The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, kicks off on Sunday in Paris. Here is everything you need to know about the second Grand Slam of 2026, including how to watch on television, the latest betting odds, the full schedule, and the defending champions.
When does it start?
Play begins on Sunday at 11 a.m. local time (0900 GMT, 0500 EDT).
Where can I watch it on TV?
- In the United States: TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.
- For broadcasters in other countries, check local listings.
Who are the reigning champions?
Coco Gauff of the United States and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain are the defending champions. Gauff won her first Roland-Garros title by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three match points to beat world number one Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) for his fifth major title in as many finals. It was Alcaraz’s second consecutive French Open crown. However, Alcaraz has withdrawn from both the French Open and Wimbledon due to a right wrist injury sustained this season.
Who are the top seeds?
Sabalenka is the top seed in the women's draw, while Sinner leads the men's. Seedings follow the WTA and ATP rankings.
Who are the betting favorites?
Four-time Roland-Garros champion Iga Swiatek is the money-line favorite in the women's singles at +225, ahead of Sabalenka (+275). In the men's draw, with Alcaraz absent, Sinner is the overwhelming favorite at -300, followed by Alexander Zverev at +750.
What is the singles schedule?
- Sunday through Tuesday: First Round (Women and Men)
- Wednesday-Thursday: Second Round (Women and Men)
- May 29-30: Third Round (Women and Men)
- May 31-June 1: Fourth Round (Women and Men)
- June 2-3: Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
- June 4: Women’s Semifinals
- June 5: Men’s Semifinals
- June 6: Women’s Final
- June 7: Men’s Final
Key stories before play begins
- Jannik Sinner enters on a 29-match win streak, chasing a career Grand Slam.
- Coco Gauff has a new mindset for her title defense and increased confidence in her serve.
- Sinner opens against a wild card.
- Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk continue to raise awareness for war-torn Ukraine.
- World No. 1 Sabalenka calls for a boycott if players do not receive a larger share of Grand Slam revenue.
- French Open players plan a media protest over prize money distribution.
- Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a wrist injury.
- 45-year-old Venus Williams will play in the women’s doubles with Hailey Baptiste.
What's new this year?
Organizers are launching The Jardin des Chefs, a new dining area featuring top French cuisine prepared by renowned chefs. Additionally, for the first time, electronic devices that record biometric data have been authorized on a trial basis, allowing players to monitor physical performance and recovery. The trial will continue at other Grand Slams this year.
What is the prize money?
The total prize pool is 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), an increase of about 10% from last year. However, top players have expressed disappointment, noting that their share of revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026. In comparison, the Australian Open increased player pay by 16%, and the U.S. Open rose by 20%.
Is it the French Open or Roland-Garros?
Both names are used. English speakers typically say “French Open,” while the French and much of the world prefer “Roland Garros,” named after the facility that hosts the tournament, which itself is named after a World War I fighter pilot.
Basic facts about the clay-court major
The French Open is played outdoors on red clay courts at Roland-Garros on the southwest outskirts of Paris. Women play best-of-three sets with a first-to-10 tiebreaker at 6-all in the third; men play best of five with a tiebreaker at 6-all in the fifth. There are separate day and night sessions most days. The event lasts 15 days. The main stadium, Court Philippe-Chatrier, has a retractable roof.
