The final act of this strange three-day first round structure saw some decent match-ups across the board and served as another reminder of the rude health of the women’s tour.
Contenders
Sascha Zverev was first up on Chatrier and he was both at times his brilliant best and still managed to look passive. John Millman is of course no slouch and was always going to be a tough first rounder. Still after five engrossing sets it was the fifth seed through. Joining him in round two, Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep, both thr world number one and defending champ were taken to three sets. Osaka merely needed to find her feet and was imperious one she did, Halep played well throughout but faced in Tomljanovic another tough customer with plenty of belief and a fearsome forehand.
The were simpler (though far from simple) wins for Sabalenka, Keys, Fognini and Delpo, but 2017 champion Ostapenko continues to embrace one-hit-wonder status, falling to Vika Azarenka who reminded us all just how good she was in her prime.
Other Seeds and households
Edmund got past Chardy on their resumption, Kasatkina, Bautista-Agut and Khachanov all won. Ivo Karlovic prevailed in 4 against Lopez in a battle of the old guard and Taylor Fritz dismissed Tomic with minimal fuss
Home favourites
Gael Monfils, Mannarino, Pouille and Garcia all triumphed against stellar opposition for the most part.
Day 4 picks
Nishikori Vs Tsonga
Paire Vs Herbert
Dimitrov Vs Cilic
Mahut Vs Kohlschreiber
All Things Tennis 