2026 French Open: Top Players to Watch

The 2026 French Open is underway at Roland Garros in Paris, showcasing an exciting lineup of players with much to prove. The tournament features separate draws for men and women.

For the men’s side, one favorite stands out, while others aim to challenge his reign. In the women’s draw, the top four ranked players seek to establish dominance, though those beneath them are seen as potential surprise threats.

Players to Watch: Men’s Singles

Jannik Sinner, world No. 1, enters with a 29-match win streak and a 36-2 record for 2026. Known for his dominant groundstrokes, he is a strong contender for the title.

Alexander Zverev, the best clay-court player outside the trio of Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sinner, has been unable to win a major despite multiple final appearances. Alcaraz’s absence offers him a significant opportunity.

Novak Djokovic, turning 39, remains a formidable presence with three French Open titles. Without Alcaraz, Djokovic’s chances for a record 25th Grand Slam title are boosted.

Other players like Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev bring unique potential and challenge. Shelton has embraced clay with enthusiasm, whereas Medvedev’s results remain unpredictable.

Players to Watch: Women’s Singles

Aryna Sabalenka, ranked world No. 1, aims to overcome previous clay-court setbacks. Known for her power, refinement in gameplay has strengthened her Grand Slam consistency.

Elena Rybakina, a contender due to her powerful serve and aggressive play, seeks to capitalize on her momentum from the Stuttgart Tennis Grand Prix.

Iga Świątek, a four-time French Open champion, hopes to reclaim her clay-court success. She adjusted her game style to prevent being overpowered by improving point construction.

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are strong American contenders, with Gauff defending her 2025 title and Pegula striving to achieve deep runs on her least favored surface.

Rising Talents and Veterans

Emerging stars such as Mirra Andreeva, aged 19, add excitement. Despite her youth, Andreeva demonstrated brilliance in major semifinals and title wins.

Veterans like Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, and Sorana Cîrstea are proving they should not be underestimated, with Svitolina recently winning prestigious tournaments.

French players will also captivate local fans, especially Gaël Monfils in his farewell tour. His career has been celebrated for sportsmanship and incredible athleticism.

The 2026 French Open promises intense competition across both men’s and women’s fields, with seasoned champions and rising talents all capable of achieving glory at Roland Garros.