Tennis

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has declined the opportunity to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision comes as Raducanu continues to recover from wrist and ankle surgeries.Raducanu's current world ranking is too low to qualify outright for the Olympics, and she was offered one of two International Tennis Federation (ITF) places reserved for former Grand Slam champions. However, she has opted to prioritize her fitness and prepare for the British grass-court season.Iain Bates, head of Great Britain's Olympic tennis team, expressed understanding of Raducanu's decision. "I think she feels this isn't going to be the right timing for her for this summer," Bates said. "She's hopefully got many Olympics ahead of her."Meanwhile, two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray is set to compete in what could be his final tournament. The 37-year-old has been granted an ITF place for Paris 2024 and is expected to participate in both singles and doubles events.Great Britain's tennis nominations for the Olympics include a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Joining Murray in the men's singles are Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Dan Evans. Katie Boulter is the only British woman to have qualified by ranking.In doubles action, Murray and Evans will pair up in the men's doubles. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will also compete in the men's doubles, while Boulter and Heather Watson will team up in the women's doubles.The Olympic tennis tournament will take place from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros and will feature five medal events: women's singles, men's singles, women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles.

Wimbledon's total prize money fund has witnessed a significant increase, reaching a record-breaking 50 million pounds (approximately $64 million). This represents a 5.3 million pound ($6.8 million) increase from last year, marking an impressive 11.9% growth. Notably, this amount is double the 25 million pounds ($32 million) awarded to competitors at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament a decade ago.The winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each receive a substantial 2.7 million pounds ($3.45 million), a jump of 350,000 pounds ($450,000) or 14.9% from the previous year. Players who lose in the first round of singles will also see an increase in their prize money, with each receiving 60,000 pounds (about $76,000), up from 55,000 pounds ($70,000) in 2023.The prize money for the qualifying event has also been boosted by 14.9%, reaching 4.8 million pounds (about $6 million).In addition to the prize money announcement, the All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, addressed several other topics:* Domestic Violence Policy: The club has been in discussions with other Grand Slam hosts about the possibility of creating a domestic violence policy. "Clearly that's something that the sport would want to do on a unified basis," said Sally Bolton, the club's chief executive.* Andy Murray's Retirement: The club has plans in place to celebrate two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray's career if, as expected, he announces this will be his last appearance at the tournament. "We've certainly got plans in place and we’re ready and prepared, but ultimately it's Andy’s decision," said Bolton.* Centre Court Start Time: Centre Court will continue to begin play at 1:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. EDT), despite concerns expressed by Novak Djokovic that such scheduling inevitably leads to late starts for a day's last match. "We’ve reviewed it, we’ve thought long and hard and looked at the data around length of matches and the trends that are occurring in that space," said Bolton, "and were very confident and happy with the decision that we’ve made this year.”

Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka sent Andy Murray crashing out of Roland Garros in the first round on Sunday, likely ending the Briton's illustrious career at the claycourt Grand Slam.Wawrinka, 39, secured a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory under the lights at Philippe Chatrier court, extending his head-to-head record against Murray to 3-1 at the tournament.The Swiss veteran, who won the title in 2015, broke Murray's serve in the opening game and never looked back. He fired down a barrage of booming serves and unleashed a series of heavy single-handed backhands to keep the 37-year-old Murray at bay.Murray, who has hinted that he may retire after Wimbledon this summer, fought valiantly in front of a supportive crowd. However, his movement was compromised by a leg issue, allowing Wawrinka to dominate the baseline exchanges.A medical timeout for Wawrinka's left calf issue delayed the start of the third set, but it did little to slow down the Swiss. Murray's own physical limitations became increasingly evident as Wawrinka ran away with the contest.The victory marks a bittersweet moment for Wawrinka, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. It also serves as a poignant reminder of Murray's fading powers, as the former world number one continues to battle the effects of a career-threatening hip injury.

