The 2026 edition of Roland Garros began with a statement from veteran Romanian player Sorana Cîrstea, who secured a comfortable victory on opening day. Facing a young French opponent, Cîrstea navigated early nerves to claim a straight-sets win, setting a positive tone for what could be her final French Open campaign.

Overcoming Early Pressure

Cîrstea’s opponent was 17-year-old Ksenia Efremova, a rising talent who received a wildcard into the main draw of the Parisian Grand Slam. Efremova, ranked 625th in the world, started with intensity, breaking serve early to take a 3-1 lead in the opening set. The young Frenchwoman held firm in a tense deuce-heavy game at 40-40 to establish her advantage.

However, the experience gap became evident as the match progressed. Cîrstea adjusted her tactics, becoming more aggressive on return and finding her rhythm. She broke back consecutively, turning the momentum entirely in her favor. From that point, the Romanian star controlled the pace, dictating play with precision and power.

A Nine-Game Winning Streak

The turning point marked the beginning of a dominant run. Cîrstea won nine consecutive games across both sets, a display of consistency that highlighted her veteran status. After leveling the first set to win 6-3, she started the second set with a 4-0 lead, leaving Efremova struggling to find an answer.

The match lasted just over an hour, ending 6-3, 6-1. This efficient victory ensures Cîrstea has ample rest before the second round. While Efremova gained valuable experience against a former top-10 player, Cîrstea’s performance demonstrated that she remains a formidable force on clay. Fans will be eager to see if this strong start signals a deep run in Paris.