<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Roger+Federer">Roger Federer</a> reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam.

The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

"It's fabulous that I can spend this time in&nbsp;Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka.

The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January.

"I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance.

"I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas."

Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list.

Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago.

"I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts!

"But he played really great that year and won the title."

Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.

Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot. "It's fabulous that I can spend this time in Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka. The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January. "I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance. "I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas." Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list. Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago. "I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts! "But he played really great that year and won the title." Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open. Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer eases into 12th French Open quarter-final

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin. Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier. In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty. Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's pursuit of 24th major title on hold after French Open exit

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-incredible-fantastic-feels-rafael-nadal-after-demolishing-goffin-sweeps-into-fourth-round-223315">French Open</a> on Friday.

Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets.

"I'm the first one to be surprised because honestly, I can't say I did work that hard, but I feel good. I feel fit. And I want to surf that wave," Paire told a post-match news conference.

"After the (second round) match against Pierre-Hugues (Herbert), I didn't know what state I was going to be in. The next day I already felt okay. Physically I wasn't too tired so I was rather satisfied," Paire said.

The bearded 30-year-old has a propensity to blow hot and cold but arrived in Paris on the back of a hot streak in Lyon where he claimed his second clay-court title of the season.

Paire said he was hungry for a win against Nishikori, having lost their most recent encounters, including a second-round clash at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-roger-federer-wins-his-400th-grand-slam-match-blazes-into-fourth-round-223311">Roland Garros</a> last year.

"Every time I feel he starts strongly and then our level balances, and I lose in the end," the world number 38 said.

Paire's compatriot and wildcard Nicolas Mahut on Friday failed in his bid to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, crashing out in four sets against Argentina's Leonardo Mayer, who won 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(3).

Still, Paire is not alone in shouldering the weight of home expectations. Gael Monfils, seeded 14, goes head-to-head against another Frenchmen, wildcard Antoine Hoang, in their third-round tie.

France's women players suffered a torrid tournament, with none making it to the third round, something that has only happened twice previously in the professional era, in 1981 and 1986.

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets.

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets. "I'm the first one to be surprised because honestly, I can't say I did work that hard, but I feel good. I feel fit. And I want to surf that wave," Paire told a post-match news conference. "After the (second round) match against Pierre-Hugues (Herbert), I didn't know what state I was going to be in. The next day I already felt okay. Physically I wasn't too tired so I was rather satisfied," Paire said. The bearded 30-year-old has a propensity to blow hot and cold but arrived in Paris on the back of a hot streak in Lyon where he claimed his second clay-court title of the season. Paire said he was hungry for a win against Nishikori, having lost their most recent encounters, including a second-round clash at Roland Garros last year. "Every time I feel he starts strongly and then our level balances, and I lose in the end," the world number 38 said. Paire's compatriot and wildcard Nicolas Mahut on Friday failed in his bid to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, crashing out in four sets against Argentina's Leonardo Mayer, who won 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(3). Still, Paire is not alone in shouldering the weight of home expectations. Gael Monfils, seeded 14, goes head-to-head against another Frenchmen, wildcard Antoine Hoang, in their third-round tie. France's women players suffered a torrid tournament, with none making it to the third round, something that has only happened twice previously in the professional era, in 1981 and 1986.

French Open: France's Benoit Paire surprised by his own fitness as he enters last 16

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-karolina-pliskova-knocked-out-of-french-open-223175">French Open</a> since 1972.

The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999.

Federer lost that year in the first round.

The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set.

The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win.

"I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference.

"The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said.

Federer was making his first appearance at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-novak-djokovic-cruises-into-third-round-after-convincing-win-over-henri-laaksonen-223046">Roland Garros</a> since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015.

He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass.

"I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said.

As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said,&nbsp;"Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy."

Federer quipped back,&nbsp;"I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!"

Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era.

He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972. The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999. Federer lost that year in the first round. The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set. The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win. "I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference. "The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said. Federer was making his first appearance at Roland Garros since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015. He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass. "I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said. As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said, "Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy." Federer quipped back, "I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!" Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era. He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

French Open: Roger Federer wins his 400th Grand Slam match, blazes into fourth round

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-gael-monfils-thanks-girlfriend-svitolina-as-new-french-clash-against-antoine-hoang-looms-223056">Roland Garros</a> since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday.

With the temperature soaring and the Spaniard's forehand at its devastating best, Goffin never really stood a chance, although it is to the Belgian's immense credit that he became the first person to take a set off Nadal in Paris this year.

Nadal's 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory was never really in doubt once the marauding Mallorcan took the opener in 31 sublime minutes during which he dropped one point on serve.

Try as he might, former world number seven Goffin could not get much closer in the second.

It had looked like the tennis equivalent of a heavyweight boxer taking on a lightweight, but the silky Goffin punched a few dents in Nadal's guard in the third set and delighted the crowd by extending the contest into the evening sunshine when he broke Nadal's serve out of nowhere at 4-4.

It was 10 years to the day that Nadal had lost to Robin Soderling, one of only two defeats he has suffered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-williams-as-she-swings-into-round-three-223053">Paris </a>during his long reign as the king of clay, but any flicker of hope Goffin had of making it three was quickly extinguished.

Nadal stamped his authority back on the contest and opened up a commanding lead in the fourth that he never remotely looked like relinquishing.

"The first set and a half, I would say, it was really fantastic, incredible. It's difficult to play so well," Nadal, who will face Argentina's Juan Ignacio Londero next, in his 14th French Open fourth round, told reporters.

"I did everything perfectly," Nadal said.

Asked if his concentration had dipped slightly, he said the concession of the set was more about Goffin's excellence.

"You need to be realistic. The level that I kept during the first 45 minutes, you can't really maintain that easily. It's very difficult, because it was almost the top level, the highest level I could play," Nadal added.

Londero edged a five-setter against French wildcard Corentin Moutet to become the first debutant to get this far since Goffin managed it in 2012.

If Londero does not know what is heading his way, then Goffin spelt it out succinctly.

"He makes you feel like you hit the ball so slowly," Goffin said.

"It looks like you serve at 120kph, it looks like you hit with softballs because it doesn't go. He's so fast and he's behind and he's playing so heavy. This is his courtyard. It's very difficult to follow his pace," Goffin added.

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday.

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday. With the temperature soaring and the Spaniard's forehand at its devastating best, Goffin never really stood a chance, although it is to the Belgian's immense credit that he became the first person to take a set off Nadal in Paris this year. Nadal's 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory was never really in doubt once the marauding Mallorcan took the opener in 31 sublime minutes during which he dropped one point on serve. Try as he might, former world number seven Goffin could not get much closer in the second. It had looked like the tennis equivalent of a heavyweight boxer taking on a lightweight, but the silky Goffin punched a few dents in Nadal's guard in the third set and delighted the crowd by extending the contest into the evening sunshine when he broke Nadal's serve out of nowhere at 4-4. It was 10 years to the day that Nadal had lost to Robin Soderling, one of only two defeats he has suffered in Paris during his long reign as the king of clay, but any flicker of hope Goffin had of making it three was quickly extinguished. Nadal stamped his authority back on the contest and opened up a commanding lead in the fourth that he never remotely looked like relinquishing. "The first set and a half, I would say, it was really fantastic, incredible. It's difficult to play so well," Nadal, who will face Argentina's Juan Ignacio Londero next, in his 14th French Open fourth round, told reporters. "I did everything perfectly," Nadal said. Asked if his concentration had dipped slightly, he said the concession of the set was more about Goffin's excellence. "You need to be realistic. The level that I kept during the first 45 minutes, you can't really maintain that easily. It's very difficult, because it was almost the top level, the highest level I could play," Nadal added. Londero edged a five-setter against French wildcard Corentin Moutet to become the first debutant to get this far since Goffin managed it in 2012. If Londero does not know what is heading his way, then Goffin spelt it out succinctly. "He makes you feel like you hit the ball so slowly," Goffin said. "It looks like you serve at 120kph, it looks like you hit with softballs because it doesn't go. He's so fast and he's behind and he's playing so heavy. This is his courtyard. It's very difficult to follow his pace," Goffin added.

French Open: 'Incredible, fantastic' feels Rafael Nadal after demolishing Goffin, sweeps into fourth round

World number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Naomi+Osaka">Naomi Osaka</a>'s hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech.

Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches.

"It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova.

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First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. <a href="https://twitter.com/K_Siniakova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@K_Siniakova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgAnzJ2x5e">pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e</a>
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"I played my best tennis and I hope it continues."

Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all.

Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set.

The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set.

Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match.

Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand.

The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors.

Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris.

She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two.

Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic. Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech. Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches. "It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova. First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. @K_Siniakova | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2019 × "I played my best tennis and I hope it continues." Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all. Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set. The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set. Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match. Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand. The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors. Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris. She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two. Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka knocked out of French Open

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-incredible-fantastic-feels-rafael-nadal-after-demolishing-goffin-sweeps-into-fourth-round-223315">French Open</a> on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko.

Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds.

Playing her best match of the tournament, she had no trouble against an error-strewn Tsurenko, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes to extend her win streak against the No. 27 seed from Ukraine to 8-0.

After a relatively cool start to the first week of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-roger-federer-wins-his-400th-grand-slam-match-blazes-into-fourth-round-223311">French Open</a>, temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) at the end of the afternoon at Roland Garros in Paris.

Taking advantage of the balls kicking up higher on the clay of the main Court Philippe-Chatrier, Halep took the first set in just 28 minutes as she dominated her opponent from the back of the court.

Tsurenko, who had won her previous match 11-9 in the decider against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic playing with a broken racket, requested a medical timeout as she trailed 3-0 in the second set.

Watched by Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac, Halep’s intensity never dropped, as she took a 4-0 lead with aggressive shot-making.

Serving for the match at 5-0, Halep got broken, but booked a spot in the fourth round in the next game with a volley, her ninth winner.

She made 14 errors, while Tsurenko had just 8 winners and made 32 unforced errors.

"It was a tough match even if the scoreline does not show it," Halep said.

"Every day in my life I have that image of me winning last year in my mind, it was my greatest moment of my career and it was all the more satisfying for having won here in the juniors as well,"&nbsp;Halep added.

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko. Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds.

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko. Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds. Playing her best match of the tournament, she had no trouble against an error-strewn Tsurenko, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes to extend her win streak against the No. 27 seed from Ukraine to 8-0. After a relatively cool start to the first week of the French Open, temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) at the end of the afternoon at Roland Garros in Paris. Taking advantage of the balls kicking up higher on the clay of the main Court Philippe-Chatrier, Halep took the first set in just 28 minutes as she dominated her opponent from the back of the court. Tsurenko, who had won her previous match 11-9 in the decider against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic playing with a broken racket, requested a medical timeout as she trailed 3-0 in the second set. Watched by Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac, Halep’s intensity never dropped, as she took a 4-0 lead with aggressive shot-making. Serving for the match at 5-0, Halep got broken, but booked a spot in the fourth round in the next game with a volley, her ninth winner. She made 14 errors, while Tsurenko had just 8 winners and made 32 unforced errors. "It was a tough match even if the scoreline does not show it," Halep said. "Every day in my life I have that image of me winning last year in my mind, it was my greatest moment of my career and it was all the more satisfying for having won here in the juniors as well," Halep added.

French Open: Simona Halep ruthlessly races past Tsurenko to move into fourth round

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes.

The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu.

However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord.

The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point.

That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide.

The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight.

He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday. Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes. The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu. However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account. The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord. The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point. That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide. The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight. He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

French Open: Del Potro prevails in five-set battle with Nishioka

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-williams-as-she-swings-into-round-three-223053">French</a> clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang.

Asked at a news conference if his relationship with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina was helping him with his game, Monfils said it was a positive factor but arguably not as important as the role of his coach Liam Smith.

"My love life is going very, very well," he said.

"But I reckon it's probably more due to my coach than my girlfriend," he added, having begun working with Smith since the beginning of the year.

Monfils beat Mannarino in straight sets while Hoang, ranked 146 in the world, beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco by three sets to one.

Despite being compatriots, Monfils had no preconceptions about what to expect from Hoang.

"To be quite frank, I have no particular forecasts. I just don't know him that well," Monfils said.

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-French clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang.

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-French clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang. Asked at a news conference if his relationship with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina was helping him with his game, Monfils said it was a positive factor but arguably not as important as the role of his coach Liam Smith. "My love life is going very, very well," he said. "But I reckon it's probably more due to my coach than my girlfriend," he added, having begun working with Smith since the beginning of the year. Monfils beat Mannarino in straight sets while Hoang, ranked 146 in the world, beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco by three sets to one. Despite being compatriots, Monfils had no preconceptions about what to expect from Hoang. "To be quite frank, I have no particular forecasts. I just don't know him that well," Monfils said.

French Open: Gael Monfils thanks girlfriend Svitolina as new French clash against Antoine Hoang looms

Serena Williams breezed into the third round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-del-potro-prevails-in-five-set-battle-with-nishioka-222988">French Open</a> on Thursday with a routine 6-3, 6-2 win against Japanese Kurumi Nara, wasting little energy in her quest for a record-equalling Grand Slam singles title.

The 10th seed, chasing a first major since the 2017 Australian Open, survived the first-set fright in her opening match, but there was no hiccup this time.

She will take on fellow American Sofia Kenin in the next round, with world number one Naomi Osaka a potential opponent in the quarter-finals.

The 37-year-old was given a decent workout by world number 238 Nara, who was playing her only second match in the main draw of a tour-level tournament this year.

"I think she was playing tennis the whole time, really good tennis the whole time," Williams told reporters.

"She was just playing really tactical tennis, and I just had to play a little bit better,"&nbsp;Williams said.

Nara stood her ground in the first seven games but derailed in the eighth as Williams broke for 5-3 with a booming forehand winner down the line.

The Japanese cracked earlier in the second set, dropping serve in the third game, and never recovered as Williams snatched her 801st victory on the tour.

Although an ankle injury disrupted her early season, Williams believes she still has what it takes to match Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

"I generally come to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-naomi-osaka-survives-again-to-battle-past-victoria-azarenka-into-third-round-222829">Grand Slam</a> to win it," she said.

"I have had a tough year since I twisted my ankle in Australia. It's just been really tough after that. So everything definitely feels a little bit harder than normal, but at the same time, I know that it's going to get better," Serena added.

Serena Williams breezed into the third round of the French Open on Thursday with a routine 6-3, 6-2 win against Japanese Kurumi Nara, wasting little energy in her quest for a record-equalling Grand Slam singles title.

Serena Williams breezed into the third round of the French Open on Thursday with a routine 6-3, 6-2 win against Japanese Kurumi Nara, wasting little energy in her quest for a record-equalling Grand Slam singles title. The 10th seed, chasing a first major since the 2017 Australian Open, survived the first-set fright in her opening match, but there was no hiccup this time. She will take on fellow American Sofia Kenin in the next round, with world number one Naomi Osaka a potential opponent in the quarter-finals. The 37-year-old was given a decent workout by world number 238 Nara, who was playing her only second match in the main draw of a tour-level tournament this year. "I think she was playing tennis the whole time, really good tennis the whole time," Williams told reporters. "She was just playing really tactical tennis, and I just had to play a little bit better," Williams said. Nara stood her ground in the first seven games but derailed in the eighth as Williams broke for 5-3 with a booming forehand winner down the line. The Japanese cracked earlier in the second set, dropping serve in the third game, and never recovered as Williams snatched her 801st victory on the tour. Although an ankle injury disrupted her early season, Williams believes she still has what it takes to match Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. "I generally come to a Grand Slam to win it," she said. "I have had a tough year since I twisted my ankle in Australia. It's just been really tough after that. So everything definitely feels a little bit harder than normal, but at the same time, I know that it's going to get better," Serena added.

French Open: No sweat for Williams as she swings into round three

Novak Djokovic's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-del-potro-prevails-in-five-set-battle-with-nishioka-222988">French Open</a> has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday.

The 32-year-old world number one will face Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso on Saturday - his third consecutive match against a player he has never previously faced.

His first round saw him ease past Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and on Thursday he got his first look at 104th-ranked Laaksonen -- swatting him aside in clinical fashion 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.

It will be another step into the unknown, so to speak, when he lines up against 147th-ranked Caruso.

"It's really interesting, the third match in a row that I get to play against someone that I have never faced before in a match," Djokovic, bidding to win a second French title and hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously for the second time, told reporters.

"But that's good because there is a shift of generations and new players coming up. Again, I'm going to have to do my homework, do analysis on him,'' Djokovic said.

"I watched him play a little bit today when I was waiting for my match. He came from qualifications. He won what, now, five matches? So there is a lot of confidence," added Djokovic.

It has certainly been a gentle start for Djokovic, as it has been for his title rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with that trio winning all 18 sets they have played so far.

Djokovic dropped only three points on serve in the opening set against Laaksonen -&nbsp;the lesser-known Swiss in the draw after Federer and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.

There was a brief loss of focus when Djokovic was broken to love midway through the second set but he was quickly back in the groove to move two sets ahead.

He then polished off the third set in 24 minutes.

"I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court," the 15-times <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-dominic-thiem-battles-through-to-third-round-defeating-alexander-bublik-222837">Grand Slam</a> champion said.

"So all is going in the right direction. It's still early in the tournament, you know, but I do have high ambitions for this tournament. Grand Slams are the tournaments where I want to play my best, and hopefully, get a chance to fight for the title," Djokovic added.

Novak Djokovic's French Open has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday.

