India to have women's singles representation at 2026 French Open
(Courtesy : @karman_thandi/Instagram)
Karman Kaur Thandi earned a place in the qualifying draw of 2026 French Open using her protected rankings.
Indian tennis fraternity is all set to witness a glimmer of hope for potentially the first time since Sania Mirza’s retirement, as Karman Kaur Thandi ends India’s long absence from women’s singles representation in Grand Slam competitions.
Karman Thandi secured a berth in the French Open 2026 qualifiers using her protected ranking of 238. Protected rankings are kept in place by sports governing bodies (such as the ATP and WTA in tennis) to ensure elite athletes are not unfairly penalized for long absences due to injuries, or other reasons.
Thandi needed a protected ranking after severe, recurring injuries kept her sidelined for over a year. Because her forced inactivity dropped her active ranking all the way down to World No. 1,467, she used the WTA’s protected ranking rule to enter events based on her historical average.
Thandi had rapidly climbed the rankings and performed well on tour, before injuries derailed her progress. What made her recovery and comeback even more complicated is the limited amount of financial support and backing provided by the All India Tennis Association, as opposed to the help offered by other foundations.
The 27-year-old will end India’s long wait as the country has always struggled with providing representation in WTA singles Grand Slam competitions, in recent years.
“Roland Garros for me is a reminder that setbacks don’t define you, the courage to return does. I’m proud to carry India onto one of the sport’s biggest stages,” Karman said after creating history at Roland Garros 2026.
Karman Kaur Thandi leads India’s challenge in the 2026 French Open qualifiers, featuring alongside former champions and veterans, as players battle for coveted main-draw spots at Roland Garros.
While making it to the main draw remains a long shot, Karman Thandi and the rest of India will hope she makes this opportunity count. The Indian will open her campaign against home favourite Harmony Tan on May 19, from 1:30 PM onwards.
Who will represent India in women’s singles art 2026 French Open?
Karman Kaur Thandi will be India’s sole representation in women’s singles at Roland Garros. She will participate in the qualifying rounds, starting tomorrow.
When did India last have a representation in singles at Grand Slams?
The last Indian to make a singles appearance at Grand Slams was Sumit Nagal at Wimbledon 2025.
How did Karman Kaur Thandi qualify for 2026 French Open?
She made it to the qualifying draw of Roland Garros via her protected ranking in WTA. Karman had been ruled out with injury for the past year.
Who will Karman Kaur Thandi face in the opening round of Qualifying at 2026 French Open?
She will take on home favourite Harmony Tan in the opening round of qualifiers on Tuesday (May 19).
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.