PARIS – US Open semi-finalist Emma Navarro lasted just 57 minutes at the French Open before losing 6-0, 6-1 to Spain’s Jessica Bouza Maneiro in the first round on Monday.
This is a major setback for the 24-year-old American from New York who reached the fourth round in Paris last year before his first Grand Slam semi-final at Flushing Meadows. Paris’s No. 9 seed Navarro got off to a strong start to the season, including the Australian Open quarterfinals and the WTA 500 title, but struggled with Clay this spring.
At Suzanne Lendgren at the court, 68th place Bouza Maneiro dominated the match, reaching the second round for the first time at Roland Garros.
“I wasn’t expecting results, but I’m always trying to do my best. I think everything is possible,” Booza Maneiro said. “It feels good to play with clay. Winning here at Roland Garros is very special to me.”
Last year at Wimbledon, the Spaniard confused 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round of the Grass Court Tournament.
She then faces either Diane Parry of France or Robin Montgomery of America.