French Caroline Garcia, 7th in the world and semi-finalist last year, was eliminated in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday by Chinese Yafan Wang (114th, qualifying) 6-4, 6-1 in 1 h 10. Her premature defeat is a blow for the French clan of which she was the best chance. On paper at least, because since the start of the season, the 29-year-old Lyonnaise has not been able to regain the level of last year.
Wang, who has lost twice in the second round in three appearances in New York, will face Briton Katie Boulter (61st) on Thursday to try to advance to the third round, which would be her best Grand Slam result. The French number 1 ends her Grand Slam season with her worst result, in the Major where she had yet achieved her best performance last year. In 2023, Garcia lost in the round of 16 at the Australian Open, in the second round at Roland-Garros and in the third at Wimbledon.
For his part, the young Frenchman Arthur Fils triumphed for his first match at the US Open over the number 24 seed, the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, after a marathon match, won 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. This is the first Grand Slam victory in the career of the 19-year-old Francilien, considered a great hope for French tennis.
Once the success was achieved, the 48th player in the world fell on his back, his arms crossed. After a warm embrace with his opponent, he let out a long, victorious cry. Led one set to nothing, then two sets to one, Arthur Fils managed to get back into the match each time, mastering his nerves to win after 3:58 of play.
