Paris again smells of earth and triumph. From May 18 to June 7, 2026, the main battle of the clay season unfolds on the courts of "Roland Garros." For some, it's a chance to enter history, for others, the last battle, for still others, a battle with oneself. This year's tournament promises to be especially hot. And it's not just the weather. When and where to watch the main start The tournament started on May 18 with the qualifying week, where hundreds of players fought for the cherished tickets to the main draw. But the real spectacle will begin on May 24 at 11 a.m. Paris time [citation:2]. That's when the first seeded players will take to the court. The women's final will take place on June 6, with the men's final to be played a day later — on June 7 [citation:6]. The main arena, the legendary Philippe Chatrier court, will host night sessions where new legends are born under the spotlights. The total prize money for the tournament this year is 61.7 million euros [citation:10]. Winners in the singles category will receive 2.8 million euros [citation:4][citation:6]. The runner-up will get 1.4 million. Even those who lose in the first round don't go away empty-handed: they receive 87,000 euros each [citation:10]. The numbers are impressive, but, as always, accompanied by disputes. Players are dissatisfied with the fact that their share of the tournament's income, according to some estimates, has fallen from 15.5% to 14.9% [citation:4]. Tournament Director Amelie Morasse is not going to change the payment structure yet, leaving the issue open for dialogue [citation:4]. Men: the era of Sinna and the lost king The main news of the men's tournament is tragic and sensational. Current champion and favorite of the Parisian public Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend his title. A right wrist injury has knocked the Spaniard out of action, and his dream of a third consecutive "Cup of Musketeers" has been shattered by the harsh reality of medicine [citation:1][citatio ... Read more