Raducanu Draws No. 64 Sierra in French Open 1st Round, With Paolini Looming
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Raducanu Draws No. 64 Sierra in French Open 1st Round, With Paolini Looming
12 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Emma Raducanu will open her 2026 French Open against world No. 64 Solana Sierra after missing out on a seeding and dropping to No. 37.
Sierra poses a difficult clay-court test: the 21-year-old Argentine grew up on the surface and recently took a set off defending champion Coco Gauff in Madrid.
A tougher path could follow quickly, with 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini a potential second-round opponent if Raducanu advances.
Raducanu arrives short of matches after a two-month layoff, having returned in Strasbourg this week with a straight-sets loss to Diane Parry.
In the wider draw, Jannik Sinner starts as the clear men's favourite with Carlos Alcaraz injured, while Novak Djokovic opens against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Can a 39-year-old Djokovic defy his tough draw and recent injuries for a record 25th major title?
How will the planned player protest over prize money overshadow the on-court action at Roland Garros?