Roland Garros Women’s Day 2

Top-seeded treble Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek ticked off a 13th straight win on clay to power ahead to the second round on a rainy Monday.

The world No. 1 crushed French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-1, 6-2 in 61 minutes, beginning the bid for a third straight Paris title and fourth overall.

Swiatek came to the major with clay honours in Madrid and Rome and admitted she likes her current form.

“The last tournaments have given me a lot of confidence,” she said. “I feel I can play good tennis in any conditions and in any circumstances.

“I’m proud of myself but don’t want to take anything for granted. I’m just focusing on the next round and taking it step by step.”

The Pole becomes the first player to win 15 consecutive matches at the event since Justine Henin’s 24 straight (2005-2010).

She lines up in the second round in a battle of multiple Grand Slam winners with Naomi Osaka. 

Third-seeded US open champion Coco Gauff spoiled the Grand Slam debut of qualifier Julia Avdeeva with a merciless 6-1, 6-1 scoreline, with the American winning the 50th match of her Grand Slam career.

Gauff has a perfect 5-0 record in Roland Garros first rounds. “It was a good day for me, I was just a little better player than her,” the 20-year-old said..

Ons Jabeur got away to a winning start, with the Tunisiana eighth seed beating US wildcard Sachia Vickery 6-3, 6-2.

Three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur has yet to get over the line to a title at one of the majors after losing back-to-back Wimbledon finals and another at the US Open.

The 81-minute Chatrier showcourt first-round match was played under the closed roof, with rain interrupting play elsewhere in early afternoon.

“At first I was tense, trying to find my bearings,’ she said. “Conditions on the court were quite heavy, so I tried to play in a relaxed way. 

“I hope it will be better for the next match. I’m aiming for a deep run. I had a wonderful preparation.”

Tunisia’s almost-woman added: “After three Grand Slam finals and a few quarter-finals, I think I can go till the end, it’s like a marathon.” 

Fifth-seeded Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova defeated Spaniard Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-3, while Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who claimed the February WTA title in Dubai, rolled over Australian Daria Saville 6-3, 6-4. 

Liudmila Samsonova beat  Pole Magda Linette with the loss of one game per set.