Aryna Sabalenka is expected to be the favorite in her second-round match against Elsa Jacquemot at the 2026 French Open, as Roland-Garros moves deeper into its early rounds. Sabalenka, the world No. 1 from Belarus, reached last year’s final and later won the U.S. Open, reinforcing her status as one of the tournament’s leading contenders. The four-time Grand Slam champion is widely projected to advance, but the women’s draw has already produced surprises, underscoring how open this year’s competition has become.
The event has already seen major upsets, with No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula and No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina both eliminated. Their exits have added intrigue to the tournament and shown that even the top seeds are vulnerable on the Paris clay. That unpredictability gives Jacquemot a reason to believe in an upset, especially with home-court support behind her. The French player, ranked No. 2 in France, is expected to draw strong backing from local fans and will aim to make the most of the opportunity against one of the sport’s most powerful and consistent players.
For viewers looking to follow the match live, Sabalenka vs. Jacquemot is being streamed for free on France TV. The platform is normally restricted to viewers in France, but access is possible from other countries by using a VPN. A VPN can route a user’s connection through a server in France, making it appear as though they are browsing from within the country. This allows international fans to watch the free broadcast despite the geo-restriction.
The process is straightforward: choose a streaming-compatible VPN, install the app on a preferred device, connect to a server in France, and then open France TV to watch the match. VPN services typically support a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux, making them convenient for live sports streaming on both desktop and mobile platforms.
The article highlights ExpressVPN as a recommended option for accessing France TV. It notes that the service offers servers in more than 100 countries, fast speeds, a no-logging policy, support for multiple simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Promotional pricing is also mentioned, including a discounted long-term plan and a one-month subscription option for viewers who only need temporary access during the French Open.
Sabalenka remains one of the strongest titles favorites in Paris, but Jacquemot’s local status and the tournament’s early surprises suggest the match could be more competitive than expected. With the second round underway, the clash offers both star power and uncertainty, making it one of the notable fixtures of the 2026 French Open.
