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Novak Djokovic French Open 2021
ATP Tennis Players, British Tennis Players, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Second Service, Tennis News, Tennis Players

French Open Second Service: Djokovic determined; Federer talks clay


In Second Service today, we look at Novak Djokovic’s ambitions for the French Open and Federer’s latest comments regarding the clay surface. 

World No 1 Novak Djokovic said he is ‘feeling great’ and ‘ready to go deep’ after playing two high quality opening matches.

The Serbian has already defeated Tennys Sandgren and Pablo Cuevas comfortably and believes he has the ability to go all the way.

“I’m playing well, feeling great. I’m ready to go deep in this tournament. Hopefully that’s going to be the case,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.

Novak Djokovic French Open 2021

Take a look at Djokovic’s quotes here

Another Grand Slam champion performing well at Roland Garros is Roger Federer.

The 39-year-old has already dispatched Denis Istomin and Marin Cilic, playing as if he’d never been away from the sport.

The Swiss star believes the clay courts are a lot faster than they were previously, which is far more suited to his game than the slower conditions.

“Sometimes people still think clay is slow. It’s not that slow – it’s actually mostly faster than hard courts nowadays,” said Federer.

Federer French Open 2021

Read more about what Federer had to say here

British star Cameron Norrie believes he has the game to upset Rafael Nadal in their third round clash on Saturday.

Norrie, who is the only British player remaining in both singles draws, has had an impressive clay-court season and could reach a career-high ranking after another third round appearance at a Slam.

“I feel great physically, which is a bonus for me. I’ll back my legs against anyone, even against Rafa. But I’m going to have to execute, and it’s not going to be easy”, said the 25-year-old.

Rafael Nadal French Open 2021

Take a look at Norrie’s full quotes here

Daniil Medvedev has finally been able to unpack his bags at the French Open after a series of fantastic results.

The Russian has felt more and more comfortable on the red dirt in Paris, stating previously that it feels more like a hard court than clay.

The World No 2, who has cut a frustrated figure for the vast majority of the clay swing, was cheerful enough to joke with Fabrice Sontoro.

“My style of play is a bit different from yours I think!” Medvedev said during his on-court interview.

“I focused on my game today, and the humidity really helped my game and I’m happy to go through in straight sets, I did well today.”

Daniil Medvedev French Open 2021

See more of what Medvedev had to say here

In other news, the 2021 Swiss Indoors Basel tournament has been cancelled ‘due to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic’.

The ATP 500 event was due to be held from October 25-31, and was also cancelled last year.

“Our focus is now on staging a safe and successful event in 2022, under conditions that we hope will offer us greater certainty. We look forward to welcoming back players and our passionate fans next year.”

Read more about the Basel cancellation here


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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.