Novak Djokovic's French Open has been something of a magical mystery tour so far and it will continue into round three after a convincing win over Swiss Henri Laaksonen on Thursday. The 32-year-old world number one will face Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso on Saturday - his third consecutive match against a player he has never previously faced. His first round saw him ease past Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and on Thursday he got his first look at 104th-ranked Laaksonen -- swatting him aside in clinical fashion 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. It will be another step into the unknown, so to speak, when he lines up against 147th-ranked Caruso. "It's really interesting, the third match in a row that I get to play against someone that I have never faced before in a match," Djokovic, bidding to win a second French title and hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously for the second time, told reporters. "But that's good because there is a shift of generations and new players coming up. Again, I'm going to have to do my homework, do analysis on him,'' Djokovic said. "I watched him play a little bit today when I was waiting for my match. He came from qualifications. He won what, now, five matches? So there is a lot of confidence," added Djokovic. It has certainly been a gentle start for Djokovic, as it has been for his title rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with that trio winning all 18 sets they have played so far. Djokovic dropped only three points on serve in the opening set against Laaksonen - the lesser-known Swiss in the draw after Federer and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka. There was a brief loss of focus when Djokovic was broken to love midway through the second set but he was quickly back in the groove to move two sets ahead. He then polished off the third set in 24 minutes. "I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court," the 15-times Grand Slam champion said. "So all is going in the right direction. It's still early in the tournament, you know, but I do have high ambitions for this tournament. Grand Slams are the tournaments where I want to play my best, and hopefully, get a chance to fight for the title," Djokovic added.

French open: Novak Djokovic cruises into third round after convincing win over Henri Laaksonen

Second seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of the French Open on Friday after a 6-3, 6-3 defeat by Croatia's Petra Martic.

Czech Pliskova produced an error-strewn display against the 31st seed, who will face either Russian Veronika Kudermetova or Estonia's Kaia Kanepi for a place in the quarter-finals.

Her defeat means Naomi Osaka will retain the world number one spot after Roland Garros.

Martic has now won 14 matches on clay this season, more than any other player on the WTA Tour.

Former world number one Pliskova remains without a Grand Slam title in her career, despite arriving in Paris with high hopes after powering her way to Italian Open triumph in Rome.

The game which saw her broken to fall 5-3 behind in the second set encapsulated an erratic display -- as she served two double faults, missed perhaps the easiest volley seen on the newly-rebuilt Court Philippe Chatrier, and capped it off by drilling the simplest of forehands several feet past the baseline.

Pliskova finished with 28 unforced errors in total, against only 23 winners, while Martic sealed victory with an ace.

The 28-year-old Martic put in a solid performance and is rewarded with a fourth-round tie against an unseeded player as she bids to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of the French Open on Friday after a 6-3, 6-3 defeat by Croatia's Petra Martic. Czech Pliskova produced an error-strewn display against the 31st seed, who will face either Russian Veronika Kudermetova or Estonia's Kaia Kanepi for a place in the quarter-finals.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of the French Open on Friday after a 6-3, 6-3 defeat by Croatia's Petra Martic. Czech Pliskova produced an error-strewn display against the 31st seed, who will face either Russian Veronika Kudermetova or Estonia's Kaia Kanepi for a place in the quarter-finals. Her defeat means Naomi Osaka will retain the world number one spot after Roland Garros. Martic has now won 14 matches on clay this season, more than any other player on the WTA Tour. Former world number one Pliskova remains without a Grand Slam title in her career, despite arriving in Paris with high hopes after powering her way to Italian Open triumph in Rome. The game which saw her broken to fall 5-3 behind in the second set encapsulated an erratic display -- as she served two double faults, missed perhaps the easiest volley seen on the newly-rebuilt Court Philippe Chatrier, and capped it off by drilling the simplest of forehands several feet past the baseline. Pliskova finished with 28 unforced errors in total, against only 23 winners, while Martic sealed victory with an ace. The 28-year-old Martic put in a solid performance and is rewarded with a fourth-round tie against an unseeded player as she bids to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova knocked out of French Open

Defending champion Rafael Nadal continued to chomp his way through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-garbine-muguruza-canters-into-third-round-beating-johanna-larsson-222506">French Open</a> draw on Wednesday and Roger Federer also maintained his smooth progress into the third round.

It felt like a case of deja vu for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-enters-third-round-after-defeating-yannick-maden-222544">Spaniard Nadal</a>, the second seed, as for the second match running he dispatched a German qualifier named Yannick in brutal fashion.

After beating Yannick Hanfmann for the loss off six games in round one, he conceded seven against Yannick Maden in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win on Court Suzanne Lenglen, crunching 43 winners in the process.

Things might get more tricky next when he faces Belgium's David Goffin -&nbsp;but the 11-times champion is already on a roll.

"We know that he's at home at the French Open. He's the king," 27th seed Goffin said.

Third seed Federer also played an obscure German, 25-year-old lucky loser Oscar Otte, ranked 144th in the world.

Federer, wearing pale brown shorts, turned the screw just enough, breaking serve at a crucial juncture of each set for a clinical, yet still an eye-catching 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

After missing the last three French Opens he has found the groove straight away with six near-perfect sets.

"I must say I feel really good, you know, considering I haven't played here in that long," the 37-year-old said.

The women's draw lost another big name as Kiki Bertens, the Dutch fourth seed, was forced to retire early on against Viktoria Kuzmova, saying she had been up all night vomiting.

She joined fifth seed Angelique Kerber and 13th seed Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko through the exit door.

There were no alarms for 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza who beat Johanna Larsson to set up a clash with ninth seed Elina Svitolina who enjoyed a walkover against Kateryna Kozlova.

Last year's runner-up Sloane Stephens also reached the third round, beating Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-1 7-6(3).

Marin Cilic's hopes of completing his set of Grand Slam finals came to an abrupt end as the 11th seed lost a four-hour 23-minute five-setter against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov.

That was one of two matches that in previous years would have graced the latter stages of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-croatias-ivo-karlovic-becomes-oldest-man-to-win-match-at-roland-garros-in-last-46-years-222425">Grand Slam</a>, the other one seeing Japan's Kei Nishikori beat home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after losing the opening set.

Former world number three Dimitrov, unseeded this year, will have to be at his best again in the third round where he faces 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.

The Swiss 24th seed was in scintillating form to beat Chile's Cristian Garin, second on the list for claycourt wins this year, 6-1, 6-4, 6-0.

Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, tipped as the man most likely to provide a breakthrough for the next generation this fortnight battled past Bolivian Hugo Dellien.

French hopes were boosted with youngster Corentin Moutet posting an impressive win over 19th seed Guido Pella, while Benoit Paire beat compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert 11-9 in the fifth set of a thriller.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal continued to chomp his way through the French Open draw on Wednesday and Roger Federer also maintained his smooth progress into the third round.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal continued to chomp his way through the French Open draw on Wednesday and Roger Federer also maintained his smooth progress into the third round. It felt like a case of deja vu for Spaniard Nadal, the second seed, as for the second match running he dispatched a German qualifier named Yannick in brutal fashion. After beating Yannick Hanfmann for the loss off six games in round one, he conceded seven against Yannick Maden in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win on Court Suzanne Lenglen, crunching 43 winners in the process. Things might get more tricky next when he faces Belgium's David Goffin - but the 11-times champion is already on a roll. "We know that he's at home at the French Open. He's the king," 27th seed Goffin said. Third seed Federer also played an obscure German, 25-year-old lucky loser Oscar Otte, ranked 144th in the world. Federer, wearing pale brown shorts, turned the screw just enough, breaking serve at a crucial juncture of each set for a clinical, yet still an eye-catching 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory. After missing the last three French Opens he has found the groove straight away with six near-perfect sets. "I must say I feel really good, you know, considering I haven't played here in that long," the 37-year-old said. The women's draw lost another big name as Kiki Bertens, the Dutch fourth seed, was forced to retire early on against Viktoria Kuzmova, saying she had been up all night vomiting. She joined fifth seed Angelique Kerber and 13th seed Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko through the exit door. There were no alarms for 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza who beat Johanna Larsson to set up a clash with ninth seed Elina Svitolina who enjoyed a walkover against Kateryna Kozlova. Last year's runner-up Sloane Stephens also reached the third round, beating Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-1 7-6(3). Marin Cilic's hopes of completing his set of Grand Slam finals came to an abrupt end as the 11th seed lost a four-hour 23-minute five-setter against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov. That was one of two matches that in previous years would have graced the latter stages of a Grand Slam, the other one seeing Japan's Kei Nishikori beat home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after losing the opening set. Former world number three Dimitrov, unseeded this year, will have to be at his best again in the third round where he faces 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss 24th seed was in scintillating form to beat Chile's Cristian Garin, second on the list for claycourt wins this year, 6-1, 6-4, 6-0. Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, tipped as the man most likely to provide a breakthrough for the next generation this fortnight battled past Bolivian Hugo Dellien. French hopes were boosted with youngster Corentin Moutet posting an impressive win over 19th seed Guido Pella, while Benoit Paire beat compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert 11-9 in the fifth set of a thriller.

