Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek advanced during the second round of the French Open on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 [6].
These results reshape the tournament bracket as high seeds fall and favorites maintain their dominance under challenging weather conditions in Paris.
Djokovic secured his place in the next round by defeating Valentin Royer in a four-set match [1]. The victory keeps the veteran competitor on track for another title at Roland Garros.
In the women's draw, the competition saw a major upset. Elena Rybakina, the second seed, was eliminated after losing to Diana Starodubtseva [2]. The loss marks a significant shift in the women's singles field, removing one of the primary contenders early in the event.
Iga Swiatek, the third seed, continued her strong run at the tournament [3]. Swiatek advanced to the third round, further improving her career record at the French Open to 42-3 [4]. Her performance reinforces her status as a dominant force on the clay courts of Paris.
Matches on the fourth day of the tournament were played amid a heat wave that impacted player conditions [5]. Despite the temperature, the schedule progressed as the field narrowed from the 64 players who remained after the first round [5].
Other competitors, including Alexander Zverev, also featured in the day's action as the tournament moved toward the third round [1]. The combination of extreme heat and high-profile exits has added an element of unpredictability to the second-round play.
“Elena Rybakina, the second seed, was eliminated after losing to Diana Starodubtseva”
The elimination of the second seed, Elena Rybakina, opens the draw for lower-ranked players and reduces the number of top-tier obstacles for Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic's steady progression suggests a level of consistency that makes him the man to beat in the men's bracket, provided the ongoing heat wave does not cause physical attrition among the remaining players.
