Every Roland-Garros produces upsets. What made the 2026 edition different was not simply the number of surprising results but the broader pattern they collectively revealed.
The tournament began with many observers expecting familiar names to dominate the latter stages. Jannik Sinner arrived in Paris among the leading favourites. Novak Djokovic remained a dangerous presence despite questions about age and recovery. Elena Rybakina was widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders in the women’s draw. Daniil Medvedev entered with encouraging form and ambitions of a deep run.
Yet by the second week, much of that expected structure had disappeared.
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