Very tense, Garcia pulls through at Roland-Garros

Caroline Garcia didn't shine on Sunday. Up against the modest Eva Lys (145th in the world and a qualifier), the Frenchwoman seemed completely paralyzed by the event for a long time, multiplying her gross errors (41 unforced errors, 8 double faults). Cornered by a German playing her cards close to her chest, the world number 23 was dominated for a long time before finally turning the match around (4-6, 7-5, 6-2 in 2h12).

On a Philippe Chatrier court that was largely won over to her cause, 'Caro' went through all the emotions and it was without shining that she qualified for the second round. Buoyed by a powerful serve and risk-taking that finally paid off (18 aces, 36 winners), the French No.1 managed to hold her own, but will need to do much better if she is to make the French public dream, at least a little.

In the next round, she takes on a tougher opponent in Sofia Kenin, former world No. 4.