Run came to Tokyo with good memories. he reached the semifinals there in 2024 and has a 5-2 record at the event.
But in the first meeting between the two players, Jaques was in control from start to finish. The 25-year-old hit just 43 percent of his first serves, but he won all 19 points that followed one. Rooney did not earn a point on her opponent’s first serve, and she never earned a break point throughout the match.
Jacque played in all eight of his games and made four saves out of six attempts. He took the opening set 6-3 before running away with the second, dropping just one game. Rooney saved a point before the Frenchman closed it out. In total, Jacques scored 52 out of 84 points.
Jacque, currently ranked No. 86 in the top 100, was making his debut in Tokyo and entered the main draw with a special exception. The win continues a strong run for the Frenchman, who will next face 19th-ranked Italian Luciano Darderi in the second round.
For Rune, the result is less important than the return itself. After almost a year away, his return to the top begins.