French Open Day 5 - Williams Summons The Real Serena; Mixed Fortunes For Brits; Does Anyone Truly Believe They Can Beat Nadal?; Biggest Shocks In French Open History

Serena Williams stole the show on Day 5 at Roland Garros, roaring back to defeat Ashleigh Barty in a vintage display. Shortly afterwards, The Telegraph’s Charlie Eccleshare joined David Law on The Tennis Podcast to reflect on the drama.

Trailing by a set and a break, Serena looked out of sorts. But then she started playing like the Serena we all know so well, summoning her ferocious intensity and imposing her aura to turn the match around. Just how well did she play in those last two sets?

Whisper it quietly, but Serena and Sharapova are on a collision course. David and Charlie are salivating at the prospect. Will it happen?

Elsewhere, it was a day of mixed success for the Brits. Heather Watson fell in the second round for the sixth time, Norrie gave a very good account of himself against Lucas Pouille, and Kyle Edmund took the scenic route in beating Marton Fucsovics in a rather strange contest. Those matches are discussed in depth.

What is it that makes Norrie such a nuisance for opponents? And how will Edmund fair against the mercurial Fabio Fognini in the next round? David and Charlie both agree that it won’t be easy.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal looked imperious in swatting aside Guido Pella on Thursday. Does anyone in the draw truly believe they can beat Nadal this fortnight? Probably not his next opponent Richard Gasquet. Nadal leads their head-to-head 15-0.

There’s also appreciation for serve-volley outliers, admiration for lucky losers and a quick look ahead to Friday’s order of play. Finally, David and Charlie take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the biggest shocks in French Open history.

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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