PARIS – Germany’s Alexander Zverev launched his French Open campaign in commanding fashion on Sunday, dismantling France’s Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a clinical first-round performance under blazing Paris skies at Roland Garros.
The world number two and 2024 runner-up looked in complete control throughout the contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier, never allowing the 95th-ranked Bonzi an opportunity to settle into the match. Chasing the first Grand Slam title of his career, Zverev displayed composure, precision and power to book a second-round clash against Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac. “It was a very good start to the tournament,” Zverev said after the victory. “It’s always important to begin with a straight-sets win, especially against someone like Benjamin, who can be a tricky opponent.”
The opening day of the clay-court major unfolded in sweltering conditions, with temperatures expected to climb above 30 degrees Celsius. Fans wearing Panama hats and summer attire streamed into Roland Garros as the iconic venue resembled the French Riviera more than a traditional Grand Slam battleground. Music drifted through the walkways, including violin renditions of Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Elsewhere, 13th seed Karen Khachanov of Russia advanced comfortably by defeating French wildcard Arthur Gea on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, while Switzerland’s 11th seed Belinda Bencic overcame Austria’s Sinja Kraus in straight sets. The tournament, however, suffered a significant setback with the withdrawal of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and rising French star Arthur Fils due to injury concerns, reshaping the dynamics of the men’s draw.
In the women’s draw, eighth seed Mirra Andreeva produced an impressive display of aggressive baseline tennis to defeat France’s Fiona Ferro 6-3, 6-3. The 19-year-old Russian remained untroubled throughout the match on a sun-soaked Philippe-Chatrier court, sealing victory when Ferro committed her 24th unforced error.
One of the most emotional moments of the day came from Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk, who overcame Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 just hours after a missile strike reportedly landed near her family home in Kyiv. The 23-year-old revealed she had been deeply shaken after receiving photographs showing damage close to the residence where her mother, sister and aunt were staying. “I felt sick just thinking that if it had landed 100 metres closer, I probably wouldn’t have a mother and sister today,” Kostyuk told reporters after the match.
