She preferred to laugh about it, it seemed so unreal. While she expected a simple appetizer, Caroline Garcia was badly manhandled by Malene Helgo (544th in the WTA), at the opening of the quarter-final of the United Cup between France and Norway, Thursday. Absent from the circuit since July and a 1-6, 1-6 defeat against the Tricolore Loïs Boisson at the Swiss tournament in Collonge-Bellerive, Helgo (24 years old, no career victory on the main circuit), on a cloud, almost achieve the feat of his life.
“She only makes winners every time I put the ball in the field, I don’t know what I should do! »lamented the world number 20 in the middle of the match, at the start of the last round. “Stay focused on what you do well. If necessary, you will win it 7-6 in the third, this match! », Édouard Roger-Vasselin then replied. The captain of the Blues was right, since despite only 34% of points won in the return, Garcia, helped by an efficient service (15 aces; only one break given in the match, at 4-2 in his favor in the third set) , ended up having his rank respected (6-2, 6-7 [6]7-6 [5] in 2h33′).
Make way for Poland by Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz
It was good for him since in the process, Adrian Mannarino came across a very strong Casper Ruud (11th in the ATP) (1-6, 4-6 in 1h16′). The 22nd player in the world (who will enter the top 20 for the first time in his career next Monday) has never been able to compete with the double finalist at Roland-Garros, impeccable since the start of the week (no set lost in three singles). As against Germany three days previously, the Garcia – Roger-Vasselin pair therefore had to play a decisive mixed doubles, against the Norwegian duo Eikeri-Ruud. Forced to save three balls in the first set at 4-5 against them, the Blues immediately broke the Scandinavian’s serve. The hardest part was done (7-5, 6-4).
“I’m really happy to be in the semi-finals, and more generally to be on the bench with Caroline and Adrian, and to share this experience. I try to encourage them and be there for themconfided Roger-Vasselin. Facing Poland (during the night from Friday to Saturday, at 12:30 a.m. French time), we will have nothing to lose. They’re probably the strongest team in the competition, but we’ll be ready. »