The big names in men’s tennis are preparing to battle for the only title that doesn’t bring them financial reward. But Olympic gold means so much more than that.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are about to begin. Roland Garros will look very different from the stage we are used to from Roland Garros.

With new signage around the court and the Olympic rings confirming what will be a very special few days of tennis at Roland Garros, the tennis world will hold its breath as the battle for the gold medal heats up.

Here are our top five predictions for what to expect in Paris, with one outstanding artist as the clear favorite:

ALCARAZ THE KING

Can someone stop Carlos Alcaraz?

The answer to that question was a resounding no at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The 21-year-old Spaniard joined a select group of players who have won a Grand Slam on both clay and grass.

Now the ever-cheerful Alcaraz heads into the Olympics as the big favorite to win the gold medal for Spain, and his recent form confirms that he is the man to beat.

Alcaraz defeated top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and managed to beat reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in the final.

He then defeated Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, confirming his status as the top player in men’s tennis.

Verdict: If Alcaraz is not cynical after his heroics of the past few weeks, he should win the gold medal.

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NOVAK’S LAST MISSION

Novak Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. However, he does not seem to be in the shape to make his dream come true.

Djokovic will return to the tennis court after suffering a knee injury last month that forced him to withdraw from Roland Garros before his quarter-final match.

He underwent surgery on his knee and although he fought back impressively to reach the Wimbledon final, he was clearly still far from his best performance when Alcaraz condemned him to a crushing defeat in the final.

His form against opponents in 2024 does not suggest that Djokovic’s Olympic dream will come true in his final Games, but this champion can never be written off.

Verdict: Djokovic admits he is not playing at the same level as Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and that he needs to make a huge improvement to challenge for gold.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE SINNER

World number 1 Jannik Sinner has already achieved fame as a player for Italy, with his exploits in the Davis Cup in Malaga last November, including a victory over Djokovic.

He should have recovered by now from the illness that hampered his Wimbledon quarter-final against Daniil Medvedev, but some cracks have appeared in his armour in recent weeks.

Sinner’s defeat by Alcaraz at Roland Garros confirmed that he may be a step behind the Spaniard at the moment. Incidentally, he is not always in good shape on clay.

Verdict: A medal for Sinner, but no gold.

THE DEFENDING CHAMPION

Alexander Zverev should be a real contender in Paris.

The German won a gold medal at the 2020 Games and expects to repeat that medal on a tennis court in Paris, where he has produced some of his best tennis performances.

In three-set matches, Zverev can beat anyone in the world if he delivers a great serve. It will be fascinating to see where he stands now that he is in the top four of the ATP rankings.

Verdict: Alcaraz’s biggest challenger.

WHO SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR?

Frenchman Arthur Fils is one to watch after his impressive run of results at the ATP 500 event in Hamburg.

American Taylor Fritz also believes he has a shot at a medal, as he has had a good run. His performances on clay this year give him more confidence.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will also receive a lot of attention after he showed an encouraging comeback in recent days in Bastad, Sweden.

A medal may be too much to ask for for Nadal, but if you forget about this Roland Garros icon, you do so at your own peril.

Casper Ruud is a contender, as he has an impressive track record on clay at Roland Garros. However, it remains a point of concern whether he can achieve victory at the right time.

Verdict: Fritz is a contender for a medal if he has a bit of luck in the draw.