Advertisement

French Open: Roland Garros wrapped in tight security as Grand Slam gets underway

Fans will have to undergo multiple security checks since the country has been hit by Islamic State.

Latest News
French Open: Roland Garros wrapped in tight security as Grand Slam gets underway
Defending champions Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Spain's Garbine Muguruza pose in front of the cups during the draw of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Friday, May 26, 2017 in Paris.
Add DNA as a Preferred Source

Roland Garros opened its gates for the main tournament of the French Open amid tight security on a searing hot Sunday with Petra Kvitova set to make her much-awaited return to competition five months after being stabbed during a burglary.

The Czech two-time Wimbledon champion will hit the first balls of the claycourt grand slam's 116th edition when she takes on American Julia Boserup.

World number one Angelique Kerber was practising on a sunkissed Court Philippe Chatrier, which seemed to have been washed out by the early showers, before the start of play at 0900 GMT.

Spectators had to go through security checks before entering the stadium in western Paris as France has been in a state of emergency since the country was hit by Islamic State claimed attacks in Nov. 2015.

Temperatures are set to reach 33 degrees Celsius in Paris on Sunday and no rain is forecast on day one of a tournament disrupted by poor weather in recent years.

None of the top five seeds from the men's draw will compete on the opening day but nine-time champion Rafa Nadal will be training in the stadium in the morning.

Find your daily dose of All Latest News including Sports NewsEntertainment NewsLifestyle News, explainers & more. Stay updated, Stay informed- Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Read More
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement