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Regular-article-logo Saturday, 04 May 2024

French Open: Scare and an epic victory

Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova came from a set down to avoid an upset against Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif

Agencies Paris Published 30.09.20, 03:22 AM
Karolina Pliskova

Karolina Pliskova Twitter/@KaPliskova

Novak Djokovic got his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title back on track as he commenced his French Open campaign with a drama-free 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Mikael Ymer on Tuesday.

Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova came from a set down to avoid an upset against Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif. World No.4 Pliskova came through a tense decider to claim a 6-7 (9-11), 6-2, 6-4 victory.

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Local favourite Kristina Mladenovic was in control but then fell apart, after an umpire’s decision robbed her of the opening set in a 5-7, 3-6 loss to German Laura Siegemund.

Jelena Ostapenko, who won here in 2017, dismantled American Madison Brengle 6-2, 6-1 in just over an hour to set up an exciting second round clash against Pliskova.

Teenage Danish qualifier Clara Tauson caused a shock as she beat American 21st seed Jennifer Brady 6-4, 3-6, 9-7.

On Monday, qualifier Lorenzo Giustino saw off Frenchn Corentin Moutet 0-6, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 18-16, in a match that lasted six hours and five minutes — the second longest in Roland Garros history.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber was beaten by 19-year-old Slovenian Kaja Juvan 6-3, 6-3.

Garbine Muguruza could have joined Kerber, but managed to beat Tamara Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 8-6.

Daniil Medvedev’s miserable relationship with the French Open continued when the fourth seed was bundled out in the first round by Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. Fucsovics completed a shock 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-1 win.

There was better news for Medvedev’s fellow Russian as 15th seed Karen Khachanov beat Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-3.

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