Rafael Nadal waves as he leaves the court after losing to Alexander Zverev during their first round match of the French Open at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean ...

Tennis In the post-Rafael Nadal era of the French Open, uncertainty is king Past champions Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek aren’t in top form as they head to Roland Garros.

As the French Open enters a new, post-Rafa era this year, there are a couple of prevailing sentiments among tennis players.

FILE - Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a shot against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 27, 2024.

Nadal went 8-2 against Djokovic in the French Open — accounting for about 15% of all of Djokovic's lifetime Grand Slam losses anywhere — and 6-0 against Federer. “What a legend.

Nadal went 8-2 against Djokovic in the French Open — accounting for about 15% of all of Djokovic’s lifetime Grand Slam losses anywhere — and 6-0 against Federer. “What a legend.

Nadal went 8-2 against Djokovic in the French Open — accounting for about 15% of all of Djokovic’s lifetime Grand Slam losses anywhere — and 6-0 against Federer. “What a legend.

FILE – Spain’s Rafael Nadal bites the trophy after winning the final match against Norway’s Casper Ruud in three sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros ...