The second Grand Slam tournament of the season is imminent. In Paris from Sunday it will be about the crown on sand. Zverev wants to have a say, Nadal remains the favorite. With the ladies everything seems open.
The French Open will start on Sunday one week late.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers had postponed the second Grand Slam tournament of the year by seven days, but only a few spectators will be admitted to the facility at the Stade Roland Garros on the new date. There is not much that is new in the favorites for the classic clay court in Paris, which, however, has something new to offer. The German Press Agency answers the most important questions before the start of the French Open.
Will Rafael Nadal win his 14th Paris title?
It’s like every year, the path to the title on the red ashes of Paris only leads through Rafael Nadal. The Mallorcan has already triumphed 13 times at his favorite tournament. In 2020 he outclassed Novak Djokovic in three sets in the final. But in the run-up to the French Open, Nadal also showed some weaknesses this time, in Madrid, for example, he lost in the quarter-finals to Alexander Zverev. Most recently, however, he triumphed again very big in Rome.
Who could endanger Nadal?
The race seems to be a little more open this year. Djokovic has not won a tournament since his title at the Australian Open. Although the Russian Daniil Medvedev is number two in the world, he “hates” tennis on clay, according to his own words. The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, who won the clay court tournaments in Monte Carlo and Geneva, is in really good shape. “You can count on him,” said tennis legend Boris Becker. The Austrian Dominic Thiem, on the other hand, is weakening, Roger Federer is back in Paris, but sees the tournament only as preparation for Wimbledon.
And Alexander Zverev?
Dreams more than ever of his first Grand Slam title. He was a more complete player, said the German number one last. Becker, too, has great confidence in him in Paris. “The stage is set, now it is up to him to simply take the next step,” said Becker of Zverev, who has so far not made it past the quarter-finals at the Stade Roland Garros. With the triumph at the tournament in Madrid after victories against Nadal, Thiem and Matteo Berrettini, Zverev has recently fueled a lot of self-confidence.
Who are the favorites among the women?
As is so often the case, the women’s race is open. There is no top favorite. The Australian Ashleigh Barty has recently shown herself in good form, defending champion Iga Swiatek from Poland impressed with winning the title in Rome. Naomi Osaka doesn’t quite like the game on clay, but the Japanese is always a contender for the title. The same applies to long-time world number one Serena Williams, who had a hard time in the weeks leading up to Paris.
And what about Angelique Kerber?
The German number one has already won all Grand Slam tournaments with the exception of the French Open – and it will probably stay that way. Kerber and sand – they don’t really go together. Last year it was over for her in round one. Every win would be a success for the 33-year-old.
What’s new in Paris
The organizers have further modernized the facility in recent years. Because of Corona, only a few viewers get to see it. In the first few days of this year only a little more than 5000 fans will be able to watch. In the second week, the organizers are hoping for more visitors if the French government’s corona easing allows it. Games in the night session are new this year for the first time. For the first ten days, a match on Center Court will always start at 9 p.m.
Where can I see the French Open on TV?
Eurosport is again providing all-round coverage. There is plenty of tennis on Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2 and in Eurosport Player. Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner are once again acting as experts. Because of Corona, Eurosport is sending again from Munich.
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