Lu, Date-Krumm eliminated at French Open

PARIS: Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun lost a heartbreaking five-setter while Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm was routed by Italy's Francesca Schiavone on Tuesday at the French Open.

Jeremy Chardy of France, the world number 54, edged out the 59-ranked Lu 6-4, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 3-6, 11-9 over four hours in one of the most closely-fought contests so far at Roland Garros this year.

Date-Krumm, 41, was no match for the 31-year-old Schiavone, the 2010 champion who was beaten last year by Li Na of China, who had eased into the second round on Monday along with compatriot Zheng Jie.

Date-Krumm is the third oldest woman to play at Roland Garros in the Open era but remains in the top 100.

"I am still fit, so why not?" she told journalists when asked if she was planning to keep playing.

"I don't know how many years I (will) continue to play. Maybe last time here, maybe two more years, three more years. Nobody knows. I don't know also."

China's 30-ranked Peng Shuai, another women's singles contender, was due to face Austria's Tamira Paszek later Tuesday.

On the men's side, Japan's 68-ranked Tatsuma Ito was to face world number four Andy Murray. (AFP)