WTA 250 Rouen: Five French Players Advance to Round of 16

While four first-round matches are still to be played at the Rouen tournament (including those of the top two seeds Svitolina and Noskova), all French players competing in the first round in Normandy have completed their matches.

Thus, five players will represent France in the upcoming round of 16. The last French player in action yesterday evening, Varvara Gracheva, defeated eighth seed Sonay Kartal (6-3, 6-2) and will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who upset Maria Sakkari, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Fiona Ferro and Jessika Ponchet will face each other in the round of 16. Coming through qualifying, Ferro delivered a strong performance to eliminate world No. 43 McCartney Kessler (6-7, 6-2, 7-5). Lucky loser Ponchet defeated her compatriot Margaux Rouvroy (6-2, 6-4).

On Tuesday, Loïs Boisson dominated Harriet Dart with a 6-0, 6-3 win and awaits her next opponent, who will be either Kamilla Rakhimova or Moyuka Uchijima.

Finally, young Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga earlier this week eliminated Lucia Bronzetti (6-2, 6-3) and will now take on Jaqueline Cristian, who defeated Diane Parry (6-4, 6-3).