HOW THE LEADING MEN'S CONTENDERS AND BEST AUSSIE HOPE SHAPE UP FOR THE FRENCH OPEN STARTING ON SUNDAY:

CARLOS ALCARAZ (ESP)

Age: 20

Ranking: 1

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US15,536,017

Career titles: 10

Grand slam titles: 1 (US Open 2022)

French Open win-loss record: 6-2

Best French Open result: quarter-finalist 2022

With no Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros since before Facebook existed, the stage looks very much set for his 20-year-old compatriot, world No.1 and title favourite to complete the perfect changing of the guard in Paris.

DANIIL MEDVEDEV (RUS) 

Age: 27

Ranking: 2

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US31,343,187

Career titles: 20

Grand slam titles: 1 (US Open 2021)

French Open win-loss record: 7-6

Best French Open result: quarter-finalist 2022

It wasn't so long ago the Russian was moaning about how much he hated playing on clay. But with a timely first title on the surface coming in Rome, maybe the mercurial Muscovite needs to be taken seriously, especially without Nadal.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB)

Age: 36

Ranking: 3

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US167,296,242

Career titles: 93

Grand slam titles: 22 (Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023; French Open 2016, 2021; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022; US Open 2011, 2015, 2018)

French Open win-loss record: 85-16

Best French Open results: champion 2016, 2021; runner-up 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020

The Serb's surgically repaired elbow has proven an issue of late but, with history and an unprecedented 23rd men's grand slam singles crown at stake, expect the 22-times major winner to rise to the occasion once again. 

CASPER RUUD (NOR)

Age: 24

Ranking: 4

Plays: right-handed (one-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US14,159,428

Career titles: 10

Grand slam titles: 0

French Open win-loss record: 13-5

Best French Open result: runner-up 2022

After being pummelled by Nadal in last year's final, the Norwegian senses an opportunity in the great Spaniard's absence. Nine of his career titles have come on clay, including his latest in Estoril last month.

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS (GRE)

Age: 24

Ranking: 5

Plays: right-handed (one-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US25,960,665

Career titles: 9

Grand slam titles: 0

French Open win-loss record: 18-6

Best French Open result: runner-up 2021

The Greek superstar continues to knock on the grand slam door, losing to Djokovic in the Australian Open final in January after surrendering a two-set lead against the Serb in the Roland Garros decider two years ago.

HOLGER RUNE (DEN)

Age: 20

Ranking: 6

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US4,914,007

Career titles: 4

Grand slam titles: 0

French Open win-loss record: 4-1

Best French Open result: quarter-finalist 2022

The young Dane's breakout run to last year's quarter-finals is proving anything but a fluke. Has already reached three claycourt finals in 2023, winning in Munich, and beaten Djokovic, Ruud and dual Roland Garros runner-up Dominic Thiem on the surface.

BEST OUTSIDER

JANNIK SINNER (ITA)

Age: 21

Ranking: 8

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US8,674,960

Career titles: 7

Grand slam titles: 0

French Open win-loss record: 10-3

Best French Open results: quarter-finalist 2020

It seems a matter of when, not if, the young Italian breaks through for grand slam glory. Has enjoyed a consistent claycourt season and made the second week three times in Paris, including falling twice to Nadal.

BEST AUSSIE HOPE

ALEX DE MINAUR

Age: 24

Ranking: 19

Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Career prize money: $US8,952,730

Career titles: 7

Grand slam titles: 0

French Open win-loss record: 2-6

Best French Open results: second round 2019, 2021

The Australian No.1 has made some more progress on clay this campaign and as 18th seed has a draw promising enough to raise hopes of a first-time foray to the second week.