Caroline Garcia Falls Short at Olympics: French Star Out in First Round After Struggling Against Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian

2024-07-27 20:10:28

LFrench Caroline Garcia, 25th in the world, the highest ranked member of the French team, failed to get through the first round of the Olympic competition, beaten on Saturday in three sets by Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian (61st in the deep) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

The 30-year-old Lyonnaise has not managed to keep the bad karma that surrounds her at Roland-Garros at bay for several years: she has not gone beyond the second round of the Paris Grand Slam since 2021. And she was not the Olympic Games save effect.

Although she got into her game well when she won the first set 7-5, she gradually faded after that. When she was broken 3-2 against her in the 2nd set, the persecution began, suspicion seemed to gradually invade the French, one of her biggest flaws. A breach in which the Romanian fell, who then won the next two series despite the constant support of the French public in the stands.

“There are no words to describe what happened and the support there was (on the court),” explained the French, very moved after her victory, confirming that as much and she has done it with (a) level of play in recent months. .” “There are obviously bad choices, a bit of haste here and there at key moments where she was a bit more firm and balanced in her choices. It made the difference. It’s frustrating because it’s not the best I can do, but that’s life. », she further explained to the Team. ““If I start describing my inner struggle to you, I’ll still be there tomorrow. Yes, pfff…”

“I can’t even imagine what it will be like if French athletes perform well and go further in competitions. It will be completely unreal,” she said.

“It is truly a unique experience to experience the Olympics at home, especially in this stadium,” she admitted. “It really is something very special. I will always remember him.”

Caroline Garcia can try to make it to the Olympics in doubles alongside Diane Parry and in mixed doubles with Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

“That’s the magic of the Olympics (…), you have another chance,” she said.

Jaqueline Cristian will face either Japanese Naomi Osaka or German Angelina Kerber in the second round, two former world No.1 players who will face each other on Saturday evening.