The 2021 French Open is almost over – this is the time to discuss the tournament’s key points and to make the final predictions. The men’s and women’s semifinals will offer opposite pictures – the latter has four underdogs, while the former will be contested by the players who were thought to be the main contenders all along. As usual, Steve Flink joined Ubitennis CEO Ubaldo Scanagatta (who is in Paris) to talk about the most momentous topics, such as Federer’s withdrawal and the lack of continuity among the stars of the WTA Tour. Here’s their video:
VIDEO SCHEDULE
1:10 – The Djokovic-Berrettini match: “I was surprised with Berrettini’ level in the third and fourth set…”
3:40 – What lay behind Djokovic’s vocal celebration?
6:20 – The fans had to leave the stadium halfway through the fourth set – could have the organisers done a better scheduling job? “TV money is important, but such a big tournament should have the power to change the schedule, if necessary.”
11:15 – “I was surprised by Tsitsipas as well, he contained Medvedev’s attempted comeback very impressively.” Is he a bonafide contender? What about Zverev
16:05 – Lorenzo Musetti was a pleasant surprise before retiring in the decider against Djokovic – was he actually injured? Ubaldo Scanagatta spoke to him and his coach…
22:50 – Who will have the edge between Nadal and Djokovic?
28:15 – On Federer’s withdrawal: “He might have played his last French Open match without a crowd – it was quite sad.” Was it fair to withdraw without being injured?
36:00 – Semifinal predictions: “Djokovic needs to win the opening set more than Nadal does. As for Zverev v Tsitsipas, they are both high on confidence right now, it’s very close.”
40:20 – The women’s draw: “These semifinals feel out of place in a Slam, and they are the symbol of the crisis OF the WTA.”
45:40 – “The next two Majors will be important for women’s tennis – we need big rivalries.”
48:35 – Coco Gauff reached the quarter finals – is she going to be a contender in the next Slams?
50:30 – Jannik Sinner disappointed against Nadal – where does he need to improve?
52:20 – A prediction on the women’s tournament – can Sakkari and Tsitsipas clinch a Greek double?
Transcript by Giuseppe Di Paola; translated and edited by Tommaso Villa
