Iga Swiatek arrange a blockbuster conflict with Naomi Osaka on the French Open after racing by way of her opening match in Paris.
The world No 1 cruised previous qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-1 6-2 on Monday to efficiently launch her title defence at Roland Garros, the place she is looking for a fourth title on the Paris clay.
The 22-year-old, who has gained the French Open 3 times within the final 4 years, arrived within the French capital on the again of a 12-match successful streak on clay, having rolled by way of the tournaments in Madrid and Rome.
She didn’t want a lot time to indicate she was decided to stretch that successful run, breaking her opponent within the first sport.
An outstanding forehand down the road put Swiatek 4-1 up earlier than working away with the primary set in half an hour.
The Frenchwoman, ranked exterior the highest 100, tried to attract a line below the primary set, breaking the Pole initially of the second outing however was damaged straight again.
Swiatek held serve earlier than incomes one other break to go 5-2 up, having hit 24 winners at that stage in comparison with her opponents’ two. She ended the competition on her first match level and with winner quantity 26.
Swiatek’s victory preceded what might be Rafa Nadal’s closing French Open look forward of the king of clay’s retirement this yr. Though flattered by comparisons to Nadal, Swiatek believes she has an extended strategy to go earlier than she will be referred to as the Queen of Clay.
“I think it’s too early. For sure I’m proud of my achievements. It’s always been my favourite surface. It’s where tennis gives me the most pleasure.
“Evaluating me to him, I do not assume I am on that stage but. I nonetheless have many issues to show. He is a terrific individual and athlete. He is proven that for a lot of a few years. I am simply at the start. I will do my greatest to take some classes from him and be an excellent individual and an excellent participant.”
Jabeur beats wildcard Vickery at French Open
Eighth seed Ons Jabeur started her newest try to win an elusive Grand Slam title with a cushty 6-3 6-2 victory over American wildcard Sachia Vickery within the French Open first spherical on Monday.
Jabeur shortly racked up a 3-0 lead on Court docket Philippe Chatrier, however Vickery lowered the hole with a break of her personal, solely handy the momentum again to the previous Wimbledon and US Open runner-up.
Jabeur pulled out loads of tips to shut out the opening set, even because the roof closed over the principle present court docket attributable to rain, earlier than taking management of the second set as Vickery struggled.
The 29-year-old American had prevailed in three units within the pair’s solely earlier assembly in Chicago six years in the past, however there was no late comeback as 2023 quarter-finalist Jabeur clinically closed out the match on serve in 81 minutes.
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