophy: Novak Djokovic (24 titles), Jannik Sinner (4), Stan Wawrinka (3), Marin Cilic (1), and Daniil Medvedev (1). Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz was unfortunately absent due to injury. However, after only one week of competition, all 5 champions were eliminated from the tournament.

The seismic shift began with world number one Jannik Sinner. Leading world number 56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first two sets, the Italian star unexpectedly suffered a serious decline in fitness before losing 2-3. Just 24 hours later, legend Novak Djokovic stepped onto the Philippe-Chatrier court as the only remaining Grand Slam champion.

Facing 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca, Djokovic easily took the first two sets with the same score of 6-4. However, at the age of 39, the Serbian player was unable to deliver the finishing blow and was defeated by his opponent. Djokovic then showed clear signs of fatigue and repeatedly had to use ice packs to cool down.

Fonseca's youthful energy and thunderous forehand helped the young player stage a spectacular comeback to win 3-2 (4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5) after a match that lasted nearly 5 hours. This was only the second time in his illustrious career that Djokovic lost a match after leading by two sets (the first time was in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2010).

The elimination of Sinner and Djokovic has created a huge void but also opened up a historic opportunity for those who remain. With no major champions left in the draw, Roland Garros 2026 will undoubtedly crown a new Grand Slam champion.

At this point, fans' hopes are pinned on a group of veteran players who have experienced the atmosphere of a major final. Currently, only three such names remain in the tournament: second seed Alexander Zverev (3 Grand Slam finals), Casper Ruud (3 times), and Matteo Berrettini (1 time).

Among them, Casper Ruud – a two-time runner-up in Paris – is considered the strongest contender thanks to his endurance on clay. This is especially true after his thrilling victory over Tommy Paul in the third round, securing his place in the next round.

Despite bringing about a disappointing record with the simultaneous defeat of many big names, Roland Garros 2026 offers new hope for contemporary tennis. It can be seen as a turning point, where the younger generation, like Joao Fonseca, and players yearning for major titles such as Zverev and Ruud, can officially step up.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-luc-buon-o-roland-garros-2026-20260531100100106.htm