Roland-Garros 2026 Opens Qualifying Week on May 18

Roland-Garros 2026 will begin its qualifying phase on Monday 18 May, ahead of the main draw starting Sunday 24 May. The tournament’s schedule places the qualifiers a week before the championship matches. The qualifying matches constitute the Opening Week, a period that has grown in popularity and audience size. Fans are expected to attend in larger numbers than in previous years. The week-long program runs from 18 May through 23 May, offering players the chance to earn a place in the main tournament. Successful qualifiers will join the main draw on 24 May. The schedule includes daily matches at set times, though specific hours are not detailed in the source. All matches are played on the tournament’s courts in Paris. A range of players, referred to as "engagés", will compete in the qualifiers, adhering to the tournament's established format. These participants aim to secure a spot in the prestigious Grand Slam event. The format mirrors previous editions, with players battling for limited spots in the main draw. The competition follows the standard qualifying structure used at Roland-Garros. Organisers anticipate continued growth in public interest during the Opening Week. The increased attendance reflects the event’s rising profile among tennis fans. The qualifiers set the stage for the main event that commences on 24 May. The main draw will feature the world’s top players competing for the French Open title.