Roland-Garros 2026 Day 2: A Fine Balance in Match of the Day

Monday’s Roland-Garros order of play features compelling matchups across the women’s and men’s singles draws, with established champions, rising prospects and farewell storylines all set against the backdrop of Paris clay. On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, the spotlight falls first on Amanda Anisimova against Sarah Rakotomanga. Anisimova, the world No.6, comes in as the favorite if her wrist is fully healthy and she can impose her power. But Rakotomanga has emerged quickly as one of the tournament’s most intriguing young names. The 20-year-old, born in Madagascar and now representing France after training in Toulouse, made her WTA Tour debut last year and surged from No.349 to finish the season with the Sao Paulo title and a ranking of No.123, before slipping to No.153. Her ascent has been notable, and her clay-court comfort could make the matchup more competitive than expected. Rakotomanga said the surface gives her time to organize her game, a factor that may help her against a player of Anisimova’s caliber.

The day also brings Iga Swiatek to Court Philippe-Chatrier for the opening match against 17-year-old Emerson Jones. Swiatek’s record in Paris remains formidable: four Roland-Garros titles in seven appearances, plus a semifinal run last year, underlining her long-standing command of the clay in the French capital. Although she no longer carries quite the same aura she had during her dominant stretch from 2020 to 2024, she remains one of the toughest players in the draw. Jones, meanwhile, arrives with athletic pedigree as the daughter of Olympic triathlon silver medallist Loretta Harrop and former AFL footballer Brad Jones. The teenager has promise, but this stage and this opponent will test her experience and resilience.

Another emotional storyline unfolds on Court Simonne-Mathieu, where Stan Wawrinka faces Jesper De Jong in the second match. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is in the final year of his tour career and is expected to savor every last appearance in Paris. Roland-Garros holds special meaning for him as the site of one of his major titles, and he has spoken about the unique stress and exhilaration of competing before a large, passionate crowd. At 41, he knows another Slam title is unlikely, but the intensity and atmosphere remain central to what he loves about the sport.

On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Elina Svitolina meets Anna Bondar in the second match. Svitolina arrives in Paris on a high after winning the Rome title, the 20th of her career, and she is now among the leading contenders in the women’s draw after notable victories over Elena Rybakina, Swiatek and Coco Gauff in Rome. Yet her time in Paris is shaped not only by title ambitions but also by the emotional presence of husband Gael Monfils, who is making his final Roland-Garros appearance. Svitolina said she wants to support him and enjoy his last journey at the tournament, while also remaining focused on her own campaign.