Rinderknech Overpowers Rodionov in Straight Sets at French Open

The second set began disastrously for Rodionov. A double fault handed Rinderknech a break for a 1-0 lead, and another break extended the deficit to 4-1. The Austrian never recovered, dropping the set 6-2.

Rinderknech Takes Control

The third set followed a similar script. Rinderknech continued to dominate from the baseline, and Rodionov’s unforced errors mounted. The Frenchman closed out the match on his first match point after two hours and 28 minutes, sealing a 6-3 set.

For Rodionov, this was his third appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam. His only previous win at this level came at the same tournament in 2020, also as a qualifier.

Rodionov’s Grand Slam Journey

ServusTV expert Barbara Schett praised Rodionov’s performance in the opening set. "Jurij hat ein tolles Tennis gezeigt, vor allem im ersten Satz," she said.

She added a note of encouragement: "Vielleicht muss er mental noch besser werden. Da ist noch einiges drinnen."

Other Results

Rodionov, from Lower Austria, had entered the tournament as a qualifier and faced a steep challenge against the experienced Rinderknech. The fast clay of Paris favored the home player, whose aggressive forehand proved too much.

On other courts, Alex de Minaur, the eighth seed, cruised past Toby Samuel 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Jakub Mensik also advanced with a straight-sets win over Titouan Droguet. Novak Djokovic, the third seed, fought back from a set down to beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.

Later on Monday, two Austrian women were scheduled to play their first-round matches: Julia Grabher and Anastasia Potapowa. The tournament continues with second-round action on Wednesday.