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2026 French Open
WTA Tour
Roland Garros
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
24 May – 7 June
Aryna Sabalenka will begin her campaign for a first French Open title when she faces WTA 50th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round on May 26.
What to know about Sabalenka
The Belarusian is a four-time Grand Slam champion, with titles at the Australian Open (2023, 2024) and the US Open (2024, 2025).
Sabalenka reached the French Open final in 2025 (runner-up to Coco Gauff) and is currently the world No. 1.
Why Sabalenka could win the French Open
Sabalenka boasts one of the most formidable games in women’s tennis, led by a massive serve, explosive groundstrokes, and improving movement on clay.
After reaching the 2025 final and building momentum on clay, the 28-year-old is highly motivated to claim her first Roland Garros crown and complete the career Grand Slam.
What was said
“I struggled in the beginning of the clay-court swing physically, but right now I feel 100%. We did a great recovery… Physically I’m ready to go,” Sabalenka said ahead of the 2026 French Open.
“I think all of us are here just for one reason. It doesn’t matter if I didn’t play a lot of matches on clay. I know how to play on clay, and it’s all about being physically and mentally healthy, going for it, and being ready to fight.”
“All I can say is that I’m ready to fight, and of course I hope to do a little bit better than I did last year.”
Head-to-Head
Sabalenka leads Bouzas Maneiro 2-0 in their previous meetings (most recently on hard courts in 2025).
However, their first-round match at the 2026 French Open marks their first meeting on clay (H2H: 2-0).
The last five French Open singles champions (women)
2025 – Coco Gauff (USA)
2024 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2023 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2022 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2021 – Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic)
The last five French Open singles champions (men)
2025 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2024 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2023 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2022 – Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2021 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
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