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Player of the Day: Carla Suarez Navarro

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Player of the Day: Carla Suarez Navarro

Despite losing to Sloane Stephens in three tough sets, the Spaniard's return to tennis was an inspirational one.

Published Jun 01, 2021

S. Stephens def. C. Suarez Navarro; Roland Garros 1R

WATCH: Sloane Stephens edges past Carla Suarez Navarro to move into Roland Garros' second round.

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Carla Suarez Navarro may have lost to Sloane Stephens on Tuesday, but simply playing (and playing very well) in her first match back after beating Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she is more than deserving of our Player of the Day nod. Suarez Navarro’s resiliency and fight is an inspiration to all.

Carla I’m so happy to have shared court with you and see you healthy with us in Paris!! You’re an inspiration and we’re all just so glad to have you back on tour again. Welcome home ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s3IxPNJ9rr
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) June 1, 2021

Suarez Navarro blew all expectations out of the water, and actually won more total points than Stephens, serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set. It was Suarez Navarro’s first match since February of 2020, and her lack of competitive match play unfortunately (and understandably) cost her during the key moments.

It would have been nice to see the Spaniard end her Roland Garros career with a win, but the result does not make her performance any less valiant.

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Incredible seeing @CarlaSuarezNava playing at Roland Garros. Warrior.
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) June 1, 2021