The invincible one from the red clay facing a new Spaniard made of paper

Kostyuk is quite simply the best clay-court player in the world in 2026. Title in Rouen, title in Madrid after beating Pegula, Noskova and Andreeva, 12–0 on the surface this season across all competitions. First WTA 1000 title of her career, new career-high ranking at world No. 15. She arrives at Roland Garros on a 13-match winning streak and in the best physical and mental shape of her career.

Selekhmeteva has just received Spanish nationality on May 21, two days before the start of the tournament, but is still playing under the Russian flag here. Left-handed, 23 years old, based in Barcelona since the age of 14. Junior doubles champion at the 2019 US Open and 2021 Roland Garros. Reached the 3rd round at the Australian Open in January, her best Grand Slam performance. No WTA singles titles, a few results at WTA 125 level on clay including a title in San Sebastián in 2025. Her streak ended in Strasbourg in qualifying against Kessler after having beaten Kenin.