Aryna Sabalenka began her French Open campaign with a confident straight-sets victory, while Naomi Osaka added style and substance to a dramatic opening day at Roland Garros as extreme heat made playing conditions difficult in Paris. Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and one of the tournament favorites, defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 to move into the second round. Wearing a black-and-red mesh outfit with a diamond necklace, she said she felt comfortable and believed looking good helped her perform well. Osaka also impressed on and off the court, stepping onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a sequined blouse and then winning her match against Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3). The former world No. 1 hinted that her yellow, brown and gold dress was inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night, describing it as sparkly and Parisian.
The day was far tougher for Daniil Medvedev, who suffered another early exit at Roland Garros. The sixth seed lost a dramatic five-set match to Australian wildcard Adam Walton, falling 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. Medvedev has now lost in the opening round in seven of his 10 French Open appearances, reinforcing his struggles on the Paris clay. He said he did not want to make excuses and suggested he may need more preparation on clay before returning next year. Walton said he benefited from growing up in hot conditions in Queensland and felt the heat worked in his favor.
There was mixed news for other players as the heat and physical strain took a toll. Alex de Minaur advanced after his opponent, rising Belgian Alexander Blockx, withdrew with a right ankle sprain. Stefanos Tsitsipas moved through after Alexandre Muller retired while trailing, and Britain’s Cameron Norrie was forced to stop for the first time in a major because of a rib injury. In the American camp, Learner Tien produced a strong performance in a 6-0, 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 win over Cristian Garin, while Zachary Svajda, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, Claire Liu and Ann Li also progressed.
French fans also saw a glimpse of the future as 17-year-old wildcard Moise Kouame caused a stir by beating 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-1. The result made Kouame the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in 17 years. After the emotional victory, he said he had worked hard with his team and did not know what to expect coming into the tournament.
Later in the day, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was set to begin his bid for a first French Open title and the career Grand Slam when he faced Frenchman Clement Tabur in the evening session on Court Philippe Chatrier.
