Paris: Croatian veteran Mirjana Lucic-Baroni reached the French Open third round for the first time since 2001 on Wednesday when she defeated Romanian third seed Simona Halep 7-5, 6-1.
Lucic-Baroni, ranked at 70 in the world and who had also defeated 2014 Roland Garros runner-up Halep in the US Open last year, goes on to face France’s Alize Cornet.
Lucic-Baroni last reached the third round in Paris in 2001 as a 19-year-old qualifier, where she lost to Jennifer Capriati.
She made her debut back in 1999 but didn’t play the tournament between 2003 and 2010.
“It’s incredible. Simona is such a great champion and I respect her a lot,” said Lucic-Baroni who fired 29 winners to Halep’s five.
“I am so happy to be back on the big court. I knew that if I was going to win I would have to go for my shots — that’s my game anyway.
“I’m so proud of myself.”
On facing home hope Cornet in the next round, the Croatian added: “I just hope at least three French people cheer for me.”
Halep, who required treatment on her right hand towards the end of the first set, is the second top 10 casualty this week. Sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard was knocked out in the first round on Tuesday.
