Alexander Zverev’s path to a first Grand Slam title just became significantly more difficult after Jannik Sinner’s shock withdrawal from the French Open. The Italian, who entered as the top seed and was leading his quarterfinal against Karen Khachanov before retiring due to a right thigh injury, was Zverev’s most direct threat in Paris.

With Sinner out, the German No. 3 seed now faces a more crowded field in his quest for the trophy at the Stade Roland Garros. Here’s what changes for Zverev—and what it means for his title chances—as the tournament enters its final eight.

Sinner’s Exit: The Moment That Changed Everything

Sinner’s withdrawal came after he led 6-3, 2-1 against Khachanov in their quarterfinal clash on Saturday, June 1. The Italian, who had been playing through a nagging thigh issue that flared up during his semifinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz, was forced to retire when the pain became unbearable.

Key verified details:

• Sinner’s right thigh injury was first reported during his semifinal against Alcaraz, where he played through discomfort to win 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.
• Official tournament medical staff confirmed the retirement was due to “severe muscle strain” in the right thigh.
• Sinner’s withdrawal means he will not defend his 2023 French Open title, which he won in straight sets.

For Zverev, this is both good and bad news. While Sinner’s absence removes his biggest rival in the tournament, it also means Zverev will now face a more physically demanding semifinal against the winner of the Alcaraz-Khachanov matchup—both of whom are in outstanding form.

Zverev’s New Challenges: A More Crowded Title Race

Before Sinner’s withdrawal, Zverev’s path to the final appeared relatively clear. He would have faced either Sinner or Khachanov in the semifinals, with Khachanov being the more manageable opponent. Now, Zverev must navigate a potential semifinal against either:

• Carlos Alcaraz (No. 2 seed): The 2022 US Open champion is playing his best clay-court tennis of the season, having defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
• Karen Khachanov (No. 16 seed): The Russian has been Zverev’s nemesis on clay, having beaten him in their last three meetings, including their 2023 French Open quarterfinal.

Zverev’s schedule in Paris has been relatively kind to him so far, but his physical resilience will be tested in the coming days. The German has already played five matches in Roland Garros, including a grueling five-set quarterfinal victory over Frances Tiafoe that lasted nearly three hours.

Zverev’s Recent Form: Strengths and Weaknesses

Zverev’s run to the semifinals has been built on his signature serve-and-volley game, which has thrived on the slower clay courts. Here’s how he’s performed in his first six matches:

Zverev’s biggest challenge in the coming matches will be maintaining his serve-and-volley aggression while managing his energy levels. His first-serve percentage has dipped slightly in the later rounds and his return game—while solid—has been his weakest area compared to his peers.

Zverev vs. Khachanov: A Clay-Court Rivalry

If Zverev advances to the final, he will face his biggest test of the tournament: Karen Khachanov. The two have met five times on clay, with Khachanov holding a 3-2 advantage. Their most recent encounter came at the 2023 French Open, where Khachanov defeated Zverev in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

“Khachanov is a tough opponent for anyone, but especially on clay. He’s got that large serve and a great return game. If I’m going to win this tournament, I need to be at my best against him.”

Khachanov’s path to the final has been less eventful than Zverev’s. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals in straight sets, showcasing his ability to close out matches efficiently. If he reaches the final, he will be the favorite to win the title, according to betting odds.

Semifinal Showdowns: Who Will Face Zverev?

The next two semifinals will determine Zverev’s opponent in the final. Here are the confirmed matchups and times (all local, Paris time / UTC+2):

If Alcaraz wins his semifinal, he will become the first player since Rafael Nadal in 2014 to reach two consecutive French Open finals. Zverev, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on the momentum from his quarterfinal victory over Tiafoe.

How to Watch and Stay Updated

For fans looking to follow the French Open, here are the official ways to stay updated:

• Live Streaming: Matches are available on rolandgarros.com (official site) and Tennis.com.
• Official Updates: Follow @rolandgarros on X/Twitter for real-time information.
• Next Match: Zverev’s semifinal begins Monday, June 3, at 15:00 (3:00 PM) Paris time / 13:00 UTC.

The Road to the Final: What’s Next for Zverev

As Zverev prepares for his semifinal match, the stakes could not be higher. A victory would send him to his first Grand Slam final, where he would face either Alcaraz or Khachanov—a player who has already beaten him twice on clay.

One thing is certain: the French Open is no longer a two-horse race. With Sinner out, the tournament has opened up, and Zverev will need to be at his absolute best to claim his first major trophy.

Who do you think will win the French Open this year? Share your predictions in the comments below.