Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus dazzled both with her game and her jewelry as she defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday. The world number one, playing under the scorching Paris sun on Court Philippe-Chatrier, wore two thick diamond necklaces that sparkled with every move.
Sabalenka on Her Fashion Choices
“Diamonds, I don’t really feel the heaviness, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside,” said Sabalenka, who was the runner-up at Roland Garros last year. “So I feel pretty comfortable. For me, it’s important to look good.” The four-time major winner revealed she initially planned to wear three necklaces but decided that might be excessive. “It probably sounds a bit crazy, but when I feel good about what I’m wearing, how I look on court, I tend to perform much better,” she explained. “I like to bring a little bit of a fashion on the tennis court. I know the dress that I will wear on the Grand Slam, and I just try to come up with something to match the outfit.”
When asked about the security of her jewelry away from the tournament, Sabalenka smiled and said, “I have my fiance. He’s kind of like my security. My physio does jujitsu, so I feel pretty secure walking around. If I go somewhere, I don’t go alone.”
Heat Conditions Affect Play
For the third consecutive day, temperatures in Paris soared to at least 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). The unusual heat at Roland Garros has made the courts drier and faster, encouraging net-rushing strategies typically more common on hard and grass courts. “Let’s hope that this is the perfect condition for me,” Sabalenka said. “It suits my game really well.”
Medvedev Stumbles, Others Advance
Daniil Medvedev, who usually excels in hot conditions, suffered a surprising five-set defeat to 97th-ranked Australian Adam Walton. Walton, who received a wild card, triumphed 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff began her title defense later against fellow American Taylor Townsend. Seventeenth-seeded Iva Jovic also advanced, beating her good friend Alexandra Eala 6-4, 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2021 runner-up to Novak Djokovic, was leading 6-2, 3-0 when his French opponent Alexandre Muller retired due to a right calf injury. Muller, who had previously injured his left calf three months ago, left the court in tears.
Teenage Sensation Kouame Shines
French teenager Moise Kouame made a stunning debut at the French Open, defeating veteran Marin Cilic 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-1. The 17-year-old Kouame, ranked 318th, became the first man born in 2008 or later to win a Grand Slam match. The crowd on Court Simonne-Mathieu chanted “Mo-ise! Mo-ise!” in appreciation. “It’s not easy to stay in the present without thinking of the score,” Kouame said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the huge help you (the crowd) gave me.” In March, he became the youngest winner in Miami Masters history, earning a congratulatory message from Djokovic.
Kouame’s victory came one day after 39-year-old Gael Monfils made his final appearance at Roland Garros. The 37-year-old Cilic, a former US Open champion and two-time major runner-up, had reached the French Open semifinals in 2022.
