French Open Day 7 – Fognini Beats Edmund in Five-Set Ordeal; Nadal Dominates Gasquet; Scheduling Controversy; Awesome Sharapova Thrashes Pliskova

Kyle Edmund is out of the French Open. His five-set loss to Fabio Fognini brought an end to the British challenge at Roland Garros for another year. David and Catherine assemble on The Tennis Podcast to talk about it.

Edmund vs. Fognini had looked thrilling on paper, but it ultimately failed to catch fire. Why was it such an ordeal? Why was Edmund unable to nullify the Fognini threat? And how much of a missed opportunity was this for the British No.1?

Meanwhile, there was a familiar feeling on Court Philippe Chatrier as Rafael Nadal swept aside Richard Gasquet for the sixteenth time. Catherine bemoans Gasquet’s lack of belief and ponders why most players are so reluctant to do something completely different to try and perturb Nadal.

The predictability of that contest sparked debate over the scheduling logic, particularly because the women’s No.1 Simona Halep was shunned to Court 18. Would that ever happen to a men’s No.1? Catherine and David have their say.

Elsewhere, there’s no doubt that the women’s draw is shaping up very nicely indeed. On Saturday, Kontaveit beat Kvitova, Muguruza thrashed Stosur and Stephens squeezed past Giorgi. Those matches are all discussed. Plus, Maria Sharapova was awesome in blitzing her way past Karolina Pliskova. Is she in Serena-conquering form?

Finally, Catherine reveals the spine-tingling buzz created by the magnificent Goffin vs. Monfils match.

There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)

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