American star Coco Gauff and Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva launched their French Open campaigns with commanding wins at Roland Garros on Tuesday, showcasing their growing dominance in women's tennis.
Third-seeded Gauff overcame an unusual pre-match hiccup when she arrived on Court Philippe-Chatrier without her rackets. A ball boy swiftly retrieved her mint-colored equipment, prompting playful crowd interaction before the 2022 finalist dismantled Australia's Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-2. The victory extends Gauff's streak of reaching at least the quarter-finals in her last four Paris appearances.
Andreeva, 18, demonstrated remarkable composure after trailing 3-0 against Spain's Cristina Bucsa. The Dubai and Indian Wells champion rallied to claim 12 of the next 16 games, sealing a 6-4, 6-3 victory. The rising star, who reached last year's semi-finals, now faces American Ashlyn Krueger in her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title.
Other notable results saw third seed Jessica Pegula cruise past Romania's Anca Todoni 6-2, 6-4 in her Roland Garros return after missing last year's tournament. Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka delivered a decisive 6-0, 6-0 victory over Belgium's retiring Yanina Wickmayer, while Poland's Magdalena Frech upset three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur.
