Bonjour! The year’s second Grand Slam is underway as the French Open qualifiers continue into the second round. With more than thirty American athletes competing in France, the clay court competition promises to highlight some of the USA’s current and upcoming stars, and Southern California will be well represented.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Chasing world #1 Angelique Kerber of Germany, Kayla Day (Santa Barbara) enters the French at #148 and starts the campaign with a first round win in the Qualifier. Day impressed at Indian Wells in March but has since struggled to keep the momentum. Asia Muhammad (Long Beach) fell in the first quali round, while Bethanie Mattek-Sands looks to continue a strong year in singles with a win in the opening round.

When the main draw begins, at least a dozen Americans will begin play in the absence of world #2 Serena Williams. Along with her sister, Venus (the 12th seed), Fed Cup stronghold Coco Vandeweghe (Rancho Santa Fe) is seeded at the 24-spot while Julia Boserup (Newport Beach) comes in at #88, hoping to erase early struggles on clay this season. Alison Riske, Shelby Rogers, CiCi Bellis, and Madison Brengle are among the other US women who will begin play later this week.

On the men’s side, Mackenzie McDonald (Los Angeles) won his opening qualifying match in straight sets but stumbled in the follow-up. American Stefan Koslov did the same, while Michael Mmoh took an early first round exit from the tournament. Bjorn Fratangelo has notched two qualifying wins in early competition, hoping to join a talented US roster in the main draw. Jack Sock (14th seed) leads the American hopefuls, along with John Isner, Steve Johnson, and Sam Querrey. Ernesto Escobedo (West Covina) and Jared Donaldson (Irvine) will also compete, as will popular up and coming talent Frances Tiafoe.

We’ll keep an eye on Southern Cal’s most prominent athletes as the French Open continues – bonne chance, USA!

Darryl Nash / SCTA