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Rafael Nadal French Open 2021
Andy Murray, ATP Tennis Players, Chris Evert, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Second Service, Tennis News, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis Players

French Open Second Service: Nadal doubtful about Wimbledon; Djokovic preps for final


For today’s Second Service, we hear from Nadal about his plans for the grass, and Djokovic readies for a shot at a second French Open title.

Following only his third career defeat at the French Open, Nadal admitted that he was feeling low but that it was no disaster.

The Spaniard is looking ahead. On that subject, Nadal did cast doubt on his participation in Wimbledon this year.

“The body after so much struggle usually suffers a slump. Wimbledon this year is in two weeks,” he pointed out.

“It’s different from when I was 25 years old. I am 35 and you have to see how I recover in every way.

Take a look at Nadal’s full quotes here

Rafael Nadal Wimbledon 2019

 

Having overcome Nadal, Djokovic revealed that it took a monumental effort on his part to achieve such a feat at Roland Garros.

“Definitely the best atmosphere, the best match that I’ve played on centre court at Roland Garros in my career against my biggest rival,” the Serb declared.

“It’s the best match I played in Roland-Garros and in the top three ever,” he expanded.

Read Djokovic’s full comments here. 

Novak Djokovic French Open 2021

 

The Greek superstar is into his first Grand Slam final, and feels very grateful and privileged to be in such a position.

“I’m obviously just blessed to have the opportunity to play against the best and test myself, something that I’ve always dreamed and wished to happen one day,” Tsitsipas revealed.

Have a look at Tsitsipas’ full quotes here

Tsitsipas Roland Garros 2021

On the women’s side of the tournament, Barbora Krejcikova capped of a thoroughly unexpected fortnight by defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets for her maiden singles Grand Slam title.

“It’s really hard to put words together right now, because I can’t believe what just happened,” the Czech expressed after her triumph.

The champion dedicated her win to late mentor and countrywoman Jana Novotna.

“It was amazing that I had a chance to meet her and she was such an inspiration for me,” Krejcikova explained.

I hope she’s happy right now, and I’m extremely happy.”

Read more of Krejcikova’s thoughts here. 

Barbora Krejcikova French Open 2021

So many were in disbelief about how the women’s singles turned out, including Mats Wilander and Chris Evert.

“I do think Barbora has been helped by winning doubles matches,” Wilander explained on Eurosport.

Evert continued on the unexpected nature of the result:

“It was a random final, you just couldn’t foresee her winning this tournament but if you look back at her results and how calm and collected she was and got herself out of trouble in all of her matches, it was richly deserved.”

Evert further compared Krejcikova to compatriot to Novotna after the final.

Read Evert’s full comments here.

KREJCIKOVA Roland Garros 2021 French Open

Last but not least, the grass season is here, and with Wimbledon just around the corner, all eyes turn to the All England Club.

News came out that tournament officials are pushing for 50% capacity for the event, as long as government restrictions allow. 

In terms of who could win at SW19, Wilander is backing 39-year-old Federer.

“There are good players who have no idea how to play on that surface. There are not too many threats to him. Roger is a specialist,” the Swede said on his beliefs.

On another former Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray is set to make his tour return on grass at the Queen’s Club Championships against unpredictable Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Read more about the matchup and the wider draw here. 

Watch Roland-Garros LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport App

 


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