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Matilde Jorge made a dream Grand Slam debut, securing a victory this Monday at Roland Garros. The Portuguese number two, ranked 251st in the WTA, capitalized on a qualifying draw vacancy after several withdrawals, seizing the opportunity to triumph on the iconic Parisian clay.
The 22-year-old from Guimarães overcame American Elvina Kalieva, ranked 140th globally, with a 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 scoreline. The winning point came from an opponent's double fault, sealing the match after 2 hours and 12 minutes and bringing a wide smile to the younger of the Jorge sisters. Francisca Jorge is still awaiting her debut, scheduled for Tuesday.
Despite showing some nerves in the second set, where she led 5-0 and held three match points, Matilde Jorge saw Kalieva stage a comeback to level the score. However, the Portuguese player maintained her focus, secured a crucial break of serve, and advanced to the next round.
This victory marks a significant moment for Portuguese tennis, being the first win by a Portuguese woman in a Grand Slam since Michelle Larcher de Brito in the Wimbledon qualifying rounds in 2017.
In the second round, Matilde Jorge will face another American player, Mary Stoiana, currently ranked 149th in the world.
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