Roland-Garros 2026: French players disappoint, Marta Kostyuk triumphs despite a heavy emotional burden

Paris – 24.05.2026: The first day of the 2026 French Open at Roland-Garros began with mixed feelings for the French tennis players. Of the eleven athletes entered, only two managed to reach the second round. Among them was the young Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 19 years old, who lost to Serbian Novak Djokovic in a thrilling match with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. Despite the defeat, the young Frenchman delivered an impressive performance and gained valuable experience on the big stage.

Another French player to advance to the second round was Titouan Droguet, aged 24. He defeated Czech Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, displaying a solid performance. However, the match took place under intense heat that tested both players and spectators.

Outside of the French players, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk drew attention. At 23 years old, already victorious this season in Rouen and Madrid, she continued her winning streak by beating Spaniard Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3. Despite a clear score, the day was marked by emotional trials for Kostyuk. Just hours before the match, she learned that a rocket attack had taken place near her parents’ home in Kiev. “I am incredibly proud of myself today. I think it was one of the hardest matches of my career,” Kostyuk said after the match. “This morning, a building 100 meters from my parents’ house was destroyed. It was a very difficult morning for me… I didn’t know how to handle it, I cried for most of the morning.”

Despite this heavy personal burden, Kostyuk found the strength to focus on the game and secure her place in the second round. She emphasized the importance of continuing forward and mentioned the example of the Ukrainian people who remain united despite the difficult circumstances. “I think it is important to keep going. My greatest example is the Ukrainians. This morning, I woke up seeing that life goes on in my country, that Ukrainians continue to help those who need it most,” the player explained.

Thus, this first day of the 2026 French Open was marked by conflicting emotions. While the French players faced challenges, Marta Kostyuk demonstrated impressive strength and determination that went far beyond the tennis court.