The need to stay humble: Iga Swiatek after going through the first round of the French Open

Iga Swiatek made a clinical start to her French Open campaign, taking just an hour to beat 136th-ranked debutant Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-2 in the first round on Monday at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.

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The four-time champion was in complete control throughout the match on a hot day in the French capital and eased up despite the sparse participation. The world number three rarely looked troubled as she dictated progress from the baseline and quickly wrapped up an emphatic win in the opening round.

Swiatek’s only brief concern came after the first set, when she called a medical time-out to have the middle finger of her right hand taped due to an apparent blister. She returned with no visible discomfort and continued to dominate the competition, securing a comfortable passage to the next round.

“I’m really happy to play on this court,” she said, according to the AP. “The first matches are always about getting used to the tactical situation and the type of ball.”

Four-time champion Swiatek has not won a title on clay this season and has recently made changes to its team. She hired Francisco Roig, who had previously worked with record 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, as her new coach.

“Nothing comes easy,” Swiatek said. “With multiple titles, it’s even harder because everyone expects you to always be ready and play perfectly. So you have to stay humble and not take anything for granted and work from the start of the tournament.”

With the temperature expected to rise to 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit), Swiatek did well to cut short her 17-year-old Australian opponent, who received a wild card invitation from Roland Garros organizers.

Also advancing was Jasmine Paolini, who lost the 2024 final to Swiatek. The Italian defeated Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-3. While second seed Elena Rybakina progressed to the next round with a dominant win in straight sets, defeating Slovenia’s Veronika Erjavecova in convincing fashion 6-2, 6-2.

In men’s action, eighth seed Alex De Minaur beat Toby Samuel 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Later in the day, 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka and fan favorite Gael Monfils she also took the court in what is expected to be her final appearance at the French Open, with both players set to retire at the end of the year.

Wawrinka, 41, will face qualifier Jesper de Jong, who filled in for Arthur Fils after the top Frenchman pulled out with a hip problem. Wawrinka found himself in a tight battle, losing 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 4-3 against Dutchman de Jong. Monfils plays fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the night session.

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Published on:

25 May 2026 19:30 IST

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