Unseeded American Peyton Stearns causes upsets at French Open, leading unseeded players

Unseeded American Peyton Stearns made a stunning upset at the French Open on Thursday, defeating No. 10 seed Daria Kasatkina in a late-night match that captivated fans at Roland Garros. Despite the rain delays and unpredictable scheduling, Stearns remained unfazed and delivered a remarkable performance on the court.

The 22-year-old from Cincinnati, who previously won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas, showcased her talent with 17 forehand winners to secure a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Kasatkina. The match, which started after 9 p.m. and ended past 10:30 p.m., highlighted Stearns’ resilience and determination in adverse conditions.

Reflecting on the challenging circumstances, Stearns shared, “You just kind of don’t know what to expect. You have to accept that.” In contrast, Kasatkina struggled mentally with the long wait and the uncertainty of when the match would begin.

The day also saw several other seeded players, both men and women, exiting the tournament, adding to the drama and unpredictability of the French Open. Despite the upsets, top players like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the next round with impressive performances.

Stearns’ journey at the French Open has been a remarkable one, especially since she recently claimed her first career WTA title in Morocco. With her mother by her side, supporting and assisting her through the tournament, Stearns is determined to continue her winning streak and make a mark in the tennis world.

As the competition heats up at Roland Garros, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from the French Open.