French Open day four: Not to be for dream team Venus Williams and Coco Gauff and more press drama

Serena Williams needed three sets to make it past Mihaela Buzarnescu and into the third round of the French Open.
Third seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated fellow Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich but another top-10 seed went out with Belinda Bencic beaten by Daria Kasatkina.
The leading men’s hopes in the bottom half of the draw all made it through relatively comfortably, with Daniil Medvedev beating Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas seeing off Pedro Martinez and Alexander Zverev defeating Roman Safiullin.
Picture of the day
The 40-year-old Williams and 17-year-old Gauff went down in three sets against 13th seeds Zheng Saisai and Ellen Perez.
Tweet of the day
As I did during my whole career, I left everything on court last night & that was a victory itself. It was really special to feel the @rolandgarros vibe one last time.
I’ll keep unforgettable memories forever. The clay, the french flair, the close battles. Merci, Paris! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MkKETvnxmU
— Carla Suárez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) June 2, 2021
More press drama
<
Sadly, after Alexander Zverev’s 1st rd media conference, my Roland-Garros media pass was revoked. My appearance in a supermarket (meant as a joke) was regarded as unprofessional
Apologies to Alexander, the FFT, Roland Garros organisers, family, fiends, colleagues and supporters
— Jonathan Pinfield (@tweetsbyjp) June 2, 2021
Press conferences have rarely had so much attention as the past week in Paris and on Wednesday came the news that Yorkshire radio reporter Jonathan Pinfield, who became something of a celebrity after his distinctive accent attracted the attention of Zverev at Roland Garros in 2018, had had his accreditation revoked.
Pinfield, known for left-field questions that amuse and baffle players in equal measure, decided to dial into Zverev’s press conference from a supermarket. This was a step too far for beleaguered French Open organisers but, after the reporter apologised, they had a change of heart and reinstated him.
Brits get ready for grass
British trio confirmed for Viking Open Nottingham
Read more
— LTA (@the_LTA) June 2, 2021
With the French Open moving back a week, the second week will coincide with the return for the first time since 2019 of the British grass-court season. Nottingham hosts a WTA event, and Harriet Dart, Fran Jones and Katie Boulter have been given wildcards, joining Johanna Konta and Heather Watson in the main draw. Andy Murray will play in the men’s Challenger tournament.
Fallen seeds
Women: Belinda Bencic (10), Veronika Kudermetova (29)
Men: Roberto Bautista Agut (11), Karen Khachanov (23)
Who’s up next?
Quite a day on Chatrier
Full Day 5️⃣ OOP https://t.co/6XTkwZYrV2#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/T2UAM6dAXq
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 2, 2021
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are all in action on a packed day of action at Roland Garros.
Nadal, who celebrates his 35th birthday on Thursday, gets his night session against French favourite Richard Gasquet while Federer is also on Chatrier taking on old foe Marin Cilic and Djokovic heads out to Suzanne Lenglen for a clash with Pablo Cuevas.
Women’s No 1 Ashleigh Barty has concerns over a thigh issue but will hope to find a way past Magda Linette, defending champion Iga Swiatek faces Rebecca Peterson and Britain’s last remaining singles hope, Cameron Norrie, meets South African Lloyd Harris.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas labelled a dream final
It is almost time to settle the new World No 1.
-
Australian Open
Inside story on the technology propelling Stefanos Tsitsipas to the top
Adidas have taken its tennis offering to a new level with the release of their Adizero Cybersonic tennis shoe.
-
News
Australian Open day 12 wrap: Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas set popcorn final
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won their fourth successive Australian Open title in men’s wheelchair doubles.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina made Australian Open favourite despite poor record against Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina’s experience of winning a Grand Slam gives her the edge.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open men’s final info, form, H2H, what they said, preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Get all the info ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Emotional Novak Djokovic makes his point at press conference
Novak Djokovic admitted he has been shaken by the storm around his father after pro-Russian flag photo.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic hopes to draw a line under Russian flag controversy
Novak Djokovic has released a statement clarifying the family position.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka in control of her own Australian Open destiny: ‘I’m my psychologist’
Aryna Sabalenka will take on Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the final.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic stays in hunt for La Decima at Australian Open despite meltdown, tantrum, unforced errors galore
Novak Djokovic one Australian Open win away from La Decima.
-
News
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid do it again as they win fourth Australian Open title in a row
The pair were dominant in victory over Dutch duo Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren.