Aussies bundled out in French Open qualifying
Australians Sophie Ferguson, Sally Peers and Marinko Matosevic have all been bundled out in French Open qualifying on Thursday in Paris.
Paris, France, 20 May 2011 | AAP
Australians Sophie Ferguson, Sally Peers and Marinko Matosevic have all been bundled out in French Open qualifying on Thursday in Paris.
Ferguson was rolled 6-1 6-3 by Romanian Elena Bogdan, Matosevic beaten 6-2 6-3 by Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan and Peers downed in straight sets by Britain’s Heather Watson 6-3 7-5.
Australia will be represented by seven players in the main draw at Roland Garros, including world No.8 and last year’s finalist Sam Stosur (Qld) and Jarmila Gajdosova (Vic), who hit a career high ranking of 25 this week. Anastasia Rodionova (Vic) and Jelena Dokic round out the women’s main draw entries, and No.64Lleyton Hewitt (SA) returns to the tour after foot surgery.
Casey Dellacqua (WA) and Bernard Tomic (Qld) have been awarded wildcards.
Currently No.7 in ITF Junior world rankings, Andrew Whittington (Vic) has claimed two ITF Junior titles in his impressive start to the year. Joining him at Roland Garros is 2011 Australian Open Juniors runner up Luke Saville (SA) and fellow AIS Pro Tour athletes Sean Berman (Vic), Australian Open Junior finalist in 2010, and Ben Wagland (NSW). Fifteen-year old Ashleigh Barty (Qld) will make her French Open Juniors debut.
World No.2 Daniela Di Toro (Vic) will fly the Australian flag in the wheelchair championships, and will be hoping to improve upon her semifinals appearance in 2010.
As the nation’s top-ranked 12 year-old, Chase Ferguson (Vic) has been selected to represent Australia at the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament during the second week of Roland Garros. Chase will compete alongside sixteen juniors from around the world for the chance to hit with former champion Andre Agassi.