The French Open has entered its final week with a series of unexpected storylines, as established stars and rising talents battle for a place in the finals at Roland Garros.
World number two Alexander Zverev booked his place in the men’s semi-finals with an emphatic victory over Spain’s Rafael Jodar, continuing his strong run in Paris as he pursues a maiden Grand Slam title.
The German has emerged as one of the tournament favourites following the early exits of several leading contenders, including top-ranked players who were expected to challenge deep into the competition.
On the women’s side, Poland’s Maja Chwalinska produced one of the stories of the tournament by becoming only the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals.
The 24-year-old defeated Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets on Court Philippe-Chatrier to continue her remarkable run in Paris. Chwalinska entered the tournament ranked outside the world’s top 100 but has dropped just one set on her journey to the last four.
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk also secured a first Grand Slam semi-final appearance after overcoming compatriot Elina Svitolina in a hard-fought quarter-final. Kostyuk will now face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who advanced with an impressive victory over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.
Meanwhile, world number one Aryna Sabalenka remains on course for her first French Open title. The Belarusian reached the quarter-finals after defeating former champion Naomi Osaka and was due to face Diana Shnaider for a place in the last four.
The men’s draw has also produced several breakthrough performances, with a new generation of players making their mark on the Paris clay. Czech youngster Jakub Mensik reached his first Grand Slam semi-final, while Brazil’s Joao Fonseca captured widespread attention despite seeing his impressive tournament run come to an end in the quarter-finals.
With both singles competitions approaching the semi-final stage, Roland Garros 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable editions of the tournament in recent years, with several players now within touching distance of a maiden Grand Slam crown.
