French Open 2026 Predictions: Alcaraz, Sinner & Swiatek Lead Contenders

The French Open 2026 runs from May 24 to June 7 at Roland Garros in Paris. After one of the greatest finals in tennis history in 2025, the anticipation for this year's tournament is at fever pitch. Here are our predictions for who will lift the trophies on the Parisian clay.

Men's Singles Favorites

1. Carlos Alcaraz - Going for the Hat-Trick

The Spaniard is the two-time defending champion after winning back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. His 2025 final against Jannik Sinner became the longest Roland Garros final ever at 5 hours and 29 minutes, where Alcaraz saved three championship points before winning 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6[10-2].

At just 22, Alcaraz has already won 6 Grand Slam titles: two each at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. His combination of power, touch, and incredible court coverage makes him the favorite on clay.

Current ranking: World No. 1

Odds: 6/4 co-favorite

2. Jannik Sinner - Chasing the Career Grand Slam

The Italian made history at Wimbledon 2025, becoming the first Italian man ever to win the title. Now he enters 2026 with one mission: win Roland Garros to complete the career Grand Slam.

"Clay is going to be a big target for us next year," said coach Darren Cahill. Sinner pushed Alcaraz to the absolute limit in last year's final and will be even more motivated to break through in Paris.

Current ranking: World No. 2

Odds: 6/4 co-favorite

3. Alexander Zverev - The Perennial Contender

The German has reached multiple French Open semi-finals and finals but is still searching for his first Roland Garros title. At 28, his powerful baseline game and improved consistency make him a genuine threat on clay.

Current ranking: World No. 3

Odds: 8/1

Dark Horses - Men's Draw

• Lorenzo Musetti (Italy) - Reached his first French Open semi-final in 2025, plus finals at Monte Carlo and semis in Madrid and Rome. Only 23 and improving rapidly.
• Arthur Fils (France) - The 20-year-old has become the darling of French tennis with a title in Lyon and a spot in the world's top 15. His serve is "a cannon" and his forehand "cracks from impossible angles." Home crowd support will be massive.
• Casper Ruud (Norway) - Two-time finalist at Roland Garros who has proven he can beat anyone on clay.
• Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - At 38, never count out the 24-time Grand Slam champion. His tactical brilliance remains elite.

Women's Singles Favorites

1. Coco Gauff - The Defending Champion

The American claimed her first French Open title in 2025, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. At 22, Gauff has now won two Grand Slams (2023 US Open, 2025 French Open) and proved she can handle the pressure of defending a major title.

Her improved serve, powerful groundstrokes, and exceptional court coverage make her perfectly suited to the clay.

Current ranking: World No. 3

Odds: 3/1

2. Aryna Sabalenka - The Power Threat

The Belarusian is the current World No. 1 and has added consistency to her explosive game. After falling to Gauff in last year's final, she'll be hungry for revenge in Paris.

Current ranking: World No. 1

Odds: 5/2

3. Iga Swiatek - The Queen of Clay

The Polish superstar has won 4 French Open titles (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and remains one of the most dominant clay courters of all time. Her heavy topspin forehand and relentless intensity make her dangerous on the red dirt.

After losing to Gauff in 2025, Swiatek will be determined to reclaim her throne at Roland Garros.

Current ranking: World No. 2

Odds: 9/4

Dark Horses - Women's Draw

• Mirra Andreeva (Russia) - The rapidly improving 18-year-old reached the 2025 French Open semi-finals. At her price, she could be the value pick of the tournament.
• Jasmine Paolini (Italy) - 2024 finalist with a fan-favorite game style. Consistent and dangerous on clay.
• Zheng Qinwen (China) - 2024 Australian Open finalist looking to add a Roland Garros title.
• Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) - Powerful game that can overwhelm anyone on any surface.

Key Storylines for French Open 2026

The Sincaraz Era Continues

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have split the last 8 Grand Slam titles between them - four each. Neither is 25 yet, but they've ruled virtually unopposed for two seasons. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10-6, but their matches are always epic.

A potential final between these two would be box office tennis at its finest.

Sinner's Career Grand Slam Bid

With titles at the Australian Open (2024, 2025), US Open (2024), and Wimbledon (2025), Sinner only needs the French Open to complete the career Grand Slam. The pressure will be immense, but so is his motivation.

Alcaraz joked about their situation: "I would trade Australia for Roland Garros with Jannik."

Gauff's Title Defense

Coco Gauff became just the sixth American woman to win the French Open in 2025. Can she become the first American to defend the title since Serena Williams?

Swiatek's Redemption

After winning four of the previous five French Opens, Swiatek will be desperate to reclaim her title. Her record at Roland Garros (37-3 career) speaks for itself.

When to Watch the Best Matches

The championship rounds at Roland Garros 2026:

• Quarter-Finals: June 2-3, 2026 - Buy Quarter-Finals tickets
• Semi-Finals: June 4-5, 2026 - Buy Semi-Finals tickets
• Women's Final: Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Buy Finals tickets
• Men's Final: Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Buy Finals tickets

Get Your French Open 2026 Tickets

Don't miss the chance to witness tennis history at Roland Garros. Whether it's Alcaraz going for the hat-trick, Sinner chasing the career Slam, or Gauff defending her crown - this tournament promises drama.

Browse all French Open 2026 tickets

Want the ultimate experience? Our VIP Box Seats with Club des Loges access put you in Row 3 on Philippe Chatrier - better than official premium at half the price.

View complete 2026 schedule | When tickets go on sale | Best seats guide