French Open: No sweat for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as they advance into third round, Bertens pulls out

For the second match running world number one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-top-seed-naomi-osaka-flirts-with-early-exit-victoria-azarenka-and-del-potro-also-struggle-222421&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiajZvTqMPiAhXV8HMBHeh0A2IQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PbOLXmuS2pxokxTj-nwby">Naomi Osaka</a> stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

The 21-year-old Japanese lost the first four games against a fired-up former world number one but reacted superbly to claw herself back and claim a 16th successive Grand Slam match win.

She is aiming to win a third successive major having bagged her first two at the US&nbsp;and Australian Opens but she is doing it the hard way in Paris.

Azarenka seemed poised to follow up her first-round win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko when she moved 4-2 ahead in the second set playing with the kind of control and aggression that took her to two Australian Open triumphs.

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-pulls-out-of-italian-open-due-to-right-thumb-injury-219451&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiajZvTqMPiAhXV8HMBHeh0A2IQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uV0vjo0tycUhK717zgA3u">Osaka </a>flicked a switch and began pummelling heavy groundstrokes that kept Azarenka at full stretch.

Osaka piled on the pressure when Azarenka served at 5-6 but squandered three set points before finally levelling the match with a screaming backhand winner.

She raced into a 5-1 lead in the decider and although Azarenka grabbed the next two games, Osaka kept her focus to reach the third round.

For the second match running world number one Naomi Osaka stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

For the second match running world number one Naomi Osaka stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The 21-year-old Japanese lost the first four games against a fired-up former world number one but reacted superbly to claw herself back and claim a 16th successive Grand Slam match win. She is aiming to win a third successive major having bagged her first two at the US and Australian Opens but she is doing it the hard way in Paris. Azarenka seemed poised to follow up her first-round win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko when she moved 4-2 ahead in the second set playing with the kind of control and aggression that took her to two Australian Open triumphs. But Osaka flicked a switch and began pummelling heavy groundstrokes that kept Azarenka at full stretch. Osaka piled on the pressure when Azarenka served at 5-6 but squandered three set points before finally levelling the match with a screaming backhand winner. She raced into a 5-1 lead in the decider and although Azarenka grabbed the next two games, Osaka kept her focus to reach the third round.

French Open: Naomi Osaka survives again to battle past Victoria Azarenka into third round

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-rafael-nadal-and-roger-federer-as-they-advance-into-third-round-bertens-pulls-out-222652"> French Open</a> third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday.

Fourth seed Thiem, who reached the final at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-enters-third-round-after-defeating-yannick-maden-222544">Roland Garros</a> last year, had to use his full range of shots to overcome 91st ranked Bublik, who put up a fight against the 'prince of clay'.

The fancied Thiem, who is looking for his first Grand Slam success, broke Bublik in the second game of the first set and, while the Kazakh produced a cheeky underarm serve that helped him hold for 4-2, he did not threaten the Austrian's serve.

However, the 25-year-old Thiem was broken in the fourth game of the second set and, despite battling back with a break of his own at 5-3 down, the Austrian was outfoxed in the tiebreak.

Thiem was clearly in a contest against the tricky Bublik, who was making his Roland Garros debut at 21, and had to dig deep before breaking in the eighth game and taking the third.

Bublik never gave up in the first meeting between the pair and broke in the second game of the fourth before squandering two set points at 5-2.

Thiem sensed his chance and took the next five games to wrap up victory with an exquisite drop shot.

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the French Open third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday.

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the French Open third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday. Fourth seed Thiem, who reached the final at Roland Garros last year, had to use his full range of shots to overcome 91st ranked Bublik, who put up a fight against the 'prince of clay'. The fancied Thiem, who is looking for his first Grand Slam success, broke Bublik in the second game of the first set and, while the Kazakh produced a cheeky underarm serve that helped him hold for 4-2, he did not threaten the Austrian's serve. However, the 25-year-old Thiem was broken in the fourth game of the second set and, despite battling back with a break of his own at 5-3 down, the Austrian was outfoxed in the tiebreak. Thiem was clearly in a contest against the tricky Bublik, who was making his Roland Garros debut at 21, and had to dig deep before breaking in the eighth game and taking the third. Bublik never gave up in the first meeting between the pair and broke in the second game of the fourth before squandering two set points at 5-2. Thiem sensed his chance and took the next five games to wrap up victory with an exquisite drop shot.

French Open: Dominic Thiem battles through to third round defeating Alexander Bublik

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-alexander-zverev-defeats-john-millman-to-enter-second-round-222336">second round of the French Open.</a>

On a windy and chilly day at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-french-open-champion-jelena-ostapenko-blows-out-in-first-round-again-222347">Roland Garros</a>, world number one Osaka, who won the US&nbsp;and the Australian Opens, lost the opening set to love against Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova before rallying back for a 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory.

Defending champion Simona Halep, Osaka's potential semi-final opponent, lost her way in the second set against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory on a windswept Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the men's draw, German fifth seed Alexander Zverev was also pegged back during his match against Australian John Millman and needed five sets to progress after winning the first two.

Last year's semi-finalist Juan Martin Del Potro also huffed and puffed into round two with a four-set win against Nicolas Jarry of Chile.

Victoria Azarenka avoided the fate of fellow former world number ones Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, who were knocked out in the first round, when she beat 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

Osaka had the biggest scare, however, as spots of rain and swirling winds disrupted her game with the Japanese failing to put a mark on the scoreboard in the first set.

Schmiedlova twice served for the match, only for Osaka to raise her game and force the contest into a decisive third set during which her variety of shots and power proved too much to handle for the world number 90.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in the first round.

Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 -&nbsp;the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era.

He became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, aged 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the second round of the French Open.

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the second round of the French Open. On a windy and chilly day at Roland Garros, world number one Osaka, who won the US and the Australian Opens, lost the opening set to love against Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova before rallying back for a 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory. Defending champion Simona Halep, Osaka's potential semi-final opponent, lost her way in the second set against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory on a windswept Court Philippe Chatrier. In the men's draw, German fifth seed Alexander Zverev was also pegged back during his match against Australian John Millman and needed five sets to progress after winning the first two. Last year's semi-finalist Juan Martin Del Potro also huffed and puffed into round two with a four-set win against Nicolas Jarry of Chile. Victoria Azarenka avoided the fate of fellow former world number ones Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, who were knocked out in the first round, when she beat 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. Osaka had the biggest scare, however, as spots of rain and swirling winds disrupted her game with the Japanese failing to put a mark on the scoreboard in the first set. Schmiedlova twice served for the match, only for Osaka to raise her game and force the contest into a decisive third set during which her variety of shots and power proved too much to handle for the world number 90. Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in the first round. Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 - the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era. He became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, aged 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open.

French Open: Top seed Naomi Osaka flirts with early exit, Victoria Azarenka and Del Potro also struggle

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-top-seed-naomi-osaka-flirts-with-early-exit-victoria-azarenka-and-del-potro-also-struggle-222421">French Open</a> for 46 years on Tuesday as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in a first-round duel.

Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won 7-6(4), 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-5 in a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 - the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era.

Karlovic became the oldest man to win at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-alexander-zverev-defeats-john-millman-to-enter-second-round-222336">Roland Garros</a> since Torben Ulrich in 1973 at the age of 44.

He is also the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, also 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open.

The last player to contest a Grand Slam singles match having turned 40 was American Jimmy Connors at the US&nbsp;Open in 1992.

Croatian giant Karlovic fired down 35 aces on his way to a second-round clash against Australian youngster Jordan Thompson.

The evergreen Croat made light of his age to outlast left-hander Lopez.

"It means a lot. Even though it's in the record books as the oldest one, at least it's in the record books, so I like it," Karlovic said of playing his fellow long-survivor.

"I was out for almost two months, so I am really happy that I was able to win today,"&nbsp;Karlovic said.

Karlovic, ranked 94, had decided against playing any claycourt tournaments in the build-up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-french-open-champion-jelena-ostapenko-blows-out-in-first-round-again-222347">Roland Garros</a> where he has never gone past the third round.

But there was nothing rusty about his serve, not giving Lopez a sniff of a break in the opening two sets.

He took the first set on a tiebreak but did not engineer a breakpoint on the Lopez serve until pouncing with his opponent 5-6 down in the second set.

Almost inevitably the third set went to another tiebreak and when Lopez missed a routine volley at 5-5 it handed Karlovic a match point, only for him to be denied by a lucky backhand return that left him floundering at the net.

A fifth set loomed when Lopez led 5-2 in the fourth set but Karlovic rattled off five straight games to move through.

In a performance of old-school skills, he won 65 points at the net.

