We close the month of October with one of the most historic European tournaments, the French Open.
After a hectic week in Odense at the Denmark Open 2022, the next stop for the international top players is Paris. One of the most-awaited tournaments not only in Europe but around the world has started this morning.
The Stade Pierre de Coubertin is hosting once again the BWF World Tour Super 750 event and really important points are to be earned in the city that will be hosting the 2024 Olympics in less than two years' time.
Despite some important players withdrawing — Japan’s Kento Momota who last year reached the semifinals, and Dane Anders Antonsen, who announced his withdrawal earlier today —, there is a strong line-up of contenders for this year’s title.
So far today, Kodai Naraoka, Japan, has won against Brian Yang, Canada. Axelsen, whose best result in the tournament was ten years ago when he finished as runner-up, has won his match against Kenta Nishimoto. Another Dane, Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, also had his chance to fight on court today but lost against Jonatan Christie, Indonesia.
Reigning champion Akane Yamaguchi, Japan, will be trying to snatch his third gold in Paris this year and is on the right track with a win in straight games against Michelle Li, Canada. Fellow Japanese player Nozomi Okuhara has also taken her first win in the tournament against Spain’s Clara Azurmendi. Kirsty Gilmour, Scotland, and Julie Dawall Jakobsen, Denmark, are other Europeans who have had to wave goodbye on the first day.
In the mixed doubles, there is another important win for Denmark in the first round of the French Open 2022. Mathias Christiansen/ Alexandra Bøje have won against Scots Adam Hall/ Julie Macpherson with a close second game in which the Danes still managed to close the match with a win in straight games, 21-18 24-22.
There are still many exciting matches to be played today. Carolina Marin, Christopher Grimley/ Matthew Grimley, Yvonne Li, and Mark Lamsfuss/ Isabel Lohau are some of the Europeans who still have to fight for a spot in the next round. The home crowd will be cheering later today for Christo Popov/ Toma Junior Popov and Luca Corvee/ Ronan Labar.