Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘dangerous’ confession about Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz insists there are several players in contention to win the French Open title, but he also concedes that the top three of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and himself “are becoming more dangerous” for the chasing pack.

Ahead of the 2024 clay-court Grand Slam, many respected pundits declared that the men’s side of the draw was wide open due as Djokovic was out of form, Alcaraz and Sinner were struggling with injuries while 14-time champion Rafael Nadal was still nursing his way back following his lengthy layoff.

Meanwhile, the likes of Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud were also tipped for possible glory after they won clay titles in the lead-up to Roland Garros.

But a few rounds into the tournament and Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz are looking imperious and it is clear they will be there or thereabouts when it comes to the latter rounds of the French Open.

World No 3 Alcaraz, who booked his place in the fourth round with an impressive 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over Sebastian Korda, admits the top three seeds are starting to find their rhythm.

“I still think that there is a big group of players who can become champion here. It is true that Sinner, Djokovic and I are getting into a rhythm and gaining confidence as the rounds go by. I think it is as if we are becoming more dangerous for the rest.

“However, anything can happen, there is great equality and the level of the matches that are coming up now, starting with the round of 16, is going to be very high and demanding for everyone.”

The 7 Spanish men to win French Open: Can Carlos Alcaraz become No 8?

Alcaraz will face either 15th seed Ben Shelton or 21st seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round while a quarter-final while he is projected to meet Tsitsipas in the quarter-final and Sinner in the semi-final.

There was further good news for Alcaraz as the forearm problem that forced him to miss the Italian Open seems to be getting better.

“Today was a more demanding match for me. At some point I forget about everything and I hit the forehand normally,” the two-time Grand Slam winner said. “I think during the whole match, I hit my forehand really well, with more intensity. In the second set tie-break I hit [some good forehands]. I miss this kind of forehand, this kind of moments. I felt really well after those shots.”

The Spaniard also addressed the changes to his serve at Roland Garros and, although he insists it is “nothing drastic”, he hopes it will lead to better performances.

“We’ve been working on making my movement more fluid; I changed the way I throw the ball to myself and I’m looking to hit it higher,” he explained.

“These are small adjustments that I think can be very useful. It’s nothing drastic, but it is a change in the mechanics that can help me to serve better.”

Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz showdown at French Open has a clear winner