Tennis

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has received a flattering tribute from WNBA star Cameron Brink. Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, went viral for her pregame cosplay of Gauff's Roland Garros outfit.Brink, who is also sponsored by New Balance, arrived at the arena for a game against the Indiana Fever wearing a similar New Balance collared polo tank and pleated skirt to the separates that Gauff has been wearing on court in Paris."I want to be like Coco," Brink said.Gauff, who is a noted basketball fan, was surprised and delighted by the shoutout."I haven't got the chance to meet Cameron yet, but obviously been watching her a lot when she was at Stanford and now seeing her in the WNBA is great, and I definitely want to try to catch a game," Gauff said.Gauff also expressed her hope that Brink would one day have the chance to show off her own style chops with her own signature New Balance shoe."I hope one day maybe ... I can rock it too for my press events," Gauff said. "She's awesome."Gauff has been equally impressive on the court at Roland Garros. She clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for the fourth straight year with a 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Sunday. In four matches in Paris, Gauff hasn't lost a set and has surrendered just 18 games.

Coco Gauff's ongoing transition from defensive to offensive play was evident in her 6-2, 6-4 victory over Dayana Yastremska at the French Open. While Yastremska's erratic style forced Gauff to play with safety, the American also showcased her improved aggression.Gauff's strategy of hitting through the middle of the court and forcing Yastremska to aim close to the lines proved effective. The Ukrainian made 38 unforced errors, while Gauff hit just eight winners. However, Gauff's victory was not solely based on defense.She stood up at the baseline and engaged in slugfests with Yastremska. Her first serve was a key weapon, disarming her opponent by firing it into her body. Gauff won 73% of her first-serve points and was broken only twice.Despite her improved aggression, Gauff's second serve remains a potential weakness. When she tightened up at 6-2, 5-2, Yastremska capitalized and broke back. However, Gauff regained her composure and held serve at 5-4 to secure the victory.Gauff acknowledged Yastremska's ability to play well from behind, but she was prepared for a late surge. The American's progression in her transition was evident in her ability to close out the match despite Yastremska's late rally.While Gauff's first-serve percentage of 47% may raise questions about her chances of winning Roland Garros, each match she plays is a step forward in her development. Her victory over Yastremska demonstrated her progress and suggests that she is capable of making further strides before the tournament's conclusion.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto, the unseeded Italian, has captivated Roland-Garros with her stunning performances and infectious personality. After defeating two Top 20 players, including No. 17 seed Liudmila Samsonova, Cocciaretto has reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.Cocciaretto's journey to the fourth round has been marked by her resilience and determination. In her first-round match against No. 13 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, she rallied from a set down to secure a memorable victory. Against Samsonova, she faced a similar challenge, trailing 6-5 in the first set. However, she refused to be deterred, digging deep to win the set in a tiebreaker.Beyond her on-court prowess, Cocciaretto has also charmed the Parisian crowd with her warmth and humor. During her post-match interview with Mats Wilander, she greeted the crowd with a cheerful "Bonjour, Paris," eliciting thunderous applause. She then joked about her French language skills, admitting that she still had room for improvement.Cocciaretto's ability to connect with the crowd has been a refreshing sight at Roland-Garros, where the atmosphere has been somewhat subdued in the first week. Her infectious enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the French culture have endeared her to the fans."I'm really, really happy to have this support," Cocciaretto said. "It helped me a lot on the match point. It keeps me to be more aggressive, to go to win the point, so I'm really, really grateful about it, and I hope you'll come to support me for the next match."Cocciaretto's next challenge will be against No. 3 seed Coco Gauff, a 2022 finalist at Roland-Garros. The Italian will be aiming for her second career Top 10 win, having previously defeated Petra Kvitova in the first round of last year's tournament.With her captivating tennis and endearing personality, Elisabetta Cocciaretto has emerged as a crowd favorite at Roland-Garros. As she continues her journey through the tournament, she is sure to leave a lasting impression on the Parisian crowd and tennis fans around the world.

