The 2022 French Open is currently underway, and we have been able to see some action from some of the top-ranked players in the world in just two days. Here is a recap of what has happened so far.
World number one, Novak Djokovic, has moved to the second round of the event after defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3 6-1 6-0. Djokovic, who is the defending champion, is playing in his first Grand Slam of the year after missing out on the Australian Open. He would also have skipped the French Open, due to his unvaccinated status, until a change in the law in March. Djokovic, who is chasing his 21st Grand Slam title, is participating in this event barely a week after winning his first title of the season at the Italian Open.
In the same way, 21-time Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal, began his French Open campaign with a straight-set win over Jordan Thompson. Nadal beat the Australian 6-2 6-2 6-2. The Spaniard, who began the year with victory at the Australian Open, maintained a winning streak, which ended at the final of the BNP Paribas Open in March. Nadal is hoping to win the French Open after he was denied so last year by Djokovic, ending a four-year streak.
In the women’s side, Iga Swiatek has progressed to the next round of the event after a quick win over Lesia Tsurenko. The world number one needed just 54 minutes to earn her ticket into the next round.
US Open winner, Emma Raducanu, who was making her debut at the French Open, also earned a spot in the next round after defeating Linda Noskova 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-1. Raducanu has not won any titles since winning the US Open back in September last year.
The biggest shock of the day was Naomi Osaka’s premature exit from the tournament after losing to Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-4. Osaka, who battled an Achilles injury before coming to France, buckled under her compatriot as she was broken a few times.
Written by: Leon Osamor
