French Riviera Open 2026: Pena wins a thriller as Mörch makes a winning return
The 10th edition of the French Riviera Open is under way at the Mouratoglou Academy in Biot. An action-packed opening day delivered two three-set thrillers, a winning return for Emmanuelle Mörch and an impressive French Riviera Open debut for Imane Toubal. Next up: the seeded players enter the draw and the doubles competition begins on Wednesday.
Pena wins another thriller against Silva
The all-Brazilian Quad clash between Ymanitu Silva and Leandro Pena lived up to expectations.
Just days after meeting at the Île de Ré Open, where Pena also prevailed in three sets, the two Brazilians produced another gripping contest at the Mouratoglou Academy.
Pena made a flying start, taking the opening set 6-0. Silva responded by claiming the second 6-4, before a closely fought deciding set went all the way.
Leandro Pena eventually came through 6-0, 4-6, 7-5 to book his place in the next round of the French Riviera Open Quad draw.
Macarena Cabrillana survives a thriller against Tanaka
Macarena Cabrillana also needed three sets to overcome Japan’s Manami Tanaka.
After dropping the opening set 3-6, the Chilean battled back to take the second in a tie-break before edging the deciding set.
Cabrillana prevailed 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 in one of the most closely contested matches of the opening day.
Her reward is a meeting on Wednesday with Ksénia Chasteau, France’s No.1 and world No.7, as the Marseille player begins her French Riviera Open campaign.
Winning return for Emmanuelle Mörch
It was one of the most anticipated stories of the opening day: Emmanuelle Mörch made a winning return to the French Riviera Open following her maternity break.
Facing Great Britain’s Abbie Breakwell, the Frenchwoman was pushed hard in both sets but came through 7-5, 7-6.
A winning return in Biot for Mörch, who now moves on to the next round of the women’s singles draw.
Imane Toubal makes an impressive French Riviera Open debut
Imane Toubal could hardly have asked for a better start to her first French Riviera Open.
The Algerian defeated Turkey’s Zeliha Aksak 6-2, 6-1, continuing a remarkable rise through the international wheelchair tennis rankings.
Toubal only began competing on the international circuit in March 2026. Seven WC50 and WC100 titles later, she has already climbed to world No.27.
On Wednesday, the challenge moves to another level as she faces French Riviera Open top seed Diede de Groot.
It will be a major test against one of the leading names in international wheelchair tennis – and one of the matches to watch on Day 2.
Four wins and seven defeats for the French players
It was a mixed opening day for the French contingent, who finished Tuesday with four wins and seven defeats.
Several of France’s leading hopes, however, are yet to begin their campaigns.
All eyes will be on Ksénia Chasteau on Wednesday. The French No.1 and world No.7 will open her French Riviera Open against Macarena Cabrillana.
In the men’s draw, Stéphane Houdet, world No.6 and a finalist at the 2025 French Riviera Open, will begin his campaign against young American Conner Stroud.
Seeds and doubles enter the action on Wednesday
Day 2 of the French Riviera Open will see the tournament move up another gear, with more seeded players entering the singles draws and the doubles competition getting under way.
After an opening day already packed with close contests and compelling stories, another full day of world-class wheelchair tennis awaits at the Mouratoglou Academy.
Join us in Biot on Wednesday for Day 2 of the French Riviera Open 2026.
Matches can be watched live at the Mouratoglou Academy or via the French Riviera Open YouTube channel.
→ View the order of play for Wednesday 30 September
→ Book your tickets for the French Riviera Open