"Right now I'm just happy with any match that I win. Even if it's against older guys or kids, whatever. I just like to win,"&nbsp;Karlovic said.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years on Tuesday as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in a first-round duel.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years on Tuesday as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in a first-round duel. Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won 7-6(4), 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-5 in a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 - the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era. Karlovic became the oldest man to win at Roland Garros since Torben Ulrich in 1973 at the age of 44. He is also the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, also 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open. The last player to contest a Grand Slam singles match having turned 40 was American Jimmy Connors at the US Open in 1992. Croatian giant Karlovic fired down 35 aces on his way to a second-round clash against Australian youngster Jordan Thompson. The evergreen Croat made light of his age to outlast left-hander Lopez. "It means a lot. Even though it's in the record books as the oldest one, at least it's in the record books, so I like it," Karlovic said of playing his fellow long-survivor. "I was out for almost two months, so I am really happy that I was able to win today," Karlovic said. Karlovic, ranked 94, had decided against playing any claycourt tournaments in the build-up to Roland Garros where he has never gone past the third round. But there was nothing rusty about his serve, not giving Lopez a sniff of a break in the opening two sets. He took the first set on a tiebreak but did not engineer a breakpoint on the Lopez serve until pouncing with his opponent 5-6 down in the second set. Almost inevitably the third set went to another tiebreak and when Lopez missed a routine volley at 5-5 it handed Karlovic a match point, only for him to be denied by a lucky backhand return that left him floundering at the net. A fifth set loomed when Lopez led 5-2 in the fourth set but Karlovic rattled off five straight games to move through. In a performance of old-school skills, he won 65 points at the net. "Right now I'm just happy with any match that I win. Even if it's against older guys or kids, whatever. I just like to win," Karlovic said.

French Open: Croatia's Ivo Karlovic becomes oldest man to win match at Roland Garros in last 46 years

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion was in dominant form for the majority of the match and will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin for a place in the second week.

Nadal's win-loss record at the French Open now reads an astounding 88-2.

"He (Maden) is a good player. He had already won four matches so was full of confidence," he said. "For me it was an important victory."

The 32-year-old Spaniard wasted little time in wrapping up the first two sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

World number 114 Maden may have briefly allowed himself to dream of an outrageous upset when he broke twice to level at 3-3 and then 4-4 in the third set, but Nadal put him back in his place with two quick games to seal victory.

Nadal appears to be hitting form at just the right time, after following three consecutive semi-final defeats on clay with the Italian Open title before arriving in Paris.

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👋 to you too, Rafa. 
 
The Spaniard takes on qualifier Yannick Maden next on Lenglen...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/CtGAbwhqbM">pic.twitter.com/CtGAbwhqbM</a>
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He finished the match with 43 winners against just 23 unforced errors as Maden simply could not live with his illustrious opponent.

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title. The 17-time Grand Slam champion was in dominant form for the majority of the match and will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin for a place in the second week. Nadal's win-loss record at the French Open now reads an astounding 88-2. "He (Maden) is a good player. He had already won four matches so was full of confidence," he said. "For me it was an important victory." The 32-year-old Spaniard wasted little time in wrapping up the first two sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen. World number 114 Maden may have briefly allowed himself to dream of an outrageous upset when he broke twice to level at 3-3 and then 4-4 in the third set, but Nadal put him back in his place with two quick games to seal victory. Nadal appears to be hitting form at just the right time, after following three consecutive semi-final defeats on clay with the Italian Open title before arriving in Paris. 👋 to you too, Rafa. The Spaniard takes on qualifier Yannick Maden next on Lenglen...#RG19 pic.twitter.com/CtGAbwhqbM — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2019 × He finished the match with 43 winners against just 23 unforced errors as Maden simply could not live with his illustrious opponent.

French Open: Rafael Nadal enters third round after defeating Yannick Maden

Former champion Garbine Muguruza cantered into the third round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-top-seed-naomi-osaka-flirts-with-early-exit-victoria-azarenka-and-del-potro-also-struggle-222421">French Open</a> with a routine 6-4, 6-1 victory against Swede Johanna Larsson on Wednesday.

The Spaniard seeded 19th, was kept on her toes in the opening set before motoring on in the second on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Muguruza, who lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup in 2016, relied on her booming forehand throughout and wrapped it up when Larsson netted a service return.

"I'm very happy, it's another win in a Grand Slam. It's a special tournament for me," the 25-year-old, who also won Wimbledon in 2017, told a courtside interviewer.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> ne perd pas de temps. 
 
L’ex No.1 mondiale est la première à se qualifier pour le 3e tour de Roland-Garros grâce à une victoire sur Johanna Larsson 6-4, 6-1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/18LuHsP6Uf">pic.twitter.com/18LuHsP6Uf</a>
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She will face Elina Svitolina after the ninth seed advanced without hitting a ball on Wednesday when her opponent, fellow Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova, withdrew from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-alexander-zverev-defeats-john-millman-to-enter-second-round-222336">tournament </a>due to intercostal pain.

Former champion Garbine Muguruza cantered into the third round of the French Open with a routine 6-4, 6-1 victory against Swede Johanna Larsson on Wednesday. The Spaniard seeded 19th, was kept on her toes in the opening set before motoring on in the second on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Former champion Garbine Muguruza cantered into the third round of the French Open with a routine 6-4, 6-1 victory against Swede Johanna Larsson on Wednesday. The Spaniard seeded 19th, was kept on her toes in the opening set before motoring on in the second on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Muguruza, who lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup in 2016, relied on her booming forehand throughout and wrapped it up when Larsson netted a service return. "I'm very happy, it's another win in a Grand Slam. It's a special tournament for me," the 25-year-old, who also won Wimbledon in 2017, told a courtside interviewer. .@GarbiMuguruza ne perd pas de temps. L’ex No.1 mondiale est la première à se qualifier pour le 3e tour de Roland-Garros grâce à une victoire sur Johanna Larsson 6-4, 6-1. #RG19 pic.twitter.com/18LuHsP6Uf — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2019 × She will face Elina Svitolina after the ninth seed advanced without hitting a ball on Wednesday when her opponent, fellow Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova, withdrew from the tournament due to intercostal pain.

French Open: Garbine Muguruza canters into third round after defeating Johanna Larsson

Top seed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-main-favourite-says-novak-djokovic-about-rafael-nadal-ahead-of-french-open-221579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjatYLNwb3iAhUs63MBHTkwAqUQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-ggrkO6FsqfmybXVQs9wX">Novak Djokovic</a> might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz.

The 32-year-old, bidding for a second Roland Garros title and to become the first man in the professional era to hold all four Grand Slam titles on two separate occasions, mixed power and precision in equal measure to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Reigning champion Rafael Nadal, the man most likely to block Djokovic's path to a second "Nole Slam", had earlier launched his bid for a 12th title on the Parisian clay in sublime style.

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-third-madrid-title-and-33rd-masters-218214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjatYLNwb3iAhUs63MBHTkwAqUQFjACegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0woI3W_urGYr3Md9DW_5z6">Djokovic</a> more than matched the Spaniard's display with a near faultless performance in the afternoon sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a 22nd consecutive win in Grand Slam play since losing in the quarter-finals here last year.

On Friday Djokovic posted a video after the medicine ball he was working out on went through a wooden floor.

"I probably will," Djokovic told reporters when asked if he had received a repair bill.

"The damage was pretty big, I must say. You know, huge muscles that I possess, it's kind of expected I make the big hole like that,'' Novak said.

"I just swing with the ball quite hard in front of me, kind of to warm up the upper body, and after a second throw, I heard a crack. The wooden floor completely collapsed under. They fixed it in less than a day. Next day it wasn't there. But the next day I was doing it on a concrete wall and concrete steps. I learned my lesson," Djokovic added.

Djokovic is bidding for his second title at Roland Garros having beaten Andy Murray in 2016 to hold all four Slams together and match Rod Laver's 1969 feat.

Since his first, the French Open has undergone a huge makeover and Djokovic said he is impressed with the revamp of Chatrier, hinting that it could give him a subtle advantage.

"Very nice. Great job, Roland Garros, for sure, to make this kind of renovation in less than 12 months is really impressive.&nbsp;It's a pleasure to play in the new court. It's different. It's a different feeling,'' he told reporters.

"It looks different, obviously, and feels a bit different. Feels a little bit more like indoor, which I like," Djokovic added.

Djokovic broke serve in the opening game on his way to taking the opening set in routine fashion and the only blip was when he dropped serve at 4-1 in the second set.

The match was more or less in the bag by then, however, and Djokovic cantered to victory to set up a second-round clash with Swiss lucky loser Laaksonen.

Djokovic has prior experience in needing a French Open title to win four Grand Slams in a row, although this time perhaps there is less pressure as he already triumphed on the clay.

''The routine will be the same though. I just need to be in my lockdown, so to say, mentally, and just do things that have worked for me in the past," he said.

Top seed Novak Djokovic might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz.

