The fourth day of the 2026 French Open delivered a major shock as women's second seed Elena Rybakina was ousted by Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in a thrilling three-set battle. Meanwhile, top contenders Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic advanced smoothly, though Djokovic faced a stern test from French wildcard Valentin Royer.
Rybakina's Stunning Exit
Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a strong favorite in Paris, started strongly by taking the first set 6-3. However, Starodubtseva, ranked 114th in the world, fought back with aggressive baseline play, winning the second set 6-1. The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks before Starodubtseva edged the tiebreak 7-6(7) to secure the biggest win of her career. The Ukrainian will now face Xiyu Wang, who benefited from Hailey Baptiste's retirement due to injury.
Djokovic Battles Past Royer
Novak Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, overcame a spirited challenge from Frenchman Valentin Royer. The Serbian dominated the first two sets 6-2, 6-2, but Royer rallied to force a tiebreak in the third, which he won 7-6(7). Djokovic regained control in the fourth, breaking early and serving out a 6-3 victory. After the match, Djokovic praised Royer's performance, calling it "a big match for him" and acknowledging the difficulty of playing a home favorite. Djokovic will next face either Joao Fonseca or Dino Prizmic.
Swiatek Cruises Through
World number three Iga Swiatek continued her imperious form, dispatching Czech qualifier Sára Bejlek 6-3, 6-3. The Polish star, a three-time French Open champion, broke Bejlek five times and conceded just three games in a clinical display. Swiatek's path to the title looks increasingly clear after Rybakina's exit, with Jasmine Paolini now the highest remaining seed in her half of the draw.
Other Notable Results
In other matches on day four, Jakub Mensik outlasted Mario Navone in a grueling five-setter, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(11) despite severe cramping. Mensik, who collapsed after the final point, will face Alex de Minaur next. Andrey Rublev defeated Ugo Carabelli in four sets, while Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, and Marie Bouzkova also advanced. In the men's draw, Karen Khachanov and Thiago Tirante progressed, while Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was eliminated.
The tournament continues on Thursday with third-round matches, including Djokovic's clash with Fonseca or Prizmic, and Swiatek's meeting with Bouzkova.
