Qualifier Storm Hunter is among four Australians scheduled to compete on the opening day at Roland Garros.
Paris, France, 28 May 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Storm Hunter will look to continue her impressive momentum when main-draw action gets underway at Roland Garros today.
The 28-year-old, who won three qualifying rounds this week to earn her spot in the draw, is one of four Australian contenders scheduled to compete on the opening day in Paris.
Hunter is joined by Jason Kubler, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Kimberly Birrell in first-round singles action.
Roland Garros is broadcast live in Australia on the Nine Network and Stan Sport, with coverage beginning from 6.30pm AEST.
Aussies in action on day one:
[Q] Storm Hunter (AUS) v Nuria Parrizas Diaz (ESP)
Women’s singles, first round, Court 8, first match (from 7pm AEST)
This is a showdown between two late-blooming competitors, both making their second main-draw appearances at Roland Garros and each seeking a first main-draw win in Paris. World No.204 Hunter carries impressive momentum into this match, having won three qualifying rounds without dropping a set. The 28-year-old Australian also has a winning record against world No.94 Parrizas Diaz, a 31-year-old Spaniard who achieved a career-high ranking of world No.45 last year.
Head-to-head record: Hunter leads 1-0
Last meeting: Hunter won 4-6 6-3 6-1 (Prague, July 2021)
> VIEW: Roland Garros 2023 women’s singles draw
[WC] Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v [20] Dan Evans (GBR)
Men’s singles, first round, Court 7, second match
Making his fourth main-draw appearance, world No.108 Kokkinakis faces a tough first-round test. The 27-year-old Aussie wildcard, whose best result in Paris is a third-round run in 2015, meets No.20 seed Evans. The 33-year-old Brit is a wily competitor however, has only previously progressed past the first-round at Roland Garros once. Kokkinakis can also take confidence from six wins on European clay so far this season, which improves his 2023 record across all surfaces to 23 wins from 35 matches.
Head-to-head record: Tied at 1-all
Last meeting: Evans won 4-6 7-6(1) 7-6(5) (Nottingham, June 2021)
Jason Kubler (AUS) v [LL] Facundo Diaz Acosta (ARG)
Men’s singles, first round, Court 8, second match
A year after making his Roland Garros debut as a No.160-ranked qualifier, Kubler returns as the world No.69. The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer over the past year, reaching at least the second round at the past…
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