'Paris is a lucky city for me': Dotsenko in Roland Garros shock

When Ekaterina Dotsenko stepped out in the Roland Garros girls’ singles on Sunday, she could scarcely have confronted a more daunting scenario for her Grand Slam debut.

Drawing the No.1 seed Ksenia Efremova, a rival of considerable talent who won the Australian Open girls' singles title in January and also dominated her in Hong Kong last year, was tough.

Adding difficulty is the fact Efremova, who has won four professional titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour, had the support of a capacity crowd in a clash played on Court 6, an outside show court at the clay-court paradise.

But the 14-year-old from Moscow produced a superb match to oust the French favourite, who is considered one of the world’s brightest young talents, 6-3 6-3 in one hours and 10 minutes. 

Dotsenko played with considerable skill in the match, contrasting precise groundstrokes with subtle angles and touch against a rival she won just two games against last September.

“I was so excited to play with her because I played with her like six months ago and I lost, I don't remember, but I guess it was like 0-6, 2-6, and now I have won,” she said. 

“It's an amazing feeling. I tried to play my best, tried to play an aggressive game, and it worked. I'm so happy to win today.”

While it is a surprise in one regard, close observers of junior tennis have identified Dotsenko as a player to watch given the talent she has shown in prestigious events around the world.

France, in particular, has proven a nation where she has enjoyed good success already in a career that began when she started hitting tennis balls in Moscow at the age of four.

At the start of 2025 she clinched the famous Les Petits As tournament in Tabres for juniors aged between 12 and 14 and midway through last year she clinched the Open Stade Francais, a high-quality event, as well.

“I very much like France and I like Paris,” she said. 

“I think it's a lucky city for me, because I won a tournament here last July - the Open Stade Francais. I'm always very happy to come back here and I hope I will do great things here.”

Beaming after her win during an interview outside Court Suzanne-Lenglen at Roland Garros, Dotsenko was articulate explaining her interests away from tennis in near fluent English.

She started to learn the language in school at the age of seven but more recently has found travelling the world playing ITF junior events a great help as she has honed her expertise.

Dotsenko, who earned her spot in the main draw via qualifying, has played in tournaments from Egypt to Korea and all across Europe over the past 12 months building her experience.

Titles have come in a J60 in Bludenz, J100s in Cakovec and Aridea and also a J300 in New Delhi, along with runs to the final in several other ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments.

Aryna Sabalenka is an inspiration and there were elements in Dotsenko’s style, including her powerful ground strokes and good use of angles, that resemble the world No.1.

But she also likes the approach of younger stars Mirra Andreeva and Iva Jovic, who are closer to her age, along with Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov.

Dotsenko said one of her favourite memories was the chance to meet with Rublev and Khachanov when they were training in Moscow at her club four years ago.

Away from tennis, Dotsenko is a keen fan of ice skating but said she has to pick her times to pursue the hobby because it is “dangerous for me”. 

She also loves regular teenage activities including visits to the cinema when taking a break.

“Honestly, I also very much like sitting at home and watching some serials, and when I have some holidays, I really like to walk with my friends and just go to the cinema, some cafes, the shopping center. I relax this way,” she said.

While the No.1 seed Efremova was beaten, other seeded players had better luck on the opening day in the tournament that will run throughout this week at Roland Garros.

They included No. 5 seed Jana Kovackova from Czechia, No.7 seed Sol Ailin Larraya Guidi from Argentina, the No. 12 seed Alisa Oktiabreva and No. 14 seed Felitsata Dorofeeva-Rybas, who showed resilience to defeat Lani Chang 6-4 2-6 7-6 (10-3).

A full list of results from the 2026 Roland Garros Junior Championships is available here.