Roland-Garros 2026: Swiatek eliminated, making way for outsiders

Roland-Garros 2026: Swiatek eliminated, making way for outsiders

The surprising elimination of Iga Świątek

Iga Świątek, a four-time defending champion at the tournament, was eliminated in the round of 16 on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The Polish player, ranked world No. 1, suffered a defeat against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk. This setback marks a turning point in the Parisian tournament, where Świątek had dominated for four consecutive editions.

The match took place on the Philippe-Chatrier court under favorable weather conditions. Świątek, the undisputed favorite, failed to impose her game against a determined opponent. Kostyuk managed to exploit the Polish player's weaknesses, breaking her serve several times. Świątek won only one set, losing with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 2-6.

This defeat constitutes Świątek's worst result at the tournament since her first victory in 2020. She has not won a title in 2026, a first since 2021.

The remarkable performance of Marta Kostyuk

Marta Kostyuk confirmed her status as an outsider by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time at the tournament. The Ukrainian, undefeated on clay this season, delivered a solid performance against Świątek. Her aggressive play and precision made the difference.

Kostyuk, 24, has already won a title in 2026 on clay. Her journey this season shows constant progress. She had already eliminated top-level players before this tournament, but her victory against Świątek marks a milestone.

Her next opponent in the quarter-finals will be known on Monday. Kostyuk could face another surprise of the tournament, such as Spanish player Paula Badosa or American Coco Gauff. Her unexpected journey is already raising hopes for an unprecedented final.

The outsiders in the men's draw

The men's draw has also been marked by surprising eliminations. Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner, three of the main favorites, were all eliminated before the round of 16. This edition of the tournament could thus crown a player who has never won a Grand Slam tournament, according to analysts.

Alcaraz, the 2024 US Open champion, withdrew due to a wrist injury. Djokovic, the record holder for Grand Slam titles, was beaten in five sets by young Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Sinner, the 2026 Australian Open finalist, fell to Frenchman Arthur Fils.

Among the outsiders still in the running, Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild and Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina stand out. Seyboth Wild, 22, defeated the 2025 finalist, Casper Ruud, in five sets. Davidovich Fokina, a clay court specialist, eliminated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in three straight sets.

Matches to follow in the round of 16

The round of 16 still holds high-level matches. The clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka, scheduled for Monday evening on the Philippe-Chatrier court, promises an intense spectacle. Sabalenka, world No. 2, faces an Osaka seeking to return to the top.

In the men's draw, Alexander Zverev faces young Portuguese João Fonseca. Zverev, the 2022 tournament finalist, seeks to confirm his consistency. Fonseca, 19, impressed by eliminating Croatian Marin Čilić in the previous round.

Elina Svitolina, a former finalist in Paris, faces Czech Markéta Vondroušová. Svitolina, returning after a maternity break, tries to regain her previous level. Vondroušová, the 2019 finalist, remains a formidable opponent.

An edition full of twists and turns

This 2026 edition of the tournament will be remembered for its early eliminations. The favorites, both in the women's and men's draws, were quickly sidelined, according to observers. The outsiders are taking advantage of this situation to shine.

Kostyuk embodies this new dynamic. Her journey is reminiscent of Barbora Krejčíková's in 2021, who was crowned to everyone's surprise. In the men's draw, the absence of Djokovic and Alcaraz opens the door to a new generation.

The quarter-finals, starting on Wednesday, promise to be undecided. The players still in the running have never reached this stage at the tournament, or very rarely. This situation could favor close matches and additional surprises.

• Iga Świątek eliminated in the round of 16 by Marta Kostyuk
• Marta Kostyuk stands out as a serious outsider
• Early elimination of male favorites such as Alcaraz and Djokovic
• Outsiders like Thiago Seyboth Wild and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the running
• An edition full of twists and surprises

Sources

1. France Info - "Polish player Iga Swiatek, four-time winner of Roland-Garros, falls in the round of 16 against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk". (secondary)
2. Le Figaro - "Roland-Garros: the Ruud-Fonseca clash, the Jodar-Carreno Busta duel... everything you need to know about the 8th day". (secondary)
3. Le Figaro - "Roland-Garros: four-time winner at Porte d’Auteuil, Swiatek eliminated in the round of 16 by Kostyuk". (secondary)
4. Le Monde - "Roland-Garros 2026: the great rise of outsiders in the men's draw". (secondary)
5. France Info Sport - "Polish player Iga Swiatek, four-time winner of Roland-Garros, falls in the round of 16 against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk". (secondary)
6. Le Figaro - "Roland-Garros: a women's match in the night session for the first time in three years". (secondary)
7. ESPN - "Swiatek falls as all French singles champs out". (secondary)
8. Liberation - "Roland-Garros 2026: the four-time tournament winner Iga Swiatek swept away in the round of 16 by Marta Kostyuk". (secondary)
9. RMC Sport - "LIVE. Roland-Garros 2026: follow the start of the round of 16 this Sunday, May 31 with Zverev, Swiatek, Fonseca and Svitolina". (secondary)

Transparency: 9 sources (0 primary, 9 secondary). Verification: May 31, 2026.

Truthyx - May 31, 2026