No upset in the Women’s singles draw

First day of competition here in Paris. We witnessed three former world champions on the field of play : The Japanese Nozomi OKUHARA (n°12, Japan) world champion in 2017, Carolina MARIN (n°6, Spain) in 2014, 2015, 2017 and last but not least, Akane YAMAGUCHI (n°1, Japan), title holder in 2021 and 2022. They all won their ticket into the second round.

Efficient Japanese players…

At 10 this morning, the 2022 Yonex French Open had officially started with OKUHARA’s match. She needed quite some time to found herself on court before winning 8 points in a row against the Spanish Clara AZURMENDI (n°36). After 32 minutes, she won in straight games 21/14 21/11. “Step by step” she told the press after her win. She will face a player from Thailand Lalinrat CHAIWAN (n°19) who also secured her spot for Thursday after defeating the Scottish Kristy GILMOUR (n°16), 21/18 21/14.

The title holder from Japan, Akane YAMAGUCHI also made her entrance in Coubertin today. She faced the Canadian Michelle LI (n°13). After a resistance until 5/2, the Japanese marked 14 points in a row and won the first game 21/8. She fought just as needed in the second game, 21/14. She will meet WANG Zhi Yi from China (n°10) who also managed to win in straight games against Julie Dawall JAKOBSEN from Denmark, 21/12 21/12. First time in Paris for WANG Zhi Yi: the 2022 Asian Champion has high ambition for this Super 750 tournament.

…Astounding Spanish Queen

Carolina MARIN was eager to play her first match in Coubertin. She already told us at yesterday’s press conference how great it was for her. “I am so happy to be here. I have no specific goal for this week. I’m ready to take one match at a time.” The French crowd gave her such a warm welcome.

She did not have an easy opponent. The 2016 Olympic champion managed to fight back against the Chinese ZHANG Yi Man (n°29), 21/18 23/21. Despite a strong resistance, and with the crowd support, she found the strength to come back from 11/19. She saved two game points and won the match! « After a second serious injury, I ask myself if I can really go back to my former top level. I work hard every day to be where I am now. I managed to win this match and I’m already focusing on the next one. I’m very thankful for the crowd. I also have my family here, so I’m very happy.”

She will face the Indonesian Gregoria Mariska TUNJUNG (n°21)

Tomorrow we will have to pleasure to welcome on court TAI Tzu Ying (n°2, Taiwan), Ratchanok INTANON (n°7, Thailand) but also CHEN Yu Fei (n°4, China)