Serena survives scare; Tsitsipas, Nishikori also advance to French Open third round

Absolutely ‘stunning and brave’, dear Serena, in the face of true challenges...

“Serena Williams survived a scare’ -

A narcissist is loves when the spotlight’s been returned to them.

“Williams has already seen two of her likeliest title rivals either fail to start or pull out in ‘unprecedented circumstances’.” -

Three-time quarterfinalist Kei Nishikori of Japan edged out Russian 23rd seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Chatrier, setting up a last-32 encounter with Swiss qualifier Henri Laaksonen.

Good show Kei!

This was surely the sort of matchup that a Nishikori-in-decline would be expected to lose, so as a fan I am delighted to see that the haters will have to wait another few days at least before they pull out their knives :)

Two five setters to start is no way to win the privilege of losing to Nadal in Paris though, but wishing him more good play in the days ahead!

An interesting fact is that the Americans are doing much better on clay, Isner and Opelka have a good clay season despite being their least preferred surface, and Korda is storming in.

Good mental strength and fitness for Nishikori, but these 5 setters will build up exhaustion.

After also playing two five-setters in his only two matches at the 2020 tournament, he now has a record at the French Open of nine wins and two losses over the full distance.

Now all Nishikori has to do is make sure his next few matches last five sets. Winning strategy.

I hate Nishikori!!! Grrr!!! (Not really - just trying to provide some validation for fxgai)