PARIS, May 26. /TASS/. Russian teen Alina Korneeva debuted at the French Open on Tuesday, beating Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Russia’s Korneeva, who is playing at the tournament in Paris under a neutral status as a qualifier, outplayed her unseeded Italian opponent in straight sets 6-3; 6-3.
Korneeva, 18, is currently ranked 117th in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings, and has yet to win a tour title. Her best major result was reaching the second round at the 2024 Australian Open.
Italy’s Cocciaretto, 25, is 38th in the WTA Rankings, having won two career titles. Her best result at Grand Slam tournaments was at the 2024 French Open, when she reached the fourth round.
One of tennis’ four Grand Slam events, the 2026 French Open takes place in Paris, nicknamed the "City of Light," between May 24 and June 7. The tournament is played on outdoor clay courts at the Stade Roland Garros. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff from the United States are the tournament’s reigning champions on the men's and women's sides respectively.
