Paris (AP) – Angelique Kerber was eliminated from the French Open in the third round. The three-time Grand Slam tournament winner lost in Paris against Alexandra Sasnowitsch from Belarus 4: 6, 6: 7 (5: 7).
After 1:29 hours, Sasnowitsch, against whom Kerber had won in three sets in Strasbourg last week, converted her second match point.
The French Open remains the only Grand Slam tournament that Kerber has not won in her career so far. The clay court classic in the Stade Roland Garros is now continuing for the women without German participation. In the men’s category, Alexander Zverev still has a chance of reaching the round of 16 against American Brandon Nakashima late on Friday afternoon.
Kerber actually got off to a really good start in the third largest stadium in the facility. The German number one immediately took the serve from her opponent. However, Kerber had to give up her service immediately afterwards. All in all, the player from Kiel didn’t seem so fresh, often came a step too late and made many minor mistakes.
The tournament days in Strasbourg, where Kerber won her first title of the year last week and ended her sporting dry spell, had left their mark. Sasnowitsch, himself not in top form, took advantage of this and dictated what happened with her more aggressive style of play. After 36 minutes, the Belarusian took the first set.
In the second round, Kerber tried to bite into the game. Thanks to a few spectacular points, she managed to break 2-1, the German number one pushed herself with loud cheers. But the 34-year-old could not break away. Instead, she gave up her service again and was also unable to extend another break. But Kerber didn’t give up. Driven by loud “Angie, Angie” chants from the many German fans, she finally fought for every point, the decision had to be made in the tie-break. There Sasnowitsch had the better end for himself and ended Kerber’s dream of a career Grand Slam for this year.