Pegula Secures French Open Third Round Spot Following Giorgi's Retirement

A walkover on Wednesday guaranteed a spot for Jessica Pegula in the third round of Roland Garros.

Pegula was leading 6-2 when Camila Giorgi retired from their match on Court Philippe-Chatrier after just 37 minutes.

This makes it the ninth time that the American is through to the third round at a Grand Slam in the past 10 major tournaments. 

"It's always good to get two wins," Pegula said. 

"I thought today was going to be a very long day but actually ended up being a quicker day than I was expecting, which is always good, especially if you're winning."

Pegula will next face No.28 seed Elise Mertens who won 6-3 7-6(3) against Camila Osorio. 

On head-to-head, Mertens leads Pegula 2-0, with the last win recorded in the quarterfinals of Dubai two years ago.

"We haven't played in a little while," Pegula said. 

"We played doubles quite a few times but not singles. She's really tricky I think. 

"A really smart player. Kind of a counterpuncher, but is very strategic as well.

"So, I think it will be difficult. I don't know if we've ever played on clay before but it will definitely be a match where, you know, I'm not going to be able to make a lot of errors, I'm not going to be able to -- can't really go for too much. 

"I'm going to have to play smart, serve smart. She also competes very well.

"I know that, going in, it's going to be a tough match and a tricky matchup for me."