The telegraph

2021 French Open: When is the draw, when does it start and how to watch it on TV in the UK

After stepping back a week due to coronavirus concerns, the French Open is on the horizon. After the upheavals of last year, Roland Garros is in its most traditional place in the tennis calendar and the best in the world are starting to arrive in Paris. Once again, all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal as he tries to win an astonishing 14th Roland Garros title and a 21st Grand Slam record. World No.1 Novak Djokovic will be the biggest threat to Nadal’s chances and will seek to avenge his total loss to the Spaniard in the 2020 final. Roger Federer will be in action in Paris, his first appearance in a major tournament since losing to Djokovic at the Australian Open in January last year. While Nadal is clearly the favorite in the men’s draw, the women’s draw is wide open. Defending champion Iga Swiatek has the likes of 2019 winner Ashleigh Barty, world No.2 Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka all aiming for victory. And you can never ignore Serena Williams, who pursues her bid for a record 24th major title. Meanwhile, new at Roland Garros is the introduction of a night session match on Philippe-Chatrier, echoing the US Open and Australian Open. When does the Roland-Garros draw take place? The tournament draw will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, and a statue of 13-time champion Nadal will be unveiled. When does the French Open start? Unlike other majors, the French Open starts on a Sunday and this year’s event kicks off on May 30. Will Andy Murray play in Paris? No. Unfortunately, the three-time Grand Slam winner will not participate in Paris. Muray has been suffering from a groin injury since March and is now stepping up to Wimbledon, which begins next month. The former world No.1 also missed the Australian Open in February after contracting coronavirus. What other big names are missing? Two former champions, Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka, have retired due to injury. Great Britain player Kyle Edmund has struggled with injuries all year round and will also be sidelined after left knee surgery in April. Canadian world number 14 Denis Shapovalov has a shoulder injury and retired this weekend after losing to Casper Ruud at the Geneva Open. Where to watch the 2021 French Open on TV ITV has exclusive live coverage of Roland Garros starting Sunday, May 30. Jim Courier, quadruple Grand Slam winner, former Andy Murray coach Mark Petchey, Fabrice Santoro and former British number one Samantha Smith. Nick Mullins and Jonathan Overend will be in the comments box, with reporter Celina Hinchcliffe on hand.