Gauff, Andreeva storm into French Open second round

Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva successfully got their French Open campaigns under way at Roland Garros.

Gauff caused a delay when she stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier without her rackets. She looked confused before a ball boy ran out minutes later carrying her pack of mint-colored rackets.

"That's better," said the court announcer, drawing laughter, applause and smiles from the crowd in the tournament's main stadium.

2022 runner-up Gauff then brushed aside Australia's Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-2. The 21-year-old American has reached the quarter-finals or better in each of her past four visits to Roland Garros.

Rising Russian star Andreeva is eyeing her maiden Grand Slam crown after WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells and recovered well after falling 3-0 down to Spaniard Cristina Bucsa in the first set.

The 18-year-old quickly overturned the double-break deficit and eventually cruised to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over the world number 98.

Andreeva, who reached the semi-finals last year, will play American Ashlyn Krueger in the second round.

Third seed Jessica Pegula also made serene progress with a 6-2, 6-4 success against Romania's Anca Todoni as the American returned to Roland Garros after missing the 2024 edition due to injuries.

Two-time former Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka hammered Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer, who will retire after Wimbledon, 6-0, 6-0 on Court 6, while Magdalena Frech knocked out three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur.