The initial favourite in this wacky race was India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran who after exiting in the third round of the qualifying tournament quit Paris for a challenger tournament in Italy.
Gunneswaran had already confirmed his entry in Vicenza, so could not do a u-turn to play at Roland Garros. But the rule book has thrown up a loophole, if the Vicenza director gives him a release.
The avalanche of withdrawals has seen the most lucky losers make the 128-man field in Paris since the Open era began 50 years ago, and there is a reason for this.
In an effort to stop injured players taking the court to collect their money in Grand Slams, a rule change means they will still receive 50 per cent of their first round money if they withdraw. The other half goes to the lucky loser who takes their place.
Kyrgios has an elbow problem and has not played a singles match for eight weeks. He said it was "too risky" to test the injury out in potentially long matches on clay.
