Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell stuns Jessica Pegula as Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka shine at French Open

Kimberly Birrell produced one of the biggest results of her career at Roland-Garros, becoming the second Australian to spark a major French Open upset on the day by defeating fifth seed Jessica Pegula in three sets. Birrell recovered from a difficult opening set to claim a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory and move into the second round. The world number 83 showed composure after Pegula’s fast start faded, with the American’s unforced errors increasing as the match progressed. Pegula, who has still never gone beyond the quarter-finals in Paris, was eliminated in the first round of the French Open for the third consecutive year.

The win was a breakthrough moment for Birrell, 28, who reached at least the second round of a Grand Slam for the third time in her career. She will next play Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova as she continues her run at the clay-court major. Birrell’s result followed another shock earlier in the day, when fellow Australian Adam Walton upset former world number one Daniil Medvedev, underlining a strong day for Australian players at Roland-Garros.

In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced smoothly to the second round with a confident straight-sets win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Sabalenka wore a striking black and red mesh outfit paired with a diamond necklace, but said she felt completely comfortable on court. She explained that she enjoys experimenting with her look and believes feeling good in what she wears helps her performance.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka also moved into the second round after adding her own sense of style to the tournament atmosphere. Osaka arrived on Court Suzanne Lenglen wearing a sequined blouse and a black mesh floor-length train before changing into a layered yellow-brown and gold match dress. The fashion statement matched her strong tennis performance, as the 16th seed defeated Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3). Osaka later suggested her outfit was inspired by the glittering look of the Eiffel Tower at night.

Reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff also progressed, overcoming a slow start to beat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-0. After being tested early, Gauff quickly found her rhythm and dominated the remainder of the match to secure her place in the second round.

The opening day of the women’s competition combined high-profile wins, major upsets and standout style, with Birrell’s victory standing out as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises so far. Australians made a strong impression, while top names including Sabalenka, Osaka and Gauff all advanced safely as the French Open second round began to take shape.