Spectators were lining up in massive numbers under panama hats and umbrellas as the French Open started in bright sunshine at Roland Garros on Sunday.
After a record 50,000 people - compared to 29,000 last year - attended the qualifying event this week, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus opened proceedings on court Philippe Chatrier against Ukraine's Marta Kostuyk as the fashionably late fans queued to get their seats.
With temperatures at 22 degrees and expected to reach 26 in the afternoon, the water vending stands were busy. In a men's tournament without 14-times winner and defending champion Rafael Nadal who is injured, 2021 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas will be the biggest name in action on Sunday. "Of course, it's a big miss. My son really wanted to see Nadal but now we will be supporting Alcaraz," said Gerald Furst, who runs a tennis club in the south of France.
"I like Djokovic as well, he's an amazing player. I believe it will be a semi-final between Alcaraz and Djokovic. We want to see this match.""It's very bad for the tournament that Nadal is not there. We hope he'll be here next year. I'm happy a new guy will be the champion, but for me Nadal is the best on this surface," said Ragis Poiet.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Sabalenka ignores Ukrainian 'hate' with eyes on number one at Roland GarrosAryna Sabalenka's opening match in her quest for a second Grand Slam title has political undertones when she faces Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open on Sunday, but the Belarusian has not time to delve on any negative feelings towards her.
Leer más »
The 'French Fade' Manicure Has Replaced French Tips — & It's Twice As ChicThe French fade manicure is taking over from classic French tips — and TikTok is obsessed.
Leer más »
French Open 2023 men's preview: Rafael Nadal looms large despite absenceRafael Nadal's absence will loom large at the 2023 French Open. He's played in every one since 2005, winning 14(!!) along the way. Will it even feel like Roland Garros without him?
Leer más »
French Open 2023: How to watch, what to know, betting guide before play begins SundayPARIS (AP) — Play in the year's second Grand Slam tournament begins Sunday at Roland Garros, and for the first time in nearly two decades, Rafael Nadal will not be competing in the French Open.
Leer más »
With Rafael Nadal out, here are the players to watch at the French OpenThe French Open gets underway Sunday without the formidable presence of Rafael Nadal, the 14-time men’s singles champion, for the first time in 19 years. Here are some of the other top players to watch:
Leer más »
French Open picks: Four long shot selections for grand slam eventHere are four players to wager on during the French Open.
Leer más »