Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

The world of eTennis is gearing up for another major competition as the Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault prepares for its 2026 edition. Building on the success of the 2025 tournament, which saw over 515,000 participants from 221 territories compete in 9.5 million virtual matches, the 2026 series promises to raise the bar in terms of excellence, immersion and competitiveness. Registration for the first qualifying phase opens on March 5th, offering players globally a chance to compete for a spot in the final stage.

This year marks the ninth edition of the Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault, a tournament that has quickly become a cornerstone of the global eTennis ecosystem. The competition will once again be held on the mobile game Tennis Clash, developed by Wildlife Studios, which serves as the official mobile game of the tournament through 2030. Tennis Clash boasts a community of over 5 million connected players monthly and was notably featured in the 2023 Olympics Esports Series. More details about the tournament format can be found on the official Roland-Garros website.

Qualifying Stages and Final Showdown

The path to the Roland-Garros final stage involves three open qualifying phases, scheduled between March and April. These stages will determine a portion of the eight finalists who will compete at Roland-Garros on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The final lineup will also include the top female players from the first two Open Qualifiers, the two finalists from the Grand Tour – a circuit specifically for top Tennis Clash players – and defending champion Samuel Sanin Ortiz of Colombia, known as “Sasmis.”

Organizers are aiming for a fully immersive experience for the eight finalists, mirroring the standards of professional tennis. Players will participate in an initial team round coached by iconic tennis figures, followed by an individual double-elimination bracket. The two finalists will compete for a total prize pool of €5,000. Visit the official Roland-Garros eSeries page for the latest updates.

Broadcast and Immersive Features

The final stage of the Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault will be broadcast live from the Roland-Garros auditorium, from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m., on France TV’s digital platform and the official Roland-Garros YouTube channel (in English). The game itself features a faithful replica of the Philippe-Chatrier Court, official player outfits and strings – including a special edition string created in partnership with Renault for the Renault 5 Roland-Garros car – event-exclusive bags, the tournament’s official soundtrack, and even match scoring announced by umpire Aurélie Tourte. Several professional tennis players are also featured within the game.

The continued partnership between the French Tennis Federation and Wildlife Studios, extending through 2030, underscores a shared commitment to establishing eTennis as a lasting component of the broader tennis world. This collaboration has resulted in a continually evolving gaming experience, enhancing immersion for players and fans alike.

The Renault 5 Roland Garros, a special edition vehicle paying tribute to the iconic French Open, further solidifies the partnership between Renault and the tournament. Learn more about the Renault 5 Roland Garros and its design elements inspired by the tournament.

As the 2026 Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault approaches, anticipation is building within the eTennis community. The tournament promises a thrilling competition, showcasing the skill and dedication of players from around the globe. The continued growth and evolution of the series signal a bright future for eTennis as a legitimate and engaging form of the sport.

What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of eTennis? Share your opinions in the comments below and help spread the word about the Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault!

The relentless barrage of abuse directed at athletes via social media is taking a significant toll on their mental health, according to footballer Hannah Cain. Speaking out about her own experiences, Cain revealed the devastating impact of online harassment, even when her on-field performance was strong. Her story underscores a growing concern within the sports world about the unchecked negativity and its consequences for those who are often seen as public figures but are, fundamentally, human beings.

Cain described a period where she was subjected to “abusive messages after pretty much every game,” regardless of how she played. This constant negativity led her to question herself and her abilities, despite knowing the criticism was unfounded. “It didn’t matter what I did on the pitch and it does affect you at some point,” she stated. The experience highlighted the insidious nature of online abuse, where individuals can hide behind anonymity to inflict emotional harm. This issue of online abuse affecting players is gaining increasing attention across various sports.

The Human Cost of Online Harassment

Cain emphasized that footballers, like everyone else, are “actual humans” and that abuse extends beyond the individual athlete, impacting their families and loved ones. She believes there’s a disconnect between the public perception of athletes and the reality of their lives. The constant scrutiny and negativity can be incredibly damaging, leading to anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-worth. This isn’t an isolated incident. Mary Cain, a professional runner, recently shared her own experiences with abusive training practices and the importance of resilience.

Taking a Stand and Seeking Change

Driven by her own experiences, Cain is determined to use her platform to advocate for change and prevent further abuse. She acknowledged that simply speaking out sometimes leads to abusers deleting their comments, believing they’ve escaped accountability. Though, she remains hopeful that raising awareness can encourage individuals to think before posting harmful content. “But if I can have a tiny, tiny effect on people maybe thinking before they write something, then I’ll absolutely do that,” she said.

Cain recognizes that emotions can run high, particularly during competitive events, but stresses the importance of remembering the human impact of online abuse. “You have to take the decent with the bad sometimes and I understand people can get carried away and let their emotions get away from them, but I think [It’s good to have] a reminder that it can have a serious effect on people’s mental health.” Her willingness to share her story is part of a broader movement within sports to address the issue of athlete mental health and well-being.

The issue extends beyond football, with athletes in other sports, such as basketball, also facing racist abuse online. A man in Australia was recently arrested for racist abuse directed at a basketball star, demonstrating that authorities are beginning to take these incidents more seriously.

As athletes continue to face increasing scrutiny in the digital age, the need for greater protection and support is paramount. Cain’s courage in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder that behind every athlete is a person deserving of respect, and consideration. The conversation surrounding athlete mental health is evolving, and it’s crucial that sports organizations, social media platforms, and fans alike play a role in fostering a more positive and supportive environment.

What steps can be taken to hold individuals accountable for online abuse without infringing on freedom of speech? Share your thoughts in the comments below.