French Open Tennis.

[Donny]

12 Aussies - 6 Men & 6 Women - will contest.

Obvioulsy, our best chance is Ash Barty, last year's winner.

Djokovich is the #1 seed, in the Men's, with Nidal, #3 & Federer, #8.

Kyrgios pulled out, due to Covid concerns.

Highest ranked Aussie Man is Alex de Minaur, at 22.

[Jezza]

Will Nadal finally surpass Federer in the slam tally?

[K]

Popyrin faces Nadal first up. Not actually the easiest first match for Nadal.

I'm wondering about the choice of balls this year (after last year's controversy).

[K]

...
I'm wondering about the choice of balls this year (after last year's controversy).

It's Wilson again, but it could be a new Wilson ball, after criticism of their ball last year.

[K]

Naomi Osaka has announced she will not be doing press interviews. She hopes the fines will be donated to a mental health charity.

..................

I'm a bit confused that Nadal, Djoker, Roger are on the same side of the draw... because I thought Roger said he was going to skip the French Open...

[Jezza]

^ Osaka has now withdrawn from the tournament.

[Donny]

"Roland-Garros has had its first major upset after two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem was knocked out in the first round by Spanish journeyman Pablo Andujar."

https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/tennis/ ... d=msedgntp

[Donny]

[K]

Popyrin faces Nadal first up. Not actually the easiest first match for Nadal.
...

Early this morning, Popyrin was serving for the third set, but Nadal broke back and finished the job in straight sets.

...
I'm a bit confused that Nadal, Djoker, Roger are on the same side of the draw... because I thought Roger said he was going to skip the French Open...

There may be quotes out there that Roger knows he can't win but needs the match practice in preparation for Wimbledon.

[Donny]

Barty retired, hurt.

[K]

[K]

Federer caused a stir at his presser:

Roger Federer to reassess French Open campaign with Wimbledon around the corner

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-06/ ... /100194086

"Because I need to decide if I keep on playing or not, or is it not too much risk at this moment to keep pushing, or is this just a perfect way to just take a rest."

[K]

News dominated by two headlines:

Federer withdrew.

Serena lost.

[K]

Wow! Lorenzo Musetti won the first-set tiebreaker against Djokovic.

The second set may be headed to a tiebreak too.

Some work to do for Novak.

[K]

It did go to a tiebreak. And Musetti won that as well!

If Novak is to survive, he'll have to do it the hard way.