Andy Murray, the former world number one, has a long and storied history at the French Open. He first made a mark at Roland Garros as a top-ranked junior in 2005, reaching the semifinals. Despite initially struggling on clay as a professional, Murray has since proven his mettle on the surface, boasting a 39-11 record and reaching the final in 2016.Murray's journey at Roland Garros has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. He recalls his early struggles on clay, noting that it took him time to adjust to the surface. However, he has also experienced some of his most memorable victories on the Parisian clay, including a come-from-behind win over Richard Gasquet in 2010 and a stunning victory over defending champion Stan Wawrinka in 2016.Murray's success at Roland Garros is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Despite not growing up on clay, he has worked tirelessly to improve his game on the surface. His determination and fighting spirit have earned him the respect of fans and fellow players alike.As Murray prepares for what is likely to be his final appearance at Roland Garros, he reflects on the significance of the tournament in his career. He acknowledges that clay has always been his most challenging surface, but he also expresses his love for the tournament and the memories he has made there.Murray's legacy at Roland Garros is one of perseverance and triumph. He has overcome adversity to become one of the most successful players on clay, and his performances at the French Open will be remembered for years to come.

Despite his recent struggles, Novak Djokovic's participation in the ATP 250 in Geneva raised eyebrows. However, veterans Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet have demonstrated the value of playing lower-level tournaments in preparation for Grand Slams.Murray, a former world No. 1, has played ten tournaments this season, six of which were at the ATP 250 level or lower. Gasquet, a former world No. 7, has played 15 tournaments, including five on the ATP Challenger Tour.Gasquet believes that playing Challengers is essential for staying competitive at the highest level. "Sometimes you need to play Challengers to be ready to play these kind of matches," he said.Both Murray and Gasquet have faced challenges in recent years, including injuries and age. However, their passion for the game remains strong. "We love the game, that's why we're still playing," said Gasquet.Murray and Gasquet will both start their Roland Garros campaigns on Sunday. Murray will face Stan Wawrinka, while Gasquet will take on Borna Coric. Wawrinka, who has also played Challengers this year, echoed Gasquet's sentiments about the importance of passion. "Passion of the sport, love of the game. As simple as that," he said.Murray and Gasquet have a long history of facing each other at Grand Slams, with Murray holding a 5-0 record. However, Gasquet remains determined to break through. "I try my best to win against him in Grand Slams, I couldn't do it," he said. "Sometimes it's a little bit tough to think about it."Despite their head-to-head disparity, Murray and Gasquet share a similar mindset. "We will see when we'll stop," said Gasquet, "but of course we are trying our best to compete high."

Naomi Osaka and Carlos Alcaraz will kick off the French Open on Sunday, marking the potential farewell of Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. Osaka, a four-time major winner, faces Lucia Bronzetti in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier. Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, will take on J.J. Wolf in his first-round encounter.Osaka has had a tumultuous relationship with the French Open. In 2021, she withdrew due to mental health concerns, and in 2022, she lost in the first round. However, she is determined to make a strong showing this year. "I'm learning a lot of lessons through motherhood, and I hope that I can remember to apply them on the tennis court," she said.Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, reached the semi-finals last year. He will be wary of Wolf, who has won just one match on the tour this year but is a dangerous opponent on clay.Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka will face off in the night session. Murray is playing his final season on tour, while Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, is still a formidable force.The biggest question mark hangs over Nadal. The 14-time French Open champion has not committed to retiring but admitted that this could be his last appearance at Roland Garros. He will face Alexander Zverev in the first round, a daunting task given his recent injury struggles.Nadal has won 112 matches in 115 appearances at the French Open. His 22 Grand Slam titles are second only to Djokovic's 24. However, injuries have plagued his career, and he has played just four tournaments since January last year."I have been going through a long process of recovery with a very difficult injury, almost two years of suffering, but I feel better now," Nadal said. "I have fewer limitations than three, four weeks ago, without a doubt."The French Open promises to be an emotional and unpredictable tournament. Osaka, Alcaraz, Murray, Wawrinka, and Nadal will all be vying for glory, while the future of one of the greatest players of all time hangs in the balance.

