The fourth day of the French Open 2026 at Roland Garros delivered compelling action as top seeds advanced and surprises emerged. Iga Swiatek, seeded third, secured her spot in the third round with a straight-sets victory over Sara Bejlek, winning 6-3 6-3. The Polish star demonstrated her trademark clay-court prowess, dictating play from the baseline and leaving little room for her opponent.
Djokovic and Rybakina Take the Court
Novak Djokovic, the veteran champion, faced French wildcard Valentin Royer on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic started strongly, taking the first set 6-3 and breaking early in the second to lead 4-1. His experience and precision were evident as he navigated Royer's aggressive play. Meanwhile, second seed Elena Rybakina encountered a tough challenge from Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva on Suzanne-Lenglen. After winning the first set 6-3, Rybakina struggled in the second, losing it 6-0 in a surprising turn. The deciding set saw Starodubtseva take an early 3-0 lead, putting Rybakina under immense pressure.
Key Results from the Day
- Marie Bouzkova (27) defeated Fran Jones 6-0 7-6(3) in a match where Jones fought back from a first-set bagel.
- Magda Linette upset Jelena Ostapenko (29) 6-2 2-6 6-2, ending the 2017 champion's run.
- Andrey Rublev (11) overcame Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1 1-6 6-3 7-6(5) in a grueling four-set battle.
- Elina Svitolina (7) beat Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0 6-4, advancing smoothly.
- Karen Khachanov (13) edged Marco Trungelliti 7-6(5) 5-7 6-1 7-6(4) in a thrilling contest.
- Thiago Tirante defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6 7-6(4) 6-1 6-3.
- Belinda Bencic (11) beat Caty McNally 6-4 6-0.
Notable Performances and Upsets
The day saw several standout performances. Marta Kostyuk, the Madrid Open champion, rallied from a set down to beat Katie Volynets 6-7 6-3 6-3. In a surprising twist, Jelena Ostapenko's loss to Linette clears a potential path for Swiatek, who has historically struggled against Ostapenko. Rublev's victory was particularly hard-fought, with the Russian showing resilience after dropping the second set. He will next face either Borges or Kecmanovic.
Djokovic's Progress
Djokovic continued his methodical approach, securing the first set 6-3 and breaking early in the second. His attire drew some attention, but his focus remained on advancing deep into the tournament. With limited preparation and physical concerns after Melbourne, the Serbian is taking it one match at a time.
Looking Ahead
As day four concludes, attention turns to the third round. Swiatek awaits the winner of Bouzkova vs. Andreeva, while Djokovic will face Royer's conqueror. Rybakina's fightback will be crucial if she hopes to stay in the tournament. The French Open continues to deliver drama and high-quality tennis on the Parisian clay.
