Tennis

Alizé Cornet, the former world No. 11, recently retired from professional tennis after a remarkable career that included four Olympic appearances. Despite falling short of qualifying for a fifth Olympics, Cornet had the honor of participating in the torch relay for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games in her hometown of Nice.Cornet's retirement announcement in April marked the end of an era for French tennis. With 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, she holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam appearances and is third overall with 72 appearances. Her unwavering national pride was evident throughout her career, as she represented France in four Olympics and 24 Billie Jean King Cup ties, contributing to the team's victory in 2019.While the French Olympic team has yet to be officially announced, several countries have unveiled their rosters. The United States will be led by reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff, while Italy will field world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in singles and doubles. The highly anticipated doubles pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal is expected to represent Spain.The 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, with the tennis event scheduled for July 27 to August 4 on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Cornet's participation in the torch relay serves as a fitting tribute to her legacy and the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Alizé Cornet, the French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious career at the upcoming Roland Garros, the tournament where it all began for her. With a record-breaking 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, Cornet has established herself as a symbol of consistency and longevity in the sport.As she prepares for her final dance at her home major, Cornet reflects on her remarkable journey. Her debut at Roland Garros in 2005, as a wide-eyed 15-year-old, holds a special place in her heart. The excitement of playing on the hallowed grounds and the thrill of facing her idol, Amélie Mauresmo, in the second round created unforgettable memories.Over the years, Cornet has faced countless challenges and celebrated numerous triumphs. She has notched up six WTA titles, including the 2018 Hobart International, and has consistently challenged the top players in the world. Her 25 career Top 10 victories stand as a testament to her fighting spirit and unwavering determination.In her final tournament, Cornet will face a formidable opponent in seventh seed Zheng Qinwen, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Cornet remains focused on giving it her all and making her opponent work hard for every point.Surrounded by her family, friends, and the adoring French crowd, Cornet is determined to soak up every moment of her last Roland Garros. She hopes to leave a lasting impression on the tournament that has played such a pivotal role in her life.As she prepares to say goodbye, Cornet acknowledges the emotions that come with such a significant milestone. However, she is also filled with gratitude for the incredible journey she has been on. Her longevity and consistency are a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the sport.

Alize Cornet, the 34-year-old French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to Roland Garros, the tournament where she has made a name for herself. Cornet, who has fallen out of the Top 100, will face a formidable opponent in world No. 8 Qinwen Zheng in the opening round.Zheng, a rising star from China, possesses world-class power from the baseline, making her a dangerous force on hard courts. However, her experience on clay is limited, with only 33 WTA-level matches played on the surface. This could prove to be an advantage for Cornet, who has a wealth of experience on clay, boasting a 121-109 career record on the surface.Cornet's ability to hit with heavy topspin and redirect her opponent's pace will be crucial in this matchup. She is known for her counter-punching style, which is particularly effective on clay. Additionally, the support of the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier is expected to give Cornet an emotional boost.While Zheng has the potential to dominate with her power, she may struggle to adapt to the demands of Roland Garros. The tournament requires a more varied approach, which Cornet is more likely to possess.Experts predict that Cornet will cover a massive game spread in this match. Her experience and ability to neutralize Zheng's power will likely keep the match competitive.

Alizé Cornet, the French tennis star, has announced her retirement from the sport after the upcoming Roland Garros tournament. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable career, spanning over two decades, and holds the Open Era record for most consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played with 68.Cornet's longevity is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. She made her Grand Slam main-draw debut at the age of 15 in Paris in 2005 and has not missed a major main draw since the 2007 Australian Open. This remarkable streak has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike.Throughout her career, Cornet has achieved notable success, including six WTA singles titles. She famously defeated Serena Williams three times in 2014, all while the American was ranked No. 1 in the world. In 2022, she ended Iga Swiatek's 37-match winning streak, the longest this century, in the third round of Wimbledon. In total, Cornet boasts an impressive 25 career wins against Top 10 players.Beyond her singles achievements, Cornet has also made significant contributions to French tennis. She has represented her country in four Olympic Games and played on France's Billie Jean King Cup team for 14 years. Her dedication and passion for the sport have inspired countless young players.Cornet's retirement marks the end of an era in French tennis. She has been a role model for aspiring athletes and a source of pride for her country. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of tennis players.