Clay court season reaches its biggest stage as the world’s top women tennis stars prepare for the French Open 2026, with anticipation building ahead of the singles main draw ceremony at Roland Garros in Paris. The second Grand Slam of the season begins on May 24 and runs until June 7, promising two weeks of intense competition on the iconic red clay courts.
Defending champion Coco Gauff headlines the women’s field this year as players battle not only for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles, but also for crucial ranking points and record prize money at the season’s premier clay court tournament.
French Open 2026 draw ceremony details
The French Open 2026 singles main draw ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. local time in Paris, which is 5:30 p.m. IST.
Fans across the world can watch the ceremony live through the tournament’s official YouTube channel and digital platforms. The draw will determine the path for the top seeds and could set up several blockbuster clashes in the early rounds itself.
This year’s edition will once again be hosted at the historic Roland Garros venue in Paris, widely regarded as one of the toughest Grand Slam events due to the physical demands of clay court tennis.
Ranking points on offer in women’s singles
Like every Grand Slam, the French Open offers major ranking points that can significantly impact the WTA standings. Players making deep runs in Paris will have an opportunity to strengthen their rankings before the grass court season begins.
The women’s singles champion will receive 2,000 ranking points, while the runner-up earns 1,300 points.
Semifinalists will collect 780 points, while quarterfinalists receive 430 points.
Players reaching the fourth round will secure 240 points, while third-round appearances are worth 130 points. Competitors exiting in the second round receive 70 points, and first-round participants earn 10 points.
The women’s doubles event will follow the same ranking points structure per team, making it equally significant for doubles specialists on the WTA circuit.
Record prize money announced
The French Tennis Federation has confirmed a major increase in prize money for the 2026 edition of the tournament. Total prize money has risen by 9.5 percent this year, with the overall purse standing at 61.7 million euros, approximately USD 72.69 million.
Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will receive 2.8 million euros each, reflecting continued efforts towards equal prize distribution in Grand Slam tennis.
Prize money has also increased across the early rounds to support lower-ranked players competing in the tournament, a move welcomed by players and tennis associations in recent years.
Coco Gauff returns as defending champion
American star Coco Gauff enters the tournament as the defending women’s singles champion after lifting her maiden French Open title last year. The 22-year-old had defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in a thrilling final to claim the trophy and establish herself as one of the leading names in women’s tennis.
Gauff arrives in Paris following a consistent clay court season and is expected to be among the favourites once again alongside Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
In women’s doubles, the Italian pair of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani are the reigning champions. Errani also captured the mixed doubles crown alongside fellow Italian Andrea Vavassori during the previous edition.
Wheelchair champions and notable absences
Japan’s Yui Kamiji returns as the defending women’s wheelchair singles champion after another dominant campaign in 2025. Kamiji, one of the most decorated wheelchair tennis players in history, will again be among the favourites in Paris.
Meanwhile, the tournament will miss one of its biggest names on the men’s side, as defending men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn due to a wrist injury.
With the women’s competition expected to be fiercely contested, fans now await the official draw to see how the road to the French Open title unfolds at Roland Garros this year.
