Alexander Zverev of Germany in action against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania during their men’s first round match during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 27 May 2018. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
By Francisco Resendiz
Phillippe Chartrier Stadium starts off with Dimitrov and Safwat match • Dimitrov dominated the majority of the match hitting wide to the lines and moving Safwat. Some of the journalist kept emphasizing that he was playing, “smart tennis”. Sorry to hear that Troicki was not able to play against Dimitrov, that would have been a great match to see. Grigor Dimitrov wins • 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 ( 7-1).
Moving along to Svitolina vs Tomljanovic. It was not an easy match but Svitolina came out victorious in just under an hour and a half. She played well and consistent, not a big server – she only had two aces and two double faults. I have to say Svitolina seems to be one of the favorites to win Roland Garros. Her second match is not till Wednesday! In her interview she joked that she might go home for a couple days…. Svitolina – 7-5, 6-3.
Gael Monfils vs Benchetrit was a four set match. Gael was struggling and looked as if he were hurting for most of the game – yet he managed to win fairly quickly. The French crowd loves him and his game. He always manages to return well and goes after every ball. Monfils Wins 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.
Went out to the practice courts in Jean Bouin, they are off site in about a 5 minute walk. There I met up with 10sBalls.com friend’s and dynamic doubles duo • Abigail Spears and Alicja Rosolska. They were just having a light practice; they are not expected to play till Thursday. Both women are serving and returning great! Coach and Sherpa Dan were overseeing everything. K.T. From Solinco ️️STRINGS will be happy Dan was proudly wearing his SOLINCO Los Angeles T shirt.
Our last match of the day was Ricardo Berankis vs Alexander Zverev. Berankis has not really played much on the clay this season and playing against a tough competitor like Zverev was not easy. Zverev took the first set in under a half hour and with huge serves – a total of 4 aces and very few errors. The second and third set went the same as the first. Alexander ended up having 11 aces winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.
After a long day. The rain never came to Roland Garros. It was hot and muggy all day. Yet, the weather forecast does not seem as great for tomorrow.