- French Open Drama: Swiatek, Djokovic Reach Third Round as Rybakina Falls
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek and Serbian great Novak Djokovic booked their places in the third round at Roland Garros on Wednesday, but Elena Rybakina crashed out in one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.
On a dramatic day played under punishing Paris heat, Swiatek overcame a tricky challenge from Czech youngster Sara Bejlek to secure a 6-2, 6-3 victory and continue her pursuit of a fifth Roland Garros crown.
The scoreline suggested control, but the contest was far from routine. Swiatek committed 38 unforced errors, with Bejlek’s unusual rhythm making the match more complicated than expected.
“It was a tricky match in terms of rhythm because Sara plays differently than most players,” Swiatek said. “I’m happy with the way I adjusted and how I was making decisions.”
Djokovic also advanced, though he was made to work harder by French hopeful Valentin Royer in a demanding four-set battle.
The 39-year-old Serbian eventually prevailed 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3, keeping alive his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic praised Royer’s fearless approach after the match and joked about his run of matches against home players, having already faced Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round.
“I hope I won’t play any more French players for the rest of the tournament,” Djokovic said with a smile.
The oppressive conditions added another test for players across the grounds, with Djokovic admitting the heat made the contest physically demanding.
“The feelings on court are different when you win, but it was a tough match in difficult conditions,” he added.
But the day’s headline upset belonged to Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva, who produced the biggest victory of her career to knock out second seed Rybakina 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(10-4).
Starodubtseva recovered brilliantly after losing the opening set and capitalised on an erratic performance from Rybakina, who committed 71 unforced errors in a disjointed display.
The Ukrainian celebrated her first win over a top-five opponent, saying belief had been central to her performance.
“If you’re trying to beat one of the best, you have to think that you can,” she said. “I tried not to give too much respect even though she’s a great player.”
Ukraine continued to enjoy a strong tournament as Rome champion Elina Svitolina eased past Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4, while Madrid Open winner Marta Kostyuk recovered from a set down to beat Katie Volynets 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3.
Away from the main courts, Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina revealed that his coach Mariano Puerta unexpectedly quit during the tournament by text message before flying to Miami.
Davidovich Fokina said the sudden departure left him stunned, though he still managed to beat Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in four sets.
There was also tension in Tamara Korpatsch’s victory over China’s Wang Xinyu, with the German refusing to shake hands after a heated dispute over a line call. Wang received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct during the incident.
Korpatsch later defended her decision, insisting she felt unfairly portrayed during the exchange.
Elsewhere, Olympic champion Belinda Bencic advanced comfortably with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Caty McNally, while Germany’s Alexander Zverev prepared for his evening meeting with Tomas Machac as he continued his search for a first Grand Slam title.
For Swiatek and Djokovic, the day ended with progress and familiar control. For Rybakina, it brought a painful early exit.
And for Roland Garros, it delivered the kind of heat, tension and sudden reversals that often define the second week before it even arrives.
