Top seeds advance comfortably at Roland-Garros while major early upsets shake men’s and women’s draws
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka advanced comfortably into the second round of the French Open 2026 on Tuesday, while Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula suffered shock opening-round defeats at Roland-Garros.
Men’s world number one Sinner continued his dominant form with a straight-sets victory over French wildcard Clément Tabur, winning 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to extend his unbeaten run to 30 matches.
The Italian has emerged as the leading title contender following the withdrawal of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz due to injury.
“I’m very happy to be back here,” Sinner said after the match. “It’s a very special place and I have great memories overall.”
The biggest upset of the day came when sixth seed Medvedev was eliminated by Australian wildcard Adam Walton in a dramatic five-set battle. Walton secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 victory.
Reflecting on the defeat, Medvedev suggested he could alter his preparations for future Grand Slam tournaments.
“Maybe I should consider playing a tournament before, which I usually don’t do before Grand Slams,” he said.
French teenager Moïse Kouamé delighted the home crowd with a stunning victory over former US Open champion Marin Čilić.
The 17-year-old wildcard triumphed 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-1 to become the youngest male player to win a main-draw match at Roland-Garros since 1991 and the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main-draw match since 2009.
Elsewhere, China’s Zhang Zhizhen exited after losing in straight sets to Argentine qualifier Facundo Díaz Acosta, who celebrated his first career main-draw victory at Roland-Garros.
In the women’s competition, world number one Sabalenka defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 to progress comfortably.
“I’d say the first matches are always the trickiest ones,” Sabalenka said. “You’re trying to get used to the conditions and fight the nerves.”
Defending champion Coco Gauff also began her title defence strongly with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over fellow American Taylor Townsend.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka continued her encouraging return to form by defeating Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Meanwhile, fifth seed Pegula suffered a surprise defeat against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell in three sets, marking her first opening-round exit at Roland-Garros in six years.
French hope Loïs Boisson was eliminated by Anna Kalinskaya, leaving Elsa Jacquemot and Diane Parry as the only French women remaining in the second round.
China’s veteran Zhang Shuai also exited after a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to American Ann Li, marking her fourth consecutive first-round loss in Grand Slam singles competition since last year’s Wimbledon.
