French Open 2026 Preview: Top Players Out, Favorites, Schedule & How to Watch
The clay courts of French Open are back this week, and the 2026 edition of Roland-Garros already feels very different from previous years. Between major injuries, rising young stars, and questions surrounding some of tennis’ biggest names, this year’s tournament in Paris could become one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent memory.
The tournament officially runs from May 24 through June 7 at the legendary Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France.
The Biggest Story: Carlos Alcaraz Is Out
The headline entering the French Open is the absence of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz withdrew due to a wrist injury suffered during the clay season, meaning he will not defend the title he won in dramatic fashion last year. His absence completely changes the men’s draw and removes one of the sport’s most electric clay-court players.
Other notable withdrawals include:
- Lorenzo Musetti — thigh injury
- Holger Rune — Achilles recovery setback
- Jack Draper — knee injury
- Marketa Vondrousova — suspended provisionally after missing an anti-doping test
That suddenly opens the door for several contenders who may not have had a realistic path in previous years.
Players to Watch on the Men’s Side
Jannik Sinner
Sinner enters Paris as arguably the hottest player in the world. With Alcaraz sidelined and Novak Djokovic dealing with ongoing fitness concerns, many analysts now view Sinner as the favorite to win his first French Open title.
His movement, consistency, and improved confidence on clay have turned him into a complete player.
Novak Djokovic
Even when injured or struggling, writing off Djokovic at a Grand Slam is dangerous. The 24-time major champion still knows how to survive long matches better than anyone in the sport. However, questions remain about whether his body can hold up over two grueling weeks on clay.
Alexander Zverev
Zverev quietly continues to hover near the top of the game and has historically played well in Paris. If his serve stays sharp and he avoids long early-round battles, he could absolutely make a run.
João Fonseca
One of the younger names creating massive buzz heading into Roland-Garros is Brazilian phenom João Fonseca. The teenager has become one of the most exciting rising stars in tennis, and fans are eager to see how he handles the pressure of a major stage.
Women’s Draw Could Be Incredible
The women’s side may actually be even more competitive than the men’s this year.
Iga Świątek
Swiatek still remains the queen of clay. Her dominance at Roland-Garros over the past several years has been historic, and many still consider her the player to beat despite a few shaky moments this season.
Coco Gauff
Gauff enters the tournament after another strong clay season and remains one of the sport’s biggest stars. She recently reached another major final in Rome before falling to Elina Svitolina.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka’s power can overwhelm anyone in the world, but concerns around her recent back issues could become a major storyline if matches extend deep into third sets.
Elina Svitolina
After winning the Italian Open this past week, Svitolina suddenly looks like one of the most dangerous dark horses in the tournament.
Can Anyone Replace Nadal’s Clay-Court Aura?
Even though Rafael Nadal is no longer dominating Paris, his shadow still hangs over the event. Roland-Garros has spent nearly two decades being “Nadal’s tournament,” and tennis is still adjusting to a new era.
Now the sport is trying to figure out whether the next generation belongs to Sinner, Alcaraz, or someone entirely unexpected.
That uncertainty honestly makes this year more interesting.
Where to Watch the 2026 French Open
In the United States, coverage is expected across NBC, Tennis Channel, Peacock, and streaming platforms depending on the session and round. Internationally, TNT Sports, HBO Max, and regional broadcasters will carry matches globally.
You can also find official schedules, draws, and streaming information on the official Roland-Garros website:
Why This Year Feels Different
This French Open feels like a transition point for tennis.
The Big Three era is nearly gone. Injuries have removed some of the sport’s biggest names. Younger stars are arriving faster than ever. And on both the men’s and women’s sides, there’s a real sense that the next face of clay-court dominance could emerge over the next two weeks.
Paris usually gives us drama.
This year, it feels almost guaranteed.
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