French Open Day 5 round-up: Know what all happened
What's the story
It was an action-packed Day 5 at the ongoing French Open, being held at the Roland Garros. Most of the big names in women's singles progressed to the third round, including world number one Simona Halep. In the men's singles category, as well, there weren't any upsets as the regulars went through safely. Here are all the updates!
Strong
Rafa eases into third round of French Open
Men's world number one Rafael Nadal eased past Guido Pella with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 straight sets victory. The 10-time French Open champion overcame the Argentine in a duel that lasted for 2 hours and three minutes. Rafa, who is eyeing to defend his title, will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Rafa stated that he is excited to play against childhood friend Gasquet.
Top guns
Wins for heavyweights Cilic and Juan Martin del Potro
Croatian Marin Cilic, who ended up as the runner-up of the 2018 Australian Open, beat Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 6-2, 6-2 6-7, 7-5 in a four-set encounter. He will be up against Steve Johnson next. Meanwhile, Argentine powerhouse Juan Martin del Potro surged past 36-year-old Julien Benneteau. He won the tie 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. There were wins for Dominic Thiem and Kevin Anderson too.
Dual stars
Halep, Sharapova through to third round
Romanian Simona Halep and two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova progressed into the third round. Number one seed Halep saw off American Taylor Townsend with a 6-3, 6-1 victory. She would now face Andrea Petkovic in the next round. Sharapova battled past Donna Vekic 7-5, 6-4. If she beats Karolina Pliskova next, then a possible round of 16 tie against Serena Williams could happen.
Straight talk
Serena says she can play much better
Serena Williams stated that she can play even better than how she fared before her pregnancy break. Williams made the comments after a three-set battle against Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. She added that despite not being at a level she was, the idea is to get there and even go beyond. She will take on 11th seed Julia Goerges next.
Information
Women's singles vital results
Spaniard Garbine Muguruza had a safe entry into the third round of the French Open after a 6-4, 6-3 victory against Fiona Ferro. 12th seed Angelique Kerber beat Ana Bogdan 6-2, 6-3. There were victories for 7th seed Caroline Garcia and Karolina Pliskova as well.