The opening days of Roland-Garros 2026 delivered the familiar blend of control, tension and unpredictability that has come to define the first week in Paris, with most of the leading contenders navigating their early matches successfully while several dangerous floaters quietly gathered momentum across both draws.
Jannik Sinner made one of the strongest opening statements of the tournament with a composed straight-sets performance that immediately reinforced his status as one of the leading favorites in the men’s draw. The Italian looked comfortable from the baseline throughout his opening rounds, controlling rallies cleanly and rarely appearing rushed during longer exchanges on clay.
Novak Djokovic also advanced safely, although not without moments of resistance from younger opponents eager to test the veteran early in the tournament. The Serbian relied heavily on his experience during key stretches and once again showed his ability to manage momentum carefully during difficult phases of matches.
Alexander Zverev continued his solid clay-court form with another efficient display. The German has looked increasingly confident on slower surfaces over the past two seasons and appears comfortable building points patiently rather than forcing aggression too early in rallies. His serving rhythm in particular has looked sharp during the opening week.
Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, continued his often complicated relationship with clay but still found ways to progress through the early rounds. The former US Open champion showed improved patience during longer exchanges and looked calmer physically than in some previous Roland-Garros campaigns.
Alex de Minaur produced one of the more energetic performances of the opening week, using his speed and defensive coverage effectively during several physically demanding rallies. The Australian remains one of the more difficult players to break down once matches become extended physical contests.
Among the younger ATP names attracting attention, Joao Fonseca generated strong crowd interest with his aggressive shot-making and fearless approach in the early rounds. Ben Shelton also remained one of the tournament’s most entertaining players, bringing intensity and attacking tennis into several lively matches on the outer courts.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka progressed through the opening rounds with increasing confidence after a slightly slower start in her first match. Once settled, the Belarusian’s power game became difficult to contain, particularly when she began dictating with the forehand from inside the baseline.
Coco Gauff also looked composed during the early stages of her title defense. The American handled several difficult momentum swings well and continued to show why her movement and consistency on clay make her one of the most dangerous players in the women’s draw.
Elena Rybakina quietly built momentum during the opening week with a series of controlled performances. Her serving remained one of the cleanest weapons in the tournament, while her ability to flatten groundstrokes through slower conditions continued to pressure opponents consistently.
Iga Swiatek entered Paris carrying significant attention once again and moved steadily through her early matches. Although the spotlight around the former champion remains intense, her comfort on clay was visible throughout several disciplined performances.
Marta Kostyuk also impressed during the first week with her movement and shot variation causing problems for opponents across longer rallies. Amanda Anisimova delivered one of the stronger attacking displays of the women’s opening rounds, striking the ball cleanly and taking control early in points whenever opportunities appeared.
Mirra Andreeva continued to look increasingly mature for her age, handling pressure moments calmly and moving through her opening matches with growing confidence.
Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka’s return to Paris generated strong crowd interest, while Belinda Bencic and Elena Svitolina both produced experienced performances to stay alive heading into the second week.
As always, the first week at Roland-Garros brought moments of tension, several physical battles and a few early surprises, but the tournament’s biggest names largely succeeded in avoiding major disruption during the opening stages.
With the draw now beginning to narrow, attention will gradually shift toward the heavier tactical and physical demands that traditionally define the second week in Paris.
