The red clay of Roland-Garros does not forgive approximations — and this Sunday, May 31, proved it, with a day of round of 16 matches marked by a resounding elimination and the confirmation of the men's favorites.

Zverev, Machine Revived

On the Philippe-Chatrier court, Alexander Zverev ended the fine run of Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong in three sets (7-6 [7/3], 6-4, 6-1) in two hours and fourteen minutes. Down 3-0 in the first set, the world No. 3 turned the situation around by winning seven consecutive points. Forty-three winners, 75% of first serves: the Zverev machine is running. He will face young Spanish hope Rafael Jodar in the quarter-finals, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the fortnight.

Swiatek Falls, Kostyuk Confirms

But it was the other result of the day that electrified the courts: Iga Swiatek, four-time winner at Porte d'Auteuil and the tournament's heavy favorite, was ousted by Marta Kostyuk in what commentators unanimously described as a "sublime confirmation." The Ukrainian, who turned 25 that day, gave Swiatek a poisoned birthday gift — ironically, De Jong was also celebrating his birthday. Roland-Garros 2026 is indeed being built on shifts in hierarchy.

A Draw More Open Than Ever

The finals are scheduled for June 6 (women) and June 7 (men) on the Philippe-Chatrier court. With Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal due to injury, the men's draw is more open than it has been in a long time. Zverev, now the natural favorite, will have to confirm against a Spanish and Brazilian generation that no longer fears the big names.

Editorial Opinion

A Grand Slam without Alcaraz, without Swiatek in the quarter-finals, is rare; two weeks after a suspenseful Champions League final, it's a sign that global sport is undergoing an accelerated generational transition. In Paris, it would be wrong to see this as a weakening: on the contrary, it promises an even more unpredictable end to the fortnight.

To Remember

  • Zverev beats Jesper de Jong 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 6-1 in the round of 16; will face Rafael Jodar in the quarter-finals.
  • Iga Swiatek eliminated by Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, on her 25th birthday.
  • Carlos Alcaraz absent from the draw (injury); open tournament on the men's side.
  • Finals scheduled for Saturday, June 6 (women) and Sunday, June 7 (men) on Philippe-Chatrier.