Roland-Garros 2026: Disappointment for French Players, Marta Kostyuk Triumphs Despite 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 competing, only two managed to reach the second round. Among them was the nineteen-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who in a thrilling match lost against the Serbian Novak Djokovic with a score of 5:7, 7:5, 6:1, 6:4. Despite the defeat, the young Frenchman showed an impressive performance and gained valuable experience on the big stage.

Another French player who advanced to the second round was the twenty-four-year-old Titouan Droguet. He defeated the Czech Jakub Mensik decisively 6:3, 6:2, 6:4, showing a solid performance. However, the match was affected by the high temperatures that tested both the players and the audience.

Outside of the French players, it was the Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk who made headlines. The twenty-three-year-old, who had already won titles in Rouen and Madrid this season, continued her run of success by defeating the Spaniard Oksana Selekhmeteva 6:2, 6:3. Despite the clear result, the day for Kostyuk was marked by emotional difficulties. A few hours before the match, she learned that a missile attack had occurred near her parents’ home in Kyiv. “I am incredibly proud of myself today. I think it was one of the toughest 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 most of the morning.”

Despite this personal burden, Kostyuk found the strength to focus on the match and secure a spot in the second round. She emphasized the importance of moving forward and cited the example of the Ukrainian people who, despite difficult circumstances, remain united. “I think it is important to move forward. My biggest example is the Ukrainians. This morning I woke up and saw that life in my country continues, that Ukrainians keep helping those in greatest need,” she explained.

The first day of the 2026 French Open was therefore characterized by mixed emotions. While the French players faced difficulties, Marta Kostyuk showed impressive strength and determination that go beyond the tennis court.