The “After Ash” era began at this French Open and the first grand slam since the former No 1’s retirement has proven a sobering affair for Australia’s hopefuls
As Daria Saville was posting her first win at major level in more than a year on Monday, a star who once carried Australian tennis could be spotted among the crowd at Roland Garros.
US Open winner Sam Stosur was the first of the two big retirements in Australian tennis this year that have left the cupboard looking distinctly bare when it comes to major contenders.