Coco Gauff vs. Dayana Yastremska: A Clash of Styles on ClayCoco Gauff, the No. 3 seed and former Roland Garros finalist, will face off against Dayana Yastremska in the third round of the French Open. The match promises to be a captivating clash of styles, with Gauff's consistency and precision pitted against Yastremska's power and risk-taking.Yastremska has shown glimpses of brilliance in 2024, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open. However, her form has been inconsistent since then, and she has struggled to find her rhythm on clay. Despite her recent struggles, Yastremska remains a dangerous opponent, capable of producing stunning shots when her game is on point.Gauff, on the other hand, has been in impressive form this year. She has won two titles and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. Her all-court game and ability to control the pace of play make her a formidable opponent on any surface.The key to the match will likely lie in Yastremska's ability to find her range and dictate the rallies. If she can consistently hit her big shots and force Gauff to defend, she has a chance to upset the American. However, Gauff's consistency and ability to neutralize Yastremska's power will be crucial in determining the outcome.Ben Shelton vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime: A Battle of Power on Court 14Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime will square off in a highly anticipated first-round encounter on Court 14. Both players have shown a liking for clay this season, with Shelton winning a title in Houston and Auger-Aliassime reaching the final in Madrid.Shelton relies heavily on his serve and powerful groundstrokes to overpower opponents. Auger-Aliassime, known for his all-court game and aggressive style, will look to use his superior experience and shot-making ability to counter Shelton's power.The match is likely to be decided by a few key points. Shelton will need to serve well and avoid making unforced errors, while Auger-Aliassime will need to find a way to break down Shelton's defense and create opportunities for himself.Carlos Alcaraz vs. Sebastian Korda: A Test of Resilience and AmbitionCarlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and reigning US Open champion, will face Sebastian Korda in a highly anticipated night match on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The match will be a test of resilience and ambition for both players.Alcaraz has been nursing a right forearm injury, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. He has won two titles this year and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. Korda, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency in recent months. However, he has a history of playing well on big stages and will be eager to prove himself against the world's best.The match will likely be decided by Alcaraz's ability to manage his injury and maintain his high level of play. Korda will need to play aggressively and take risks to create opportunities for himself.

WNBA Star Cameron Brink Channels Coco Gauff's Tennis StyleAs the French Open heats up, tennis fashion is making waves in the WNBA. Rookie sensation Cameron Brink has revealed her inspiration for a recent pre-game outfit: US Open champion Coco Gauff.In a video posted to social media, Brink confessed, "I'm wearing my little New Balance tennis set, I want to be like Coco." The Stanford alumna paired the set with New Balance sneakers and "old-school socks" before her team's game against the Indiana Fever.Both Brink and Gauff are sponsored by New Balance and recently starred in an ad campaign for the brand. Brink's pre-game attire adds to the growing popularity of "tenniscore" fashion, which has been trending in pop culture thanks to the release of the film "Challengers" and Zendaya's stylish promotional looks.However, tennis icons like Venus Williams argue that the practice of incorporating tennis aesthetics into everyday fashion has been around for a long time. "Tennis never goes out of style—it’s always trending!" Williams said. "I’ve always loved seeing people embracing tennis-core and incorporating it into every day style in their own unique way."At Roland Garros, Gauff has been sporting a gray New Balance set in her first two matches. Her collared polo tank and pleated skirt have been paired with a new gray colorway of her signature CG1 shoe.Brink's and Gauff's fashion choices highlight the intersection of sports and fashion. Tenniscore is not just a trend but a reflection of the sport's enduring influence on style.

