With Roger Federer not coming to Paris and Rafael Nadal withdrawing from the tournament, it is easy to forget that history can still take place in Paris.  Sure Federer ended his record consecutive Grand Slam appearance streak.  Rafa will not win a 10th Roland Garros title in 2016.  That doesn’t mean the biggest history on the line in Paris is off the table.  Rather, two big historical accomplishments remain very possible.

Belum Kehilangan Set, Djokovic Maju ke Babak Keempat https://t.co/aj3qbygKYV

— Johan Abdul (@JohanAbdl) May 28, 2016

Novak Djokovic can complete his career Grand Slam and join Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal as players to complete a career Grand Slam since Rod Laver’s last calendar slam in 1969.  Of course, Laver won that Grand Slam on two different surfaces: grass and clay.  Novak Djokovic could complete his career Grand Slam by being the reigning champion at all 4 majors.  These majors are contested on red clay, grass, decoturf 2*, and plexicushion.  Maybe the two hard court surfaces more or less are one surface.  Still, it is not as straightforward to be the reigning champion at all 4 majors as it was in 1969.  Novak is on the cusp of something incredible.  Roger Federer was one match shy of accomplishing this feat when he fell in the 2006 and 2007 Roland Garros championship matches. Novak was one match away from this accomplishment when he fell in the 2012 Roland Garros final.  Novak has another chance to be the king of all 4 slams at once.

World No.1 @SerenaWilliams starts @RolandGarros title defense with 6-2, 6-0 win over Rybarikova! #RG16 pic.twitter.com/ob4GlWWfbR

— WTA (@WTA) May 24, 2016

Serena Williams completed her second Serena Slam after winning Wimbledon 2015. Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, and Margaret Court have been the reigning champion at all 4 majors. Steffi Graf and Margaret Court won the calendar Grand Slam as well.  Serena is not seeking another Serena Slam in Paris this year.  However, she could tie Steffi Graf’s 22 major titles and close in on Margaret Court’s 24 major titles.  This notable event could take place in Paris.

So while many tennis fans have expressed regret about some of the absences in Paris, it is well worth our time to see what happens in week 2 at Roland Garros.

* What is decoturf 1?