Reigning champion Iga Swiatek maintained her bid to become the first woman to successfully defend the French Open title in 16 years by cruising into the third round on Thursday.

The world No.1 crushed American Claire Liu 6-4, 6-0 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Interestingly, this was also Swiatek’s third win in three matches over Liu, and her second win over the American in 2023. In their previous meeting at Indian Wells, Swiatek came out on top 6-0, 6-1 over Liu.

Swiatek, who turned 22 on Wednesday, will face China’s Wang Xinyu on Saturday for a place in the second week.

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina booked her third-round spot with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over rising Czech teenager Linda Noskova, confirming her status as one of the front-runners for the title.

The Wimbledon champion, who reached this year’s Australian Open final, also looked at ease on clay despite her game — a huge serve and powerful shots — being more suited to quicker surfaces.

“I think that, first of all, my first WTA win (in 2019) was on clay, so from that point I thought I actually can play on clay,” Rybakina toldreporters.

“Just with experience over the years and matches I can get just better and better (on clay),” the Kazakh said.

A couple of unheralded names in women’s competition continued to show their immense potential.

Mirra’s magic

Russian qualifier Mirra Andreeva continued to enjoy a dream grand slam debut as the 16-year-old stormed into the third round with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Frenchwoman Diane Parry, though she admitted to having butterflies in her stomach.

American Kayla Day made no secret of her success after her stunning 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over compatriot Madison Keys, thanking her Czech roots for enhancing her tennis skills.

Among men, fourth seed Casper Ruud stayed on course to reach consecutive finals at the French Open.

Ruud, who was beaten by Rafael Nadal in last year’s final, is aiming to capitalise on the 14-time champion’s absence through injury this year and looked rock solid for much of his 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.

A thrilling five-set victory in the first round took is toll on Gael Monfils, whose withdrawal from the French Open handed No. 6 Holger Rune a walkover to the third round.