Iga Swiatek set up a blockbuster clash with Naomi Osaka at the French Open after her opening match in Paris.
The world number one successfully defended her title at Roland Garros as she cruised past qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-1 6-2 on Monday to claim her fourth title on Parisian clay.
The 22-year-old, who has won the French Open three times in the past four years, arrived in the French capital on the back of a 12-game winning streak on clay following events in Madrid and Rome.
She didn't need much time to show her determination to beat her opponent and emerge victorious in the first game.
A superb forehand down the line put Swiatek up 4-1 and took the first set after 30 minutes.
The French woman, who is outside the top 100, tried to draw a line from the first set, but broke the fall early in the second set and achieved a come-from-behind victory.
Swiatek held serve and then made another break to go up 5-2, and at that stage had 24 winners compared to two for his opponent. She ended the contest with her first match point and winner number 26.
Swiatek's victory comes ahead of what could be Rafa Nadal's final French Open appearance ahead of the King of Clay's retirement this year. Swiatek is flattered by the comparisons to Nadal, but believes she has a long way to go before she is called the queen of her clay.
“I think it's still early, but I'm definitely proud of my achievements. This has always been my favorite surface. This is where tennis gives me the most joy.
“If you compare me to him, I don't think I'm at that level yet. I still have a lot to prove. He's a great person and athlete. He's shown that over the years. I'm just getting started.” “I will do my best to learn from him and become a good person and good player,” he said.
Jabeur beat wildcard Vickery at French Open.
Ons Jabeur advanced to the second round at Roland Garros after beating wildcard Sachia Vickery on Monday.
Eighth seed Ons Jabeur began her latest bid to win an elusive Grand Slam title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 win over American wildcard Sachia Vickery in the first round of the French Open on Monday.
Jabeur quickly took a 3-0 lead at Court Philippe Chatrier, but Vickery closed the gap with a break of her own and gave the momentum back to the former Wimbledon and US Open runner-up.
Jabeur pulled off plenty of tricks to close out the opening set despite rain closing the roof of the main show court before taking control of the second set while Vickery struggled.
The 29-year-old American won three sets in their only previous meeting in Chicago six years ago, but there was no late comeback as Jabeur, a 2023 quarterfinalist, clinically closed the match on serve after 81 minutes.
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