Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 French Open
WTA Tour
Roland Garros
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
24 May – 7 June
Coco Gauff will begin her title defence when she faces fellow American WTA 73rd-ranked Taylor Townsend in the first round on 26 May.
What to know about Gauff
The 22-year-old is the reigning French Open champion after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final.
Currently seeded No. 4, she is a two-time Grand Slam winner (US Open 2023, Roland Garros 2025) and is eyeing her third Grand Slam title.
Why Gauff could win the French Open
Gauff has developed into one of the most complete players on the tour, blending elite defence, powerful groundstrokes, and improved serving.
The youngster's movement on clay, fighting spirit in best-of-three matches, and experience as the defending champion make her a clear favorite to lift the trophy again in 2026.
What was said
“I realize that defending means nothing in a way. Each year is a new opportunity and a new chance for anyone to win. I don’t really look at it as defending anymore. I won it last year. I’ll try again to do it this year. I’m not going to be able to defend every year. I’m not Rafa," Gauff said ahead of the 2026 French Open.
“Last year was a good tournament for me… it was tough losing the final [in Rome this year], but it was a cool experience and I’m looking forward to being back here and hopefully putting up another good tournament. I talked about having unfinished business here last year… now I’m the defending champion, which is pretty cool.”
Head-to-Head
Townsend leads Gauff 1-0 in their previous meetings (Townsend won 6-0 2-6 6-1 on clay at the 2019 Charleston tournament when Gauff was just 15).
So, this first-round match at the 2026 French Open will be their second encounter (H2H: 0-1).
The last five French Open singles champions (women)
2025 – Coco Gauff (USA)
2024 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2023 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2022 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2021 – Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic)
The last five French Open singles champions (men)
2025 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2024 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2023 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2022 – Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2021 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Bet on tennis
Whether you love him or hate him, you have to admit that Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players in the world. The influence he has had and the records he holds will echo through out tennis for the rest of time.
You too can get in on the action. The Australian Open was just the start of the new tennis season and you can bet on all the action with Betway. Simply visit the sports or tennis page and find the perfect bet.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway Nigeria on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube