The toughest arena in Tennis - huge rallies, long games, long sets and long matches, plus massive surprises, including at last a crowd.So many outstanding performances, and so many unexpected outcomes for so many players.Some very strange decisions about night match timing, and no electronic line calls, plus a curfew and Covid precautions to contend with.Vibrant colour choices by famous names for their RG outfits as always.Huge over-reaction by the Governing bodies to the decision of Naomi Osaka to decline interviews, resulting in her withdrawal to the detriment of the tournament, and showing a lack of sensitivity on increasingly important issues for mental health in Tennis.
Brilliant all court play by so many, with the volley increasingly part of the armoury, and the heavy super-quick groundstroke coming to the fore, from the back of the court at every conceivable angle, including straight up the middle.Amazing standards of play and athleticism on show, as well as huge endurance and resilience under pressure.Somehow the red clay tests all of these essentials to the limit, and beyond.A set lead is not always enough, two sets to love looks good in the 5 set format, but on clay no guarantees given of victory, as Lorenzo Musetti will confirm - Novak takes the final 3 sets on his way to the final.
“Confidence trumps experience” according to some pundits, and so it proved in the Ladies’ final, with Barbora Krejcikova finding the court with unerring accuracy and shot placement, proving the vital ingredient for success. Building every point patiently, in only her third Grand Slam singles draw and first ever singles Ladies Final, took accuracy, nerve and calm skills; as seen in her extremely successful doubles career, no doubt, and next day becoming Women’s Doubles Champion too with Katerina Siniakova…Wow!
This year the Junior Boy Champions are all French, and the FFT must be delighted with Luca Van Assche winning the singles, and Fils and Perricard securing the Doubles title. Czech tennis fans will be excited that Linda Noskova took the Girls Junior title; a brilliant weekend all round.