Gracheva, defeated by Kenin in the first round of Roland-Garros, will leave the top 100

Opening Tuesday's play on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Varvara Gracheva returned to Roland-Garros a year after reaching the second week and her round of 16 match against Mirra Andreeva.

The French player faced Sofia Kenin, a finalist at the Porte d'Auteuil in 2020. The American, seeded 31st, was not the most favorable draw for the world No. 72. The beginning of the match confirmed the trend.

Kenin quickly took the lead with a double break advantage, but Gracheva eventually made up some of the deficit, coming back to 4 games to 3. However, the American tightened her game at the right moment and secured the first set in just under half an hour.

A response from Gracheva was anticipated, but it did not materialize. Unable to find a solution during her service games, the 24-year-old ultimately lost in 1 hour and 6 minutes (6-3, 6-1) and will not replicate her performance from last year.

This defeat does not come without consequences, as Gracheva, who did not defend her points from last year, will leave the top 100 at the end of the tournament. In the WTA Live Rankings, there are currently only two French players in the top 100: Léolia Jeanjean (89th) and Diane Parry (98th).

At present, Jeanjean is the only one who qualified for the second round in the French women's camp, benefiting last night from Begu's withdrawal midway through the third set.