Roland Garros 2026 has been defined by chaos, breakthroughs, and the emergence of a new generation of stars
It’s been fascinating watching the French Open over the past few weeks, as we head into the men’s and women’s final matches over this upcoming weekend. Perhaps not as great for bettors.
The men’s draw was blown open, starting with Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, pulling out the tournament even started, with a wrist injury.
Top contenders Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic were knocked out earlier than expected. Sinner lost in the second round (cramps/fatigue played a role in a five-setter).
Alexander Zverev has taken advantage of what’s been an upheaval, reached the final, and is in a great position to win his first Grand Slam title.
It’s on the women’s side where thing get interesting. Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska has been the story of the tournament this time out.
Chwalinska was ranked No. 114 in WTA singles rankings going into the tournament and won three qualifying matches just to get into the tournament. She is the first qualifier every to reach a French Open women’s final.
A great Cinderella story, but a bridge too far for bettors?
Coco Gauff (2025 winner) lost in the third round. Top players like Aryna Sabalenka (upset in quarters by Diana Shnaider), Iga Swiatek, and others exited earlier than expected, leading to no past major champions in the women’s semifinals (a rarity).
In tomorrow’s women’s singles final, Chwalinska takes on Mirra Andreeva at 9 a.m. EST. In tennis betting at Betway, Andreeva is the big betting favourite, at -400, while Chwalinska is +275.
If anything, it’s been tennis’ next generation that’s been the big overriding story. Teenagers and young stars have been making deep runs – Brazil’s João Fonseca, Czech rising star Jakub Menšík, Spain’s Rafael Jódar, and France’s Moïse Kouamé.
Andreeva is just 19 and has reached her first Grand Slam final.
In Sunday’s men’s singles final, Flavio Cobolli takes on Alexander Zverev, at 9 a.m. EST. Zverev is the betting favourite at -450, Cobolli is at +300.
I like Zverev in set betting, 3-1, +250. He is the more experienced, big-match player on clay, with the superior serve and baseline power.
