French Open: Serena, Sharapova, Nadal progress to round two
Former world champions Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova made a triumphant return at the French Open. On the other hand, defending champion Rafael Nadal, who is eyeing a record 11th French Open title, had to work a bit hard to claim a victory and progress into round two. Here are the results from day three of the 2018 French Open.
First round exit for Yuki Bhambri at French Open
India's sole entrant in the men's singles, Yuki Bhambri went down in straight sets to Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans. Yuki lost the match 4-6, 4-6, 1-6. Indian player had qualified for the event courtesy of being ranked in the top 100. However, he couldn't live up to the expectations as Bemelmans took him out in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Anderson sails into round two at Roland Garros
South Africa's Kevin Anderson made light work of his Italian opponent Paolo Lorenzi to progress into the second round of the Grand Slam. The world number 7 brushed aside Lorenzi 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to set up a clash against world number 75 Pablo Cuevas from Uruguay. Cuevas beat Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the next round.
Cilic claims straight sets victory over Duckworth
World number four Marin Cilic has kicked off his French Open campaign with a straight-set win over Australia's James Duckworth. The Australian Open finalist looks in great touch this season. Cilic beat his opponent Duckworth 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (4). Notably, James Duckworth has never won a match at a clay court tournament.
Nadal fights off gutsy Bolelli
Undoubtedly, holder Rafael Nadal is the favorite to defend his title at Roland Garros. However, in his first match, Nadal had to work hard to avoid dropping a set. He defeated Italy's Simone Bolelli 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (11-9). The Spaniard needed to erase four set points to get past his opponent, who displayed fighting spirit in the final set.
Serena Williams wins on her return to Roland Garros
Serena Williams made a stunning comeback to the clay court and won her first Grand Slam match as a mother. This was her first match at a major since she won the Australian Open in January 2017. Serena beat Czech Republic's Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 to reach the second round. Serena looks in good shape to stake a claim on the title.
Sharapova makes a successful return at the French Open
Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova defeated Richel Hogenkamp to progress to the next round. Sharapova faced a tough challenge from Dutch rookie but she eventually prevailed 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. She has returned to French Open after an imposed hiatus of 2 years.
