Aryna Sabalenka, the 28-year-old world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, will compete at Roland Garros hoping to capture her first French Open title after finishing as runner-up last year [1, 2]. At the start of the 2026 clay-court season, Sabalenka held a commanding lead of more than 1,000 ranking points over her closest challengers [1, 2]. She began the season strongly, winning the Sunshine Double by claiming titles at Indian Wells and Miami WTA 1000 events in March, securing victories in three of her four tournaments played that season [1, 2].
However, Sabalenka’s momentum was affected by key defeats. She lost the 2026 Australian Open final in January to second-ranked Elena Rybakina in three sets [1, 2]. She then entered the European clay swing on a 15-match winning streak but was upset in the Madrid quarterfinals by Hailey Baptiste [1, 2]. Her challenges continued at the Italian Open, where she exited in the third round to Sorana Cirstea, marking her earliest WTA 1000 tournament departure since February 2025 [1, 2]. Sabalenka attributed her dip in form to physical issues, saying, "My body was limiting me from performing on the highest level," but added, "I guess we never lose; we only learn, so it’s OK" [1].
Rybakina, the world No. 2, recently won an indoor clay event in Stuttgart but had disappointing results in Madrid and Rome [1, 2]. Meanwhile, former world No. 1 and four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek, 24, has shown signs of improvement under new coach Francisco Roig [1, 2]. Coco Gauff, ranked No. 4 and the defending Roland Garros champion, is also expected to mount a strong defense of her title [1, 2].
With Roland Garros underway, all eyes will be on Sabalenka as she tries to overcome recent setbacks and reclaim dominance on the clay surface.