Category: French Open

Tears Flow as Tsonga Retires After French Open Defeat

PARIS—Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gave Norway’s eighth-seeded Casper Ruud a run for his money in a tight French Open first round battle but predictably headed into a tear-jerking retirement with a 6–7(6) 7–6(4) 6–2 7–6(0) defeat on Tuesday. The Frenchman, whose career had been hampered by multiple injuries in recent years, fought for almost four hours before…


Daniil Medvedev Cruises in His Opener at French Open

Second-seeded Daniil Medvedev defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis in straight sets Tuesday to easily advance to the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. Medvedev blasted 12 aces in winning 6–2, 6–2, 6–2 in an efficient one hour, 38 minutes. Medvedev showed no signs of rust after missing most of the European…


French Open: Top-Seeded Swiatek Extends Winning Streak to 29

PARIS—World number one Iga Swiatek put on a commanding display against Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko with a 6–2 6–0 opening victory on Monday to kickstart her bid for a second French Open title and extend her winning run to 29 matches. Swiatek, who won the 2020 Roland Garros title without dropping a set, arrived in…


Djokovic Eases Past Nishioka Into Round Two of French Open

PARIS—World number one Novak Djokovic cruised past Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6–3 6–1 6–0 on Monday to advance to the French Open second round in a comfortable start to his quest for a record-equalling 21st Grand Slam. The Serb, who turned 35 on Sunday, needed less than two hours to beat the Japanese world number 99…


Osaka Loses in 1st Round of French Open, May Skip Wimbledon

PARIS—A year ago, Naomi Osaka left the French Open of her own volition, never beaten on the court but determining that she needed to pull out before the second round to stand up for herself and protect her mind. On Monday, Osaka departed Roland Garros against her will—via a 7–5, 6–4 loss in the first…


Muguruza’s Freefall Continues With French Open First-Round Loss

PARIS—Former champion Garbine Muguruza suffered a second consecutive first-round exit at the French Open, biting the red dirt in a 2–6 6–3 6–4 loss to Estonian Kaia Kanepi on Sunday as she continued on her downward trend. Muguruza, who lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup in 2016 and reached the semifinals at Roland Garros two years…


Jabeur Exits French Open After Shock Defeat by Linette

PARIS—Tunisian Ons Jabeur became the first major casualty on the opening day of the French Open on Sunday when the in-form sixth seed crashed out with a 3–6 7–6(4) 7–5 loss to Poland’s Magda Linette. Jabeur, seen as one of the big threats to world number one Iga Swiatek at the claycourt Grand Slam, came…


French Open: Number 1 Swiatek Enters on 28-Match Winning Streak

PARIS—Here’s one measure of just how dominant Iga Swiatek has been as the French Open begins Sunday: The 28-match winning streak accumulated by the new No. 1 in the WTA rankings has been surpassed by only three women since 2000—Venus Williams (35 in 2000), Serena Williams (34 in 2013) and Justine Henin (32 in 2008),…


Djokovic Playing His ‘Best’ Tennis Ahead of French Open-Ap

MADRID—Novak Djokovic is optimistic about his game going into the French Open despite going another week without a title. The top-ranked Djokovic is yet to win a trophy this season while trying to regain his best form after not being allowed to play in the Australian Open because he was not vaccinated for COVID-19. Djokovic…


New COVID-19 Rule in France ‘Would Clear Novak to Play at French Open’

Novak Djokovic may be able to play at the French Open later this year regardless of whether or not he is vaccinated against COVID-19, thanks to new rules that have been approved by the nation’s government, according to La Gazetta. France’s vaccine pass law, approved by Parliament on Jan. 16, will require people to have a certificate…