Top seed Novak Djokovic might be out of pocket after trashing the floor of a Roland Garros gym but there was little else troubling the Serb after he opened his French Open bid on Monday by dismantling Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz. The 32-year-old, bidding for a second Roland Garros title and to become the first man in the professional era to hold all four Grand Slam titles on two separate occasions, mixed power and precision in equal measure to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Reigning champion Rafael Nadal, the man most likely to block Djokovic's path to a second "Nole Slam", had earlier launched his bid for a 12th title on the Parisian clay in sublime style. But Djokovic more than matched the Spaniard's display with a near faultless performance in the afternoon sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a 22nd consecutive win in Grand Slam play since losing in the quarter-finals here last year. On Friday Djokovic posted a video after the medicine ball he was working out on went through a wooden floor. "I probably will," Djokovic told reporters when asked if he had received a repair bill. "The damage was pretty big, I must say. You know, huge muscles that I possess, it's kind of expected I make the big hole like that,'' Novak said. "I just swing with the ball quite hard in front of me, kind of to warm up the upper body, and after a second throw, I heard a crack. The wooden floor completely collapsed under. They fixed it in less than a day. Next day it wasn't there. But the next day I was doing it on a concrete wall and concrete steps. I learned my lesson," Djokovic added. Djokovic is bidding for his second title at Roland Garros having beaten Andy Murray in 2016 to hold all four Slams together and match Rod Laver's 1969 feat. Since his first, the French Open has undergone a huge makeover and Djokovic said he is impressed with the revamp of Chatrier, hinting that it could give him a subtle advantage. "Very nice. Great job, Roland Garros, for sure, to make this kind of renovation in less than 12 months is really impressive. It's a pleasure to play in the new court. It's different. It's a different feeling,'' he told reporters. "It looks different, obviously, and feels a bit different. Feels a little bit more like indoor, which I like," Djokovic added. Djokovic broke serve in the opening game on his way to taking the opening set in routine fashion and the only blip was when he dropped serve at 4-1 in the second set. The match was more or less in the bag by then, however, and Djokovic cantered to victory to set up a second-round clash with Swiss lucky loser Laaksonen. Djokovic has prior experience in needing a French Open title to win four Grand Slams in a row, although this time perhaps there is less pressure as he already triumphed on the clay. ''The routine will be the same though. I just need to be in my lockdown, so to say, mentally, and just do things that have worked for me in the past," he said.

French Open: Top seed Novak Djokovic powers past Hubert Hurkacz

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday.

Considering the calibre of her opponent, a 6-4, 7-6(4) loss was not as demoralising as last year's defeat by Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova.

But it continued a steep decline for the 21-year-old who also fell in round one at the Australian Open and has managed back-to-back wins just once in 2019.

The match statistics made grim reading for Ostapenko with 60 unforced errors to Azarenka's 19.

While the Latvian continues to struggle, Azarenka is heading in the right direction having risen back into the top 50 for the first time since giving birth to son Leo in December 2016.

Yet it was the Belarussian who began the match in charitable fashion, opening with two double faults before watching two Ostapenko backhands flash by her.

She broke back in the next game but dropped serve for the third time in the set to trail 4-3.

Ostapenko double-faulted four times in the next game to hand back the advantage, then twice more at 5-6 to surrender a scrappy first set.

She continued to mix flashing winners with unforced errors in the second, leading 4-2 but allowing Azarenka back in.

Ostapenko served for the set at 6-5 and led 30-0 only to offer up more free points to her grateful opponent.

In the tiebreak Azarenka brought up match point with a thumping forehand winner and Ostpenko's 60th unforced error ended the contest.

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday.

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday. Considering the calibre of her opponent, a 6-4, 7-6(4) loss was not as demoralising as last year's defeat by Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova. But it continued a steep decline for the 21-year-old who also fell in round one at the Australian Open and has managed back-to-back wins just once in 2019. The match statistics made grim reading for Ostapenko with 60 unforced errors to Azarenka's 19. While the Latvian continues to struggle, Azarenka is heading in the right direction having risen back into the top 50 for the first time since giving birth to son Leo in December 2016. Yet it was the Belarussian who began the match in charitable fashion, opening with two double faults before watching two Ostapenko backhands flash by her. She broke back in the next game but dropped serve for the third time in the set to trail 4-3. Ostapenko double-faulted four times in the next game to hand back the advantage, then twice more at 5-6 to surrender a scrappy first set. She continued to mix flashing winners with unforced errors in the second, leading 4-2 but allowing Azarenka back in. Ostapenko served for the set at 6-5 and led 30-0 only to offer up more free points to her grateful opponent. In the tiebreak Azarenka brought up match point with a thumping forehand winner and Ostpenko's 60th unforced error ended the contest.

Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko blows out in first round again

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday.

The German fifth seed, looking for a major breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage, needed more than four hours to see off the world number 56 and set up a meeting with Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer.

The 22-year-old Zverev, one of the leading figures of the sport's 'new generation', claimed his best result at a major when he reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.

For a moment, it seemed he could be sent packing on his first day on court.

Millman cancelled out Zverev's early break with the German winning the resulting tiebreak in the opener before sailing through the second set.

But Zverev never looked comfortable in changing conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier and he was overpowered in the third, Millman taking the tie into a fourth set with a powerful forehand winner.

Zverev stole his serve but Millman turned it around to force a tiebreak, which he won to take the match into a decider.

That did not please Zverev, who destroyed his racket in frustration.

But a timely break in the ninth game of the fifth set had him serve for the match. There were no nerves on display as Zverev ended the contest on his first match point.

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday.

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday. The German fifth seed, looking for a major breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage, needed more than four hours to see off the world number 56 and set up a meeting with Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer. The 22-year-old Zverev, one of the leading figures of the sport's 'new generation', claimed his best result at a major when he reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year. For a moment, it seemed he could be sent packing on his first day on court. Millman cancelled out Zverev's early break with the German winning the resulting tiebreak in the opener before sailing through the second set. But Zverev never looked comfortable in changing conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier and he was overpowered in the third, Millman taking the tie into a fourth set with a powerful forehand winner. Zverev stole his serve but Millman turned it around to force a tiebreak, which he won to take the match into a decider. That did not please Zverev, who destroyed his racket in frustration. But a timely break in the ninth game of the fifth set had him serve for the match. There were no nerves on display as Zverev ended the contest on his first match point.

French Open: Alexander Zverev defeats John Millman to enter second round

Serena Williams admitted the 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' logo which adorned her Roland Garros outfit on Monday was "a lot to carry, but so is being Serena".

The 37-year-old American <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/preview-uncertainty-over-serena-fitness-osaka-form-at-roland-garros-221516">survived a first-set scare</a> before defeating Russia's Vitalia Diatchenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 to reach the second round.

But as she struggled to impose herself on her 83rd-ranked opponent, it looked like her dazzling choice of costume for the occasion might come back to haunt her.

The legend of 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' was written in French in a nod to her hosts.

Once the cape was removed, Williams revealed a black and white zebra-stripe print dress, split at one thigh.

Last year, Williams fell foul of Roland Garros with her one-piece Black Panther outfit which was subsequently banned.

"It was just to remind everyone that they can be champions and are queens. So I love that about it," she said of her 2019 dress and cape.

"Yeah. It is a lot to carry, but so is being Serena Williams."

The American, who is attempting to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles, racked up her 800th career main draw win with her victory in front of a half-full Court Philippe Chatrier.

After dropping the first set, she was in danger of suffering just the second opening round defeat of her Grand Slam tournament career.

But normal service was quickly resumed as she racked up 12 of the last 13 games.

"You know, I have been dealing with a lot, and then I just got nervous out there and I stopped moving my feet.&nbsp;

"There were like concrete blocks on my feet. I was, like, 'You gotta do something'."

Williams, 2002, 2013 and 2015 champion in Paris, will face either Japan's Kurumi Nara or Dalila Jakupovic of Slovenia for a place in the last 32, after their match was suspended at one-set-all overnight.

Williams won her most recent major at the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant.

She returned to Grand Slam tennis after giving birth to her daughter at Roland Garros in 2018, making the last 16 where she had been set to resume her bitter rivalry with Maria Sharapova.

An arm injury torpedoed that meeting and stalled her assault on the fourth title in Paris.

Defeat in the 2018 Wimbledon final and US Open championship match, where her now-infamous meltdown overshadowed Naomi Osaka's title triumph, followed her Paris heartbreak.

Her Australian Open campaign in January ended in a quarter-final loss to Karolina Pliskova despite having led 5-1 in the final set and holding four match points.

Since Melbourne, Williams had been unable to finish the three tournaments she had entered -- retiring in the third round of Indian Wells and withdrawing after winning a round in Miami, and after winning one round in Rome due to a right knee injury.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Serena Williams admitted the 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' logo which adorned her Roland Garros outfit on Monday was "a lot to carry, but so is being Serena".

