Four-time champion Iga Swiatek continued her pursuit of another Roland Garros title with a straight-sets victory over Czech youngster Sara Bejlek in the second round of the French Open 2026 on Wednesday. While the Polish star secured a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win on Court Philippe Chatrier, the performance also revealed moments of inconsistency as she struggled with unforced errors throughout the match.
Swiatek, widely regarded as one of the most dominant clay-court players of her generation, once again demonstrated why she remains a formidable force in Paris. The 24-year-old has built an extraordinary record at Roland Garros, losing only twice at the tournament since 2020 while lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen four times during that period.
However, against world number 35 Sara Bejlek, her path to the third round was far from flawless. Despite controlling large portions of the contest, Swiatek committed 38 unforced errors and several double faults during the one-hour, 38-minute encounter. The mistakes did little to threaten the overall outcome, but they reflected the world number three’s ongoing search for rhythm and consistency this season.
The match began with both players exchanging early service breaks before Swiatek quickly asserted control. Using her trademark heavy topspin forehand and aggressive movement, the Pole surged to a commanding 5-1 lead in the opening set on a warm afternoon in Paris. However, Bejlek managed to capitalize on another loose service game from Swiatek when the defending champion handed away a break with a double fault.
Even with 19 unforced errors in the first set alone, Swiatek’s superior experience and shot-making allowed her to close out the opener comfortably. The second set followed a similarly erratic pattern, with five of the first eight games going against serve as both players struggled to settle into a consistent rhythm.
Bejlek, just 20 years old and competing in only her second French Open main draw, showed flashes of promise with her left-handed angles and fearless baseline hitting. However, she was unable to sustain the pressure against one of the greatest clay-court players on the tour. Swiatek eventually sealed the victory when Bejlek sent a forehand into the net on match point.
“She has a different style of play and I had to adjust to that,” Swiatek said of her left-handed opponent. “She uses a lot the fact that she’s a leftie, serving into my backhand.”
The victory keeps alive Swiatek’s hopes of claiming a fifth French Open title, which would further cement her legacy on clay. The Pole entered the tournament after a mixed start to the 2026 season, with questions surrounding her form following some inconsistent performances on tour. However, Roland Garros has historically been the place where she rediscovers her best tennis.
According to WTA statistics, Swiatek now owns one of the highest winning percentages in French Open history among women players in the Open Era. Her dominance on clay has drawn comparisons with legends such as Justine Henin and Chris Evert, both of whom enjoyed extraordinary success in Paris.
Swiatek’s route in the tournament could become more challenging in the coming rounds. She is set to face either former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko or fellow Polish player Magda Linette in the third round. Ostapenko, in particular, has been a difficult opponent for Swiatek in previous meetings, possessing an aggressive style capable of disrupting the Pole’s rhythm. Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina produced a much cleaner and more composed display to move into the third round. The former world number three defeated Spanish qualifier Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4 in a confident performance.
Svitolina entered Roland Garros in strong form after winning the Italian Open earlier this month, where she notably defeated both Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff during her title run. Against the 19-year-old Quevedo, the Ukrainian showcased her experience and consistency from the baseline, dominating the first set before overcoming a stronger challenge in the second.
The women’s singles competition at Roland Garros continues to gather intensity, with several top contenders battling for momentum in the early rounds. While Swiatek remains one of the favourites for the title, her second-round performance highlighted that even the reigning queen of clay will need to sharpen her game as the tournament progresses deeper into the second week.
For now, though, the defending champion remains firmly on course for another Parisian triumph, continuing her remarkable journey on the courts where she has built one of modern tennis’ most impressive records.
