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Roland Garros Day 3 WTA Recap: Li Stunned, Halep Shines

May 27th 2014

Relive the key storylines of an eventful Tuesday at the French Open as first-round action concluded with notable upsets.

Li Na

No Success for Aussie Champs

Following in the footsteps of Stan Wawrinka, Li Na fell in the opening round on Tuesday as both Australian Open Champions suffered early exits in Paris. The No. 2 women’s seed fell to Kristina Mladenovic 7-5 3-6 6-1. Despite signs of frustration, Mladenovic pressured Li into 37 unforced errors in the match and overcame a lackluster second set to prevail.

Following the match, an exasperated Li commented on her performance. “I gave it away,” Li said. “In my mind, I didn’t have any idea how to play the match.” The first-round exit is the first in eight appearances at Roland Garros for Li, who will now attempt to rebound at Wimbledon.

Difficult week for Wozniacki

The last week has been a forgettable one for 13th seeded Caroline Wozniacki. First, her engagement with PGA player Rory McIlroy was called off, and then came a first-round exit today at Roland Garros. Wozniacki fell at the hands of Yanina Wickmayer, 7-6 (5) 4-6 6-2.

Wozniacki struggled through injuries during the bulk of the clay season, failing to log substantial time on the surface. Perhaps the combination of injury coupled with lapsing mental focus played a role after her highly publicized breakup. Wickmayer will move on to face Silvia Soler-Espinosa in the second round.

Simona Halep

Halep, Ivanovic start strong

Fourth seed Simona Halep and 11th seed Ana Ivanovic looked strong in their respective first-round matches on Tuesday. Halep defeated Alisa Kleybanova 6-0 6-2, while Ivanovic rolled past Caroline Garcia 6-1 6-3. Halep took 11 straight games and gave away just six unforced errors in the match.

She will advance to face Heather Watson of Great Britain next.

Ivanovic showed little mercy to upstart Garcia, capitalizing on 34 unforced errors. The young Frenchwoman had no answers on Tuesday against the experienced Ivanovic and was forced to tears in front of her home crowd. Ivanovic, playing some of her best tennis ever recently, will move on to face 33rd-ranked Elina Svitolina next.

Jankovic, Errani advance in three setters

In a match continued on Tuesday after darkness fell on Monday, sixth seed Jelena Jankovic came back to defeat Sharon Fichman of Canada 5-7 6-1 6-3. Jankovic served well, placing 74 percent of her first serves in play, although she won only 56 percent of those points.

Likewise, it took three sets before 10th-seeded Sara Errani finished off a feisty Madison Keys on Tuesday. The aggressive Keys fired 53 winners in the match but gave away 69 unforced errors.

Three Americans advance to second round

Three American women, led by Sloane Stephens, advanced to the second round on Tuesday. Stephens shook off a tough Peng Shuai of China, 6-4 7-6. Peng battled hard in the second-set tiebreak, but the American prevailed 10-8 to advance.

Stephens and coach Paul Annacone appear to be consolidating their chemistry in the player-coach relationship. Annacone praised the young American. “I think she's unbelievably talented. There is no question about her physical capabilities and skills,” said Annacone. “She's a perfectionist. So if she misses a few balls, it's not great…she's frustrated.”

Stephens appears to be soaking in her coach’s insight. “I get really frustrated when things aren't perfect, but I'm learning in life that things aren't ever going to be perfect”, she said. The two appear to be working in a positive direction.

Meanwhile, Coco Vandeweghe and Alison Riske joined Stephens in the second round. Riske defeated Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, while Vandeweghe took care of Iveta Melzer, both in straight sets.