FRENCH OPEN: Kerber makes history, crashes out in first round

German Tennis star Angelique Kerber became the first women’s top seed to lose in the opening round of the French Open after suffering a defeat to Ekaterina Makarova on Sunday.

The world number one lost in straight sets 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 22 minutes, as both Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova will have the chance to take top spot for the first time if they pull through.

Kerber was a first-round loser last year as well, but the shock this time is in terms of rankings, as Russia’s Makarova is at number 40 in the WTA standings.

“Last year was a completely different year,” said Kerber after her defeat.

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“The pressure is always there but this year the expectations are much bigger, especially in the big tournaments and the Grand Slams.

“And the expectations are also from me really big, of course, because I know what I can do, what I did last year.

“But right now I think I have to find myself again and just try to forget the clay-court season as soon as possible and then reset and start from the grass courts again.”

Makarova will go on to face Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko in round two.

 

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