Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in the final, 3–6, 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 2016 French Open.

Murray's run meant he had reached the final of all four majors at least once in his career.

This tournament marked the first time in the 21st century that Roger Federer did not play at a main draw singles major, withdrawing prior to the tournament to avoid "unnecessary [fitness] risk" since he was "still not 100%".

[4] Thus, he ended a then-record of 65 consecutive major appearances, dating back to the 2000 Australian Open.

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal withdrew prior to his third-round match due to a wrist injury.