At the French Open, British players experienced a mix of disappointment and resilience as Katie Boulter bowed out early and Cameron Norrie pressed on. Boulter, the British No. 1, was comprehensively defeated 6-1, 6-3 by Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the second round. The match took place on the vast Court Philippe-Chatrier, which can feel isolating when things aren’t going well. Boulter struggled to find her rhythm, especially on serve, committing nine double faults, including three on crucial break points. Keys, known for her powerful and precise serving, dominated from the outset, breaking Boulter’s serve three times early in the match. Although Boulter had shown promise on clay this season winning a WTA 125 title in Paris just before the tournament and securing her first French Open main draw win in the opening round she was unable to extend her run this time. With the grass-court season ahead, Boulter will look to bounce back on her preferred surface.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal, ranked British No. 3, also exited in the second round after a tough 6-1, 6-4 loss to Marie Bouzkova. Despite the defeat, Kartal’s progress remains encouraging, and she is poised to break into the world’s top 50 for the first time, depending on how other players fare in the tournament.
On the men’s side, Cameron Norrie continued his strong form, following up a stunning first-round upset over 11th seed Daniil Medvedev with a confident 7-6(7), 6-2, 6-1 victory against Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina. Gomez, a lucky loser playing his first Grand Slam, pushed Norrie in a tight first set, but after that, Norrie settled into a steady rhythm to close out the match comfortably. Norrie, currently ranked 81st, described his performance as solid and consistent, proud of not giving his opponent many opportunities. He will face another Brit, Jacob Fearnley, in the third round. Fearnley advanced after 22nd seed Ugo Humbert retired due to injury, with Fearnley leading 6-4, 4-4 when the match was cut short.
Elsewhere, young French hope Arthur Fils made a memorable breakthrough on home soil. The 20-year-old battled through injuries and cramps to claim a thrilling five-set victory over Jaume Munar of Spain, 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 2-6, 0-6, 6-4. Fils was dominant early but struggled physically in the later sets, losing the third and fourth. However, fueled by the support of the passionate crowd at Court Suzanne-Lenglen, he staged a remarkable comeback in the deciding set to reach the third round for the first time at Roland Garros. Reflecting on the marathon match, Fils called it the best of his career, highlighting the unique challenge and significance of his first five-set victory at a major.
Overall, the day showcased the highs and lows for British tennis at the French Open, with Boulter’s exit contrasting with Norrie’s steady march forward and promising signs from other rising players.
