Paris again smells of earth and triumph. From May 18 to June 7, 2026, the main battle of the clay season unfolds on the courts of "Roland Garros." For some, it's a chance to enter history, for others, it's their last battle, for others, a battle with themselves. This year's tournament promises to be particularly intense. And it's not just the weather.

When and Where to Watch the Main Event

The tournament began on May 18 with the qualifying week, where hundreds of players fought for a chance to enter the main draw. But the real spectacle will begin on May 24 at 11 a.m. Paris time [citation:2]. That's when the first seeded players will step onto the court. The women's final will take place on June 6, while the men will compete for the last trophy the following day — June 7 [citation:6]. The main arena — the legendary Philippe Chatrier court — will host night sessions, where new legends are born under the glow of spotlights.

The total prize money for the tournament this year is 61.7 million euros [citation:10]. Winners in the singles category will receive 2.8 million euros [citation:4][citation:6]. The runner-up will get 1.4 million. Even those who lose in the first round don't go away empty-handed: they receive 87 thousand euros each [citation:10]. The numbers are impressive, but, as always, they are accompanied by disputes. Players are unhappy that their share of the tournament's revenue, according to some estimates, has fallen from 15.5% to 14.9% [citation:4]. Tournament Director Amelie Morissette is not yet going to change the payment structure, leaving the question open for dialogue [citation:4].

Men: The Era of Sinner and the Lost King

The main news of the men's tournament is tragic and sensational. Current champion and beloved of the Parisian public Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend his title. A right wrist injury has knocked the Spaniard out of action, and his dream of a third consecutive "Cup of Musketeers" has been shattered by the harsh reality of medicine [citation:1][citation:3][citation:8]. Without his main antagonist, the tournament's draw has become barren. Now before us opens an historic window for Yannick Sinner.

The Italian has been an absolute monster on clay this season. He has won all three clay "Masters" in a row: in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome [citation:1][citation:7][citation:8]. This achievement was only achieved by Rafael Nadal in his prime. Sinner is on a phenomenal winning streak of 29 games in a row [citation:3]. He is the world number one. He is 24 years old, and "Roland Garros" is the only Grand Slam tournament he has not yet won [citation:7]. The motivation is off the charts.

However, bookmakers' odds and expert opinions are unanimous only halfway. Former Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge notes: "He is the most obvious favorite for a long time. But his greatest opponent is himself. Pressure, stress, no losses" [citation:7]. The top half of Sinner's draw does not look insurmountable. Potential quarterfinal opponents: Alexander Bublik, Ben Shelton, or the reborn Stefanos Tsitsipas [citation:1]. He will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals [citation:1][citation:9].

Russian Trace: Medvedev and Rublev on Parisian Clay

Daniil Medvedev has surprised many this season on clay. He has caused the most trouble to Sinner in Rome, taking a set from him [citation:1]. For a player who has always openly declared his dislike for this surface, this is a breakthrough. Medvedev's path to a potential semifinal against the Italian begins with Australian Adam Wallington [citation:9]. He may then face Alex Poparin, Francisco Cerundolo, and Flavio Cobolli [citation:1][citation:9]. The problem is that Medvedev has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals at "Roland Garros." Can he break this barrier in Paris-2026?

Andrei Rublev, seeded 11th, will start the tournament against Peruvian Ignacio Buse [citation:9]. He faces a tough path: in the fourth round, Alex de Minaur or Novak Djokovic may await him [citation:9]. Karen Khachanov will start against Frenchman Arthur Ja, and he may theoretically meet Alexander Zverev in the fourth round [citation:9].

Old Phantom: What to Expect from Djokovic

Before the tournament, Novak Djokovic celebrates his 39th birthday [citation:3]. His 2026 season does not yet contain titles, and in Rome, he lost in the first round to Dino Prizmic [citation:1]. However, writing off the Serb is the favorite pastime of those who later regret it. Djokovic reached the Australian Open final earlier this year, ousting Sinner along the way [citation:1]. Experts at the Australian Open agree: in a five-set format and with 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, he remains the most dangerous "phantom" in the draw [citation:7]. Although they acknowledge that it gets harder physically with each passing year.

Djokovic's draw, by the way, is deadly. He may face Joao Fonsека (who recently defeated him in Rome) or Dino Prizmic in the third round [citation:9]. In the fourth round — Kasper Ruud, the two-time "Roland Garros" finalist [citation:9]. A possible quarterfinal match with Andrei Rublev or Alex de Minaur awaits him [citation:9]. Surviving this meat grinder and reaching the final, where almost certainly awaits a rested and angry Sinner — a nearly impossible task. But this is Djokovic.

Women: Battle of Titans Without an Obvious Favorite

In contrast to the predictable men's draw, the women's tournament is a zone of turbulence. There is no undisputed leader here, and any of the ten tennis players can leave with the cup. The main names: Aryna Sabalenko (world number one), Coco Gauff (current champion), Elena Rybakina, and four-time "Roland Garros" winner Iga Swiatek.

Aryna Sabalenko's path to the title is complicated by a shoulder injury and not the most stable form on clay [citation:5]. After her triumph in the US, she began the clay season with a delay and was eliminated in the 1/32 final in Rome [citation:5]. However, she traditionally transforms on Grand Slam tournaments. Her path will begin with Spaniard Jessica Buzyas Manero, and she may face Jessica Pegula or Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals [citation:5]. The semifinal against Gauff will be a battle for revenge for last year's final defeat.

Swiatek vs. Rybakina: A War of Styles

Iga Swiatek. Clay. Paris. It seems like the formula for victory. But the Pole's season has not gone well so far. She has to defend a large number of points, and her nightmare in the draw is Elena Ostapenko, who leads in personal meetings 6:0 [citation:5]. If Iga gets past the Latvian barrier in the third round, she may face Elina Svitolina or Elena Rybakina next [citation:5].

Elena Rybakina, on the other hand, has started the clay season brilliantly, winning the title in Stuttgart [citation:5]. Her powerful serve and composure in decisive matches make her one of the main contenders. Analysts agree that Rybakina and Sabalenko are the main favorites, and a final meeting between them would be a logical conclusion to the tournament [citation:7]. Australian Open experts bet on Rybakina and Sabalenko, although they note that the field is surprisingly even: "There are probably eight or ten women who can really win if they play their best game" [citation:7].

Notably, Mirra Andreeva, who continues to progress and has already entered the seeded ranks (8th number), as well as Marta Kostyuk, who has not lost a single match on clay this season as of the start of the tournament [citation:5].

First Round Surprises and Dark Horses

The draw has prepared several surprises for fans of upsets right from the start. In the men's draw, Arthur Fils, the main hope for the French, will face the legendary Stan Wawrinka [citation:3]. Clay, Paris, former champion against young hope — it will be loud. Also, pay attention to 18-year-old Spaniard Rafael Hodar, who is going through the draw under the label of "dark horse" [citation:3]. Among the Russians, the key battle may be the match between Daniil Medvedev and Alex Poparin in the second round [citation:9].

"Roland Garros" 2026 is a tournament of great changes. The era of the "Big Three" (Djokovic is still here, but time is relentless) is ending, injuries are breaking the careers of young kings (Alcaraz), and a new power is emerging on the stage. Will it be the power of the iron Sinner or a bright change of guard in women's tennis? We will find out in the next two weeks.

Permanent link to this publication: