French Open: Maneiro starts with easy victory; top seed Sabalenka advances

Spainiard sends US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro home on early flight with straightsets win

- AGENCIES

US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro only lasted 57 minutes at the French Open, losing 6-0, 6-1 in the first round Monday to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain.

It's a major setback for the 24-year-old American, a New York native, who reached the fourth round in Paris last year before her first Grand Slam semifinal at Flushing Meadows. Navarro had a strong start to the season, including a quarterfinal at the Australian Open and a WTA 500 title, but has struggled on clay this spring.

On Court Suzanne-Lenglen, the 68th-ranked Bouzas Maneiro dominated the match and reached the second round at Roland-Garros for the first time.

"I didn't expect the result but I always try to play my best, and I think everything is possible," Bouzas Maneiro said. "I feel good playing on clay, and winning here at Roland Garros is so special to me."

She will next face either Diane Parry of France or American Robin Montgomery.

Earlier, No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka had opened her French Open campaign with a smooth 6-1, 6-0 win over Kamilla Rakhimova in exactly an hour to begin Sunday's play on Court Philippe-Chatrier on a proper note.

Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China also made a winning start, defeating former Roland Garros finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in an early match in the women's singles first round.