Ostapenko, Djokovic on form
TENNIS
PARIS: Former champion Jelena Ostapenko made a big statement at the French Open by dismissing Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova 64, 62 in the second round in Paris yesterday.
Latvia’s Ostapenko missed two match points after a doublefault, but composed herself on the third opportunity to wrap up the contest in 69 minutes.
Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic continued his campaign for an 18th major title after he dismantled Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis 61, 62, 62 for a place in the third round.
Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is also through after he eased past Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas 61, 64, 62, a comfortable win compared with his fiveset firstround test.
Women’s fourth seed and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin rallied to a 36, 63, 62 win over Romanian Ana Bogdan.
And 2016 winner Garbine Murguruza, seeded 11th, advanced 63, 62 against Pliskova’s twin sister Kristina to play American Danielle Collins next.
After securing his 83minute victory with an ace, Djokovic moved on to face Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan, who surpassed American Tennys Sandgren 62, 62, 63.
‘‘I have never seen him play, so I’ll have to obviously look at his matches, the videos, and try to prepare myself with my team,’’ Djokovic commented on his next opponent.
‘‘It’s always dangerous facing opponents you never faced before. They can really relax and play their best tennis of their lives or it can go a different way.’’
Karolina Pliskova’s upset was not the only shock of the day as men’s ninth seed Denis Shapovalov lost after a fivehour thriller against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, who prevailed 75, 67 (57), 63, 36, 86.
‘‘I’m really happy that I was able to bring myself to a winning position, and then in the end it’s just a little bit unlucky,’’ Shapovalov said.
Baena will meet 18th seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the next round after Dimitrov’s 64, 76 (75), 61 win over Slovakia’s Andrej Martin.
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who is seeded 29th, was beaten 64, 46, 60 by another Spanish native in Paula Badosa, who will face Ostapenko next.
Ostapenko reached the top 10 with her lone Grand Slam success in 2017 at Roland Garros, but has slipped to a current No 43 ranking.
‘‘It’s hard to compare with 2017,’’ said Ostapenko when asked if she was finding the form that won her the title.
‘‘It was like three years ago, and I was much younger and also I was fearless. Nobody knew me. But now it’s a little bit different.
‘‘I’m just trying to get back and get my consistency. I think that is the key to bring me a good result.’’
There were three consecutive breaks in a nervy start to the match until Ostapenko held serve to open a 31 advantage.
Even though Pliskova battled back to 33, she surrendered her serve for the third time to trail 53 and conceded the first set two games later with a wayward backhand return.
In the second set, the 23yearold Latvian recalled her best form as she conquered Pliskova’s serve twice more with a stunning forehand winner for a 52 lead on the way to the big win.
‘‘I’m sure I could do much better,’’ Pliskova said.
‘‘I know that she can be tough if she’s playing well, but I think everything started with me. Definitely I was not playing great.’’
And with no WTA Finals scheduled to end the year in Shenzhen, China, because of the coronavirus, Pliskova hinted that could be her last match for the season.
‘‘I’m not thinking about finishing the year. I think maybe the year is finished,’’ she said.
Seventhseeded Czech Petra Kvitova dominated in a 63, 63 success over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini while eighth seed Aryna Sabalenka bested Russian Daria Kasatkina 76 (86), 60.
In the men’s draw, 15thseeded Russian Karen Khachanov advanced in four sets against Czech Jiri Vesely and will meet 20th seed Cristian Garin of Chile after his fourset win over Australian Marc Polmans.
Spanish US Open semifinalist Pablo Carreno Busta is also through with a straightsets victory over Argentina’s Guido Pella to set up a clash with Davis Cup teammate Roberto BautistaAgut in the next round. — DPA