Serena Williams admitted the 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' logo which adorned her Roland Garros outfit on Monday was "a lot to carry, but so is being Serena". The 37-year-old American survived a first-set scare before defeating Russia's Vitalia Diatchenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 to reach the second round. But as she struggled to impose herself on her 83rd-ranked opponent, it looked like her dazzling choice of costume for the occasion might come back to haunt her. The legend of 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' was written in French in a nod to her hosts. Once the cape was removed, Williams revealed a black and white zebra-stripe print dress, split at one thigh. Last year, Williams fell foul of Roland Garros with her one-piece Black Panther outfit which was subsequently banned. "It was just to remind everyone that they can be champions and are queens. So I love that about it," she said of her 2019 dress and cape. "Yeah. It is a lot to carry, but so is being Serena Williams." The American, who is attempting to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles, racked up her 800th career main draw win with her victory in front of a half-full Court Philippe Chatrier. After dropping the first set, she was in danger of suffering just the second opening round defeat of her Grand Slam tournament career. But normal service was quickly resumed as she racked up 12 of the last 13 games. "You know, I have been dealing with a lot, and then I just got nervous out there and I stopped moving my feet. "There were like concrete blocks on my feet. I was, like, 'You gotta do something'." Williams, 2002, 2013 and 2015 champion in Paris, will face either Japan's Kurumi Nara or Dalila Jakupovic of Slovenia for a place in the last 32, after their match was suspended at one-set-all overnight. Williams won her most recent major at the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant. She returned to Grand Slam tennis after giving birth to her daughter at Roland Garros in 2018, making the last 16 where she had been set to resume her bitter rivalry with Maria Sharapova. An arm injury torpedoed that meeting and stalled her assault on the fourth title in Paris. Defeat in the 2018 Wimbledon final and US Open championship match, where her now-infamous meltdown overshadowed Naomi Osaka's title triumph, followed her Paris heartbreak. Her Australian Open campaign in January ended in a quarter-final loss to Karolina Pliskova despite having led 5-1 in the final set and holding four match points. Since Melbourne, Williams had been unable to finish the three tournaments she had entered -- retiring in the third round of Indian Wells and withdrawing after winning a round in Miami, and after winning one round in Rome due to a right knee injury.

'Being Serena, it's a lot to carry': Williams struggles to 800th victory

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafa-nadal-threaten-djokovic-bid-for-historic-slam-221522">French Open</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.&nbsp;

While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament.&nbsp;

"He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France.&nbsp;

"He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added.&nbsp;

Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday.&nbsp;

Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome.&nbsp;

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On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me."&nbsp;

"I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.&nbsp;

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament. "He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France. "He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added. Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday. Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome. Watch the preview of French Open 2019: × On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me." "I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.

'He's the main favourite,' says Novak Djokovic about Rafael Nadal ahead of French Open

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

Who can stop Rafael Nadal from winning 12th title?

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016.

Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'.

Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls.

However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time.

It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history.

Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny.

After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time.

"Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said.

However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history.

"There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again."

Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade.

This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam.

Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon.&nbsp;

10th anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time.

However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim.

"I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday.

The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals.

Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week.

"I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match.&nbsp;

"I care about feeling well and playing well."

Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer.

Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay.

"There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way. World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016. Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'. Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls. However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time. It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history. Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny. After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time. "Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said. However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history. "There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again." Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade. This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam. Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon. 10th anniversary This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time. However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim. "I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday. The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals. Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week. "I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match. "I care about feeling well and playing well." Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer. Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay. "There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal threaten Djokovic bid for historic Slam

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown.

The 37-year-old Williams is still waiting for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam triumph, with her last victory coming at the 2017 Australian Open shortly before taking a break from the sport due to pregnancy.

She impressed initially after returning, but last year twice fell just short of drawing level with Margaret Court's mark, losing in the Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber before her infamous meltdown en route to another final defeat by Osaka at Flushing Meadows.

Williams' 2019 campaign has not gone to plan so far, with a series of injuries seeing her manage just four matches since her Australian Open quarter-final exit to Karolina Pliskova.

But she is confident her work off the court can help her find her best game in the biggest tournaments.

"I actually haven't been able to train or practise a lot. I was out much longer than I expected," admitted the three-time French Open champion last week in Rome, before pulling out of the tournament ahead of a second-round tie with sister Venus.

"But I did everything I could to stay fit. I knew that I love the clay season and I wanted to be a part of it.

"It's not about today or tomorrow. For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments... Obviously the Slams, etc, just getting ready for those events."

Williams will face Russian world number 82 Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round, with the draw also throwing up a mouthwatering potential quarter-final against Osaka.

Osaka full of confidence

World number one Osaka has not been overly struggling since surprisingly splitting with coach Sascha Bajin in the wake of her Australian Open title.

But the Japanese star has not won a title since, and like Williams, withdrew from the Italian Open through injury before her quarter-final against Kiki Bertens.

It has still been the 21-year-old's best-ever clay-court campaign, having also reached the last eight in Madrid and the semi-finals in Stuttgart, and she feels her big-hitting game is now ready to dominate on all surfaces.

"Roland Garros, that's what I'm dreaming about right now," Osaka, who has never reached the second week in Paris, said.

"If you're talking about longer goals, of course I haven't won Wimbledon yet and it would be really cool to win everything in one year."

She also does not feel that her lack of a title since Melbourne will have a large bearing on her Roland Garros prospects ahead of her opening match against Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

"I can't necessarily say it's been ups and downs because if I think about it, it's definitely been going up," she said.

Halep the favourite

Reigning champion Simona Halep will enter the tournament somewhat under the radar with much of the focus on Williams and Osaka, but the Romanian remains the world's most consistent player on clay.

The three-time French Open finalist is the bookmakers' favourite for the title, despite having lost both her finals so far this year and being knocked out in her first match in Rome by Czech youngster Marketa Vondrousova.

But she is the third seed in Paris and a name everyone will want to avoid later in the tournament, although she opens her title defence against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who reached the last 16 in 2014.

"(It's) much better and much easier, because I have the title already," said Halep, who won her maiden major trophy 12 months ago in her fourth final.

The women's game remains far more open than the men's, with a host of other players holding serious hopes of coming out on top, like Italian Open champion and second seed Pliskova and the in-form Petra Kvitova.

Anything can happen in the French capital, as shown by unheralded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko's shock victory only two years ago.

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown.

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown. The 37-year-old Williams is still waiting for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam triumph, with her last victory coming at the 2017 Australian Open shortly before taking a break from the sport due to pregnancy. She impressed initially after returning, but last year twice fell just short of drawing level with Margaret Court's mark, losing in the Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber before her infamous meltdown en route to another final defeat by Osaka at Flushing Meadows. Williams' 2019 campaign has not gone to plan so far, with a series of injuries seeing her manage just four matches since her Australian Open quarter-final exit to Karolina Pliskova. But she is confident her work off the court can help her find her best game in the biggest tournaments. "I actually haven't been able to train or practise a lot. I was out much longer than I expected," admitted the three-time French Open champion last week in Rome, before pulling out of the tournament ahead of a second-round tie with sister Venus. "But I did everything I could to stay fit. I knew that I love the clay season and I wanted to be a part of it. "It's not about today or tomorrow. For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments... Obviously the Slams, etc, just getting ready for those events." Williams will face Russian world number 82 Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round, with the draw also throwing up a mouthwatering potential quarter-final against Osaka. Osaka full of confidence World number one Osaka has not been overly struggling since surprisingly splitting with coach Sascha Bajin in the wake of her Australian Open title. But the Japanese star has not won a title since, and like Williams, withdrew from the Italian Open through injury before her quarter-final against Kiki Bertens. It has still been the 21-year-old's best-ever clay-court campaign, having also reached the last eight in Madrid and the semi-finals in Stuttgart, and she feels her big-hitting game is now ready to dominate on all surfaces. "Roland Garros, that's what I'm dreaming about right now," Osaka, who has never reached the second week in Paris, said. "If you're talking about longer goals, of course I haven't won Wimbledon yet and it would be really cool to win everything in one year." She also does not feel that her lack of a title since Melbourne will have a large bearing on her Roland Garros prospects ahead of her opening match against Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. "I can't necessarily say it's been ups and downs because if I think about it, it's definitely been going up," she said. Halep the favourite Reigning champion Simona Halep will enter the tournament somewhat under the radar with much of the focus on Williams and Osaka, but the Romanian remains the world's most consistent player on clay. The three-time French Open finalist is the bookmakers' favourite for the title, despite having lost both her finals so far this year and being knocked out in her first match in Rome by Czech youngster Marketa Vondrousova. But she is the third seed in Paris and a name everyone will want to avoid later in the tournament, although she opens her title defence against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who reached the last 16 in 2014. "(It's) much better and much easier, because I have the title already," said Halep, who won her maiden major trophy 12 months ago in her fourth final. The women's game remains far more open than the men's, with a host of other players holding serious hopes of coming out on top, like Italian Open champion and second seed Pliskova and the in-form Petra Kvitova. Anything can happen in the French capital, as shown by unheralded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko's shock victory only two years ago.

Preview: Uncertainty over Serena fitness, Osaka form at Roland Garros

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=roger+federer">Roger Federer</a> was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus.