Paris, the City of Lights, has witnessed the fulfillment of a young tennis star's dream. Mirra Andreeva, the 17-year-old WTA sensation, has finally captured a moment with her idol, Andy Murray, the former world No. 1.On the eve of Roland Garros, Andreeva's courage surged as she approached Murray, requesting a photograph. The resulting image, shared on her Instagram story, has ignited joy among tennis enthusiasts on social media."Finally," exclaimed one user, while another declared it "Cuteness overload." A third user humorously referenced Andreeva's previous promise to frame a complimentary tweet from Murray, writing, "She going to frame this too, isn't she?"Andreeva's admiration for Murray has been a defining aspect of her remarkable professional debut in 2023. She has openly expressed her idolization of the Scot, famously describing him as "so beautiful" upon their first encounter at the Mutua Madrid Open.Murray's playful response on X, formerly Twitter, read, "Imagine how good she’s going to be when she gets her eyes fixed."Later that year, at Wimbledon, Andreeva finally met Murray but admitted to being "too shy" to initiate a conversation. "When I see him, I try to leave the facility super quick, just to not have to talk to him!" she confessed.However, a year has brought a significant transformation. Andreeva's confidence has grown, and she has seized the opportunity to capture a cherished moment with her idol.In the caption accompanying the photo, Andreeva expressed her delight at returning to Paris, stating, "so far, so good." Her performance in last year's Roland Garros, where she reached the third round, serves as a testament to her potential.Andreeva's unwavering admiration for Murray has become an endearing aspect of her journey as a professional tennis player. Her courage in approaching her idol and the resulting photograph have brought joy to fans worldwide.

Andy Murray vs. Stan Wawrinka: A Clash of VeteransThe first round of the 2023 French Open will witness a captivating encounter between two tennis veterans, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. With a combined age of 76, this match promises to be a testament to their enduring spirit and unwavering determination.Murray, a former world number one, has been battling injuries in recent years but remains a formidable opponent. His 13-9 head-to-head record against Wawrinka suggests a slight advantage, but the Swiss maestro has the upper hand on clay, winning five of their six encounters on the surface.Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is known for his powerful backhand and relentless fighting spirit. Despite his age and recent struggles, he remains a dangerous opponent, especially on clay.Naomi Osaka vs. Lucia Bronzetti: A Comeback in ProgressFour-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will face Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of the French Open. Osaka's return to the tour after a five-month hiatus has been met with mixed results, but she will be eager to make a statement in Paris.Bronzetti, ranked 48th in the world, is a rising star on the WTA Tour. Her unorthodox forehand and two-handed backhand make her an unpredictable opponent. However, Osaka's experience and mental fortitude should give her the edge in this matchup.Carlos Alcaraz vs. J.J. Wolf: A Test of FitnessWorld number one Carlos Alcaraz will face American qualifier J.J. Wolf in the first round of the French Open. Alcaraz's right arm injury has raised concerns about his fitness, but he remains the heavy favorite against Wolf.Wolf, ranked 107th in the world, has never played Alcaraz before. However, his recent Challenger level performances suggest that he is capable of causing an upset. Alcaraz's fitness will be the key factor in determining the outcome of this match.

Andy Murray, the former world number one, will make a significant return to Roland Garros this year, competing in both singles and doubles for the first time since his main-draw debut in 2006. The tournament organizers announced on Wednesday that Murray and his compatriot Dan Evans had been awarded wild cards for the doubles event.Evans and Murray are the only non-French players among the 14 doubles teams to receive wild cards, with seven teams selected on each side. According to James Gay of The i, the British duo is the first entirely non-French men's doubles team to receive a Roland Garros main-draw wild card since Nicolas Kiefer and Marat Safin in 2001.The wild card request from Evans and Murray stems from their aspirations to compete at the Summer Olympics, which will be held at Roland Garros in August. Their combined ranking of 144 was insufficient to qualify them directly for the Olympics.Murray, who has won three Grand Slam singles titles, is seeking his fifth Olympic berth for Great Britain. He has previously stated that he would only participate in the Olympics if he believed he had a chance of winning a medal.Murray's return to Roland Garros comes after an ankle injury forced him to withdraw from the Miami Open in March. He made his comeback this week in Geneva, but lost in the first round to German Yannick Hanfmann.Murray, who reached the Roland Garros final in 2016, is contesting the clay-court major for only the second time since 2017. This could potentially be his final appearance in Paris, as he has hinted at retirement after this summer.