French Open Day 2: Struff Stuns Bublik in Heat Battle, Siegemund Falls to Osaka Amid Fashion Row

The second day of the French Open at Roland Garros brought a major surprise in the men's draw and a heated exchange over fashion in the women's. German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff overcame scorching temperatures and a top-ten opponent, while compatriot Laura Siegemund saw her tournament end in a tight defeat, sparking a debate about double standards for star players.

Struff's Heat Battle Upset

Jan-Lennard Struff celebrated a hard-fought victory over world number ten Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan. The 36-year-old from Warstein won a grueling 3-hour, 10-minute match 7:5, 6:7 (6:8), 6:4, 7:5 on Court 14. Playing in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in the shade, Struff chased down every ball and kept his composure despite setbacks. He will face Portugal's Jaime Faria in the second round.

I'm happy. It was a tough match with difficult conditions, it was very warm. The support on the court was outstanding, there were many German fans there.

Eurosport expert Boris Becker praised the Davis Cup player's performance. Struff, who reached the round of 16 in Paris in 2019 and 2021, had recently suffered a first-round exit in Hamburg and arrived without great confidence. He had previously beaten Bublik clearly in the second round in Paris in 2024. After Alexander Zverev, Struff is the second German to clear his opening hurdle in the men's field.

It was about time he beat a player like that. He stayed really cool on match point.

Siegemund's Defeat and Osaka's Fashion Show

Laura Siegemund's hopes for an upset against Naomi Osaka were dashed. The 38-year-old from Metzingen lost to the former world number one 3:6, 6:7 (3:7) after a tough fight. This marks the third consecutive time Siegemund has failed at the first hurdle at Roland Garros. The world number 47 will still compete in the women's doubles and mixed doubles.

I definitely annoyed her, I did what I do well. Did I play my best tennis today? No.

Siegemund played well, especially in the second set where she disrupted Osaka's rhythm with successful drop shots. Former national coach Barbara Rittner noted on Eurosport that Siegemund "played superbly, really getting on Osaka's nerves." However, Siegemund missed a set point and lost her service game. In the tiebreak, Osaka's superior quality, particularly on serve, proved decisive.

The Fashion Controversy

After the match, Siegemund expressed clear frustration with Osaka's elaborate entrance outfit. Osaka, known for her extravagant outfits, appeared on Court Suzanne-Lenglen in a glittering black robe, which she removed to reveal a gold-glittering match dress. Siegemund took issue with the time Osaka took to change, noting that Grand Slam tournaments now monitor every second.

She can still take a minute and a half to change, and I have a problem with that. This is an example where bigger names are once again treated differently.

Siegemund stated she was indifferent to the fashion itself, saying she came to play tennis, not a fashion show. Osaka, 28, had said before the tournament that she lets her clothing speak for her, adding that she enjoyed watching the Williams sisters' outfits as a child.

You know when the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night? I kind of think I look like that.

Other German Hopes

Daniel Altmaier, the third German in action on Tuesday, was set to challenge world number five Félix Auger-Aliassime later in the day. The Kempener recently reached the quarterfinals in Hamburg.