After a drama-filled opening day, there were a number of 2026 French Open upsets which got us thinking here at BetVictor News, what are the biggest shocks ever witnessed at Roland-Garros? Let’s take a closer look.
Men’s French Open Upsets
- Nishesh Basavareddy beat Taylor Fritz (1st round, 2026)
There’s only one place to start as World No.9 Taylor Fritz crashed out at the first hurdle to Nishesh Basavareddy on May 24. The 21-year-old beat his more illustrious opponent 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-1. It was Basavareddy’s first-ever win over a top-10 opponent and easily the finest victory of his career to date. He is currently ranked World No. 148.
- Adam Walton beat Daniil Medvedev (1st round, 2026)
A shock of equal measure that occured in the 2026 event, another first round French Open upset occurred when Adam Walton defied tennis odds to beat 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev. The Aussie beat the No. 6 seed in a five-set thriller 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 that lasted over three hours and 20 minutes.
- Robin Soderling beat Rafael Nadal (4th round, 2009)
As far as Men’s French Open betting goes, not many would have backed what is widely considered as the greatest clay-court shock in Paris. Robin Soderling had the unenviable task of facing Rafael Nadal in the 4th round but got the better of the ‘King of Clay’ 6–2, 6–7, 6–4, 7–6. In doing so, it derailed Nadal’s 31-0 record at RG with the Swede going all the way to the final.
- Gaston Gaudio beat Guillermo Coria (Final, 2004)
The all-Argentine final in 2004 saw unseeded outsider Gaston Gaudio beat Guillermo Coria 0-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 8-6. Gaudio saved two championship points and rallied from two sets down to land his only career major. At the time, Coria was ranked World No.4.
- Moise Kouame beat Marin Cilic (1st round, 2026)
Moise Kouame became the youngest player in the Open Era to defeat a Grand Slam champion in Men’s Singles at Roland-Garros. The 17-year-old French wildcard beat 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 6-1. A truly fantastic achievement that has put his name well and truly on the map.
- Michael Chang beat Ivan Lendl (4th round, 1989)
Staying on the topic of teenage prodigies, one of the biggest French Open upsets occurred in 1989 when 17-year-old Michael Chang beat Ivan Lendl 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Lendl was a three-time champion and 2-1 up in the third but Chang’s gutsy performance saw him through. He became the youngest male player ever to win a Grand Slam title after beating Stefan Edberg in the final.
Women’s French Open Upsets
- Virginie Razzano beat Serena Williams (1st round, 2012)
If Jannik Sinner is the man to beat this year, then defeating a prime Serena Williams is a feat that will live long in the memory as far as the Women’s game is concerned. And one of the biggest French Open upsets occured when wildcard Virginie Razzano beat Williams 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 back in 2012. It was Serena’s only career Grand Slam 1st round defeat.
- Kimberly Birrell beat Jessica Pegula (1st round, 2026)
Keeping in trend with 1st round shocks in 2026 from Aussie stars, Kim Birrell equalled compatriot Adam Walton’s exploits. Birrell was facing World No. 5 Jessica Pegula – who was one of the Women’s French Open betting favourites – and beat the American 1-6 6-3 6-3.
- Jelena Ostapenko beat Simona Halep (Final, 2017)
20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko sent shockwaves through the WTA by beating Simona Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the 2017 final. Halep was the overwhelming tennis betting favourite but came unstuck against the Latvian at Roland-Garros. Ostapenko was a set and 3-0 down but fought back to win her only major to date.
- Kathy Horvath beat Martina Navratilova (4th round, 1983)
Facing Martina Navratilova at the height of her powers was something that not many would have fancied back in the 1980s. However, Kathy Horvath rose to the occasion and cruised past the 18-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 0-6, 6-3. Navratilova had a record of 86-1 in 1983. This was her only defeat.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 French Open then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on tennis. All odds correct as of May 27, 2026.
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