The third-seeded Swiss will open his quest for a second Musketeers Cup against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, the world number 73, but faces a potentially tricky quarter-final against young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat him at this year's Australian Open.

Former world number one Federer, 37, is in the same half of the draw as claycourt master Rafa Nadal and could meet the Spaniard in the semis.

Defending champion Nadal, seeded second, will open up against a qualifier as he aims for a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros.

"I had my first training today and I had good sensations," said Nadal, who was given a tour of the renovated stadium by tournament director Guy Forget after winning his first claycourt title of the season at the Italian Open.

"It was very important for me to play well in Rome, I hope it's a good sign for Roland Garros," the Spaniard, who could face Japanese Kei Nishikori in the last eight, added.

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Les tableaux de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> sont sortis ! 
&gt; Simple dames : <a href="https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ">https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ</a> 
&gt; Simple messieurs : <a href="https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV">https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1131624630454816769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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World number one Novak Djokovic, who is looking to hold all four majors for the second time in his career, will take on Hubert Hurkacz with a possible quarter-final against German Alexander Zverev.

In the women's draw, world number one Naomi Osaka will kick off her bid for a maiden French Open title against Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

Defending champion Simona Halep of Romania, the third seed, will take on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic after being drawn in the same half as Osaka.

Serena Williams will face Vitalia Diatchenko in only her second match on clay this season after she retired from the Italian Open ahead of a second-round match against her sister Venus due to a knee injury.

With 23 singles Grand Slam titles to her name, the 10th-seeded American, on a quarter-final collision course with Osaka, is one short of the all-time record of Margaret Court.

One of the first-round clashes to watch is 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko against two-times Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, with the winner likely to take on Osaka in the second round.

Roger Federer was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus.

Roger Federer was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus. The third-seeded Swiss will open his quest for a second Musketeers Cup against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, the world number 73, but faces a potentially tricky quarter-final against young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat him at this year's Australian Open. Former world number one Federer, 37, is in the same half of the draw as claycourt master Rafa Nadal and could meet the Spaniard in the semis. Defending champion Nadal, seeded second, will open up against a qualifier as he aims for a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros. "I had my first training today and I had good sensations," said Nadal, who was given a tour of the renovated stadium by tournament director Guy Forget after winning his first claycourt title of the season at the Italian Open. "It was very important for me to play well in Rome, I hope it's a good sign for Roland Garros," the Spaniard, who could face Japanese Kei Nishikori in the last eight, added. Les tableaux de #RG19 sont sortis ! > Simple dames : https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ > Simple messieurs : https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2019 × World number one Novak Djokovic, who is looking to hold all four majors for the second time in his career, will take on Hubert Hurkacz with a possible quarter-final against German Alexander Zverev. In the women's draw, world number one Naomi Osaka will kick off her bid for a maiden French Open title against Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Defending champion Simona Halep of Romania, the third seed, will take on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic after being drawn in the same half as Osaka. Serena Williams will face Vitalia Diatchenko in only her second match on clay this season after she retired from the Italian Open ahead of a second-round match against her sister Venus due to a knee injury. With 23 singles Grand Slam titles to her name, the 10th-seeded American, on a quarter-final collision course with Osaka, is one short of the all-time record of Margaret Court. One of the first-round clashes to watch is 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko against two-times Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, with the winner likely to take on Osaka in the second round.

Draw hands Roger Federer smooth start on French Open return

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;"sucks".

Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.

The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round.

Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon.

"I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts.

"Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad.

"The&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks."

Kyrgios also withdrew from the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying. The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round. Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon. "I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts. "Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad. "The French Open sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks." Kyrgios also withdrew from the French Open last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.

Australian Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open: Organisers

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/draw-hands-roger-federer-smooth-start-on-french-open-return-221215">12th French Open</a> title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy.

The world number two holds an incredible French Open win-loss record of 86-2, and hit top form by winning his ninth Italian Open last week with a final victory over old rival Novak Djokovic.

Nadal could move to within two titles of Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam trophies if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9.

"I don't care if I'm the favourite," he said. "I care about feeling well and playing well.

"I appreciate that you (the media) see me like that, but (Dominic) Thiem, Novak (Djokovic), Federer, Tsitsipas who has been playing well, (Juan Martin) del Potro, (Kei) Nishikori -- all those that are the best in the world will be favourites.

"The only thing that worries me is being well and being competitive.

"The only favourite that matters is the one who has the cup at home in two weeks' time."

Before his triumph in Rome, it had been far from a trademark clay-court season for Nadal.

The Spaniard failed in his bids for 12th titles in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, where he lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini and Thiem respectively.

Another last-four exit followed on home soil in Madrid against Greek rising star Tsitsipas.

Nadal admits it took him time to rediscover his top form after a one-month absence with the right knee injury which forced him to withdraw from Indian Wells before a scheduled semi-final against Federer.

"When you're recovering from an injury it's also difficult to recover mentally," he said. "I had not had that for a long time.

"Losing in the semi-finals is considered bad... Without playing especially well at the start of the clay season.

"You have to have the humility to value small improvements. For me, one very positive thing was that before I started Rome, it was not a disaster -- I'd made three semi-finals.

"It's not incredible, but it's not a total disaster either."

Warm-up on the fairways

Nadal, who faces a qualifier in the first round but could meet Federer or Tsitsipas in a potential semi-final clash, was pleased to get away from the court after his Rome success.

"I have been at home, one day of golf, one day of family, and came back here.

"(I've) already had two practices here. Good practices. (I'm) just trying to continue the preparation and just hold the level."

But Nadal will not be over-confident in the first week, pointing to his famous shock early Wimbledon defeats by Steve Darcis and Dustin Brown.

"The problem with Dustin Brown is that if I play badly, I lose to anyone," he said. "In 2015, I was playing badly, it was normal to lose to a dangerous player on grass.

"I also lost to Darcis in 2013. It's part of the sport. When one plays badly he usually loses."

But Nadal has only lost to two men at Roland Garros since his triumphant debut in 2005 -- against the now-retired Robin Soderling and this year's top seed Djokovic, who he could face in the final as the Serbian chases a fourth consecutive Grand Slam crown.

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending 12th French Open title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy.

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending 12th French Open title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy. The world number two holds an incredible French Open win-loss record of 86-2, and hit top form by winning his ninth Italian Open last week with a final victory over old rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal could move to within two titles of Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam trophies if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9. "I don't care if I'm the favourite," he said. "I care about feeling well and playing well. "I appreciate that you (the media) see me like that, but (Dominic) Thiem, Novak (Djokovic), Federer, Tsitsipas who has been playing well, (Juan Martin) del Potro, (Kei) Nishikori -- all those that are the best in the world will be favourites. "The only thing that worries me is being well and being competitive. "The only favourite that matters is the one who has the cup at home in two weeks' time." Before his triumph in Rome, it had been far from a trademark clay-court season for Nadal. The Spaniard failed in his bids for 12th titles in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, where he lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini and Thiem respectively. Another last-four exit followed on home soil in Madrid against Greek rising star Tsitsipas. Nadal admits it took him time to rediscover his top form after a one-month absence with the right knee injury which forced him to withdraw from Indian Wells before a scheduled semi-final against Federer. "When you're recovering from an injury it's also difficult to recover mentally," he said. "I had not had that for a long time. "Losing in the semi-finals is considered bad... Without playing especially well at the start of the clay season. "You have to have the humility to value small improvements. For me, one very positive thing was that before I started Rome, it was not a disaster -- I'd made three semi-finals. "It's not incredible, but it's not a total disaster either." Warm-up on the fairways Nadal, who faces a qualifier in the first round but could meet Federer or Tsitsipas in a potential semi-final clash, was pleased to get away from the court after his Rome success. "I have been at home, one day of golf, one day of family, and came back here. "(I've) already had two practices here. Good practices. (I'm) just trying to continue the preparation and just hold the level." But Nadal will not be over-confident in the first week, pointing to his famous shock early Wimbledon defeats by Steve Darcis and Dustin Brown. "The problem with Dustin Brown is that if I play badly, I lose to anyone," he said. "In 2015, I was playing badly, it was normal to lose to a dangerous player on grass. "I also lost to Darcis in 2013. It's part of the sport. When one plays badly he usually loses." But Nadal has only lost to two men at Roland Garros since his triumphant debut in 2005 -- against the now-retired Robin Soderling and this year's top seed Djokovic, who he could face in the final as the Serbian chases a fourth consecutive Grand Slam crown.

Rafa Nadal 'doesn't care' if he's French Open favourite

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/draw-hands-roger-federer-smooth-start-on-french-open-return-221215">French Open campaign</a> knowing that she's 'done it already'.

The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals.

"It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament.

"Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again."

Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova.

"I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year.

"Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that."

On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week.

"I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

"And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high.

"I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'.

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'. The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals. "It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament. "Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again." Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova. "I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year. "Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that." On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week. "I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said. "And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high. "I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Simona Halep to start French Open title defence with no extra pressure

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