Take your pick between one veteran superstar and two relative unknowns outside the doubles arena, and you’ve got the best chances for USA Tennis to make any kind of a showing at Roland Garros, as the French Open reaches its second week of play. With all main draws now underway, and a huge American contingent in the mix, nobody could have imagined the near immediate decimation of Team USA.
There have been highlights, though, to be sure. Steve Johnson, the #25 seed from Redondo Beach, went the distance in his opening round, five set thriller to notch a victory in the Men’s First Round. John Isner also notched a first round win in four sets. Johnson and Isner are the only men representing the USA when second round play commences. A tip of the hat also goes to young Frances Tiafoe, the 28th seed, who dropped his first two sets before storming back to tie the match, only to suffer the unfortunate bagel in the fifth and deciding frame.
The results on the Ladies’ side were somewhat more promising. Led by #10 seed Venus Williams – a straight set winner in the first round – the United States notched a handful of victories to start the main draw. CiCi Bellis looked impressive, as did Madison Brengle, Taylor Townsend, Madison Keys, and Shelby Rogers.
Rajeev Ram
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, seeded first in women’s doubles, also continued a strong 2017 singles campaign with a first round win. Dropping only one set in three qualifier victories, Mattek-Sands won her opening round match with ease. She won the French doubles crown in 2015, and enters this year’s tournament at the #1 ranked Women’s Doubles player on tour.
Williams looks poised to make a run at the French, despite limited success on the clay surface. She’s been a finalist in France once (2002), and twice a champion in doubles (most recently in 2010). But with the top seed Angelique Kerber making an early, uninspired exit and sister Serena on maternity, the door of opportunity is wide open.
And don’t overlook Rajeev Ram, who teams again with partner Raven Klaasen in Men’s Doubles. The #8 seeds face strong opposition as the draw unfolds – including fellow American and third seeded Bryan Brothers – but having won a significant title at Indian Wells, this is a team to be reckoned with. Ram’s best doubles finish in France is the quarterfinals in 2011, and last year he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon.
Grab a warm croissant and a café au lait, there’s plenty more tennis to come from Roland Garros!
QUICK NOTE: A solid victory for Claire Liu (Thousand Oaks) at the $25,000 ITF Pro Circuit event in Italy. She previously won the Easter Bowl at Indian Wells, and defeated both the 4th and 5th seeded players in Italy en route to the championship. Congratulations, Claire!