THE COVID-19 SITUATION

After three pandemic-prompted lockdowns, restrictions have been eased in France, so following limited attendance a year ago because of coronavirus concerns, the crowds will be back in full force — and, if the rest of Paris is any indication, sans masks.

Being unvaccinated against COVID-19is not an impediment to travel in France, as long as foreigners pass a test, so Djokovic will be competing, unlike at the Australian Open in January.

WHO IS MISSING?

Serena Williams, who hasn’t played since getting injured at Wimbledon last year, and her sister, Venus, who last competed at Chicago in August, are not in the women’s bracket. Neither is 2021finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, whose season is done because of an injured knee. Among those out of the men’s field are Roger Federer, sidelined since last July; 2021

Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini, who had wrist surgery; and two players who pride themselves on an ability to entertain, Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils.

AU REVOIR

A pair of 37-year-old Frenchmen who reached the top 10in the rankings are bidding adieu: 2008Australian Open runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon. This is Tsonga’s last tournament; Simon is retiring after the season.

“I just feel lucky, because I was able to live this life,” Tsonga said.

DECIDING-SET TIEBREAKERS

Women’s matches that go to 6-all in a third set and men’s that go to 6-all in a fifth will conclude with first-to-10-point tiebreakers. It’s the first time deciding-set tiebreakers will be used at Roland Garros, part of an agreement announced in March for all Grand Slam tournaments to adopt the same system.