Seven Americans Remain In The Draw

draw

ROLAND GARROS, FRANCE

At the end of day four, there are only seven Americans remaining in the singles draw. We are guaranteed at least one American in the third round though. [35] Sofia Kenin (USA) got a lucky break when [22] Bianca Andreescu (CAN) was unfortunately forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.

SIGNIFICANT UPSETS

[4] Kiki Bertens (NED), currently the best female player on clay and thought to have a high probability of winning the title, had to retire in her second-round match against [46] Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK). Bertens was one of three players left in the draw who could have taken over the number one ranking; unfortunately, she had to retire in her match down 1-3 (ret) because of gastrointestinal illness.

Grigor Dimitrov

[11] Marin Cilic (CRO) lost in a five-set battle against [46] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL). Cilic had a two sets-to-one lead before Dimitrov came back to win 6-7(3), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.

The best player on clay this season, [19] Guido Pella (ARG), was surprised by the twenty-year old [110] Corentin Moutet (FRA). Sometimes coming back from a two-set deficit is too physically and mentally demanding and Pella lost 3-6, 1-6, 6-2, 5-7.

[21] Alex de Minaur (AUS) lost rather easily (3-6, 1-6, 1-6) to the recovering [57] Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP).

[29] Matteo Berrettini (ITA) lost 4-6, 5-7, 3-6 to [63] Casper Ruud (NOR).

Pierre-Hugues Herbert

SPECIAL MENTION

[38] Benoit Paire (FRA) and fellow-countryman, [43] Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA), put on what must be the match of the tournament to date. Paire took the first two sets easily, before Herbert mounted a comeback and took the next two sets. Herbert took the lead a few times in the fifth set, but just could not hold on to the lead. While it was an entertaining match for the crowd, it was also a heartbreaking loss for Herbert. Paire won 6-2, 6-2, 5-7, 6-7(6), 11-9. How will Paire feel in the next round when he faces off against a much fresher Carreno Busta?

SOURCES OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Getty Images Europe)

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