Their story is a testament to resilience and seizing opportunities against all odds.
In a thrilling turn of events at Roland-Garros, French doubles pair Grégoire Jacq and Manuel Guinard have captured the hearts of tennis fans with their unexpected journey to the Round of 16.
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The unexpected journey begins for French doubles pair Grégoire Jacq and Manuel Guinard
Initially overlooked for wild-cards, Jacq and Guinard faced uncertainty as they boarded the train to Paris on Friday night. With no guarantee of a spot in the tournament, they took a leap of faith that paid off. By Sunday morning, after a series of last-minute withdrawals, they found themselves in the main draw. Their entry was a stroke of luck, but what followed was pure determination and skill.
First round triumph
Their first-round match saw them pitted against the formidable American duo Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow, ranked 17th in the Race to the ATP Finals. In a display of sheer grit, Jacq and Guinard emerged victorious with a 7-6(5), 6-4 win. The match was a rollercoaster, with the Frenchmen holding their nerve to claim a hard-fought tiebreak and securing the second set with powerful serving and strategic net play.
A stunning second round victory
On Monday, the French pair continued their impressive run by defeating Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi and Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(11). The second set was a nail-biter, with Jacq and Guinard saving eight set points, including four consecutive points in the tiebreak. The crowd at Roland-Garros was on the edge of their seats, cheering every point and creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the duo to victory.
Facing the Tsitsipas brothers
Looking ahead, Jacq and Guinard are set to face a significant challenge in the third round against the Tsitsipas brothers, who recently defeated the fourth-seeded pair of Dodig and Krajicek. This match presents yet another opportunity for the Frenchmen to shine on the big stage and continue their remarkable journey.
The road so far
The journey of Jacq and Guinard has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Here’s a quick look at their path so far:
Round | Opponents | Score |
---|---|---|
First | Nathaniel Lammons / Jackson Withrow | 7-6(5), 6-4 |
Second | Guido Andreozzi / Rinky Hijikata | 6-2, 7-6(11) |
Their ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver clutch performances has been key to their success. The duo’s chemistry on court and their complementary playing styles have made them a formidable team.
What lies ahead
As they prepare to face the Tsitsipas brothers, Jacq and Guinard remain focused on their game. The Tsitsipas brothers, known for their powerful shots and tactical prowess, will undoubtedly be a tough challenge. However, if the French pair continues to play with the same passion and precision, they stand a good chance of advancing further in the tournament.
Roland-Garros misses opportunity to highlight women’s tennis with Swiatek-Osaka match
This article delves into the inspiring journey of French tennis duo Grégoire Jacq and Manuel Guinard at Roland-Garros. From their unexpected entry into the tournament to their thrilling victories in the first two rounds, Jacq and Guinard have captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. As they prepare to face the Tsitsipas brothers, their story continues to be one of hope, determination, and the magic of sport.