The 2026 edition of French Open will take place from May 18 to June 7 in Paris, once again bringing together the world’s top players for the second Grand Slam of the season.
Held on clay courts at Stade Roland Garros, the tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, junior competitions, and wheelchair tennis events. As always, the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier will host many of the championship’s most important matches and defining moments.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding this year’s tournament is the absence of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish player and defending men’s champion announced his withdrawal due to a wrist injury, leaving the title wide open and completely reshaping the men’s draw.
With Alcaraz out of the tournament, Jannik Sinner emerges as one of the leading title contenders, although Novak Djokovic continues to arrive in Paris as one of the event’s central figures.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff returns to defend the title she won in 2025 against players such as Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka, both once again considered among the favorites to lift the trophy in Paris.
Qualifying rounds will run from May 18 to 22, while the main draw officially begins on May 24. The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for May 31 and June 1, followed by the quarterfinals on June 2 and 3. The women’s semifinals will take place on June 4, with the men’s semifinals following on June 5. The singles finals are scheduled for June 6 and 7 on Philippe-Chatrier.
One of the major additions this year will be the use of connected wearable devices designed to collect biometric and physical performance data from players throughout the tournament.
The initiative, approved by World Tennis under the “Player Analysis Tennis” program, will allow organizers and teams to monitor physical recovery and performance metrics across the tournament’s 899 scheduled matches.
Tournament organizers have also strengthened privacy measures within player areas, banning cameras from exclusive athlete spaces following criticism raised during previous Grand Slam events.
According to tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, the goal is to guarantee private, recording-free areas for players away from the court.
Roland Garros 2026 will also feature several tributes honoring important figures in tennis history. On June 4, a ceremony celebrating Caroline Garcia will take place at Philippe-Chatrier following the French player’s retirement from professional tennis in 2025.
The tournament will additionally commemorate the 70th anniversary of Althea Gibson’s historic 1956 Roland Garros victory, when she became the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka is expected to make his final Roland Garros appearance and will receive an official tribute following his last match in Paris.
There is also growing anticipation that Gaël Monfils could play his final tournament at Porte d’Auteuil. As part of the celebration, the French player will headline a special event on May 21 at Philippe-Chatrier alongside current players, former professionals, and invited guests.
With new technologies, emotional farewells, and a completely open men’s draw following Alcaraz’s withdrawal, Roland Garros 2026 is once again shaping up to be one of the defining moments of the tennis season.
