Halep, Pliskova Continue Seeded French Open Exit; Swiatek Keeps Streaking

More top seeds were eliminated on Thursday at the French Open. Former No. 1 Karolina Pliskova and Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins both lost.

Pliskova, who hasn’t been to week two in Paris in five years, was dropped by French wildcard Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-2.

The 26-year-old Jeanjean is ranked No. 227, and she becomes the third lowest ranked player to beat a Top 10 this year.

“I’m very surprised,” said Jeanjean who played college tennis in the U.S. at Lynn and Arkansas. “The Top 50 player I played during the first round, I won. I didn’t know I would win. I was surprised. It seems that my level of play disturbs them. I thought that I would not win, but it’s not the case. I’m very surprised, but I’m also very happy, because it means that maybe I have the level to be there on the tour.

“This match was full of emotions through and through. I managed to unroll my tactics to make her move back and forth, to put spin on my ball. I didn’t know it would happen this way, once again. It’s incredible thinking that I actually won in two sets against a Top 10 player, a previous No.1 worldwide. It’s incredible.”

Collins was the second Top 10 seed to fall as she lost to countrywoman Shelby Rogers 6-4, 6-3.

Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa were also winners.

While not highly seeded, former champion Simona Halep was bounced by teen Zheng Qinwen 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. While in control of the match in the second, Halep suffered a panic attack which required medical treatment.

“I probably put pressure on myself too much, because I really wanted to do well,” said Halep ater. “I felt good. I practice. I work hard. But it just didn’t happen, and probably I got a little bit of panic during [the match] thinking, overthinking.

“It’s just a tennis match, so I have to see it a little bit more relaxed,” Halep said. “Probably put pressure on myself too much, because I really wanted to do well. I felt good. I practice. I work hard. But just didn’t happen, and probably I got a little bit of panic during that thinking, overthinking.”

“But I was leading, so there is no reason, in particular, why it happened. But it happened, so I have to accept it. It’s something normal that everybody has.”

As the top players exited, Iga Swiatek upped her win streak to 30 as she buried Alison Riske 6-0, 6-2. She’s now won 46 of her last 47 sets. Her favorite status continues to grow.

“I’m pretty happy I just played a solid match, and I was continuing what I have done other tournaments,” said Swiatek. “I’m pretty happy that I can still play here and play as any other tournament and have this kind of focus.”

Tomorrow, Coco Gauff meets the giant killer Kaia Kanepi. Amanda Anisimova collides with Karolina Muchova.

Former finalist Sloane Stephens and 2-time quarterfinalist Angelique Kerber are also on court.

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