Still basking in the thrill of the US Open? Well, put your hard court kicks away and get ready for the start (and the end!) of the clay court season as the year’s third and final Grand Slam gets underway in Paris. The French Open begins on Sunday, with many of the same storylines still in the headlines – Serena’s quest to tie the record, Novak extending his unbeaten* streak, and the pandemic always a threat to upend it all.
#TeamSoCal remains in the hunt, with a bevy of familiar faces representing at Roland Garros. On the men’s side, the perennial challengers are lined up behind Djokovic. Taylor Fritz (Rancho Palos Verdes) is the #27 seed in France, and meets qualifier Tomas Machac in the opening round. Fritz will look to avenge his stunning loss in New York and extend past the second round of the French for the first time in his career. ATP #62 Steve Johnson (Redondo Beach) draws Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena, the 100th ranked player on tour. Marcos Giron (Thousand Oaks) continues his ascent up the ATP ranking list, now at #95, and meets French qualifier Quentin Halys to open his campaign. Jason Jung is the lucky loser from Torrance; Jung played well in the qualifier but was defeated in the final round, only to get roped back in to the main draw. He opens competition against Argentina’s Federico Coria in a winnable match for the Oliver Messerli disciple.
In other notable action, UCLA alum Mackie McDonald meets qualifier Steven Diez of Canada, the winner likely to meet Rafael Nadal in the second round. Nadal opens play against ATP #83 Egor Gerasimov.
David Wagner (Chula Vista) joins the triumvirate of men’s wheelchair quads along with Dylan Alcott and Andy Lapthorne.
The women of #TeamSoCal are few and far between in the main draw. In fact, even US Open champion Naomi Osaka will be absent from Roland Garros. Jennifer Brady, the #27 seed, looks to extend her impressive 2020 campaign after another outstanding showing in New York. Brady meets 17-year old Clara Tauson of Denmark in the first round.
Also look for Sofia Kenin, Venus Williams, and Coco Gauff among the contingent from the United States.
Coming next, the doubles draws and junior competition resumes at Roland Garros!