Second seed Karolina Pliskova has been beaten in the second round by Jelena Ostapenko, who produced a display reminiscent of that which won her the 2017 title in Paris.
Czech Pliskova, 28, was overwhelmed by the ferocious returns of her Latvian opponent, who had been knocked out in the first round the past two years.
Ostapenko made a crucial break in the seventh game of the opening set. Pliskova was then broken twice more as the 23-year-old sealed a 6-4, 6-2 win.
Ostapenko’s form dipped dramatically after her victory over Simona Halep at Roland Garros in 2017. She has failed to make it past the third round of a Grand Slam since, bar a quarter-final and semi-final appearance at Wimbledon.
The Latvian has pointed to injuries, as well as issues with the psychological side of her game,, while she has also changed coaches during this period. She had employed 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, but now has Halep’s former coach Thomas Hogstedt in her camp.
Ostapenko, who has only dropped nine games on her way to the 32, said: “In the beginning it was tough because she was serving well.
“I had to serve well and be aggressive. I needed to produce great tennis to beat her.
“I’m grateful to play here and on this court [Philippe Chatrier]. I have great memories.”
