Coco Gauff is through to the next round, while Aryna Sabalenka is also closing in on victory at the French Open.
Gauff Overcomes Errors Against Sherif
Coco Gauff had to use all her skills of court coverage and retrieval against Mayar Sherif. Gauff has been a bit loose in some of the serving games. She showed her emotions after winning a point.
Sherif saved one break point with a delicate drop shot, but then she tried the same shot on the next, it fell short – and Gauff once again had a break. Gauff then promptly handed the break back courtesy of a double fault and a couple of errors. The American will be kicking herself.
During a pause in play where Coco Gauff took advice from her coach Jean-Christophe Faurel, she was told to “make it physical”. Gauff finally won a long game on her fifth break point.
Sabalenka Faces Challenge from Jacquemot
Aryna Sabalenka is animated. She raises both arms in annoyance at a forehand which goes into the net. Sabalenka is far from her best but she’s doing enough to keep herself ahead on the scoreboard.
Elsa Jacquemot has the backing of the home crowd. Every point she wins is greeted by warm cheers. The unseeded Frenchwoman opened up a 40-15 lead and won the game as Sabalenka put a simple volley into the net. The world number one had a grumpy word with herself.
Aryna Sabalenka cannot build on the momentum of her break as Elsa Jacquemot breaks straight back. Sabalenka doesn’t seem happy with her performance so far. She vents her frustrations as she makes her way to her seat during the changeover.
There was an interruption to play to treat a spectator, who had been taken ill.
It’s Aryna Sabalenka’s class that shows and she keeps her nose in front to bring up a break point. The Belarusian makes it count with a forehand winner down the line past a stranded Elsa Jacquemot.
Elsa Jacquemot outplayed Aryna Sabalenka in a rally to open up another break point, but the world number one saved it with a strong first serve.
Aryna Sabalenka has not hit top gear yet as a wayward forehand gives Elsa Jacquemot half a chance at 30-30. Another error gifts her a first break point of the match.
Looking Ahead
GB Davis Cup captain Leon Smith said that Gauff will control most of the match because of the type of player she is.