French Open 2016 Draw: Twitter Reacts to Monday Bracket Results, Scores, Winners
Reigning champion Stan Wawrinka survived a scare at the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on Monday, as the tournament attempted to catch up with postponed matches after inclement weather in Paris on Day 1.
The Philippe-Chatrier Court's crowd held its breath as the popular Swiss player completed a five-set victory against the Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol.
Rosol obtained a 2-1 lead after prevailing in the first and third sets, but the No. 3 seed avoided a first-round exit by capturing the final two sets, winning 4-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times highlighted Rosol's character as he broke Wawrinka's serve:
Former British No. 1 Greg Rudeski was impressed with Rosol's effort against the champion before Wawrinka turned the screws on his opponent:
Wawrinka re-established control in the second set, conceding only one game as he powered to a 6-1 win, but Rosol surprised the superstar by winning the following set to take back command.
However, Wawrinka's class showed at the end of the match after a difficult Monday in Paris.
Both men hit nine aces in a brutal encounter lasting three hours, and Rosol had little left in the tank at the conclusion.
Roland Garros noted the moment when Wawrinka completed his comeback:
No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori also found safe passage to the next round, completing a victory in his rain-delayed match against Simone Bolelli of Italy.
Roland Garros confirmed the result as the Japan ace won in straight sets:
Nishikori has a great opportunity to advance in the French capital, but legendary great John McEnroe believes British kingpin Andy Murray has an exceptional chance of adding the Roland Garros crown to his list of achievements, per Eurosport UK TV:
"'Murray has the best shot he will ever have to win this' - Eurosport's John McEnroe on @andy_murray's chances #RG16 https://t.co/eSmbxAFIrI
— Eurosport UK TV (@EurosportUKTV) May 23, 2016"
Women's No. 4 seed Garbine Muguruza had a tough day at the office as she battled to avoid defeat in a three-set contest against Slovak rising star Anna Schmiedlova, taking the result, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6.
Roland Garros quoted the player after her close battle and victory against the upcoming starlet:
Wawrinka and Muguruza will both need to be quicker out the blocks as the competition unravels if they want to contend for the major prize in the latter rounds.
The Swiss appeared rusty against a buoyant opponent and looked set to be the first shock exit of Roland Garros 2016.
Muguruza controlled the final set after an early blip against Schmiedlova and has a real shot of glory in France.
The tall 22-year-old is comfortable on clay but has yet to fully show her best form and full potential at a Grand Slam event.
All stats via RolandGarros.com.
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