Roland Garros Day 1 was a majorly different scenario. While a usual French Open is held in Summers, the French Open 2020 takes place in winters and the men brace themselves to fight the chill with an extra covering of clothes.
Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, David Goffin, Kei Nishikori and John Isner were in action in the French arena. The outing was fruitful for some while others struggled on clay.
Andy Murray crashes at rematch with Wawrinka
Roland Garros court Phillipe Charter witnessed the Scot Andy Murray in action again. But unfortunately, the will card contender lost out to Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. The match was much anticipated but offered little contest.
Stan Wawrinka looked sharp. He has played a lot of tennis on clay including the Prague Open Challenger title he won. Whereas, Andy was returning to the same court against the same opponent where he witnessed one of his worst injuries.
Return of John Isner on clay
The tall American, John Isner won in straight sets against Elliot Benchetrit 6-4,6-1,6-3. He spoke about his match and analyzed the tournament conditions.
“But with how the clay is now, I think it almost helps me in the sense that the really good movers can’t slide around like they normally can because the clay’s really damp,” Isner said.
“It kind of played like a slow hard court, I thought. There wasn’t much sliding. I’m not the best slider. It’s tough conditions but I really don’t mind it,” he added.
Nishikori wins a thrilling 5 setter
In a thrilling and exhausting opening round, Kei Nishikori won against Dan Evans 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 1-6 6-4. Kei missed the US Open after he contracted the coronavirus. But his match showcased that he is fit now and much stronger.
Janik Sinner stuns 11th seed Goffin
The clay-court is tougher than many other surfaces. The number of upsets on the opening day hint towards the same. Jannik Sinner was handed a tough opening round. the teenager took up the challenge and caused a major upset by beating David Goffin (7-5, 6-0 6-3). The German has been playing well, but Sinner was phenomenal winning the second set to love.
More Results:
- Norbert Gombos beats Brona Coric (6-4, 3-6, 6-3 6-4)
- Marco Cecchinato beats Alex De Minaur (7-6, 6-4 6-0)
- Benoit Paire beats Kwon Soon-woo (7-5,6-4,6-4)
Also Read: French Open 2020: Halep, Azarenka, Bouchard through to Round 2 as Konta, Venus crash out
