The French Open 2026 women’s singles draw saw contrasting outcomes for seeded players on the opening day. China’s Qinwen Zheng faced a surprising first-round exit, while Italy’s Jasmine Paolini advanced confidently.
In a major upset, Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska defeated the fifth seed Zheng 6-4, 6-0 after a closely contested start. Chwalinska’s dominance continued as she won the final eight games without any reply.
Paolini, the 13th seed, secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a composed performance. Despite momentum swings, Paolini maintained control to win in straight sets, extending her Grand Slam consistency.
The defeat marked Zheng’s unexpected early departure from Paris, where she had a history of success. Zheng, a consistent performer, suffered her first-ever first-round loss at the French Open, highlighting the unpredictability of the tournament.
Paolini’s win showcased her remarkable consistency at Grand Slam events, making her one of the few players with nine consecutive first-round victories. Paolini’s head-to-head dominance over Yastremska continued, setting up a match against Argentina’s Solana Sierra in the next round.
With surprises and steady performances defining the women’s draw, the French Open’s opening day hinted at an unpredictable tournament ahead.
