The second round begins on Wednesday. Here are 10 matches to keep us entertained
The first round served up all sorts of mega matches, thrillers and comebacks at Roland-Garros 2026.
There is so much happening across the grounds, you’d be forgiven for missing a headline or two. Here are 10 tantalising second-round clashes you won’t want to miss…
Brazil’s wunderkind Joao Fonseca made the third round on his Roland-Garros debut last year. Since then, the 19-year-old has established himself as a top-tier talent, boosted by ardent support around the globe.
Across the net will be Croatian young gun Dino Prizmic, who also has barrels of firepower. The world No.72 recently qualified for Masters 1000 tournaments in Madrid and Rome, with statement top-10 wins over Ben Shelton and his idol Novak Djokovic.
This all-American clash promises fireworks. Teenage sensation Iva Jovic (pictured, top) has rocketed up the rankings with her versatile game bursting with energy.
The 18-year-old meets Emma Navarro for the second time this month. Navarro prevailed over her compatriot 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 earlier in May in Strasbourg, France, en route to lifting the title.
Belgium’s Raphael Collignon has been tearing it up with several titles on the ATP Challenger tour over the past couple of years.
That form has transferred to the ATP Tour this season, most noticeably with a third-round spot at the Miami Masters by taking down Grigor Dimitrov and Flavio Cobolli.
World No.5 Ben Shelton, who won a clay court title in Munich last month, is going to have his work cut out.
This duo knows exactly what it takes to conjure up deep runs at the majors.
In Donna Vekic’s case, the world No.72 has made a quarterfinal appearance at the three other Grand Slams. Could the 29-year-old complete the set this fortnight? Standing in her way is former world No.1 and four-time major champion Naomi Osaka.
Expect some searing shots and extended rallies.
Another clash with plenty of Grand Slam knowhow.
The home crowd will be in fine voice to cheer on one of their leading lights, Arthur Rinderknech. The world No.25 is seeking a first trip into the Paris third round.
On paper, Rinderknech will be the favourite, however, Matteo Berrettini’s sledgehammer serve and forehand previously guided him into the top 10 and a Wimbledon final. With momentum, Matteo can be an unstoppable force.
Four-time Roland-Garros champion Iga Swiatek is the top choice in most clay clashes. Take the Pole’s opening match in Paris, where the world No.3 surrendered just three games to Australian youngster Emerson Jones.
What can Czech left-hander Sara Bejlek throw into the mix to disrupt Swiatek’s flow? The world No.35 is comfortable on the clay, which first came to light as a girls' semifinalist and girls' doubles champion at RG 2022.
RG finalist in 2022 and 2023, Casper Ruud has been finding his groove in recent months, most notably with a Rome runner-up spot to world No.1 Jannik Sinner.
The Norwegian struggled in the scorching heat in his opening match here in Paris and will need to be sharp from the start when he faces Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic.
The 22-year-old roared into the Rome last 16 to back up a Barcelona semifinal on the road to Roland-Garros.
In their only previous meeting, Ruud edged past Medjedovic 7-5, 7-5 on the Barcelona clay last April.
World No.11 Belinda Bencic seamlessly transitioned back from maternity leave last season into Grand Slam contention. The Swiss last reached the third round at Roland-Garros in 2022 and will be eager to push for a second week spot this time round.
Saying that, American Caty McNally is not one to back down and will be buoyant after a maiden main draw win in Paris. The world No.63 reeled in Ajla Tomljanovic 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 in the first round.
Here’s another example of seasoned pros who know exactly how to navigate through to the latter stages of a major.
Knee surgery last year derailed Hubert Hurkacz, who possesses an all-court toolset. When the Pole is fit and firing, it’s a tall order to keep up with him.
Gregarious American Frances Tiafoe is seeking consistency at the very top level. On any given day ‘Big Foe’ has the flair to trouble the best.
This encounter promises to be finely poised following a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback for world No.18 Sorana Cirstea against Lys in the first round of the Australian Open in January.
Cirstea, who is set to retire from professional tennis at the end of the year, posted a standout three-set triumph over world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in Rome too on her path to the semifinals.
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
