Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek opened her Roland Garros campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory on Monday, while another Paris favourite closed the chapter on his tournament career in emotional fashion.
French crowd favourite Gael Monfils, who like Stan Wawrinka will retire at the end of the season, was unable to extend his run in Paris, falling 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 to compatriot Hugo Gaston in a dramatic all-French clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Earlier on the main showcourt, Swiatek quickly rediscovered her rhythm after recent dips in form, easing past Australia’s Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-2 to underline her intent in pursuit of a seventh Grand Slam title.
“I’m really happy with the way I played,” the Pole said. “It was solid from start to finish. I knew what I had to do technically, and I just executed. It was a good day.”
While Swiatek enjoyed a smooth passage under the Paris sun, Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen struggled in the heat and was knocked out 6-4, 6-0 by Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska.
