An eventful first week concluded at the French Open and unfortunately Ernests Gulbis’ comments about his sisters’ future in tennis took up most of the headlines.
The Latvian’s remarks were blown out of proportion mostly by people who weren’t even in the room when he said them.
Gulbis was asked about his younger sisters and whether they will become as good a tennis player as he is. Like countless athletes who have previously stated they wouldn’t want their kids to pursue a professional career in tennis because of how tough a life it is, Gulbis said he hoped they don’t follow the same path he has chosen.
He then said that it’s particularly tough for women who “should enjoy life more” and have kids to think about. It is not news that being a professional tennis player postpones any woman’s plan to have kids and it has long been a dilemma that numerous players face.
Some have quit to have kids and have come back to the circuit as mothers, while others decided differently.
Gulbis was in no way telling women how to live their life even though when reading the transcript it appeared that way.
It’s ludicrous to see stories claiming he said that tennis is no place for women because that is simply not what he said.
Moving on to the actual tennis, here’s a quick look at the first week of the French…
Performance of the week
Garbine Muguruza (v Serena Williams)
The Spaniard stepped on court with a game plan and executed it to perfection. She didn’t choke and even followed up the win over the world No1 with another victory to make the second week.
Flop of the week
Grigor Dimitrov
Dimitrov wasn’t the highest seed to crash out of the first round, but at least Stan Wawrinka took a set and was playing a Spanish claycourter. Dimitrov had no return game against Ivo Karlovic, who is a tricky opening round but is also 35-years-old, not a great mover and had lost to the Bulgarian in straight sets in Rome only a few weeks ago. Dimitrov has now managed to make it past the third round of a Slam only once in 16 attempts.
Best Slam debutant
Facundo Bagnis
The Argentine helped set a Roland Garros record on his Grand Slam debut when he saved a match point en route to beating Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the first round6-1, 6-2, 1-6, 3-6, 18-16. The fifth set saw a record number of games ever played in a single set at the French Open. It was also only his second Tour-level match and lasted four hours 26 minutes.
Up-and-comer to watch
Taylor Townsend
Playing her first ever Grand Slam main draw, the 18-year-old American reached the third round and took out home favourite Alize Cornet, the No20 seed, en route. Her aggressive game and wonderful net play is quite refreshing and it drove Andy Murray to tweet: “How good is Taylor Townsend!” during her second round. The answer is: very, very good!
Best moment
It will have to be Gael Monfils’ dance-off with Laurent Lokoli on Kids’ Day.
Worst moment
Angelique Kerber showed zero sportsmanlike behaviour when she watched Daniela Hantuchova try to reason with the umpire who unjustly took away a point from the Slovak. Kerber could have easily intervened to clarify the situation, but instead just stood there watching.
Bizarre moment
Marinko Matosevic’s celebration after beating Dustin Brown in the opening round, which was the Australian’s first Slam main draw win in 13 attempts. He rolled over and over from the baseline towards the net. Is that really a thing?
Match of the week – Third round:
Svetlana Kuznetsova v Petra Kvitova
Mystifying at times, this was a match that had everything. Huge serves, attacking tennis, incredible defence, injury setbacks, match points saved and some great rallies.