Serena Williams to Become a Part of History During First Round of French Open 2021
Follow Us
23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams, would begin her hunt for the elusive 24th Grand Slam trophy at the 2021 French Open. Interestingly, Williams’ opening round match would mark a significant shift in the French Open’s tradition.
For the first time in history, Roland Garros has introduced the night matches after the installation of floodlights. Last year, the authorities made the retractable roof functional over the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier to prevent matches from being delayed in unfavorable weather.
Serena Williams to play at night session in her opening match
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hence, Williams would become the first top player in history to play under the lights at the French Open. Her first-round match against Romanian, Irina-Camelia Begu, would inaugurate the proceedings of night sessions at the clay-court Grand Slam.
Always played under the beaming sun, with fans donning their Panama hats and shades, the night matches would add a new flavor to the French Open and would balloon the tournament’s revenue.
Trending
Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance
April 12, 2024 07:23 PM EDT
Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite
April 15, 2024 06:22 PM EDT
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka
April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT
ATP Munich 2024: Bizarre Interruption in Holger Rune’s Match Leaves Tennis Umpire Completely Baffled
April 18, 2024 07:04 PM EDT
Mad in Love, Stefanos Tsitsipas Delivers the Most Romantic Message for ‘Biggest Blessing’ Paula Badosa
April 16, 2024 01:23 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The night matches would begin at 9 PM local time behind closed doors. However, on the day of the final night session, around 5000 spectators would pack up the stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For Williams, clay has been her least favored surface since the inception of her career. The 39-year-old, about to touch 40 in three months’ time, has won only thrice at French Open with her last title coming in 2015.
Particularly, Williams’ two consecutive early-round exits at the Italian Open and the Emilia-Romagna Open this season don’t portend well for her chances at the French Open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Since her last Grand Slam victory at the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has been relentlessly eyeing to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
However, despite making four Grand Slam finals and two semifinals, the American has tasted defeat on each occasion. The 2021 French Open presents her another shot at the historic feat, however, it would be a monumental challenge given her lack of form.