French Open LIVE: Huge star withdraws as Raducanu gets honest about U-turn | Tennis | Sport

It’s day one of the French Open, and the second Grand Slam tournament of the season is officially underway. There’s British interest on Sunday, as Emma Raducanu continues her return to competition with a familiar face by her side in Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to her historic 2021 US Open triumph.

Raducanu faced criticism when she axed Richardson just a couple of weeks after that unprecedented run. But they officially reunited earlier this week in Strasbourg, and the British No. 1 has now revealed that she was the one who reached out to the British coach, hoping to work together again.

The world No. 37 faces Solana Sierra in her opening match, third on Court 13. And Francesca Jones is making her French Open main draw debut today, taking on Beatriz Haddad Maia, second on Court 14.

Novak Djokovic headlines the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier as he faces French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who has a huge serve thanks to his 6ft 7inch frame. But another Frenchman, Arthur Fils, has been forced to withdraw from the tournament in a huge blow to organisers.

The French No. 1 has been in great form on the clay this year, winning the Barcelona Open, and is seen as one of the young stars who can threaten the Jannik Sinner–Carlos Alcaraz dominance. He announced his withdrawal in a sudden press conference on Saturday, admitting he didn’t want to take any risks after he pulled out of the French Open before his third-round match last year.

Follow along below with Express Sport’s LIVE updates from the French Open…