French Open set for historic first since 2021 as top seeded players bite the dust
The 2026 French Open has delivered a series of shocks, setting up one of the most unpredictable finishes in recent memory. With the collapse of favourites, Roland Garros will crown new champions for the first time since 2021
The 2026 French Open has produced a string of surprises, setting up one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent memory. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from Roland Garros and Wimbledon after suffering a right wrist injury to ensure a full, long-term recovery.
The Spaniard's withdrawal was an early setback, but the tournament still featured several top-seeded athletes in action.
However, Roland Garros has been unforgiving for top-seeded athletes this year, with multiple players like Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and defending champion Coco Gauff all knocked out.
More from Tennis NewsFrench Open delivers shocks as new faces rise
Sabalenka was the latest to fall, losing to Diana Shnaider 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
With only a handful of top-ten players still in contention, the collapse of favourites has opened the door for new champions to emerge in both men's and women's singles at the French Open.
This will be the first time since the US Open 2021, when new Grand Slam winners emerged at the New York major. Daniil Medvedev won the men’s title, while Emma Raducanu triumphed in the women’s draw.
Roland Garros gears up for exciting semifinals
This year at the French Open, the young talents and underdogs have taken centre stage. Djokovic was defeated by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, while Sinner fell in the second round after surrendering a two-set lead to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Also Read | Serena Williams returns: Tennis stars who retired, returned and recaptured glory
This year, in the men's singles semifinals, Jakub Menšík and Alexander Zverev will face each other for a spot in the summit clash, while Matteo Arnaldi will be up against fellow Italian Flavia Cobolli.
Shnaider will face Maja Chwalińska in her maiden women's singles Grand Slam semifinal, while Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva will face off against each other in the second women's semis, as stars gear up for a chance to claim Grand Slam glory at the French Capital.
Jannik Sinner retains Wimbledon title after beating Alexander Zverev
Noskova outlasts Muchova to claim maiden Wimbledon title in thrilling all-Czech final
Novak Djokovic's record title bid ends as Jannik Sinner storms into Wimbledon final
Muchova outlasts Gauff to set up all-Czech Wimbledon final
Taylor Fritz’s Wimbledon run cut short by knee tendinitis in quarterfinal defeat to Alexander Zverev