The Canadian contingent at the French Open has witnessed a mix of triumphs and setbacks, with notable players such as Eugenie Bouchard, Leylah Annie Fernandez, Denis Shapovalov, and Felix Auger Aliassime leading the charge. While the absence of seasoned players Milos Raonic and Bianca Andreescu has been felt, the remaining representatives have showcased varying degrees of success on the Roland Garros courts.
Regrettably, Shapovalov and Auger Aliassime faced early exits from the French Slam, dampening hopes for a deep run. Shapovalov, in a hard-fought second-round battle, succumbed to the challenges posed by the world No. 101, Roberto Carballes Baena. Despite holding a 5-3 lead in the fifth set, Shapovalov faltered, unable to serve out the match on two critical occasions. Auger Aliassime, on the other hand, experienced an early setback, bowing out in straight sets to Yoshihito Nishioka in the opening round.
Amidst these disappointments, Canadian tennis enthusiasts found solace in the performances of Eugenie Bouchard and the emerging talent Leylah Fernandez, both of whom advanced to the third round with displays of commendable tennis.
Eugenie Bouchard, currently ranked No. 168, has encountered a prolonged struggle to recapture the form that defined her spectacular 2014 season. However, this year has witnessed a resurgence, marked by a commendable 14-6 win-loss record. Bouchard’s recent journey to the final in Istanbul, starting from the qualifying rounds, underscored her improving form.
At the French Open, Bouchard navigated through challenging encounters, defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-4, 6-4, and Daria Gavrilova 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Her next hurdle is set to be a formidable one as she faces the talented Swiatek in the third round, a match that promises an intriguing clash of styles. Notably, Bouchard and Swiatek have never crossed paths in top-level competitions, adding an element of unpredictability to their upcoming encounter.
Leylah Annie Fernandez, ranked No. 100, has been making waves with her promising performances. With an impressive 20-9 win-loss record in 2020, Fernandez reached the final in Acapulco, showcasing her potential on the big stage. The French Open has seen Fernandez triumph over Magda Linette 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, and Polona Hercog 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Her resilience and adaptability were on full display during these matches.
In the third round, Fernandez is set to face the seasoned Petra Kvitova, creating a captivating matchup between the emerging talent and an established force in women’s tennis. The history between Fernandez and Kvitova in top tournaments remains unwritten, promising an exciting chapter in their tennis narratives.
Despite the challenges faced by Shapovalov and Auger Aliassime, their contributions to Canadian tennis are noteworthy. Denis Shapovalov, currently ranked No. 11, reached the semi-finals in Rome, marking a significant achievement in his 2020 season. On the other hand, Felix Auger Aliassime, ranked No. 22, demonstrated his prowess by reaching the final in Rotterdam and Marseille earlier in the year.
In the head-to-head encounters between Shapovalov and Auger Aliassime, the balance tips in favor of Shapovalov with a 2-1 lead. These internal battles among Canadian talents add an intriguing layer to their respective journeys on the international tennis stage.
As the French Open unfolds, the Canadian contingent remains a focal point of interest, with Bouchard and Fernandez carrying the hopes of the nation. The unpredictable nature of tennis ensures that every match becomes a canvas for new stories and unexpected twists, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapters in the narratives of these Canadian tennis stars.