Sinner, Sabalenka Cruise in French Open 1st Round

Top seed Jannik Sinner launched his French Open campaign with a commanding victory, defeating French wildcard Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. The Italian extended his remarkable winning streak to 30 matches, solidifying his status as the favorite for the men's singles title at Roland Garros.

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Pressure is always going to be there. It's normal. So I try to take it in a very natural way. I know what kind of player I am. Then, you know, if you don't feel the pressure, it means you don't care. I do care a lot about what I'm trying to achieve on a tennis court.

Having already swept the three clay-court Masters 1000 events leading up to the tournament, Sinner appears poised to conquer the red dirt. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent, Sinner is widely expected to capture his first French Open title and complete a career Grand Slam. "Pressure is always going to be there," Sinner told reporters. "I know what kind of player I am. Then, you know, if you don't feel the pressure, it means you don't care. I do care a lot about what I'm trying to achieve on a tennis court."

Sinner showcased his prowess against the world number 171, hitting 40 winners against just 21 unforced errors. He will face Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the next round. Meanwhile, world number one Aryna Sabalenka also made a strong start, defeating Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

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I'd say that for me always not easy, the first rounds. And then, as I get further in the tournament, as I get more comfortable, my level becomes better.

Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge of early rounds but expressed confidence as the tournament progresses. The scorching Parisian heat, a stark contrast to the cooler conditions earlier in May, seemed to suit the Belarusian. "I'd say that it was a bit warm," she joked. "Physically I feel strong, so I feel like it can benefit me."

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I'd say that it was a bit warm. Especially compared to the first days when I first got here, it was like 14C, like, freezing. Now it's boiling hot and balls are flying, everything is much faster. But physically I feel strong, so I feel like it can benefit me.

Defending champion Coco Gauff also began her title defense with a swift 6-4, 6-0 victory over fellow American Taylor Townsend. Gauff, who grew up in Florida, downplayed the heat's impact, expressing more concern for the spectators enduring the high temperatures.

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Honestly I felt more bad for the fans. Dang you're watching in the heat and I hoped no o