Yonex French Open – Day 2 Review

21st October 2026 by Robert McLean

It was a disappointing end to the Yonex French Open for Scotland’s final remaining pair, as Alex Dunn and Julie MacPherson were defeated by Chinese sixth seeds Guo and Chen in their latest mixed doubles encounter.

Facing a formidable challenge against one of the tournament’s seeded pairs, Dunn and MacPherson found themselves under pressure from the outset. The Chinese duo made an aggressive start to the opening game, taking control of the rallies and establishing an early lead. Their attacking intent and ability to maintain the pressure left the Scottish pair with work to do, and despite their efforts to find a way back into the contest, Guo and Chen remained firmly in control to close out the first game 21-13.

However, the second game proved to be a much closer and more compelling encounter. Dunn and MacPherson raised their level considerably, matching their opponents in what developed into a high-quality battle, with both pairs demonstrating the skill, composure and determination required at the highest level of international badminton.

The intensity and drama of the game brought back memories of Kirsty Gilmour’s epic tussle with Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt on Day 1, as the contest became a test of nerve as much as ability. With the score finely balanced throughout, neither pair was willing to give an inch, and the outcome remained uncertain deep into the closing stages. Dunn and MacPherson continued to fight for every point, pushing the Chinese sixth seeds to their limits and creating a finish that could genuinely have gone either way.

Ultimately, it was Guo and Chen who managed to find the decisive points when it mattered most, edging a thrilling second game 26-24 to bring the match to a close in straight games. While the result will undoubtedly be a disappointment for the Scottish pair, their performance in the second game demonstrated their ability to compete with high-level opposition and highlighted just how fine the margins can be at the top of the sport.

With the French Open now behind them, attention quickly turns to the next challenge on an exhausting European swing of the tour. The team will travel to Saarbrücken, Germany, for next week’s HYLO Open, where they will look to recover, regroup and carry the positives from their performances in Paris into another week of competition.

A special thank you goes to coach Marcus Ellis for his invaluable support throughout the week, both on and off the court. His presence and guidance have been an important part of the team’s campaign as they continue to navigate the demands of the European circuit.

Although the French Open ends in disappointment for Scotland’s final representatives, the team will now look ahead to Saarbrücken with the opportunity to reset and prepare for the next test on the international stage.