PARIS, May 25, 2016

The top ranked players in the bottom half of the women’s draw advanced to the third round of the French Open on Wednesday. Agnieszka Radwanska dismissed Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-4 on court Suzanne Lenglen. The second seed from Poland saved five of the eight break points she faced, converting six of her own to secure victory in one hour and 33 minutes.

“I’m just very pleased that I could close that match in two sets, that’s for sure. I was home practicing and had a lot of fitness and tried to prepare as best I could. I think it’s working so far. I’m really feeling good on court mentally and physically, so hopefully I can continue that way and playing at same level,” Radwanska was happy with her performance.

“I feel fresh and rested. I think that’s why, I didn’t played that much as last year. I withdrew from a couple tournaments this year. That’s what you have to do sometimes in order to be fresh and healthy the whole year. Not only thinking about next week, but what’s going to happen in three months. We have four Grand Slams plus the Olympics this year, so to think about the schedule is a very important thing.” Radwanska will play Barbora Strycova next.

Garbine Muguruza

Fourth seed Garbine Muguruza rolls past French wild card Myrtille Georges 6-2, 6-0. The 22-year-old Spaniard is making her fourth appearance at Roland Garros and set the tone right from the beginning of the match. Muguruza hit 14 winners and didn’t lose her serve to finish the encounter in only 53 minutes.

“It was not an easy match, especially playing a French player at home. I did not know her at all, and throughout the match I had to really build my strategy to beat her. It wasn’t easy, and at the same time I think she was a little nervous. I guess I was nervous a little, too, but it helped me,” Muguruza told and enjoyed the atmoshphere on Philippe Chatrier.

“I have always enjoyed courts where there is a crowd, and especially when the crowd participates, supports the players. It feels like I’m myself part of it, and it makes me play at my very best.” 

Simona Halep

The tournament’s number six Simona Halep fought past Zarina Diyas 7-6, 6-2. The 24-year-old from Romania converted six of her 12 break point chances to reach the third round of the French Open for only the second time.

“I expected a tough match. I played two times against her and I know that the score was easier, but still I felt her very dangerous. She has a flat game and today she played really well. I stayed a little bit too far from the court but she’s served and returned well. My serve wasn’t very strong today and I struggled a lot with it. But in the end I found the rhythm. I found the way to play aggressive, to dominate the game, and I finished it in two sets,” Halep was satisfied.

The last time, the world number six made it into the third round, she eventually reached the final.

“I’m not thinking about finals. It’s very far. I’m thinking just for the third round. I had two good matches here already. I’m looking forward to play the third one,” she told, taking on Naomi Osaka next. “I expect a tough one. She’s a young player and she has nothing to lose. It’s going to be good match, and hopefully I will win it. I’m here to win.”