Un, Deux, Trois: Three takeaways from Day 2 at Roland Garros
History is knocking but will Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic answer?
Day 2 in Paris revealed that it's not over until it's over, and a few key players have a point to prove early on.
1. Serena Needed Sets
Serena Williams played in only her second clay-court match of the season on Monday. Letting out a scream in just the first game of the match, she was extremely flustered early on as she searched for her rhythm. Her slow start against Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenk cost her the first set 6-2. It seemed as soon as she stood up from the set changeover that she turned on "Serena mode" and dominated the second and third sets, 6-1, 6-0.
Serena has scarcely made an appearance on court this season; Sunday marked only her 10th match of 2019. Suffering from illness and injuries have been holding her back. She pulled out of the Miami Open as a result of a left-knee injury, and recently withdrew from her second-round match against her sister Venus in Rome due to the same injury.
The 37-year-old still looked fierce, wearing a black-and-white two-piece outfit made by Virgil Abloh in collaboration with Nike. This is their second time working together and so far she has received nothing but praise, very different than the response she received for her catsuit last year. She was criticized for the catsuit by the French Tennis Federation president, who said she had no respect for the game.
That disagreement has long since been left in the dust. Along with her fashion statements, Williams could claim her 24th Grand Slam this fortnight.
2. Six Lose First Sets but Win Match
It's not over until it's over was the message of the day—Serena wasn't the only player to prove it. Five additional women were able to battle back after losing the first set. Veronika Kudermetova upset No. 13 seed Caroline Wozniacki after losing an unpromising first set, 6-0. Carla Suarez Navarro, Sorana Cirstea, Polona Hercog and Andrea Petkovic were also successful in mounting three-set comebacks.
3. Nadal and Djokovic Have Points to Prove
With history on their minds, both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have weight on their shoulders. Although dealing with high pressure and expectations, neither showed signs of tension as they quickly claimed their first-round wins.
Nadal faced 27-year-old qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, and took 10 minutes to hold at the start of the match. That was as close as he would come to displaying nerves as he defeated the German in under two hours, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. Nadal is pursuing his 12th title in Paris, looking to become the first player to win 12 singles titles at the same major (Margaret Court won 11 Australian Opens).
Nadal comes into Roland Garros having just defeated world No. 1 Djokovic in straight sets in the Rome final. Roger Federer potentially stands in Nadal's path to history, as they could meet in the semifinals.
Although Nadal has proven himself time and time again, Djokovic is eager to make his own history. He stormed past Hubert Hurkacz, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, in his opening match, showcasing the form that guided him back to the top of the rankings.
Djokovic clinched his 22nd win in a row at the Grand Slam level and will look to continue increasing his streak. He is chasing his fourth straight Grand Slam title and hoping to join Rod Laver as the second player in history to hold all four Slams at the same time, twice.
