Following the disappointment of South Africa’s No.1 tennis player Kevin Anderson being knocked out of the French Open on Tuesday, the country had more luck in the men’s doubles at Roland Garros.
Despite serving up 30 aces in the clash, Anderson lost 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 to South Korean Kwon Soon-woo in the first round of the clay-court Grand Slam.
South Africa’s best doubles player Raven Klaasen and his partner Japan’s Ben McLachlan then turned on the style to take out homeboys Lucas Pouille and Mathias Bourgue in straight sets 6-3,6-2.
Klaasen and McLachlan will now battle Australia duo Max Purcell and Luke Saville in the second round today.
Also in second-round action today is Klaasen’s fellow Capetonian Lloyd Harris, who not only past the first round of singles action, but doubles as well.
Teaming up with Israeli Jonathan Erlich, the pair made klein skooltjies of Argentina duo Federico Coria and Diego Schwartzman, beating them 6-1, 6-2 in the first round yesterday.
Harris will be back on court in singles action today, facing American Cameron Norrie in the second round.