French Open Day 4 – Heartbreak for Bertens; Wawrinka sends a message; Why are the stands so empty?

A chaotic hour at the end of day four saw huge disappointment for Kiki Bertens as she was forced to retire, narrow and nervy victories for Grigor Dimitrov and Jo Konta, and late-night drama involving Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Benoit Paire. While it was all going on, Catherine Whitaker and Matt Roberts soaked up the atmosphere and recorded the latest Tennis Podcast.

What happened to Bertens? How will Jo Konta fare against the rising and increasingly prominent Viktoria Kuzmova? And why could neither one of Dimitrov and Cilic hold on to the lead?

Elsewhere, what did Stefanos Tsitsipas have to say at the end of his enthralling win against Hugo Dellien? Why does everyone in the men’s draw need to watch out for Stan Wawrinka after his demolition job on Cristian Garín? And why are the grounds so busy but the stands so empty?

Finally, straightforward wins for Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Garbiñe Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova are discussed.

The Tennis Podcast will be daily throughout the French Open, the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s, and Wimbledon. It is produced in association with Telegraph Sport.

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