Bianca Andreescu moved into the second round of French Open qualifying after defeating 17-year-old Daphnee Mpetshi-Perricard 6-3, 6-2, but the match's most memorable moment came after the final point. As Mpetshi-Perricard sat in her chair processing the loss with tears, the Canadian former US Open champion immediately shifted focus from her own victory to her opponent's distress.
How did Andreescu respond to her opponent's emotion?
Andreescu gestured toward Mpetshi-Perricard and encouraged the crowd to applaud the young French wildcard, then walked over to personally comfort her opponent. Mpetshi-Perricard's mother was visibly emotional in the stands as the teenager eventually stood and wiped away her tears. The moment drew warm appreciation from spectators and reflected the kind of quiet compassion that occasionally surfaces in professional tennis.
What was the match result?
Andreescu controlled play from the outset, breaking serve twice early to build a 4-0 lead in the opening set. Although she surrendered the next three games, she regained momentum and closed out the match decisively. Mpetshi-Perricard, ranked No. 811 and playing on a wildcard, had entered the tournament with added attention as the younger sister of ATP player Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard.
The Canadian's advance continues her participation in the year's second Grand Slam, where qualifying rounds often produce moments of high emotion for young players competing for their place in the main draw.
Sources
- EssentiallySports: Bianca Andreescu Wins Hearts After Consoling Teary 17-Year-Old Tennis Star Following French Open Victory. Published 2026-05-19.
Reported from public sources.