Aryna Sabalenka says she believes she has “unfinished business” at Roland Garros after suffering near-misses in recent editions of the French Open. The world No. 2, who reached the 2023 semi-finals and 2024 quarter-finals, insisted clay still presents a challenge despite her comfort on the dirt. “I really hope one year the beautiful trophy can be in my collection,” she said.
The Madrid Open, meanwhile, was dealt a double blow when Spanish stars Paula Badosa and Carlos Alcaraz withdrew with injury. Badosa said she had a sore lower back, and Alcaraz is recovering from hamstring and groin issues.
Elsewhere 2022 champion Ons Jabeur was out on day one, the Tunisian stunned by Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima. But Maria Sakkari demonstrated a return to form easing past Magda Linette in straight sets.
In the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev was the big man in cruising past Roberto Bautista Agut. “This is the best centre court, for me, in the whole world,” said the two-time Madrid champion.
Argentine players were in fine form, with the Cerundolo brothers advancing and Francisco Comesana shocking 13th seed Arthur Fils. Comesana also provided his take on the new electronic line-calling system, echoing some concerns but supporting its implementation in order to avoid human error.
