Is Pablo Carreno Busta Back In Form?

Is Carreno Busta Back In Form?

French Open 2026

Carreno Busta has found new strengths this week in the most unlikely fashion. The Spaniard has historically struggled with his serve, but his first-round match saw him make 71 of 71 first serves against the twelfth seed Jiri Lehecka, whom he defeated in three straight sets.

His second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis was cut short in the early third set as the Australian retired mid-match. The Spaniard then went on to take down Thiago Agustin Tirante in four sets, in which, again, Carreno Busta’s serve numbers were remarkable.

Next Up – Teen Sensation Rafael Jodar

In a battle of youth versus experience, Carreno Busta will face his countryman, Rafael Jodar, who is just 19 years old and has risen sharply this year to find himself seeded 27th in this tournament. Jodar will do well to put behind him the unfounded controversy over him shoving a ball girl, as he will need to be at his best once again if he is to have any chance against Carreno Busta.

The match looks likely to go the distance, as both players love the baseline, and while Jodar may be the speedier of the two, it is also true that Jodar has played a tiring match in the Parisian heat, and fatigue is very much on the cards.

What’s next for Carreno Busta?

The Spaniard plays with a lot of heart, and the last two years must have been devastating for him. It feels good to see him back in the second week of a Major, and the Spaniard should still have a couple of good years in him. Even if he bows out in his next match, this tournament should be a turning point in his 2026 season, and we should be seeing him rise back through the rankings.

Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports