ROLAND GARROS: FEDERER, SERENA , SOUTH AFRICAN HARRIS WIN
Roger Federer made an impact in the dismissal of Denis Istomin winning in three set to advance to the second round of the French Open. Federer who returned to Roland Garros having played just three matches since his Australian Open semi-final against Novak DjokoviC, no thanks to covid-19, won 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
The 39 year-old who recently recovered from injury returned at the Geneva Open in preparation for Roland Garros where he was beaten by Plablo Andujar. With expectations high to replicate his 2009 Roland Garros title, the Swiss come-back can be measured with good performance considering the outcome of the three set win in the match.
“For me coming back after many months or over a year of rehab, the light at the end of the tunnel or measuring stick was always can I come back to a good level against good players.” Federer said.
“I hope Wimbledon is going to be at that place. Maybe there’s going to be even something here in Paris. We’ll see.”
In the second round battle, Federer will face 2014 US Open Champion Marin Cilic.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams survived a brief scare as she defeated Romania’s Inina-Camelia Begu to win 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 in a match held for the first time at night, Monday. The American who is on her quest to equal Margaret Court;s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles with just one behind her dream saved two set points in the first set tie -break but dominated the match after the scare with sterling performance.
The 39-year-old Serena said “It wasn’t easy in that first set. I was up and I felt like I had some opportunities.” Serena will battle Mihaela Buzarnescu in the next match.
In another match Roland Garros defending champion Swiatek playing under the flood light won her opponent Kaja Juvan 6-0, 7-5 on Court Phippe Chatrier. The eight seed who was celebrating her 20th birthday and also, first Polish to win the Roland Garros singles title last year October.
“I tried to put it behind me and kind of use it in a positive way because I just know that I’m feeling good here.” Swiatek said.
In another match South African Harris fought back after dropping an early set against Sonego with a quick break in the next game. She kept discipline to win the first set 7-5 in 46 minutes.
She proceeded to win the match in three set of 7-5, 6-4. 6-4.The South African will face Brit Cam Norrie in the match.
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