The French Open Is Here! (who are the favorites?)

The road to Roland Garros is an annual trek fraught with transitions and tough clay court battles. But every spring, all roads eventually lead to Paris. The French Open is considered to be the toughest of all the Grand Slam tournaments due to its slow red clay, demanding patience to win points. Iconic and festive, the French Open, like Wimbledon, has its own traditions and style that are like none other. Each year we fans follow the tournament knowing that when a new champion is crowned, they will have earned the title of “King or Queen of Clay” for 2026. Let’s look at the favorites for this year’s French Open.

On the men’s side, last year’s champion, Carlos Alcaraz, is unable to defend his crown due to a wrist injury suffered during the Mutua Madrid Open. That means last year’s runner-up and current number one, Jannik Sinner, becomes the clear favorite to win his first French Open title. Sinner has been historically dominant on all surfaces, losing two matches all year. 

Still, Roland Garros always introduces fans to new players to watch with new storylines.

Young Spaniard Rafael Jodar has started gaining attention as the next star to rise to the top.  He has won 18 of his first 25 tour-level matches (a 72%-win rate), which is better than Alcaraz and Nadal.  Coaches and top players have said he is the “real deal” because of his maturity, professionalism, strong competitive nature, and ability to learn quickly.

Belgium’s Alexander Blockx has also shown flashes during the clay season. His game has enough aggression to hurt opponents, and enough discipline to survive long rallies when matches become physical (but don’t tell that to Alexander Zverev, who has beaten him twice this clay season). 

And will this be Novak Djokovic’s last chance to get 25?  Even though he lost early in Rome to Dino Prizmic, it is dangerous to doubt him in Paris. No player in the draw understands pressure, momentum swings, and five-set tennis better than Novak.

Other players to watch are two-time finalist Casper Ruud, 2024 finalist Alexander Zverev, and the surging French fan favorite, Arthur Fils. 

For American men, the French Open continues to be the toughest major to solve. Since Andre Agassi won Roland Garros in 1999, the Americans have searched long and hard for another true men’s contender on clay.

This year, Ben Shelton’s game may be the most interesting name to watch. Shelton’s recent success on clay at Munich has shown that he has patience staying in rallies longer instead of trying to end the point too quickly.

Tommy Paul’s athleticism and play has looked increasingly more comfortable on the surface. His movement and balance give him a chance to grind through difficult matches over the course of two weeks.

On the women’s side, current world number one Aryna Sabalenka enters Paris as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. The biggest difference in her game now is more variety and control.

The American women may once again have the deepest group in the tournament, led by defending champion Coco Gauff. Clay continues to fit her game naturally because of her movement, defense, and ability to stay composed in long rallies.

Right behind her is Jessica Pegula, who quietly remains one of the steadiest players on tour. Pegula’s clean timing and consistency make her dangerous against anyone over two weeks in Paris.

Young American Iva Jovic continues to emerge as one of the promising future names in the women’s game, while Amanda Anisimova has the kind of clean shot-making that can catch fire quickly on clay.

Other threats include Elena Rybakina, whose serving and power can still break through slow clay conditions, and the surging Sorana Cîrstea, whose recent wins may have her rethinking retiring after this season.  Young players Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko have steadily become solid, capable threats to win majors.  And don’t forget the four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, who should never be counted out on clay.

The French Open has always been a tournament where legends are tested, new stars emerge, and careers can change over the course of two demanding weeks. Some players arrive in Paris carrying momentum. Others arrive carrying pressure. And somewhere along the way, a new story will develop. A young player will break through. A favorite will fall early. A veteran will remind the tennis world why experience still matters. That is part of what makes Roland Garros so compelling every year.

Whoever wins, they will have endured the trek through the clay court season and earned the right to be called CHAMPION!