Medvedev suffers shocking defeat, Swiatek advances

Medvedev arrived in Paris freshly triumphant, having secured his first clay-tournament title in Rome

PARIS: World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, experienced a shocking defeat in the opening round at the French Open this year as the highestranked player to be eliminated so early when he fell to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild, 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday.

Before the clay-court major, Seyboth Wild had only competed in one Grand Slam tournament the 2020 US Open - and hadn’t yet claimed a main draw victory at a Tour-level event.

“I’ve watched Daniil play throughout my entire junior career and up until today,” said Seyboth Wild, who will face Argentine Guido Pella in the next round. “I’ve always dreamed about playing on this court, playing these kind of players. In my best dreams I’ve been beaten them, so it is a dream come true.”

The 23-year-old made 69 winners and, after losing two set points in the second set tie-break, elevated his game in the final two sets to record the most significant victory of his career.

Medvedev arrived in Paris freshly triumphant, having secured his first clay-tournament title just a week prior in Rome, but his second Grand Slam title hopes were dashed at the outset.

“For sure I’m really disappointed,” Medvedev confessed in a crowded press conference. “I’m going to be thinking about this match for a week. But for the moment, I don’t see anything wrong I did. I felt like I’m doing what I have to and he played well, so let’s continue,” Medvedev said.

In women’s play, top seed Iga Swiatek was initially challenged in the opening set against Cristina Bucsa. However, she swiftly found her momentum, dispatching the Spaniard 6-4, 6-0, setting up a second-round clash against American No. 102 Claire Liu.

American sixth seed Coco Gauff, the 2022 Roland Garros finalist, rallied from a set down to overcome Spain’s Rebeka Masarova 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, avoiding an early exit.

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan triumphed 6-4, 6-2 over Brenda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic.

Earlier in the day, last year’s men’s finalist Casper Ruud returned to Paris in winning style. The Norwegian advanced to the second round for the sixth successive season.