Defending Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen eliminated in first round at French Open

Defending Olympic singles champion Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the opening round of the French Open. The Chinese player, ranked 56th in the world, suffered an early exit at the year's second Grand Slam tournament.

Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic women's singles champion from China, has been eliminated in the first round of the French Open. The world number 56 fell at the first hurdle at Roland Garros, making for a disappointing start at the year's second Grand Slam.

The defeat is a significant setback for Zheng, who claimed gold at the Paris Olympics last year to become one of the sport's most celebrated players. Her early exit at the French Open highlights the tough competition in women's tennis, where any player can fall victim to an upset regardless of their pedigree.

The French Open, held annually at Roland Garros in Paris, is one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments. Zheng's first-round exit means she will have little time to reflect before the grass-court season begins.