Sports
French Open Begins with High-Stakes Matches on First Day

PARIS, France – The French Open kicks off Sunday, featuring early matches on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Among players competing is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a local favorite.
In a first-round showdown, Pablo Carreno Busta faces Francisco Comesana in a match filled with high stakes. This section of the draw includes American seeded players like Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Sebastian Korda, and Alex Michelsen. There is a possibility that an unseeded player could reach the quarterfinals, with Comesana and Carreno Busta emerging as potential candidates.
Although Carreno Busta brings experience to the match, Comesana’s recent performance gives him an advantage. The 24-year-old Argentine has secured nine of his 13 match victories this season and is currently ranked 64th. His accomplishments include a semifinal finish in Rio de Janeiro, where he defeated Alexander Zverev, and a strong showing in the Madrid Masters.
On the other hand, Carreno Busta, 33, is fighting to regain form after injuries and sits at No. 100 in the rankings. He has struggled with a 3-8 record in 2025. Given the physical nature of a best-of-five match, Comesana is expected to have the edge.
In another matchup, Mpetshi Perricard hopes to turn his season around against Zizou Bergs. The 21-year-old Frenchman, currently ranked No. 32, won one of his ATP titles last spring and recently triumphed at the Bordeaux Challenger. Despite showing promise, Mpetshi Perricard faces a challenge against Bergs, who has lost three consecutive matches since mid-April.
This opening match presents strong pressure for both players, particularly for Bergs, who must find consistency to compete effectively. The home crowd in Paris is anticipated to rally behind Perricard, boosting his chances of success on the clay.
“Holding serve will be crucial in this matchup,” sports analysts noted. If Perricard can capitalize on his home advantage, he may secure a victory against Bergs.
This year’s French Open promises thrilling competition as top tennis players aim for victory on the storied red clay.