No miracle.
Global warming of the tennis world is not for the next fortnight.
The 119th edition of Roland-Garros opened this Sunday in the wind, the rain and especially the cold.
A trio of favorites who do not intend to get out by the end of the tournament.
Almost deserted and soggy stands, players bundled up in their winter outfits, players in long-sleeved T-shirts and pretty branded umbrellas that open up to chilled competitors at each change of side… Sad spectacle.
Far from the glamorous image we have of the tournament.
"These are really not the best conditions to play, slips Victoria Azarenka, finalist of the last US Open, who did not appreciate her brief morning outing on the Suzanne-Lenglen against Montenegrin Kovinic (6-1, 6-2 ).
Should they have canceled the tournament altogether?
Difficult to answer yes or no.
But the organizers make the decisions without consultation with the players.
There is no communication.
I hope that will change in the future… ”
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The former world No. 1 fears above all for his physical integrity.
“When the water collects on the field, it becomes very complicated and it was practically impossible to play correctly,” she continues.
I think there is a great risk of getting injured.
“At the other end of the site, Elise Mertens also had to manage slips and interruptions on the Simonne-Mathieu court.
“I don't know if we can play our best level in these conditions, blows the Belgian.
It's hard to do something.
It's a bit hard mentally… ”
"Playing on the Chatrier is clearly an advantage"
Used to the often more spartan circuit of the Challengers, Benjamin Bonzi, qualified for the second round, prefers to smile.
"Perfect, isn't it?"
laughs the Frenchman, who appreciated beating the Finnish Ruusuvuori (6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4) without public pressure.
When you start to sweat, you take in air.
It's hard to keep the pace between the points.
With the rain, we were soaked, the racket and the overgrip too… The balls take water and are very heavy.
But you have to take it upon yourself.
It's the fight.
"
And the Central in all this?
Even if it clearly protects against certain inconveniences, the roof does not solve everything.
The new Central cover remained drawn until 5:30 p.m.
But its design deliberately leaves room for drafts.
Even water for the highest stands.
“This is really not easy because of the wind,” sums up the Belgian David Goffin who took a hell of a game against the Italian hope Sinner (7-5, 6-0, 6-3) for the inaugural match.
But at least people will be able to see tennis.
"
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For Caroline Garcia, Kontaveit killer (6-4, 3-6, 6-4), there will clearly be two weights, two measures.
“I hope to play on the Chatrier all the time this year,” says the Lyonnaise.
This is clearly an advantage.
"
