Navratilova Says 2026 French Open Gains Suspense as 6 Top Stars Exit or Miss Paris
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 6
Navratilova Says 2026 French Open Gains Suspense as 6 Top Stars Exit or Miss Paris
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 6
Summary
Martina Navratilova said Roland Garros has become "amazing" because the 2026 tournament will crown both a new men’s and women’s champion after a string of top-player absences and upsets.
Carlos Alcaraz withdrew with a wrist injury, Jannik Sinner lost in the second round, Novak Djokovic exited in the third, and Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka all left the women’s draw.
Navratilova said that upheaval gives more players a real shot and restores the uncertainty fans want, arguing tennis is most compelling when the outcome is not a given.
She also said top players do get preferential treatment on scheduling and conditions, though she added they have partly earned it and warned that advantage can be taken too far.
The comments frame a broader tension for tennis: stars drive interest and revenue, but this year’s French Open showed unpredictability and fresh contenders can make a Grand Slam more gripping.