The remaining ‘Big Four’ no more? With Rafael Nadal on the cusp of retirement and Andy Murray struggling more and more each day, we now have Novak Djokovic with his flame burning out slowly. Rafa’s return has been met with more injuries and struggles against several players. Murray has not been able to show a convincing performance since he won the 2023 Nottingham challenger. Now, the Djoker is seemingly going down the same path. To amp up the worry of the tennis world, a prominent tennis figure believes that all three might exit by the end of this year.

Most recently, the Tennis Channel podcast Inside-In welcomed back journalist Chris Clarey for a hot take on the recently concluded Italian Open (Masters 1000) in Rome. Host Mitch Michals and Clarey dissected the exciting matches and surprising results. With the French Open (Roland Garros) about to begin, Clarey dived deep into the upcoming clay-court showdown. A key topic? Novak Djokovic’s form and his chances of defending his Roland Garros title.

Pointing out how Djokovic has found himself at the end of the rope several times recently, Clarey said, “Is he somebody we should be thinking his career is ending? No, I don’t believe that but you know if he goes through the whole season and things don’t go his way it’s not unthinkable that we could see Nadal, Murray and Djokovic all by the end of 2024 moving on from tennis, it’s not unthinkable at all.”

Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title earlier this year, but still fought an impressive battle till the semifinal and achieved another semifinal run in the Monte-Carlo Masters. However, the Indian Wells Masters and the Italian Open would have him exit in the round of 32 and withdrawal respectively. With his performances erratic, Chris Clarey believes he could hang up the racquet, along with the remaining members of the ‘Big Four’.

While Murray has achieved two victories in only one tournament this year, Rafa returned with a great show in Brisbane, but injuries sidelined him again. Furthermore, his best result came in the Madrid Open, with a round of 16 run. Djokovic recently lost in the Geneva Open semifinal despite beveling his opponent in the second set, 4-6, 6-0, 1-6. 

With all three future legends struggling, they will enter the French Open with their own obstacles in the first round. There is only one question in the minds of fans…

How will the remaining three of the ‘Big Four’ fare in the Roland-Garros?

Rafael Nadal has the most intense and saddening challenge going into the tournament, where he is best. He is set to face the Italian Open champion, Alexander Zverev, who is only getting better with each passing day. The chances for Rafa’s win are minute, but Djokovic has faith that the 14-time champion is a different beast on the Parisian clay.

Murray has an interesting match-up, as he will face Stan Wawrinka. They aren’t far apart, given their recent performances, as both are struggling immensely. The two three-time Grand Slam champions have played each other 6 times on clay, along with an additional match in a clay challenger tournament. Wawrinka has won 6 of their 7 clay clashes. Victory can go to anyone, which makes the match a must-see.

Djokovic will face local favorite Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a wildcard entrant. He will play in the main draw of an ATP Tour tournament for the first time this year, which gives Djokovic a very good chance of winning. How do you think the tournament will shape the three?