The opening match on CourtPhilippeChatrier Tuesday exemplified the trend: Francesca Schiavone, who turns 32 next month, beat 41-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm.
When the heavens finally opened above CourtPhilippeChatrier moments later, after threatening all day, the tie was in the balance with Federer serving at 6-3 3-6 5-5 (30-15).