‘SITTING DUCK’ ADVANCES
Victoria triumphs in Roland Garros opener in ‘ridiculous’ cold
FORMER World No 1 Victoria Azarenka reached the French Open second round yesterday despite being forced to “sit like a duck” in the “ridiculous” rain and cold of Roland Garros.
The 31-year-old 10th seed eased past Danka Kovinic, the World No 74 from Montenegro, 6-1, 6-2.
Victoria, the runner-up at the recent US Open, needed just over an hour to secure her win in a tie played out on a crowd-free Court Suzanne Lenglen due to coronavirus restrictions.
However, she had been unhappy earlier in the tie when rain fell steadily, adding to the misery of playing in 10 degrees (50F).
“This is getting a little ridiculous. It’s eight degrees. I’m not waiting,” said Victoria, refusing to hang around courtside “sitting like ducks” as the supervisor came out to inspect conditions.
“It’s too cold. I live in Florida, I’m used to hot weather.”
After just 15 minutes, play was suspended.
However, the Belarusian regained her composure when the match resumed even if she did complete it wearing black leggings and a tracksuit top.
“I am glad to get it finished so I can watch the others struggle in this weather and rain,” said Victoria.
Top seed and former champion Simona Halep swept into the second round after beating Spanish World No 70 Sara Sorribes 6-4, 6-0.
Second-ranked Simona, who won the 2018 title, trailed 4-2 under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier but claimed the final 10 games to progress in 82 minutes.
Meanwhile, Italian teenager Jannik Sinner demolished Belgian 11th seed David Goffin 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in the first round yesterday.
The 19-year-old Sinner, last year’s NextGen champion, reeled off 11 games in succession as he defeated Goffin for the second time in as many meetings.
Sinner, making his first appearance in the Roland Garros main draw, recorded just his second Grand Slam win having also reached round two at the Australian Open in January.
He also carved out a slice of history at the first player to triumph under the new retractable roof on Court Philippe Chatrier on a chilly, rainswept opening day of the tournament.
“I’m very happy. It’s a real honour. It’s my first time here and I think it’s great to have the roof, especially as I think it’s going to be useful the whole week,” said Sinner.