Kerber confidence grows with third-round place

Angelique Kerber continued her Renaissance on clay as the three-time Grand Slam champion reached the third round at Roland Garros for the first time in four years.

The 34-year-old German whose trophies at the majors have come on New York and Melbourne hard courts, and the grass of Wimbledon, carried the confidence from her first clay title last weekend in Strasbourg into the Paris third round.

Kerber defeated 215th-ranked Elsa Jacquemot of France 6-1, 7-6(2), with the second set taking nearly three times as long as the 36-minute opener.

The 19-year-old Jacquemot won the junior title here in 2020.

Kerber said her unexpected trophy in Strasbourg gave her a huge confidence boost on clay.

“It was a battle today,” Kerber said. “I’m happy to be through. But well done to her, she played well.

“I think last week was very important for me here. I have a lot of confidence, it’s special to be in the third round.

“I hope I can play a few more matches.”

Kerber saved 10 of the 11 break points she faced against an inspired opponent.

The German ran away with the opening set, breaking three times, but was tested in the second, which featured a first game lasting for 17 points.

Kerber finally prevailed in the tiebreaker, advancing on her first match point.