The Djokovics and the Nadals usually become talking points before any Grand Slam. But in the process we miss out on discussing the incidents that also deserve mention. Yesterday, India’s Ankita Raina, ranked 182 in the world, beat the higher-ranked Arina Rodionova 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the women’s singles French Open qualifiers.
In what was a thrilling contest that lasted over two hours, Raina came back from a set down to beat Rodionova, saving as many as eight out of 13 breakpoints on her serve.
Raina will face Belgium’s Greet Minnen, ranked 125, in the next round. In the Australian Open earlier this year, Raina had managed to reach the third round.
Among other Indians in the Roland Garros, Sumit Nagal will take on Roberto Macorca in the first round of the men's qualifiers and Prajnesh Gunneswaran will meet Germany's Oscar Otte, and Ramkumar Ramanathan will square off with USA's Michael Mmoh.
Bernard Tomic beaten by 16-year-old
Rank 1034 beats rank 213. 16-year-old beats 28-year-old. Arthur Fils beats Bernard Tomic. Tennis lovers might take some time to stomach this.
Tomic, who was one of the top 20 players in the world in 2016, was sent packing by wildcard entry Fils in two hours and twenty minutes. The final scoreline read 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-1), 6-3. Fils, in a post-match interview with Rolandgarros.com, said, “I think clay is my favourite surface. I love it because it gives me time and I can play more with my forehand. Every match is a fight and I love it. I think I only lost two matches on clay in juniors.” Fils will face another Australian in the next round, Marc Polsmans.