Tennis: Poland’s Linette sends World No.1 out of French Open

Polish tennis player Magda Linette has cruised into the third round of the French Open tournament in Paris, forcing World No.1 Ashleigh Barty to retire mid-match.

Magda Linette hits a backhand during the 2nd round match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 03 June 2021.

PAP/EPA CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

After an outstanding performance, pushing the Australian champion around the court unable to hold her serve, the 29-year-old Pole, ranked world No. 45 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), controlled the first set, earning aces in the second service.

After Linette ran away with the first set (6-1), Barty required a medical timeout. But at 2-2 in the second, the Australian could play no more and was forced to pull the plug due to a hip injury, informing the umpire that she was pulling out of the tournament away with the first set.

Meanwhile, Poland's Iga Świątek who is defending her title in Paris, is set to face Sweden's Rebecca Peterson on Thursday afternoon in the second round of the women’s singles competition at the French Open.

(mo)

Source: PAP