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Champion Myskina makes unwanted history
Anastasia Myskina became the first French Open champion to lose in the opening round as she was beaten 6-4 4-6 6-0 by doughty Maria Lorenzo.
The first Russian woman to win a grand slam crown, Anastasia Myskina on Monday became the first French Open champion to lose in the opening round as she was beaten 6-4 4-6 6-0 by doughty Spaniard Maria Sanchez Lorenzo.
Where 12 months ago the elfin Myskina had triumphed in glorious Parisian sunshine, her brief defence fell to pieces on centre court as storm clouds gathered overhead.
Drained by concerns over her mother's health, the Russian's heart simply was not in it and despite mustering a modicum of resistance in the second set she handed her 109th-ranked opponent the match with her 69th unforced error.
Since the tournament opened up to international competitors in 1925, only twice had competing champions failed to reach the second round. But neither Hungary's Jozsef Asboth in 1948 nor Spain's Manuel Santana in 1965 were beaten — both handed their opponents walkovers.
"Tough times," Myskina said, tears glistening in her eyes. "It doesn't seem to take much to beat me these days, huh?
"I just have no confidence. I hit the ball and it just goes off the court... I have no explanation, really... no."
Focus had not been a problem, though, she added. "I clearly understood I was losing the match," the 23-year-old smiled sadly.
