Tennis

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, has advanced to her fourth Roland Garros final in five years, defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals. Swiatek, who has won 20 consecutive matches in Paris, will face either 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva or Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the championship match.Swiatek, who has won 10 of her previous 11 meetings with Gauff in straight sets, broke the US Open champion in the opening game of the match and never looked back. She withstood break points in her first two service games before breaking again to move up a double break at 4-1. Swiatek closed out the first set without trouble.Gauff threatened a fightback in the second set, taking a 3-1 lead after wiping away tears following an argument with the chair umpire over the timing of a line call. However, Swiatek responded immediately, winning four consecutive games to surge to the cusp of victory. Gauff saved two match points, but Swiatek eventually served it out at the fourth time of asking."It was intense," said Swiatek. "In the second set it was tight because we were breaking each other. I was consistent with my tactics, didn't overthink stuff and just went for it in the end."Swiatek improved to 34-2 at the French Open after beating Gauff at Roland Garros for the third tournament in a row. She has won all four of her previous Grand Slam finals and could become only the fourth woman to win four Roland Garros titles in the Open era -- after Justine Henin, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.Swiatek is also on track to join Serena Williams as the only women to complete the treble of French, Madrid and Rome Open titles in the same year.In the other semi-final, Andreeva, the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in 1997, will take on the unheralded Paolini. Andreeva stole the headlines in the quarter-finals with a shock victory over world number two Aryna Sabalenka, who was hit by a stomach bug, becoming the youngest woman to reach a Slam semi-final since Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago.Paolini, the 12th seed, also got through with a surprise win against former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Both Andreeva and Paolini had never reached the quarters at a major tournament before this week, but are now just one match from the final.With another win, Andreeva will also be the youngest Slam finalist since Hingis, who won the 1997 US Open aged 16.Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he has undergone an operation on his right knee, which he injured during his last-16 win at Roland Garros. The 24-time Grand Slam winner was forced to withdraw ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a torn medial meniscus in his right knee."In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match," Djokovic posted on social media. "I'm still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well."Djokovic made no mention of whether he would be fit to take part at Wimbledon, which begins on July 1, but added that he was going to "do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible."

Iga Swiatek's dominance on clay continued on Thursday as she stormed into her fourth Roland Garros final, defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets. The world No. 1 has been unstoppable on the surface this year, winning back-to-back WTA 1000 titles and extending her winning streak to 18 matches.Swiatek's victory over Gauff was a testament to her unwavering form. She raced to a 5-1 lead in the first set, showcasing her aggressive baseline play and relentless consistency. Gauff, despite her recent improvements, struggled to match Swiatek's intensity and made uncharacteristic errors.The second set was more competitive, with Gauff breaking Swiatek's serve for the first time in the match. However, Swiatek quickly regained control, winning four consecutive games to close out the set and secure her place in the final.Swiatek's victory was not without its challenges. She faced a match point against Naomi Osaka in the second round but has since grown stronger with each win. Her three straight 6-0 sets against Anastasia Potapova and Marketa Vondrousova demonstrated her ability to dominate opponents at will.Gauff, who will rise to a career-high ranking of world No. 2, played with determination but ultimately fell short against Swiatek's superior firepower. The American has made significant strides in her game, but she still lacks the consistency and experience to challenge the world's best on a regular basis.In the final, Swiatek will face either No. 12 seed Jasmine Paolini or unseeded 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Both players will be playing in their first Grand Slam final, making Swiatek the overwhelming favorite to claim a third consecutive Roland Garros title.

Coco Gauff's meteoric rise in the tennis world continues as she is set to ascend to a career-high ranking of No. 2 on Monday, following her impressive performance at Roland Garros. This achievement marks a significant milestone for American tennis, as Gauff becomes the first American, male or female, to rank in the Top 2 since Serena Williams in 2017.Gauff's consistent brilliance at Grand Slams has been a key factor in her rapid ascent. Since last summer, she has reached the semifinals or better at the last three majors, including a US Open title last year and a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open this year. Her remarkable run at Roland Garros, where she has reached the semifinals, has further solidified her status as one of the most formidable players on the tour.Gauff's success is not limited to Grand Slams. She has also achieved notable results in other tournaments, including a WTA 1000 title in Doha earlier this year. Her ability to perform at a high level across different surfaces and against top-ranked opponents has earned her widespread recognition and respect.Gauff's rise to the Top 2 is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. At just 20 years old, she has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. With her impressive record at Grand Slams and her consistent performances throughout the season, Gauff is poised to continue her ascent and challenge for the No. 1 ranking in the near future.

