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Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Second Service, Tennis News, Wimbledon

Second Service: Hope for fans ahead of Wimbledon; Roger Federer French Open admission


In Second Service today, we take a look at the latest news ahead of Wimbledon 2021, Roger Federer dismisses his French Open chances, and we cast our eyes over results in Lyon.

The main news on Wednesday was an announcement by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) regarding fans at the upcoming Wimbledon.

The AELTC suggested they are hopeful of welcoming fans this year at more than the current 25% capacity restriction.

“While the health and safety of our guests remains our highest priority, we are confident we will be able to increase our ticketing capacities for the Championships this year beyond the minimum 25 per cent position we set out last month,” the AELTC announced according to the Evening Standard.

You can read the full quotes from the AELTC here

Wimbledon Centre Court

In other news, Next Gen stars Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti both came through tough three-set encounters in Lyon as they prepare for Roland Garros.

Jannik Sinner, who conceded a set to love against Aslan Karatsev, battled back to take the next two sets 6-3 6-4 in a match heavily interrupted by rainstorms in the East of France.

“I tried to dig in deep today and in the end I’m very happy that I finished [off] the match today,” said the Italian.

You can read Sinner’s full thoughts here

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti also continued a promising week in Lyon, recording back-to-back wins for the first time since the 8th April.

The Italian outfought Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opener on Tuesday before a second three-set encounter against another higher ranked opponent in Sebastian Korda.

Musetti came through impressively in the end 6-3 1-6 6-4 to book a last 16 match with Aljaz Bedene.

“I didn’t play that well but I played with my heart and with my body,” said the promising teenager. 

MUSETTI Monte Carlo

Following his defeat to Spaniard Pablo Andujar on his return to action on Tuesday, Roger Federer has played down any chance of him winning the French Open.

The Swiss star openly admitted he was disappointed with himself with the defeat, which left him short of match practice ahead of Roland Garros.

“I think when you played so little and you know where your level is at, and I think you saw that today, how can I think of winning the French Open?” Roger Federer said.

You can read the full quotes from Roger Federer here 

Roger Federer Doha 2021

Another former World No 1 with his eyes firmly set on Wimbledon is Andy Murray.

The British star, who opted against playing in Roland Garros to focus on the grass season, has confirmed he will play in Nottingham prior to Queen’s and Wimbledon.

The Brit also plans to play Queen’s, where he is a five-time champion, immediately after from 14-20 June, before Wimbledon gets underway on 28th June.

You can read more about Murray’s plans here

Andy Murray Wimbledon 2019

Lastly, Borna Coric has undergone right shoulder surgery in New York as he bids to make a full recovery and a long-awaited return to the circuit.

Coric has not played since exiting in the Rotterdam semi-finals at the start of March having played just nine matches in 2021.

“I have been dealing with shoulder pain for some time now and it was clear a more permanent solution was needed,” said the Croatian. 

You can check out all these stories and many more in full on our tennis news page, where you can find all the breaking stories from around the ATP and WTA Tours as they happen.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.