Novak Djokovic is aiming for a straight-set victory, but not without moments of visible frustration. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina has been ousted from the French Open in a major upset.
Djokovic Shows Frustration But Advances
Novak Djokovic expressed his anger after losing his serve, but he quickly channelled that frustration into breaking Valentin Royer again. He won four consecutive points to break Royer to love after forcing an error. Djokovic also urged the crowd to give him some encouragement during the match.
Djokovic found himself down 0-30 and then served a double fault. He faced three break points but saved them all, then railed at the heavens as Valentin Royer faced another. A fourth double fault meant it was back on serve in the third set.
The cheers from the crowd eventually gave way to groans as Royer double-faulted, handing Djokovic a break point. Djokovic converted, wrong-footing his opponent to take a significant step towards reaching the third round for the 21st year in a row.
Rybakina Suffers Shocking Defeat
Yuliia Starodubtseva secured the biggest win of her career by defeating second seed Elena Rybakina. Starodubtseva shook a clenched fist towards her team after sending a cross-court forehand winner past Rybakina. Rybakina committed her 70th unforced error during the match.
Even with Yulia Starodubtseva’s weaker second serve, Elena Rybakina couldn’t capitalise. A big serve from Yuliia Starodubtseva saw Elena Rybakina unable to adjust quickly enough to put it back in the court. There’s just no rhythm in Elena Rybakina’s game, with a long forehand followed by a winner down the line, and then another miss.
Starodubtseva held and forced a match tie-break. According to Greg Rusedski, this was a match that deserved a tie-breaker with all of the drama. Rusedski also noted that Starodubtseva battled exceptionally well.
- Yuliia Starodubtseva had SIX match points.
- Elena Rybakina committed 70 unforced errors.
- Yuliia Starodubtseva beat second seed Elena Rybakina.
Yuliia Starodubtseva’s victory marks a huge upset at the French Open.