For the past couple of years, tennis audiences have grown used to seeing the same big players dominate the field. Especially in the men’s singles, Grand Slams are often simply a build-up to a final showdown between Alcaraz and Sinner. Sabalenka is also a common winner for the women’s singles. So when the shock defeats of Sinner and Sabalenka occurred in the early to mid-rounds of the French Open, the perfect storm for new winners erupted.
In the women’s singles, Polish qualifier Chwalińska came seemingly out of nowhere to have a historical run this Grand Slam, jumping up 93 positions in her world ranking and ploughing her way to the finals to face 19-year-old Andreeva. Sabalenka’s earlier defeat in the quarter finals shook audiences as she missed out on another chance to win the French Open, a feat she hasn’t yet achieved. The final match between Chwalińska and Andreeva lasted two sets (6-3, 6-2) which Andreeva quickly took control of in order to win her first Grand Slam. Chwalińska’s Wimbledon fate remains shrouded as it is unsure whether she will have to go through qualifiers again or be granted Wimbledon’s wildcard.
The men’s singles underwent similar shockwaves throughout its course. In late April, Carlos Alcaraz (2024 and 2025 Roland Garros champion) announced his withdrawal from this year’s tournament due to a wrist injury which would result in him being sidelined until at least June. He will additionally be missing the next major Grand Slam at Wimbledon. The other top contender, Sinner, was eliminated in only the second round by the younger Cerundolo brother. Among other factors like sweltering heat and mental fatigue, he was physically unwell and buckled under his lack of energy.
What started out as another predictable tournament was suddenly blown wide open by Sinner’s defeat, reigniting previously impossible hopes harbored by other players. Nevertheless, Djokovic, who can never be counted out, remained in the tournament until the third round where what seemed like an easy victory over Fonseca soon crumbled. The younger player took the third set in a stunning campaign, where Djokovic threw up on court during the five-hour long match. Zverev, a consistently high-ranking player and often cited as the best player without a Grand Slam victory, finally took the cup for the first time in the finals against Italy’s Cobolli.
The French Open drama now comes to a close, and Wimbledon is set to start at the end of June. This could spell another heated challenge for players as warmer and drier conditions begin to settle in the UK and the grass season begins.
“Jannik Sinner vs Clément Tabur at the 2026 Roland Garros (394)” by Like tears in rain is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.