A cough-and-splutter virus is weaving through Roland Garros – from the media desk to the locker room – and it looked to grab at Alize Cornet’s energy several times before she was extracted from her home tournament on day six after saving five match points against Elina Svitolina.
In glorious sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier on Friday, the French favourite saw off one of the oldest players in the draw, Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. On the same court under heavy skies on Sunday, she found the youngest remaining aspirant, the 20-year-old Svitolina, too strong and crafty in difficult conditions and while struggling throughout with her breathing.