Fansided

French Open 2017 results: Alexander Zverev and Johanna Konta exit

By Veronica Elizabeth Bruno

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30: Alexander Zverev of Germany looks on during the first round match against Fernando Verdasco of spain on day three of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30: Alexander Zverev of Germany looks on during the first round match against Fernando Verdasco of spain on day three of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Two names who have been making major headways this year went out in early rounds at the French Open Tuesday.

Alexander Zverev was hailed as the next generation’s example of finally arriving, with his historic win at the Italian Open. Finally, there was someone under age 30 playing his best (and winning) a Masters 1000 who didn’t have the last name Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic. Going into the French Open, expectations for the 20-year-old were very high and were dashed on a day of upsets. The young tennis star lost his match on Court Phillip Catrier, to Fernando Verdaso 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

The match was originally played on Monday but was suspended because of darkness. Throwing his racquet at times, the ninth seed didn’t look like the efficient young gun who took down Novak Djokovic in the Rome final a week ago.

“I played absolute s–t… It’s quite simple,” said Zverev afterwards. “You sometimes play bad. It’s just this is our sport.”

Another promising player, Johanna Konta, went out early as well, losing to Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4. The Brit is not known for her clay court play and this season has been no different with clay tournament losses leading up to the French. However, the 26-year-old has had major buzz about her, with a breakthrough hard court season, culminating in the Miami final win against Caroline Wozniacki just a few months ago. She also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.

Next: Each State's Sports Mt Rushmore

“I don’t think that necessarily had anything to do with the surface,” said Konta afterwards. ” I would have liked to have done better with my frustration. I got a little bit frustrated in that third set, and I felt I could have done better with having a bit more perspective. I fought the best that I could. I did not give up at any stage until the very, very last point.”

The loss to the 109th ranked player ends a disappointing clay season for the British player and will leave her preparing for grass.

Su-Wei could barely contain her glee with the breakthrough win however and told the crowd, “Merci beaucoup for the match today.”

Su-Wei will face American Taylor Townsend in her next round match.

Home/French Open