Iga Swiatek vs. Coco Gauff: A Clash of Titans at Roland GarrosThe highly anticipated semifinal clash between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff at Roland Garros promises to be a captivating battle between two of the most formidable forces in women's tennis. Swiatek, the world No. 1 and reigning French Open champion, holds a commanding 10-1 record against Gauff, including four consecutive victories on clay.Gauff, despite her impressive talent and recent resurgence, has struggled to find a way to overcome Swiatek's dominance. In their most recent encounter on clay in Rome, Swiatek cruised to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.Gauff's challenge lies in finding a strategy that can disrupt Swiatek's rhythm and force her into uncharacteristic errors. In their previous match in Cincinnati, Gauff had success with high-bouncing forehands and a powerful serve. However, Swiatek has since adjusted her game and is unlikely to be caught off guard by the same tactics.Another option for Gauff is to take the initiative in the rallies and try to outpace Swiatek. Naomi Osaka nearly pulled off this strategy in the second round, but Swiatek's exceptional speed and court coverage proved too much to overcome.Ultimately, the outcome of this match may hinge on Gauff's ability to execute her forehand effectively. Whether she chooses to slug it or loft it, she must find a way to make it a potent weapon. However, given Swiatek's remarkable consistency and dominance on clay, Gauff faces an uphill battle.

Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star, has revealed her pick for the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Despite her team, the Miami Heat, being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Gauff has a personal connection to the Mavericks due to her admiration for Kyrie Irving.Gauff's basketball background has influenced her perspective on the Finals. As a former basketball player, she understands the challenges and strategies involved in the sport. She believes that the Mavericks have a chance to upset the Celtics if they approach the series with the same mindset she has for her upcoming Roland Garros semifinal against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.Gauff's confidence stems from her belief in her abilities and her willingness to embrace challenges. Despite her previous losses to Swiatek, she is determined to give it her all and prove that anything is possible. She recognizes that the pressure is on Swiatek as the top-ranked player, and she intends to use that to her advantage.Gauff's journey in tennis has been marked by her determination and resilience. She has faced setbacks and challenges, but she has always persevered. Her approach to the Roland Garros semifinal reflects her belief in herself and her ability to overcome obstacles.The NBA Finals will be a test of both the Celtics' and Mavericks' skills and strategies. Gauff's pick for the Mavericks is based on her personal connection to Irving and her understanding of the game. Whether her prediction comes true or not, her insights provide a unique perspective on the upcoming series.

Roland Garros, the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam, has witnessed a captivating display of fashion alongside the thrilling tennis action. From custom kits to bold colorways, the tournament has been a showcase for the latest trends in tennis attire.Naomi Osaka, the four-time major champion, made a statement in a custom Nike dress featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and contrasting colorways on her shoes. Aryna Sabalenka stood out in a unique "Rust Factor" orange Nike dress, while Daniil Medvedev's Lacoste kit became an instant hit with its navy blue and burgundy red details.Coco Gauff's New Balance outfit inspired a WNBA crossover, with Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink citing Gauff as her pre-game fashion inspiration. Marta Kostyuk's eye-catching Wilson dress in field green featured perforated panels and a low-back keyhole cutout.Casper Ruud showcased Yonex's 2024 Paris Collection, with performance tops and shorts in olive green, beige, and orange. Jelena Ostapenko's DK One dress combined sky blue and hot pink panels, while Zhang Zhizhen's all-pink K-Swiss look turned heads.Andrey Rublev unveiled his first day and night match kits for his clothing brand Rublo, featuring contrasting colorways and new K-Swiss shoes. Ajla Tomljanovic's Original Penguin outfit featured a geometric print in royal blue, white, and hot pink.Finally, Iga Swiatek debuted a fresh On ensemble in a red, white, and indigo blue gradient, paying homage to the tournament's Parisian setting. The world No. 1 completed the look with her signature white hat and custom On shoes.Roland Garros has once again proven to be a fashion-forward event, where the latest trends in tennis attire take center stage alongside the world's top players.

