Roland Garros 2026 is officially underway and once again confirms itself as one of the most prestigious and widely followed sporting events in the world. For two weeks, Paris becomes the capital of global tennis, welcoming hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers across every continent.
This year’s edition arrives during a fascinating moment for both the ATP and WTA tours. On one side stands the growing dominance of Jannik Sinner, who has been nearly unstoppable throughout the 2026 season. On the other side is the major absence of Carlos Alcaraz, forced to withdraw because of physical problems suffered during the clay-court season.
The Paris Grand Slam also carries strong emotional value for several veteran players. French fans are preparing to celebrate what could be the final Roland Garros appearances of beloved stars such as Gaël Monfils and Stan Wawrinka, both included in the main draw through protected rankings and wild cards.
Contents
How many players compete at Roland Garros 2026
As tradition dictates, Roland Garros maintains the classic Grand Slam format in 2026. Both the men’s and women’s singles draws include:
- 128 ATP players
- 128 WTA players
- 32 seeded players in each draw
- qualifying tournaments featuring more than 250 athletes overall
- additional events for doubles, mixed doubles and junior categories
One of the biggest talking points before the tournament was the qualifying competition. Several well-known names failed to reach the main draw, including former top-10 player Dominic Thiem and French veteran Richard Gasquet, who received a warm farewell from the Parisian crowd. Italian tennis also arrives in Paris with remarkable momentum. Alongside Sinner, several Italian players secured direct entry into the main draw, confirming the outstanding period currently experienced by Italian tennis overall.
The full two-week schedule
Roland Garros 2026 follows the now well-established format introduced in recent years. Including the qualifying rounds, the tournament lasts fifteen days. The opening days are dedicated to first-round matches, while the middle weekend hosts the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The women’s semifinals are scheduled for the second Friday of the tournament, while the men’s semifinals will be played the following day.
The women’s final is set for Saturday, June 6, 2026, while the men’s championship match will take place on Sunday, June 7, on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Night sessions remain one of the most popular innovations introduced in recent years. Roland Garros 2026 will once again feature evening matches, significantly boosting television audiences and the commercial value of the tournament worldwide.
Weather conditions expected in Paris
Weather conditions always play a major role at Roland Garros, traditionally one of the most climate-sensitive tournaments in professional tennis. According to the latest French forecasts, the opening week should feature temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, with moderate chances of rain mainly during evening hours.
These conditions could slightly speed up the clay courts compared to traditional Roland Garros standards. Analysts believe this may particularly favor aggressive baseline players such as Sinner and Alexander Zverev. The retractable roofs installed on both Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen courts continue to provide greater scheduling stability even during difficult weather conditions.
Men’s and women’s favorites
With Alcaraz absent, the men’s tournament landscape changes dramatically. At the moment, bookmakers and analysts clearly identify Jannik Sinner as the main favorite to win the title. The Italian star arrives in Paris after an almost perfect start to the season, highlighted by his recent triumph at the Italian Open in Rome. His consistency and technical growth have made him arguably the most complete player currently competing on the ATP Tour. Behind Sinner, several players remain serious contenders:
- Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev
- Daniil Medvedev
- Holger Rune
In the women’s draw, the leading favorite remains Iga Świątek, whose performances on clay continue to be dominant. Strong attention also surrounds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, both steadily improving in Grand Slam competition.
Record prize money for Roland Garros 2026
Roland Garros continues to confirm its enormous economic power within global sports. The total prize pool for the 2026 edition exceeds €58 million, marking another increase compared to the previous year. French organizers decided to boost payouts especially for early-round participants, aiming to provide greater financial support for lower-ranked players.
Prize money distribution for both singles tournaments includes:
- first round: approximately €78,000
- second round: more than €120,000
- round of 16: around €300,000
- quarterfinals: more than €600,000
- semifinals: approximately €1.2 million
- runner-up: more than €2 million
- champion: roughly €2.7 million
These figures demonstrate how Grand Slam tournaments have become gigantic global industries generating billions through television rights, sponsorships, merchandising and tourism.
The global impact of Roland Garros
Roland Garros is far more than a tennis tournament. Over the years, it has evolved into a massive international media event. According to estimates released by French organizers, the 2026 edition could surpass 600 million total television viewers worldwide, with broadcasting coverage reaching more than 220 countries. Live attendance during the two weeks may exceed 700,000 spectators.
The economic impact on Paris remains extraordinary. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services and local businesses generate millions in additional revenue thanks to the arrival of fans, journalists and international operators. At the same time, the tournament continues to serve as a major showcase for luxury brands and international sponsors, which are increasingly visible throughout the Porte d’Auteuil complex.
