Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal began their bids for Grand Slam history with comfortable wins on Tuesday as the fallout from Naomi Osaka’s revelations over depression and anxiety sent shockwaves through Roland Garros.
World number one Djokovic kicked off his bid for a 19th Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over Tennys Sandgren inside an empty stadium.
Nadal, the 13-time champion and chasing a record-setting 21st major, defeated Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).
The Spaniard now has 101 wins against just two losses at the tournament.
The longest player introduction ever 😂
🎥: @rolandgarros | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/g3s5VsAC6A
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 1, 2021
Away from the courts, however, the sport was still coming to…
Keep on reading: Djokovic, Nadal off to winning starts at French Open