Novak Djokovic's French Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday due to a knee injury, while Iga Swiatek continued her dominant run with a ruthless display to reach the semi-finals.Djokovic, the world number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion, withdrew ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a "medial meniscus tear" in his right knee. The 37-year-old had blamed the "slippery" Roland Garros courts for aggravating the problem during his last-16 win on Monday."I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros," Djokovic wrote on social media. "My team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation."Ruud, who lost to Djokovic in last year's final, will receive a walkover and play Alexander Zverev or Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals on Friday.Djokovic's injury-enforced exit also means that Jannik Sinner will become Italy's first number one in the sport next week. It also paves the way for a new name on the men's French Open trophy.Second seed Sinner reached his first Roland Garros semi-final shortly after the news of Djokovic's withdrawal, beating Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3)."It's every player's dream to become number one in the world. On the other hand, seeing Novak retiring (from the tournament) is disappointing, so I wish him a speedy recovery," said Sinner.The Australian Open champion awaits the winner of the night match between Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, a repeat of last year's quarter-final.Alcaraz, who appears to be moving through the gears in Paris after an injury-hit preparation, has won all five past encounters with Tsitsipas."I'm really looking forward to playing this match. I love this challenge and these kind of matches," said the 21-year-old Spaniard, attempting to add to his Wimbledon title from a year ago and the 2022 US Open."I have seen a lot of matches from Stefanos lately. He has a lot of confidence right now and is playing great tennis. I think I have the key against him so I will try to make him in trouble."Tsitsipas, who lost the 2021 French Open final in five sets to Djokovic, hopes to put a stop to Alcaraz's dominance."He has said in the past he likes playing against me, so I hope he gets to like it a little bit less this time," said the Greek ninth seed.Earlier in the day, Swiatek thrashed Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2 to set up a last-four showdown with American third seed Coco Gauff, the player she beat in the 2022 Roland Garros final.World number one Swiatek improved her career record in Paris to 33-2 and is on course to become the first woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen three years in a row since Justine Henin in 2005-07.After Swiatek's 40-minute rout of Anastasia Potapova in the last 16, the only consolation for Vondrousova was her snapping the Pole's incredible run of 20 consecutive games won early in the second set."Honestly I think everything worked," said the 23-year-old Swiatek. "I felt like I was in the zone today."Since saving a match point against Naomi Osaka in round two, Swiatek has looked every bit the tournament favorite and goes into her semi-final with Gauff having won 10 of their 11 meetings, all in straight sets.US Open champion Gauff has come up short against Swiatek in four attempts on clay and was beaten by the top seed on her way to the title in Rome last month."You don't want to change your routines. Not to put too much baggage on your shoulders, just treat it like any other match and not something huge," said Swiatek.Gauff passed her toughest test of the fortnight as she fought back from a set down to beat three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.The 20-year-old Gauff is set for a third straight Grand Slam semi-final, after also making the last four at the Australian Open."Everybody knows I want to go all the way," said Gauff, who must try to end Swiatek's 19-match French Open winning run."She's playing great tennis here, so it's going to be a challenge, but I'm going to go into the match with a lot of belief that I can.""I have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on her."

