15 French Open Seeds, Including Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev, Collapse in First Round

The first three days of the 2026 French Open have already delivered some noteworthy storylines and some unexpected upsets. While the likes of Novak Djokovic and Hailey Baptiste advanced to the second round with little trouble, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Elina Svitolina won by the skin of their teeth to keep their hopes alive.

Meanwhile, a staggering 15 seeded players, including Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev, were sent packing after they faltered in their first hurdles. Here’s a look at top players who lost early at the French Open.

8 Seeded Men Knocked Out of French Open Singles, Including Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz

Three top-10 seeds suffered first-round upsets in Paris. Fritz, seeded seventh, was dismissed by compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets. According to Fritz’s own admission, the American wildcard “killed me” with unreal dropshots. Fritz had a forgettable clay season. He missed all three Masters 1000 events due to injury and lost both matches he contested in Geneva and Paris.

Alexander Bublik, too, was handed a brutal defeat by 2023 Madrid finalist Jan-Lennard Struff. The ninth seed was defending quarterfinal points from 2025, having reached the final eight of a Grand Slam for the first time last year.

Medvedev was the biggest first-round upset. The sixth seed was sent packing by Australian wildcard Adam Walton after a five-set rollercoaster. Interestingly, the Russian was leading 4-2 in the final set but ultimately squandered his advantage, losing the next four games. This was Medvedev’s seventh opening-round loss at the French Open in ten appearances.

12 seed Jiří Lehečka failed to replicate his 2026 hardcourt success during the clay swing. The Czech star was no match for Spanish veteran Pablo Carreño Busta, who secured a straight-sets win. 20 seed Cameron Norrie, meanwhile, retired mid-match due to a lingering rib injury.

Scores:

Nishesh Basavareddy def. (7) Taylor Fritz: 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-1

Jan-Lennard Struff def. (9) Alexander Bublik: 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-5

Adam Walton def. (6) Daniil Medvedev: 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4

Pablo Carreño Busta def. (12) Jiří Lehečka: 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-3

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo def. (20) Cameron Norrie: 7-6(7), 2-0 (ret.)

Nuno Borges def. (23) Tomás Martín Etcheverry: 6-3, 6-4, 6-2

Matteo Arnaldi def. (29) Tallon Griekspoor: 6-7(9), 6-3, 7-6(6), 6-3

Vit Kopriva def. (30) Corentin Moutet: 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

MORE: Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev: Who Has the Tougher French Open Draw?

7 Seeded Women Knocked Out of French Open Singles, Including Jessica Pegula

Fifth seed Pegula was unarguably the biggest upset on the women’s side. The American was nearly flawless in her opening set but failed to carry the momentum in the next two sets against an inspired opponent in Australia’s Kimberly Birrell. She was chasing her first Grand Slam title at the tournament and was one of the favorites to make a deep run.

12 seed Linda Nosková was handed a tough first opponent in 2021 semifinalist Maria Sakkari. The Greek star closed out the match in straight sets. 14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova was unable to make a mark during the clay season. She was also compromised by a lower back injury during the swing. At the French Open she was beaten in straight sets by Colombia’s Camila Osorio.

Meanwhile, Leylah Fernandez’s on-court woes continued at the French Open. The 24 seed fell short against the challenge of American star Alycia Parks.

Scores:

Kimberly Birrell def. (5) Jessica Pegula: 1-6, 6-3, 6-3

Maria Sakkari def. (12) Linda Nosková: 7-5, 7-6(3)

Camila Osorio def. (14) Ekaterina Alexandrova: 6-2, 6-4

Jil Teichmann def. (20) Liudmila Samsonova: 6-4, 6-4

Daria Snigur def. (21) Clara Tauson: 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Alycia Parks def. (24) Leylah Fernandez: 6-4, 6-4

Susan Bandecchi def. (31) Cristina Bucșa: 6-4, 2-6, 6-4

MORE: Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek: Who Has the Tougher French Open Draw?

The second-round matches at the French Open will commence on Wednesday, May 27, with the likes of Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Iga Świątek, and Elena Rybakina in action.