Open Court

SHOW #3

French Open Preview

Open Court previews the big clay court tournament of the year at Roland Garros, interviewing the King of Clay Rafael Nadal as he looks to re-claim his crown from Roger Federer at this month's grand slam. We examine the strength of Spanish tennis, the current Davis Cup champions, and assess their dominance on clay. In the build-up to this Grand Slam, Rafael Nadal has won two of the biggest clay court tournaments of the season so far - the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters, beating fellow Spaniards in the finals. Can he go one better in Paris?

Next we explore how to succeed on clay - we hear from current and former French Open champions Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Albert Costa and Sergio Bruguera. We examine clay court technique - movement, topspin and sliding, and former U.S. Open finalist Greg Rusedski is taken through a typical clay court fitness workout.

Also, Open Court looks at the history of the Roland Garros and what the future has in store for the venue. We look at how the clay court is prepared, and Henri Leconte’s former doubles partner Mansour Bahrami gives Pat Cash an on-court demo of his trick shots and skills.