Day 4 at Roland-Garros 2026 delivered a mix of expected dominance and jaw-dropping drama. Between the frontrunners' composed victories and Elena Rybakina's stunning exit, the tournament shifted gears on Wednesday.
Novak Djokovic completed his mission on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The third seed dispatched Frenchman Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(9), 6-3 to reach the third round. After a laboured opening match against Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday, the Serb displayed a markedly higher level for two and a half sets. The third-set tiebreak loss (9-7 to Royer) served as a reminder that the 39-year-old champion is not yet at full throttle, but the bottom line stands: a 21st consecutive third round in Paris.
Four-time champion Iga Swiatek dispatched Sara Bejlek in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and thirty-four minutes. The Pole managed the left-handed Czech's variety to record a clean victory. Her tally through two rounds: five sets won conceding just eight games. A level of dominance that speaks volumes about her Paris ambitions. Former 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko could await in the third round.
On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, the thunderbolt. World No. 55 Yuliia Starodubtseva toppled second seed Rybakina 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4). The Australian Open champion exits Paris in the second round after committing 71 unforced errors. An unexpected collapse that reshuffles the women's draw.
Elina Svitolina (No.7) continued her march with a commanding 6-0, 6-4 win over Kaitlin Quevedo. The 31-year-old Ukrainian, in formidable form, faces Tamara Korpatsch next. Belinda Bencic also impressed, beating Caty McNally 6-4, 6-0 to confirm her post-maternity resurgence.
On the men's side, the night session featured Alexander Zverev against Tomas Machac. The second seed looked to build on his smooth opening-round display against the dangerous Czech.
The takeaway from Day 4: the men's draw is crystallising around Sinner and Djokovic, while the women's draw has been thrown wide open after the exits of Pegula (R1) and Rybakina (R2). World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Swiatek now stand as the clear-cut favourites.
