The French Open tennis tournament kicked off on May 24, 2026, at Roland Garros in Paris under hot conditions with temperatures expected to top 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) as play began at 0900 GMT (1100 local time) [1, 2, 3]. The opening ceremony featured a violin performance of Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" along with other soft-rock selections, creating an unusual Riviera-like atmosphere for the claycourt event [1, 2, 3].
On Court Suzanne Lenglen, 13th-seed Russian Karen Khachanov faced French hopeful Arthur Gea about an hour before 11th-seeded Swiss Belinda Bencic played Austrian Sinja Kraus on Court Philippe Chatrier [1, 2, 3]. Russian 8th seed Mirra Andreeva was the highest-seeded woman in early action, matching up against French wildcard Fiona Ferro [1, 2, 3]. Serbian Novak Djokovic began his campaign for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam by playing Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard later the same day [1, 2, 3].
Two significant withdrawals have impacted the draw. Twice champion Carlos Alcaraz pulled out last month due to a wrist injury, while local favorite Arthur Fils withdrew injured on May 23, just one day before the tournament started [1, 2, 3]. With Alcaraz absent, Italian world number one Jannik Sinner enters as the heavy favorite in the men’s draw [1, 2, 3]. The women’s field remains wide open without a clear favorite this year [1, 2, 3].
Play will continue throughout the week at Roland Garros, with top seeds set to face tough opposition amid the challenging hot weather.
