On Thursday (May 30), Germany’s Alexander Zverev eased past Belgian star David Goffin in his second-round match at the ongoing 2024 French Open.
Zverev beat Goffin 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2 to move ahead at the Roland Garros. On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka blew away Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-2 to storm into the third round.
Talking about Zverev’s clash, the fourth-seed player, who ended Rafael Nadal’s run in the first round earlier this week, was challenged in the opening set. The first set went into the tiebreaker where the German won 7-4 to take the set 7-6. From thereon, it was a much more dominant show from the 27-year-old, with the German firing down serves and playing very well from the baseline, who won the next two sets 6-2, 6-2 against world number seven Goffin.
Zverev, who is enjoying an eight-match winning streak after claiming the Rome title, will now lock horns with Italian Luciano Darderi or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the third round.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka dominated her opponent as she displayed a clinical show and ended the one-sided affair in a flash. The Belarusian player wasn’t made to sweat hard for the win as she was in control for most parts, reflecting her form as the tournament slowly moves onto the business end.
Playing under the roof amid constant rain breaks at this year’s French Open, Sabalenka said after the match, “That’s the little advantage we get as top players because we play in big stadiums with the roof,” said the world number two, who is eyeing a second major title in 2024.
“So I knew that no matter what the weather is going to be, I’m going to play my match. That’s really helpful,” Sabalenka further added.
ALCOHOL BAN AT FRENCH OPEN
Following unruly behaviour by fans, organisers, on Thursday, announced a ban on alcohol in the stands. In this regard, tournament director Mauresmo said, as quoted by Reuters, “First of all, we are happy people are very enthusiastic about watching tennis and being part of the matches, showing feeling and emotions.”
“But there are definitely steps which shouldn’t go further. A few things have needed to be put in place. Alcohol was allowed until now in the stands, but that’s over… If they exceed the limit, if they don’t behave well or if they throw things at the players, that’s it.”
