Roland Garros is underway, the first round has been full of upsets and blockbuster five setters. Some of all-time greats including Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have already bowed out and the stage is set for the current, next and next next gen to steal the show this year.
In the first quarter of the draw most seeded players advanced except for Frenchman Mannarino who was upset by Italian Zeppieri. Novak breezed past wildcard Herbert in straight sets whilst Arthur Cazaux another talented young Frenchman was beaten by Etcheverry in four sets. The match of this quarter had to an all-Aussie affair between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alexei Popyrin. What an incredible showdown this was, five gruelling sets lasting four and a half hours, Kokkinakis prevailed in what was a thrilling match. Ruud, Musetti and Cerundolo also progressed to the second round in straight sets.
The next sector of the draw saw the “King of Clay” Rafael Nadal take on Alexander Zverev in a box office first round match up. In what was potentially Nadal’s final match at Roland Garros, the Spaniard left it all out there but was beaten by Zverev in straight sets. However, this match was closer than the score line would indicate, as Rafa led with a break of serve in the second and third sets. This quarter saw all the seeded players move into the second round with Khachanov, Rune, De Minaur and Medvedev all getting through their matches.
David Goffin also took out Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard who had been in red hot form after winning in Lyon last week. The Belgian veteran triumphed in another electrifying five set match up. Keep an eye out for Flavio Cobolli in the second round as he takes on Holger Rune. There is an upset alert here, the Italian has fantastic clay court craft and is in great form.
Carlitos going for his third Slam
The third quarter of the draw saw Carlos Alcaraz absolutely dismantle American JJ Wolf. Carlos has sent a message to the rest of the draw with this result. He is seeing the ball well, seems injury free and is going to be gunning for his third grand slam this tournament.
The Italians were loving the clay in this section of the draw as Arnaldi and Sonego caused two significant upsets, knocking out hometown heroes Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert. Ben Shelton saw to another French casualty knocking out Hugo Gaston. In other news, Kei Nishikori has come out of nowhere and defeated qualifier Gabriel Diallo in five sets. This sets up a blockbuster second round where he faces big serving Ben Shelton, in a marvellous match up.
The final part of the draw saw a handful of five set matches. Hubert Hurcacz somehow fought his way back from a two sets to love deficit against Shintaro Mochizuki, whilst Tiafoe managed to defeat Bellucci in another epic. Inform players Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov advanced in straight sets without any trouble.
The most talked about match of this sector was between grand slam champions Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka who faced off in a vintage showdown. Andy displayed his trademark fighting spirit, but even his new weapon of choice the Yonex Ezone 100, it wasn’t enough to stop Stan’s ridiculously heavy ground strokes. Zizou Bergs also upset inform Alejandro Tabilo in four sets.
So, the stage is set for some epic second round match ups, who do you think will advance through the draw?
