Musetti, a Roland Garros 2025 semifinalist, announced on social media on 13/5 that he sustained a thigh muscle injury while competing at the Italian Open this week. This marks another setback for the clay-court Grand Slam, as numerous prominent players are facing various fitness issues.

Musetti during his loss to Ruud on Centre Court at the Foro Italico tennis complex, Rome, Italy on 11/5. *Photo: Reuters*

Last month, reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to a wrist injury. Novak Djokovic, a three-time Roland Garros winner, has played only one match on clay this season because of a shoulder injury. The Serbian player also appeared unwell when he lost to Dino Prizmic in Rome last week.

Former world number 4 Jack Draper is absent from the clay-court season due to a right knee injury. Roland Garros 2024 runner-up Alexander Zverev continues to be troubled by back issues, while rising star Arthur Fils withdrew from his opening match in Rome because of a hip injury.

Against this backdrop, Jannik Sinner has become an even stronger contender for the Roland Garros title. The world number one player was already considered the top favorite for the trophy in Paris in early June. His Italian compatriot Musetti's withdrawal further smooths Sinner's path to the championship.

Sinner is experiencing an almost perfect first half of 2026. He has not lost a match since February, winning 4 consecutive tournaments, all of them Masters 1000 events. In his 26-match winning streak, Sinner has dropped only two sets, with more than half of those victories coming on clay. The Italian player will face Andrey Rublev in the Rome Masters quarterfinals at 18h today, 14/5 (Hanoi time).

Sinner practicing on Centre Court at the Foro Italico tennis complex, Rome, Italy on 12/5. *Photo: Reuters*

Casper Ruud, ranked world number 25 and a two-time Roland Garros finalist, could pose the most significant challenge to Sinner. This scenario would only materialize if a calf injury does not hinder the Norwegian player. Ruud is also competing in the Rome Masters 1000 semifinals and will face home player Luciano Darderi tomorrow, 15/5.

This year's Roland Garros main draw begins on 24/5. The men's singles final is scheduled for 7/6. The reigning men's singles champion is Alcaraz, and the women's singles champion is Coco Gauff.

By Vy Anh