Muguruza survives three-set scare in first round of Roland Garros

World №19 Garbine Muguruza and world No. 98 Taylor Townsend made history today playing the first official match ever on Roland Garros’ brand new Simonne-Matthieu Stadium Court. They definitely broke it in nicely with a 1 hour 59 minute match that went the distance. The 23 year-old American fought hard but in the end, it was the power and experience of the two-time grand slam champion that proved to be the difference in the match.

Both players got off to a strong start, remaining on serve for the first five games of the match. It was clear from the start that this match would be a test for Muguruza.

The first hiccup of the match came at Muguruza serving 2–3 down in the first set. The former world No. 1 threw in a double fault and butchered an easy backhand on top of the net, handing Townsend the first break of the match.

Unfortunately for Townsend, she wasn’t able to take advantage, as Muguruza was able to clean up the errors and produce a couple of winners to immediately break back for 3–4.

Both players were able to defend their serves until we arrived at 5–6, with Muguruza serving to stay in the set. Townsend played a phenomenal return game, constructing points beautifully and blitzing a forehand up the line to break at love and take the first set 7–5.

Townsend did a great job of mixing up her serve in the first set, and playing within herself. Sh played consistent from the baseline and let Muguruza rack up the errors. In the second set, however, the 2016 French Open champion found her rhythm, and it was tough sailing from there for the young American.

Muguruza broke Townsend twice in the second, and started coming up with some big first serves making it difficult for Townsend to make a dent in any of Muguruza’s service games. Muguruza wound take the second set 6–2.

Townsend continued to fight and had an opportunity to break at 1–0 in the third set. Up 15–30, Townsend missed a routine passing shot that would’ve given her two break points. Instead, Muguruza was able to squeeze out the hold thanks to two big serves, and the set pretty much went her way from there.

At one point the two-time grand slam champion couldn’t miss, running off with 10 straight points and a 5–1 lead. Townsend unfortunately wasn’t able to generate any power off her returns, and Muguruza took full advantage of her short replies. Muguruza would go on to close out the final set 6–2.

There were many question marks surrounding Muguruza’s health as she entered this year’s French Open, having pulled out of the Italian Open last week. However, she appears to be healthy, and while she’s in a tricky section of the draw with Elina Svitolina and Sloane Stephens looming, the former champion knows how to win here, and if she can cut down on the errors moving forward, she stands a good chance at the title.

As for Townsend, despite this not being the result she wanted, she has had a strong clay court season on the ITF circuit and can hopefully build on the stellar first set she played here, and get some big wins this year.