US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka left the field in the middle of the game and called the conditions at Roland Garros “ridiculous” after being forced to sit “like ducks” on a rainy opening day.
That wasn’t the only drama as the balls used in this year’s scheduled tournament were not rated as good enough to be “given to a dog to chew”.
Former world number 1 Azarenka won her game in the first round against Danka Kovinic in straight sets. When the game was interrupted after only 15 minutes on Court Suzanne Lenglen in gusty winds and temperatures of around 10 degrees, the Belarusian was less than impressed.
“You’re kidding. What are we doing here? I have to play, you know, I’m not complaining, but it’s going to be a bit ridiculous, ”Azarenka said, refusing to wait while the manager came to check the conditions.
“I’m not sitting here because I’m getting frozen. It’s eight degrees. I live in florida. I’m used to hot weather. “
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Azarenka asked Kovinic, who also refused to wait, and then continued.
“No, it’s completely ridiculous. It’s too cold, what is it about? I sit here like ducks, ”she said.
“You’re kidding, aren’t you? Don’t you see what’s happening? You don’t play so you have no idea.
“It’s raining for about 15 minutes and we’re playing, who cares? You can’t hold your racket because it’s so wet. “
Azarenka packed her clubs in her pocket, put on a pink puffer jacket, and left the court before returning after a long break.
She finished the match, which she won 6-1 6-2, in a jacket and leggings.
The number 10 will play against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the second round after the Slovakian Venus Williams angry 6: 4: 6: 4 in straight sets.
“I’m glad it’s finished so I can see the others fight in this weather and rain,” said Azarenka.
The French Open usually takes place early in the Paris summer but had to be postponed from the end of May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
12-time champions Rafael Nadal said the new fall season will pose challenges for players and Azarenka fears it will bring injuries.
“Does it increase the risk of players getting injured? Absolutely, I think it does. But I don’t know what will happen. I don’t really want to think about it, ”she said.
“I think after the tournament there should be some really good feedback and explanation and conversation with the players, that’s a fact.”
But Azarenka supported the tournament’s decision to host the Grand Slam now rather than canceling it entirely like Wimbeldon did in June.
“Do I think it’s better to cancel the tournament? I wouldn’t particularly say that because I think I want to play, ”she said.
“I also think that lower tier players and doubles players are hit hard financially, so it’s definitely a great opportunity to have the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Brit Dan Evans slammed the new balls used in the tournament this year after losing to Kei Nishikori in five sets.
“You wouldn’t give a dog some of the balls we used to chew on,” he said.
“It’s brutal. It is so cold. I think the balls are the biggest.
“Maybe they got it a little wrong with the balls. It’s hard to get this ball anywhere. The ball is a little too heavy I think. “
The Australian Alex de Minaur, who achieved his best Grand Slam result at the US Open, suffered a shock on the first day in the first round and lost to the Italian Marco Cecchinato 7: 6: 6: 4: 6: 0 .
“I don’t feel comfortable on the pitch myself. I am not happy with where my level is. It’s bizarre because I basically do my best career in a Grand Slam, ”said De Minaur after the game.
Daria Gavrilova did better and went into the second round with an angry win against Dayana Yastremska (6: 4: 6: 3). She will play Eugenie Bouchard next.
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