Coco Gauff is set to defend her French Open title starting May 24, 2026, aiming for her third Grand Slam victory at the age of 22 [1, 2, 3]. Gauff won the 2025 French Open by defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final [1, 3], and she enters this year’s tournament seeded fourth and ranked world number four [1, 3].

Gauff has historically struggled with double faults, leading the WTA in this statistic in both 2024 and 2025. However, she says she has improved her serving consistency in 2026. "Now it's focusing on how to make it more of a weapon, how to serve smarter. I'm tossing a bit more consistent. My weight I feel is a little bit better. Also just the trust, the confidence in it is a lot better," she said [1]. Despite making seven double faults in the Italian Open final on May 21, where she lost to Elina Svitolina, she remains focused and confident heading into Roland Garros [1, 4]. Gauff rejected the pressure of defending her title, saying, "I realize that the defending means nothing in a way. Each year is a new opportunity and new chance for anyone to win. Obviously I hope it's me" [1].

Aryna Sabalenka, 28, arrives at the tournament as world No.1 but under an injury cloud affecting her hip and lower back [2, 3]. Sabalenka struggled physically during the early 2026 clay season and exited early in the Rome tournament due to injury-impacted form [2, 3]. Still, she said, "Right now I feel 100 per cent. I’m healed everywhere and I’m ready to go." She acknowledged, "My emotions were destroying my game, and my level was dropping dramatically when I would just start overreacting on everything," but said she is mentally and physically prepared to compete for her first Roland Garros title after reaching the 2025 final [3]. "I know how to play on clay, and it’s all about being physically and mentally healthy, to go for it, and to be ready to fight," she added [3].

Iga Swiatek, once dominant on clay, is no longer at her peak but remains a strong contender [1, 2]. She said, "If you play well, if you feel the ball right, if you're doing the right things, it's all clicking, it's easy to enjoy" [2]. Former player Kim Clijsters named Swiatek and Gauff as favorites in the tournament [2].

The 2026 French Open will begin on May 24, with Gauff, Sabalenka, and Swiatek among the leading players vying for the title [3, 5].