With Alcaraz absent, the 2026 French Open opens Sunday with several compelling first-round encounters that could set the tone for the tournament.
The men’s singles draw at Roland Garros 2026 features no shortage of intriguing opening-round clashes. From Djokovic facing a dangerous big server to Wawrinka’s emotional farewell and multiple all-French battles, here are the first-round matches you won’t want to miss.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs. Novak Djokovic
The most dangerous first-round draw for any seed in the tournament. Mpetshi Perricard’s massive serve can become dangerous on these clay-courts at altitude, and while Djokovic is the three-time champion here, this surely represents a threat. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is 39 years old and has only played one clay match this season (a loss to Prizmic). Djokovic still enters the match as big favorite but if his timing is even slightly off or Mpetshi Perricard catches fire from the baseline, we could witness an opening-round shock here.
Arthur Fils vs. Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka, the 2015 Roland Garros champion, announced this will be his final appearance at the tournament, and he draws one of France’s brightest young stars in the opening round. Fils, seeded 17th and coming off strong clay results including the Barcelona title, should be too much work for the 41-year-old Swiss. But Wawrinka’s one-handed backhand can still produce magic on clay, and the crowd will create an atmosphere befitting Stan’s farewell. Expect tears regardless of the outcome.
Tomas Machac vs. Zizou Bergs
Quietly one of the highest-quality first-round matches in the draw. Machac has shown he can compete with the best on tour with excellent touch and creative shot-making. Bergs is a crafty Belgian baseliner who has shown fine form lately, currently at his carer high rank of 38. Both players are comfortable on clay, both can construct points intelligently and both have the patience for long rallies. Could be a long and exciting match.
Alexander Zverev vs. Benjamin Bonzi
The German second seed faces a French wild card who loves playing in front of home crowds. Benjamin Bonzi is the only player to take a set off Sinner during his current Masters 1000 winning streak, doing so in Madrid’s second round, can he surprise another top ranked player? Zverev reached last year’s final and is one of the few players with the weapons to challenge Sinner. The German should manage this first round clash but but Bonzi’s heavy topspin forehand and the home support could make it a little tricker than expected.
Jaume Munar vs. Hubert Hurkacz
A fascinating clash of styles. Looking at the betting odds, this is one of the more even matches of the RG first round, with Hurkacz the slight favourite. Munar is a great Spanish clay-court grinder who can run all day and construct points with his topspin and exceptional court coverage. Hurkacz brings his 6’5″ frame, massive serve but also improved movement to a surface that doesn’t naturally favor his game. The Polish star has worked hard on his clay-court tennis, it will be interesting to see his overall game against a player like Munar.
Moise Kouame vs. Marin Cilic
The young French talent gets a dream first-round draw: facing a former Grand Slam champion in what could be one of Cilic’s final French Open appearances. At 37, Cilic still possesses one of the biggest serves in tennis, but his movement on clay has declined and Kouame (more on Kouame’s racquet) will be a dangerous opponent with nothing to lose. The 17-year-old will attack freely, and if Cilic’s serve isn’t dominating early, his vulnerabilities on defense could be exposed.
Gael Monfils vs. Hugo Gaston
All fantastic first round clash for the home fans. Two showmen, two crowd favourites and two players who thrive on atmosphere meeting in the opening round at Roland Garros. Monfils, at 39, is still playing great tennis, while Gaston brings his unique slice-heavy game and incredible court coverage. We’ll see some great energy here and Monfils is always a joy to watch on court.
The first round begins Sunday, May 24, with matches starting at 11:00 AM CEST (5:00 AM ET) on the outer courts and 12:00 PM on Philippe-Chatrier.
