Sabalenka and Osaka Shine in Paris as Medvedev Stumbles Out

World number one Aryna Sabalenka delivered a polished performance to reach the second round of the French Open, while former champion Naomi Osaka brought plenty of runway-style flair at Roland Garros. In contrast, sixth seed Daniil Medvedev struggled badly on a demanding Tuesday in Paris.

French Open Day: Sabalenka and Osaka advance

Reigning Paris champion Coco Gauff overcame a slow start to defeat Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-0, with several other Americans also progressing despite a heat wave sweeping through the French capital and making conditions difficult for both players and supporters.

Sabalenka’s fashion-forward win

Sabalenka, dressed in a black-and-red mesh outfit and accessorised with a diamond necklace, eased past Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2. After the match, she played down any concerns about the added style elements, saying she felt completely comfortable.

• Sabalenka said she enjoys being challenged, but noted the dress felt extremely light.
• She added that she expected black to feel hotter but felt at ease in the outfit.
• On the necklace, she said she did not feel the weight, while also recognising how it looks from the outside.
• She concluded that when she feels good about her appearance, her performance improves and she feels “great.”

“I like to challenge myself,” the Belarusian told reporters. “But at the same time, the dress is super light… I don’t feel the dress on me. I was thinking it’s going to be super-hot wearing black, but it doesn’t feel like black colour on me, I feel really comfortable.”

“And the diamonds, I don’t really feel the heaviness of it, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside… for me, it’s important to look good. If I feel good looks-wise, I perform better and I feel great.”

Osaka’s sparkle on Court Suzanne Lenglen

Osaka matched the occasion with a sequined blouse and a black mesh, floor-length train as she stepped onto Court Suzanne Lenglen. She then revealed a layered yellow-brown and gold match dress as she moved into the next stage by beating Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3 7-6(3).

Afterwards, Osaka linked her look to the atmosphere in Paris.

“I feel like… you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly? I think I look like that a bit,” Osaka said.

Medvedev stuns as Walton wins in Paris

Daniil Medvedev has never been comfortable under the spotlight at Roland Garros, and the sixth seed’s Tuesday outing confirmed that trend. The Russian was knocked out in the first round, losing 6-2 1-6 6-1 1-6 6-4 to Australian wildcard Adam Walton. It marked Medvedev’s seventh opening-round defeat in 10 Grand Slam appearances.

Medvedev refused to offer excuses after the loss, while also acknowledging he knows why his best tennis does not show up in Paris.

“I don’t want to find excuses,” he said. “I know why I don’t really play my best at Roland Garros, but if I say it, it’s excuses. So I’ll keep it to myself.”

“Maybe I should consider playing a tournament before (it), which I usually don’t do before Grand Slams, but when it doesn’t work, why not? That’s the only thing I’ll consider next year.”

Walton credits heat and endurance

Walton, who is from Queensland, said being used to furnace-like conditions helped him control the contest. He also suggested his style benefits when the court plays with extra pace in hot weather.

• Walton said he grew up in heat and has always preferred conditions that give his shots added “extra.”
• He added that he feels he is able to last longer in the heat than the rest of the field.
• He stressed that, because he is not the most naturally talented player, that endurance aspect is crucial for his chances.

“I grew up in the heat. I’ve always preferred when the court gives my shots extra, which is what the heat does,” he added.

“I seem to be able to last. I’m not saying I last better than him, but I last better than probably the field in the heat. Just given the way I play, that’s one aspect that is huge for me, because I’m not the most talented player out there.”

Other men’s matches: Sinner, Kouame, and more

Jannik Sinner began his push for a maiden French Open crown with a 6-1 6-3 6-4 victory over Frenchman Clément Tabur in the evening session on Court Philippe Chatrier. Sinner’s only real slip came in the third set, where he allowed Tabur to gain a little hope, but he still went on to claim his 30th consecutive win.

Walton’s next opponent and withdrawals

Walton’s victory ensured he advanced to face compatriot Alex de Minaur, who also moved forward after Belgian Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw with a right ankle sprain. In another stoppage, Alexandre Muller retired injured while trailing Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 3-0.

Briton Cameron Norrie withdrew from a major for the first time in his career due to a rib issue. He was unable to continue after falling behind 7-6(7) 2-0.

More results from the early rounds

In the men’s draw, American Learner Tien delivered bagels, beating Cristian Garin 6-0 2-6 6-0 6-2. Zachary Svajda, Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, Claire Liu and Ann Li all advanced with minimal trouble.

Kouame makes history for the youngest Grand Slam winner

With Gael Monfils already eliminated from his home Grand Slam for the final time a day earlier, Parisian audiences were treated to a glimpse of the next generation. Teenager Moise Kouame defeated 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(4) 6-2 6-1.

That win sent Kouame into the record books as he became the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in 17 years.

“It’s a lot of emotion, it’s exceptional,” Kouame said. “Coming into this tournament, I didn’t know what to expect. The team and I worked hard to be as ready as possible.”

Women’s draw: Pegula’s exit

American fifth seed Jessica Pegula suffered the biggest upset in the women’s bracket, losing 1-6 6-3 6-3 to Australian Kimberly Birrell.