FRENCH OPEN

Top-Ranked Azarenka Falls at French Open

Novak Djokovic rallies from two sets down.

Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka went down swinging to her opponent at Roland Garros on Sunday. After a dominating a speedy first game, Azarenka couldn’t gain any momentum. “Today I couldn’t do it,” Azarenka said of her performance. “All I could hope for is for her mistake. I couldn’t make anything myself today.” Dominika Cibulková, seeded 14 slots below Azarenka, walked off the clay with the victory, winning 6–2, 7–6 (4). Azarenka showed her frustration throughout the difficult match, slamming her racket down at one point, which resulted in a warning for racket abuse. “This tournament is over for me,” she said afterward. “It’s [time] to really look forward and improve.” The men’s draw had some Sunday drama too, as Novak Djokovic climbed out of a two-set hole to advance, while Roger Federer lost the opening set before winning his match.