“Clay is Probably Not Where They’re Going to Win”: Tennis Legend Reveals the Reason for Roger Federer and Serena Williams Playing at French Open 2021

Both Roger Federer and Serena Williams are playing at the French Open 2021 despite their recent poor string of performances on clay. While Federer suffered a defeat in his very first match at the Geneva Open 2021, Williams lost to Nadia Podoroska in straight sets at the Italian Open 2021. She even tried her luck at the WTA Parma 2021 but got eliminated in the second round of the tournament.

Hence, fans are confused about just why Roger Federer and Serena Williams playing in Paris this year. In a recent interview, tennis legend Marion Bartoli revealed what could be the possible reason for the same.

“It’s one thing to practice, it’s another to feel the stress and pressure of playing a normal match. I just think they want to feel that in their bodies before they go onto their best surface,” said Bartoli.

Bartoli believes that both Federer and Serena want to feel the experience of playing a normal match at the French Open 2021. She highlighted that this would heat up their bodies before the Wimbledon Championships 2021, the major which both of them are targeting.

Bartoli believes Roland Garros can prepare Roger Federer and Serena Williams for the grass-court season

Bartoli emphasized that Serena and Roger would most probably now succeed on clay. However, she believes that they can prepare themselves for the grass-court season by battling against some tough opponents at the French Open 2021.

“We all know that clay is probably not where they’re going to win. But that can prepare them for the grass just on the mental aspect of being on the court and able to compete,” added the Wimbledon 2013 winner.

Federer has already claimed that he is not going to win the French Open 2021. On the other hand, Serena’s form on clay is also not that great right now. However, fans still have great expectations from both the legends and want them to deliver at Roland Garros. Will the two be able to stun everyone and succeed in Paris this year?

Also Read: Why are Roger Federer and Serena Williams Playing French Open Despite Disappointing Performance on Clay?