AROUND THE TOUR

After an eventful week one, Roland Garros has reached the business end

By Stephen Higgins | 7 June 2021

Roland Garros signs

Unusually for Roland Garros, there’s been a sombre mood surrounding the event this year.

After opening with Naomi Osaka’s unfortunate withdrawal, we’ve seen injuries for Ash Barty, Petra Kvitova and Jennifer Brady; a player arrest; crisis of confidence in French tennis and those ill considered night matches.

On the latter, it’s astonishing to me that Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic were all scheduled to play in evening slots after the Parisian curfew mandated no spectators. Three legends of the game - who it is a privilege to see in the flesh - played for no one.

It was all the sadder in Federer’s case as he played what may be the last match of his career on Court Philippe Chatrier. As you may have heard, the 39-year-old withdrew from the event yesterday in order to preserve his body for the grass season.

Another legend with turf on her mind is Serena Williams, who was dispatched in style by Elena Rybakina on Sunday. Both Roger and Serena are on a clock and probably see SW19 as their best bet for one more major run, if not trophy.

That said, let’s take a look at the players still in contention in Paris.

Bar a few surprises, the men’s section has gone as expected.

In the top half, it’s likely that we are heading for a 58th encounter between Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, this time in the Roland Garros semi-final.

The defending champion has been fairly comfortable so far, moving through all of his matches in straight sets. It’s a similar story for the world no.1, though his path has been even smoother.

Coincidentally, both legends will next have to overcome talented Italian teens.

Nadal will face the superb Jannik Sinner while Djokovic gets the flamboyant Lorenzo Musetti. Expect some spicy points and predictable victors.

In the bottom half, after the loss of Dominic Thiem early on, the contest to progress is really between three men: Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev.

Zverev looked excellent on Sunday as he demolished Kei Nishikori in straight sets. The German will not be perturbed by the challenge of world no.46 Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina in the last eight.

Meanwhile, Tsitsipas and Medvedev meet in the other quarter-final.This could well be a pivot point in the careers of both men.

Tsitsipas has been the best player on clay this season and if he beats Medvedev, could gain the confidence to surge to a first major final.

On the other hand, the Russian has finally found a recipe for success on the dirt after plenty of scepticism. If he can overcome someone like the Greek, why can’t he make the final too?

Heading into the event, there were two clear favourites on the women’s side: Ash Barty and Iga Swiatek.

After a hip injury derailed the world no.1, the Pole is rightfully favoured to retain the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.

When you include doubles, Swiatek has actually won six matches at Roland Garros already and should have too much for Marta Kostyuk in her next match.

That said, the top half is not a fait accompli for the 20-year-old as there are some dangerous opponents left in the mix. Of particular concern will be former French Open finalists Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin, and the very in-form Coco Gauff.

With the defeat of Serena Williams on Sunday, there is no clear front runner in the bottom half.

In an amazing turn of events, either Elena Rybakina (world no.22), Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (33), Paula Badosa (35) or Tamara Zidansek (85) will be a major finalist by the end of the week. Extraordinary!