The 2026 French Open draw has been released, and it promises an intriguing contest with several notable matches and potential upsets. Emma Raducanu, the British number one, faces a challenging first-round encounter against Argentine clay-court specialist Solano Sierra. While Raducanu's ranking has dropped to 37th, Sierra, ranked 64th, has shown promise on clay, recently taking a set from reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in Madrid. This draw could have been tougher for Raducanu, who missed out on a seeding due to her rankings. The second round might see Raducanu face Italy's Jasmine Paolini, who was the runner-up in 2024. British number two Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones, the only other Briton in the women's singles, face American wildcard Akasha Urhobo and Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia, respectively. In the men's draw, Cameron Norrie, Britain's only seeded player, will play Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. Jacob Fearnley faces Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo, with the likely prospect of world number one Jannik Sinner waiting in round two. Sinner, the overwhelming favourite for the title, starts his bid against French wildcard Clement Tabur. The absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who is out injured, leaves the door open for Sinner to win his maiden French Open title. Three-time champion Novak Djokovic, who turns 39 on Friday, opens against huge-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The rehiring of Andrew Richardson by Raducanu, who has struggled with a virus and back issues, is a significant move. However, with her lack of match fitness and a tricky draw, a revival in her
