Federer’s fight, women’s draw, not-so-French Open: Talking points from day 5 at Roland Garros

It was a day that saw the ‘Big Three’ back in action together at a Major as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic progressed to the third round at French Open on Thursday. While that offered a familiar feel in the men’s draw, the women’s draw has once again been thrown wide open with the withdrawal of world No 1 Ashleigh Barty due to injury.

Here are talking points from day five action at Roland Garros:

Federer fumes before fine win

Roger Federer made his Grand Slam return after 487 days in his first-round match at the ongoing French Open. But it was his second round match, against old rival Marin Cilic, that felt like we had the 20-time Grand Slam champ back in earnest. At least the one we know in recent years, where the grace in the stunning backhand winners is mixed with grit in winning some ugly points.

Federer saw off Cilic for the 10th time in 11 meetings, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to reach the third round. Over the course of the four sets, there was the old fluency and flourish we know, but also the failed break opportunities and a rare moment of fury with the chair umpire Emmanuel Joseph.

However, the…

Read more