American tennis stars Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins made impressive starts to their Roland Garros campaigns on Monday, securing straight-sets victories in the first round.Gauff, the No. 3 seed and last year's runner-up, dominated qualifier Julia Avdeeva 6-1, 6-3 in just 53 minutes. The 20-year-old showcased improved serve consistency, hitting only four double faults and winning 86% of points behind her first serve."I just had to play solid today," Gauff said. "I think my serve is getting better match by match, and I'm pretty confident now with it."Gauff will face dangerous qualifier Tamara Zidansek in the second round, a player she acknowledges as a "fighter" with strong ball tolerance.Meanwhile, Collins, the No. 11 seed, defeated countrywoman Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-4 in 85 minutes. The 30-year-old, who has announced her retirement from the tour in 2024, has been in excellent form since winning the Miami Open in March.Collins struck 27 winners and broke serve three times against Dolehide. She will now face Olga Danilovic in the second round, a rematch of their third-set tiebreaker at the Mutua Madrid Open last month.Collins' best result at Roland Garros is a quarterfinal run in 2020, where she defeated former champion Garbiñe Muguruza and then-No. 30 seed Ons Jabeur.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek's quest for a record-breaking fourth French Open title could face a formidable challenge from four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the second round of the 2024 tournament. The draw, announced on Thursday, has placed Swiatek and Osaka in the same half, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster clash.Swiatek, who has dominated the women's tennis circuit this season, will begin her title defense against a qualifier or lucky loser. Should she advance, she could face Osaka, who will open her campaign against Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. Osaka, a former World No. 1, has struggled for form in recent months but remains a dangerous opponent on her day.Another potential obstacle for Swiatek is reigning US Open winner Coco Gauff, who is also in the same half of the draw. Gauff, who has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the world, could face a quarterfinal showdown with Swiatek.On the other side of the draw, two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Erika Andreeva in the first round. Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 2, will be aiming to make a deep run in Paris after reaching the semifinals in 2021.Fourth seed Elena Rybakina, the only player to have defeated Swiatek on clay this season, will take on Belgium's Greet Minnen in her opener. Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022, could face seventh-seeded Chinese Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals.Other notable matchups in the projected quarterfinal line-up include reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova against Swiatek, and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur against Gauff. Eighth-seeded Greek Maria Sakkari could meet Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.The 2024 French Open will take place from May 26 onwards at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Swiatek will be aiming to become the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win four consecutive French Open titles.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has unveiled her latest signature shoe with New Balance, the Coco CG1 "Grey Days." This special-edition sneaker is a nod to the brand's heritage and the moody neutrals that have become synonymous with the Boston-based sportswear giant.The "Grey Days" CG1 features a hairy suede upper in a range of subtle stone and off-white hues. The sand-colored sole bears the inspiring words of Gauff's father, "You can change the world with your racquet." This message reflects Gauff's commitment to using her platform for social change.The Grey Coco CG1 is the culmination of New Balance's annual Grey Day celebration, which pays homage to the color that has become emblematic for the brand since its introduction in the 1980s. Throughout the month, New Balance athletes, including Gauff and Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, have showcased their own gray sneakers and apparel.Gauff's shoe will make its Grand Slam debut at Roland Garros, where the gray and beige design will face the ultimate test on the tournament's infamous terre-battue surface. The shoe will be unveiled in person at "Coco's Court," a pop-up experience in Paris ahead of the tournament.The pop-up will offer fans a chance to experience Gauff's favorite treats and activities, customize their own apparel, and enjoy live music. The "Grey Days" CG1 will be available for purchase on May 24th, adding a touch of moody elegance to the tennis courts and beyond.

In the highly anticipated Rome semifinal, Iga Swiatek once again proved her dominance on clay, defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. This victory extended Swiatek's winning streak against Gauff to 10-1, highlighting the vast gap between the two players' clay-court prowess.Swiatek's relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy forced Gauff into numerous errors, particularly on her weaker forehand. The American's second serve, which she has been working to improve, proved to be a liability, with Swiatek capitalizing on its weakness. Gauff saved seven of the 11 break points she faced, but the constant pressure proved too much to handle.Despite Gauff's valiant efforts, Swiatek's all-around game and superior clay-court skills were simply too much to overcome. The Polish star has now won 10 of their 11 career meetings, with Gauff's lone victory coming in Cincinnati last year.Swiatek's victory sets up a potential rematch of the Madrid final against Aryna Sabalenka or a clash with Danielle Collins, who has been enjoying a resurgence this spring. Gauff, on the other hand, will need to find a way to improve her clay-court game if she wants to challenge Swiatek's dominance.