French Open 2026: Intriguing Draws and Matches to Watch
The 2026 French Open kicks off at Roland Garros on Sunday. The draws for the men’s and women’s singles have revealed some exciting first-round matches. These draws outline the possible paths for the defending champion and other competitors searching for glory in the year’s second Grand Slam event.
The Women’s Draw: Challenges and Opportunities
The women’s tournament reveals a stark contrast between the top and bottom halves. The top half features last year’s finalists, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. However, beyond them, few seeded players are expected to reach the final, especially against Sabalenka, a frequent Grand Slam semifinalist.
In Sabalenka’s section, Iva Jović, an 18-year-old from California who recently challenged Gauff, stands out. Naomi Osaka is another potential threat, having pushed Sabalenka to a third set in Madrid. Players like Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula don’t perform well on clay, while Victoria Mboko has struggled for playtime this spring due to health issues.
If Gauff can avoid her inconsistent serve and temper issues, she stands a good chance in her quarter. Anastasia Potapova shows promise, but lacks consistency. Others, like Amanda Anisimova, face injury setbacks, while Ekaterina Alexandrova and Linda Nosková haven’t progressed far in Grand Slams.
In contrast, the bottom half is stacked with strong contenders. Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Marta Kostyuk, and Elina Svitolina lead the charge. This section provides a tough path for any finalist hopefuls.
The Men’s Draw: Chaos and Opportunity
The men’s draw features Félix Auger-Aliassime as a top seed, yet his clay performance remains unproven, with only four wins on dirt this season. Daniil Medvedev, who performed well at the Italian Open, is also in his quarter. Despite his Italian Open victory, Medvedev often struggles at Roland Garros.
Other seeded players include Brandon Nakashima, Learner Tien, Francisco Cerúndolo, and Cameron Norrie. These players face their own challenges on clay. The quarter is unpredictable, making it ripe for an unseeded player to emerge as a semifinalist.
Matches to Watch
- Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Caty McNally
- Lois Boisson vs. Anna Kalinskaya
- Hugo Gaston vs. Gaël Monfils
- Rafael Jódar vs. Aleksandar Kovacevic
Djokovic’s Mixed Draw
Novak Djokovic enters the tournament as a 24-time Grand Slam champion. Friday marks his 39th birthday, and he faces an uncertain path to the final. He starts against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, which could either challenge or ease him into the tournament.
Djokovic’s route includes potential matches against Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, and Alexander Zverev. Each opponent poses a threat, but their lack of big-stage experience on clay makes Djokovic’s path plausible.
The French Open Floaters
Floaters, typically unseeded players capable of creating upsets, have performed well recently, crowding the seed list. Notable contenders include Arthur Fils, who could face Zverev in the fourth round. Valentin Vacherot and Rafael Jódar also represent potential surprises from the seeded ranks.
On the women’s side, predictions are harder. Despite her injury, Zheng Qinwen’s previous strong performances at Roland Garros suggest potential success. The field remains open for unexpected breakouts.
More Matches to Watch
- Hailey Baptiste vs. Barbora Krejčíková
- Elina Svitolina vs. Anna Bondár
- Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Daniel Altmaier
- Marin Čilić vs. Moise Kouamé
Jannik Sinner’s draw presents opportunities to progress far, avoiding potential rivals like Djokovic until the final. His recent form suggests a strong chance for victory, but maintaining his physical and mental focus is crucial.
In a surprising third-round potential match, Iga Świątek may confront her nemesis, Jelena Ostapenko. Świątek’s history against Ostapenko adds intrigue to any potential encounter.
Additional Matches to Keep an Eye On
- Iva Jović vs. Alex Eala
- Novak Djokovic vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
- Victoria Mboko vs. Nikola Bartůňková
- Arthur Fils vs. Stan Wawrinka