French Open: Iga Swiatek extends streak to 29, Naomi Osaka bows out
The appearance of World No 1 Iga Swiatek on centre court was an early highlight of the second day of the French Open main draw.
Swiatek cruised past Lesia Tsurenko 6-2, 6-0 and into the second round at Roland Garros on Monday.
The 20-year-old Pole has won her last five tournaments and is bidding for a second French Open in three attempts.
In fine form early 👏 #RolandGarros | @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/NE4Hrz74gS
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2022
The 2020 champion slammed 20 winners and committed 13 unforced errors and played an aggressive game that limited Tsurenko to just three winners in the match.
Swiatek said after the match that she is not focused on numbers or streaks but rather playing her best game.
“I just want to keep going. I am aware that some day my streak might stop so basically I’m just working everyday to be 100 per cent focused on my tennis.
“I just want to keep going,” Swiatek said on court.
“I’m aware that someday my streak may stop. Basically, I’m just working every day to be focused on my tennis, not on stats or numbers. Just playing tennis and focusing on my game and being in a bubble. That’s going to help me be consistent. That’s what I’ve been doing the past weeks and I’m going to continue doing that here.”
Swiatek then said that she would be getting out an about in Paris this afternoon, after she slogs through her press obligations.
In other early action on Monday, Naomi Osaka was knocked out in the first round when she lost 7-5, 6-4 to Amanda Anisimova of the United States, sending down eight double faults and committing 29 unforced errors.
“It’s tough to see Naomi Osaka in the first round so I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” said 27th-seeded Anisimova.
“I knew I had to play my best tennis and the conditions were not easy.”
Osaka competed with her left ankle taped to protect an injury which forced her to sit out of the Italian Open.
She had admitted ahead of the tournament that she wasn’t quite 100 per cent but was not willing to miss out on the second Grand Slam of the year.
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