Being the No. 2 seed at Roland Garros this year holds major implications, literally—it means that player can avoid No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner until the final. Given the Italian’s recent run of form—he’s won the last five Masters 1000 events in a row, including two on clay in Monte Carlo and Madrid—it’s an ideal spot to be in.
But there’s some good news for Djokovic, as he’s still projected to be the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in Paris, whatever happens in Rome.
Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, both have a chance to pass Djokovic for the No. 4 ranking in Rome, but they can’t both do it, as they both not only need the title to achieve the feat, but they’re on the same half of the draw, too, so only one of them can even reach the final.
That means Djokovic will be among the Top 4 seeds in Paris and avoid Sinner (and Zverev) until at least the semifinals.
The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds are placed at random in either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed’s half of the draw at all tour-level events.
