World number one Aryna Sabalenka made a confident start to her campaign with a straight-sets victory over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while Naomi Osaka mixed fashion with flair in an entertaining win. On a dramatic day in the French capital, sixth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered yet another painful early exit at the clay-court Grand Slam.
Defending champion Coco Gauff also survived an early scare before cruising into the second round, while world number one Jannik Sinner extended his remarkable winning streak with a dominant evening performance.
Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style and powerful shot-making, looked composed throughout her 6-4, 6-2 victory over Bouzas Maneiro. The Belarusian also grabbed attention with her bold black-and-red mesh outfit and sparkling diamond necklace, proving once again that fashion and confidence can go hand in hand on the tennis court.
After the match, Sabalenka explained that feeling comfortable and stylish helps her play better.
“I like to challenge myself,” Sabalenka told reporters.
“But at the same time, the dress is super light ... I don't feel the dress on me. I was thinking it's going to be super hot wearing black, but it doesn't feel like black colour on me, I feel really comfortable.
“And the diamonds, I don't really feel the heaviness of it, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside ... for me, it's important to look good. If I feel good looks-wise, I perform better and I feel great.”
Osaka’s tennis matched the elegance of her appearance as the 16th seed defeated Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3) in a competitive contest.
Speaking afterward, Osaka compared her look to one of Paris’ most famous landmarks.
“I feel like ... you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it's sparkly? I think I look like that a bit,” Osaka said.
 |
| Aryna Sabalenka |
The defeat marked Medvedev’s seventh first-round loss in 10 appearances at the French Open, highlighting his long-standing struggles on clay despite his success on other surfaces.
After the match, Medvedev refused to blame external factors but admitted changes may be needed ahead of future tournaments in Paris.
“I don't want to find excuses,” he said.
“I know why I don't really play my best at Roland Garros, but if I say it, it's excuses. So I'll keep it to myself.
“Maybe I should consider playing a tournament before (it), which I usually don't do before Grand Slams, but when it doesn't work, why not? That's the only thing I'll consider next year.”
Walton, who earned one of the biggest wins of his career, said the extreme temperatures worked in his favour because of his upbringing in Queensland, Australia.
“I grew up in the heat. I've always preferred when the court gives my shots extra, which is what the heat does,” Walton said.
“I seem to be able to last. I'm not saying I last better than him, but I last better than probably the field in the heat. Just given the way I play, that's one aspect that is huge for me, because I'm not the most talented player out there.”
 |
| Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns to Taylor Townsend of the U.S. during their first round women's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament |
Several Americans joined her in the second round despite the difficult weather conditions in Paris. Learner Tien delivered one of the day’s most emphatic performances by defeating Cristian Garin 6-0, 2-6, 6-0, 6-2, handing out two “bagel” sets in the process.
Americans Zachary Svajda, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, Claire Liu and Ann Li also advanced comfortably.
In the men’s draw, world number one Jannik Sinner began his pursuit of a maiden French Open title and a career Grand Slam with a commanding 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Frenchman Clement Tabur during the evening session on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The Italian looked nearly flawless for most of the encounter, using his precision and power to dominate the home favourite. His only brief lapse came in the third set when Tabur threatened a comeback, but Sinner quickly regained control to secure his 30th consecutive victory.
Australian Alex de Minaur also progressed to the next round after Belgian player Alexander Blockx was forced to retire with a right ankle sprain.
Meanwhile, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced after Frenchman Alexandre Muller retired injured while trailing 6-2, 3-0.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie suffered disappointment after a rib injury forced him to withdraw during his match. It marked the first time Norrie had retired from a Grand Slam event. He was trailing 7-6(7), 2-0 when he stopped playing.
French supporters, still emotional after home favourite Gael Monfils played the final Roland Garros match of his career a day earlier, were given fresh hope by teenage wildcard Moise Kouame.
The 17-year-old Frenchman stunned 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-1 to become the youngest man in 17 years to win a Grand Slam main-draw match.
“It's a lot of emotion, it's exceptional,” Kouame said.
“Coming into this tournament, I didn't know what to expect. The team and I worked hard to be as ready as possible.”
In the women’s draw, American fifth seed Jessica Pegula became the biggest casualty of the day after surrendering a one-set lead to lose 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell.