Today I’ve got tickets for court Lenglen. In the first match of the day, 2014 Roland Garros finalist Simona Halep rallied from one set down to beat Naomi Osaka 4-6 6-2 6-3.
The view from my seat, row 25:
In Roland Garros’ newspaper today, the extraordinary story of Marcel Bernard, who took the singles title here in 1946. He was at first only committed in the mixed doubles and mens doubles competitions, but took part to the singles tournament due to the withdrawal of his his mixed doubles partner. He defeated Jaroslav Drobny in the final in five sets. It was the first Roland Garros tournament after a 6-year hiatus due to World War II.
The Roland Garros mixed doubles trophy is now known as the “Coupe Marcel Bernard”. The stadium in which the Open du Nord is played is named after him.
Marcel Bernard (left) and Jaroslav Drobny:
Andy Murray defeats Ivo Karlovic 6-1 6-4 7-6
Will we see the grumpy player who struggled to beat Stepanek and Bourgue in the previous rounds or the champion who defeated Nadal in Madrid and Djokovic in Rome? From the first points on, it was obvious it would be the latter. Murray looked sharp and focused, and Karlovic was in danger on each of his service games. Murray dispatched Karlovic in three sets, his 7th win in seven meetings with the Croat. You can find the complete recap of the match here.
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Angelique Kerber defeats Annika Beck 6-4 6-0
Angelique Kerber advanced to the quarterfinals in Melbourne for the first time, after a straight-set win over fellow German Annika Beck, ranked 39.
“It was really tough match today. First of all, congrats to Annika for an amazing week, well done to her. She’s a great player with great future.
The first set was very close. It was up and down with breaks and I just tried to stay in the match, be aggressive and take my moments.”
Marina Erakovic defeats Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 6-2 7-6
More pics of Erakovic’s win
Flavia Pennetta defeats Julia Goerges 6-3 4-6 6-1
Barbora Strycova tested positive for sibutramine, a banned stimulant, in Luxembourg on October 16. She has been given a back-dated six-month ban and will be eligible to play again on April.
She claimed the stimulant had entered her system via weight-loss supplement ACAI Berry Thin and denied any intent to enhance her performance.
Strycova has won one WTA singles and 17 doubles titles since turning professional in 2003. She has reached the third round at all four Grand Slam tournaments and achieved her best ranking of 39 in July 2010.
I wonder why:
– they needed more than 3 months to announce the ban
– there is no mention of the ban on the official site of the WTA
Current doping bans:
– Filippo Calorosi (Ita)
– Dimitar Kutrovsky (Bul)
– Ryan Newport (USA)
– Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Cze)
As you can see a bunch of nobodys. Time to clean up tennis for real!
Photo by Tennis Buzz (Open GDF Suez 2011)