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, will face off in the French Open semifinals after securing victories on June 4.Gauff, the No. 3 seed, rallied to defeat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, reaching the semifinals of a third consecutive Grand Slam tournament. Swiatek, the No. 1 seed, followed suit on Court Philippe Chatrier with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, extending her Roland Garros winning streak to 19 matches.Gauff has enjoyed a remarkable run in recent Grand Slams, winning her first major title at the U.S. Open in September and reaching the final four at the Australian Open in January. The 20-year-old American was the runner-up to Swiatek at the French Open in 2022.Overall, Swiatek holds a 10-1 advantage in meetings against Gauff, including a 6-4, 6-3 semifinal win on clay last month en route to the Italian Open title.Despite a tough three-set triumph over four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in the second round last week, Swiatek has been at her dominant best in this French Open, showcasing why she has led the WTA rankings nearly every week since April 2022 and is a popular pick to leave with another title.Excluding the 17 games Osaka managed, Swiatek has dropped a total of only 11 games in her other four matches so far.Swiatek followed up her 6-0, 6-0 shutout of Anastasia Potapova in the fourth round by grabbing the initial seven games against Vondrousova. And make no mistake: Vondrousova is no slouch. In addition to being a Grand Slam champion, she was a finalist at Roland Garros in 2019, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and is currently ranked No. 6.But she never stood a chance against Swiatek, who compiled 25 winners to just 10 unforced errors. Swiatek, a 23-year-old from Poland, faced just one break point — and, naturally, she saved it.Jabeur's mix of speeds and spins gave Gauff fits at times. And as well-known as Gauff is for her ability to cover the court and play defense, Jabeur managed to keep coming up with winners, finishing with 30 in all."She was playing really well the whole match. She was hitting a lot of winners on me, which is something I’m not used to against anybody,” Gauff said. “So today I was just trying to just be aggressive toward the end.”Gauff pulled away to a 5-2 lead in the last set, then needed a trio of match points to close things out, acknowledging afterward that maybe she grew a little tight down the stretch. The last game was key, with Gauff needing to save a break point, then Jabeur dismissing one match point with a disguised drop shot that earned a roar from the stands that the 29-year-old Tunisian responded to by putting her right index finger to her ear.But on Gauff's next opportunity to seal the victory, Jabeur badly flubbed an overhead. Gauff smiled, then raised her arms and yelled.With the crowd at the main stadium loudly supporting Jabeur at times, Gauff did not play badly in the opening set. But No. 8 seed Jabeur — a three-time major finalist — was superb, winning 17 of 18 first-serve points, never facing a single break point, and accumulating a 12-5 edge in total winners. When she delivered an ace at 114 mph (184 kph) to end the set, Jabeur nodded repeatedly."She’s a tough opponent and she’s well-loved on tour. I could tell by the crowd today — I know you guys wanted her to win. Honestly, whenever she’s not playing (me), I cheer for her, too,” Gauff said. “Even though you guys were for Ons, I really had a lot of fun, even when I lost the first set and they were chanting when I was in the bathroom," Gauff said about her trip off the court after the first set. "I was like, ‘This is just really fun, win or lose.’ It is.”Gauff got going after that, raising her level and trying to gain the upper hand during lengthier exchanges. She put in 16 winners over the last two sets, while breaking serve four times.“I know I have a lot of love here in Paris. Trust me, I know," said Gauff, who won the French Open junior title at age 14. "So I really appreciate it, and hopefully you guys can help me make it through the next round.”

Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff are set to face off in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros on Tuesday, June 4, in a highly anticipated clash. The last time these two met, Gauff dominated Jabeur with a 6-0, 6-1 victory at the 2023 WTA Finals. However, Jabeur has since regained her form and is now a serious contender for the title.Jabeur's recent resurgence has seen her win eight of her last 11 matches, including an impressive straight-set victory over Clara Tauson in the previous round. She is now ranked No. 9 in the world and is playing with the confidence of a Grand Slam champion.Gauff, on the other hand, has not dropped a single set at Roland Garros so far. However, she has not faced any significant competition, with her wins coming against players ranked outside the top 50.The key to this match will be Jabeur's ability to exploit Gauff's weaknesses. Gauff has struggled with her serve and forehand in recent matches, and Jabeur will look to take advantage of these areas.Jabeur's slice shots and drop shots will also be a major threat to Gauff, who is one of the best movers on tour. However, if Jabeur can strike the ball cleanly and keep Gauff off balance, she will have a good chance of winning.Overall, this is a very close matchup, but Jabeur's recent form and experience at the Grand Slam level give her a slight edge. She is a dangerous opponent for anyone, and Gauff will need to be at her best to beat her.