Catch up on the highlights from this years French Open
ThThe French Open returns to the spotlight once again as fans and stars of the tennis world will make their way to the famous clay courts in the heart of Paris.
On day 2 all eyes were on Novak Djokovic as he returned from an injury which has seen him dip out of the world’s top 20 for the first time since he was a teenager. He faced Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva in his opening game. Although the 12-time Grand Slam winner dropped a serve he still went on to beat Dutra Silva in three straight sets.
Djokovic then went on to win his next three rounds in straight sets showing the famous skill we all know this tennis star for.
However, it was not until the Quarter-Finals that there was a thrilling game for the crowd. Djokovic faced Italy’s Marco Cecchinato, who is ranked 72 in the world, Djokovic managed to save three match points, but it wasn’t enough, and he lost 6-3, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6. This is the first victory for Cecchinato in a main-draw match at a Grand Slam, he faces Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the Semi-Final.
Brit Kyle Edmund won his first two rounds but was knocked out in round three when he faced Fabio Fognini. This was the first time the British Number 1 had faced Fognini, he was looking to reach the fourth round of the Roland Garros but was denied the chance as lost when the match went to five sets.
Current World Number 1 Rafael Nadal, matched Djokovic as he won his first four rounds in straight sets putting him through to the Quarter-Finals.
Over in the Women’s tournament, Serena Williams got off to a storming start winning her first three rounds. However, she was set to face long-time opponent Maria Sharapova in the fourth round before she was forced to withdraw from the match following an injury affecting her serve. Sharapova went on to face Gabrine Muguruza in her Quarter-Final, but lost in two straight sets. In the Ladies’ Final the Women’s World Number One Simona Halep went up against Sloane Stephens.
Thiem won his Semi-Final round against Cecchinati in three straight sets. There was a tricky second set with several match points but Thiem powered on to win the final set 6-1.