PARIS — Before Martina Navratilova embarks on her journey to Paris for Tennis Channel’s coverage of Roland Garros, she finds herself in the usual gridlock of South Florida traffic on a warm afternoon.
Faced with a sea of red brake lights and plenty of time on her hands, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion envisions her upcoming clay-court challenges and assesses a competitive field of players.
The upcoming French Open appears to offer tighter competition than in previous years. Iga Swiatek remains the standard on clay, though she no longer enjoys the same substantial lead as before.
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka
2026 W-L: 27-3
Best Roland Garros result: Runner-up last year
The overview: After sweeping the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami with a perfect 12-0 record, Sabalenka had a mixed clay season of 4-2, losing to lower-ranked players. Nonetheless, with a 27-3 season record and a solid points lead, she enters Roland Garros as a formidable contender, having taken her forceful baseline game onto a surface that is becoming her strength.
Navratilova’s insights: “She has evolved in all facets of her game—shot selection, margin for error, forward transitions, and decision-making. Her point construction and movement have improved immensely. Clay is still challenging for her style, but she has every reason to claim victory here. She’s currently the top player in the world.”
No. 2 Elena Rybakina
2026 W-L: 30-7
Best Roland Garros result: Two-time quarterfinalist (2021, 2024)
The overview: Rybakina arrives at Roland Garros with a Grand Slam title already in her pocket, having triumphed over Sabalenka at the Australian Open. After winning in Stuttgart, she achieved a solid 6-2 record in Madrid and Rome. Although clay typically favors more defensive styles, Rybakina excels in controlling the tempo when she forces the play.
Navratilova’s insights: “Her main hurdle has been health issues. If she maintains her energy levels, her natural comfort on clay can propel her far in the tournament.”
No. 3 Iga Swiatek
2026 W-L: 18-9
Best Roland Garros result: Four-time champion (2000, 2022, 2023, 2024)
The overview: Even ranked third, Swiatek remains the reference point in Paris. Since 2020, her 10 clay-court titles surpass all competitors. With an impressive 40-3 record at Roland Garros, she’s still regarded as a top contender in a tightly competitive women’s field.
Navratilova’s insights: “Despite being a four-time champion, she seems to be flying under the radar a bit. The sport has become more competitive, yet her past successes on this surface empower her to play from experience. Routine and recent coaching changes might affect her confidence, but she appears more settled than earlier in the season.”
No. 4 Coco Gauff
2026 W-L: 24-9
Best Roland Garros result: 2025 champion
The overview: Defending her title, Gauff has showcased impressive performance in 2026, reaching finals and advancing deep into tournaments. Her remarkable speed and defensive skills make her a tough opponent on clay, evident from her confident showing in Rome.
Navratilova’s insights: “As defending champion, she faces a welcome pressure. Gauff is notably a stronger player now, appearing mentally more resilient even after setbacks during matches.”
Navratilova’s quick insights on the rest of the Top 10
No. 5 Jessica Pegula: “Her aggressive play is evolving, allowing her to compete better against top players.”
No. 6 Amanda Anisimova: “Entering her first clay match at a Grand Slam is challenging. While talented, she must adapt quickly to the unique attributes of clay.”
No. 7 Elina Svitolina: “Her recent aggressive playstyle has brought about significant change in her performances.”
No. 8 Mirra Andreeva: “She holds extraordinary potential, though her emotional energy during matches might be a hurdle.”
No. 9 Victoria Mboko: “Her athleticism and power stand out, but she needs more experience on clay.”
No. 10 Karolina Muchova: “She offers exceptional variety, but must stay healthy to pose a serious threat.”
