Watch Roland Garros: Qualifying Round 1 Free.

What's at Stake

The opening day of qualifying at Porte d'Auteuil represents the first step toward the prestigious main draw of the French Open. For the 128 players in the bracket, three consecutive victories are required to secure a spot in the tournament proper, offering significant ranking points and a guaranteed increase in prize money.

Form Guide

Entering the 2026 clay-court swing, the field is divided between seasoned veterans looking to reclaim their top-100 status and young prospects who have been finding success on the ATP and WTA Challenger circuits. Momentum is often dictated by recent performances in lead-up events in Madrid and Rome, where many of these competitors have been honing their sliding and endurance on the red dirt.

Key Players to Watch

• The Top Seed — As the highest-ranked player in the qualifying draw, they carry the pressure of being the statistical favorite to advance.
• The Clay-Court Specialist — A player with a high win percentage on dirt who relies on heavy topspin and tactical patience to outlast opponents.
• The Local Wildcard — A French hopeful backed by the vocal Parisian crowd, often capable of pulling off upsets through emotional momentum.

Prediction

Expect the early sessions to favor the consistent grinders who have already logged several weeks of match play on European clay this spring. While several seeds are likely to fall due to the high-pressure environment, the more experienced players should navigate these opening rounds in straight sets. A disciplined baseline game will be the deciding factor in most of the morning matches.