Monday Feels Like The First Day Of Roland Garros 2018 By Francisco Resendiz

Belgium supporters are watching David Goffin of Belgium in action against Robin Haase of the Netherlands during their men’s first round match during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 27 May 2018. EPA/IAN LANGSDON

 

 

Well the crowds were at the gates of Roland Garros when we got in at around 9:30am. As we walked in we decided to make a plan and watch as much tennis as possible before the scheduled rain.

 

Before play began we decided to check-out the new court 18. We were able to see Madison Keys practice before her match against fellow American Sachia Vickery. Madison’s forehand looked very solid and her return looked great. Once her official match began vs Vickery she played very consistent and won most of her first serve points. Keys won in under an hour • 6-3,6-3.

 

Frances Tiafoe was also practicing before Roland Garros began for the day on Court 6. Just as a side note, the court literally stinks – the sewer is right under it. Regardless, we stuck it through and saw his practice. Tiafoe has a great serve and rallies extremely well – even when he is playing for friendly points during practice.

 

Camila Giorgi against the American qualifier Grace Min was a pretty quick match. Giorgi took control of most of the points. Giorgi moves extremely well and returns wide to the sides. She also had 9 aces against Min. The final score was • 6-3, 6-2.

 

There was a big hype about the young Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas so we decided to go see his match against the Spaniard and also young player Carlos Taberner. The play was great. Both guys play fast, strong and quickly. All the points were very exciting but Tsitsipas came out victorious •7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.

 

After Tsitsipas’ victory we tried to go see Djokovic vs Dutra Silva but we only were able to watch the third set. Granted we stopped to get an official and very refreshing Perrier – it was still very sunny and hot. According to most of the audience around us we did not miss much in the first 2 sets, Djokovic controlled the speed and dominated the points. The third set was the most interesting and the set that gave Djokovic the toughest time. Dutra Silva was really going after every ball but he was not able to win the set. Djokovic Won • 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

 

Kirsten Flipkens vs Tatjana Maria was just over an hour an forty-five minutes. Both women like to slice the ball, but I will have to say that Kirsten’s ability to move forward and slice short helped her get the win. Flipken’s had a ton of Belgian support and after having 4 match points and the rain sprinkling you could feel that many fans were tense. FLIP Won 7-6, 6-4.

 

The scheduled rain was originally for 2:30 pm but now it is 5:30 pm and since it is sprinkling, we are going to head out.

 

What a great day to be in Paris. We encourage all to buy tickets and join in the spectacular event.

Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in action against Tatjana Maria of Germany during their women’s first round match during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 28 May 2018. EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO