Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the defending champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner, will aim to extend his record-breaking streak of 14 consecutive French Open quarter-finals on Monday. However, his latest victory came at a cost, setting an unwanted record for the latest finish in Roland Garros history.Djokovic's five-set epic against Lorenzo Musetti concluded at 3:07 a.m. Sunday, leaving the 37-year-old Serbian questioning the scheduling. "Certain things could have been handled differently," he said. "There is a certain beauty in winning at three in the morning if it's the last of the tournament, but this wasn't the case."Despite the late finish, Djokovic remains focused on his goal of reaching the last eight. He will face Argentine 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo, who stunned Alexander Zverev on clay earlier this season. Cerundolo has never met Djokovic before, but he has shown impressive form in Paris, reaching the last 16 in 2023.Zverev, who defeated Rafael Nadal in the first round, survived a scare against Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, battling back from 4-1 down in the final set. The German is playing under the shadow of an ongoing trial in Berlin over allegations of assaulting an ex-girlfriend.Holger Rune, a two-time quarter-finalist in Paris, will face fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev reached the quarter-finals in 2021, ending a run of four successive first-round losses. Casper Ruud, the runner-up to Nadal and Djokovic in the last two years, will tackle Taylor Fritz for a quarter-final spot.In the women's tournament, world number two Aryna Sabalenka will play American 22nd seed Emma Navarro. Sabalenka has made at least the last four at her past six Grand Slams, while Navarro is in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will face experienced Ukrainian 15th seed Elina Svitolina. Rybakina is the only woman to defeat world number one Iga Swiatek on clay this season. Moscow-born French player Varvara Gracheva will play 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, the Russian teenager who is the youngest woman to reach the last 16 on all three Slam surfaces since Anna Kournikova in 1998.

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek emerged victorious in their respective matches at the French Open on Sunday, setting up intriguing quarterfinal clashes.Alcaraz, the 19-year-old Spanish sensation, produced a dominant performance to defeat Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. Despite a recent injury setback, Alcaraz showcased his exceptional talent, hitting 34 winners and displaying impressive consistency. He will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas, who overcame a spirited challenge from Matteo Arnaldi in a thrilling four-set encounter.Meanwhile, Swiatek, the world number one, continued her relentless pursuit of a third consecutive Roland Garros title with a ruthless 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Anastasia Potapova. The Polish star conceded a mere 10 points in the shortest completed match of her career, showcasing her unwavering focus and determination.In other men's action, Jannik Sinner overcame a slow start to defeat Corentin Moutet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. The Italian will face Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.Coco Gauff, the 2022 French Open runner-up, cruised past Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-2. The American will now take on Ons Jabeur, who defeated Clara Tauson in straight sets.As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, with Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, Swiatek, and other top contenders vying for a place in the semifinals. The French Open continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide with its thrilling matches and unpredictable outcomes.

Roland Garros: Sabalenka, Zverev, Ruud Face Tricky Tests in QuarterfinalsThe quarterfinals of the 2023 French Open promise thrilling encounters as top seeds Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev, and Casper Ruud navigate challenging opponents.Sabalenka vs. Navarro: A Test of Patience and TacticsSabalenka, the No. 2 seed, will face Emma Navarro, who upset Madison Keys in the previous round. Navarro's victory over Sabalenka at Indian Wells earlier this year highlights her ability to outplay opponents with consistency and a diverse arsenal of shots. Sabalenka, however, has shown improved form on clay and will need to demonstrate patience and tactical acumen to overcome Navarro's tricky style.Zverev vs. Rune: A Clash of Styles and MomentumAlexander Zverev, the No. 4 seed, will take on Holger Rune, a rising star who defeated him in Munich in 2022. Zverev's strong season and comeback victory in his last match suggest he is in good form. Rune, on the other hand, has been inconsistent but has shown resilience in coming back from behind. Zverev's power and experience should give him an edge, but Rune's ability to thrive on the big stage could make it a close contest.Ruud vs. Fritz: A Battle of Clay-Court SpecialistsCasper Ruud, the No. 8 seed, will face Taylor Fritz, who has impressed on clay this year. Ruud's dominance on the surface, including a victory in Barcelona, makes him the favorite. Fritz's serve-plus-one style has proven effective on clay, but Ruud's heavy topspin forehand and overall clay-court prowess should give him the advantage.

Second seeds Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden faced a stern test in their French Open opener, overcoming a spirited challenge from Brazilian duo Orlnado Luz and Marcelo Zormann in a thrilling three-set encounter.The Brazilians, who entered the tournament as eighth alternates, proved to be formidable opponents, pushing the Australian Open champions to the limit. The first set was a see-saw battle, with both teams trading breaks. Bopanna and Ebden eventually prevailed 7-5, but not without a fight from Luz and Zormann.The second set saw the Brazilians seize the initiative, breaking Ebden's serve in the opening game. However, the second seeds responded with a break of their own, and the set remained on serve until the eighth game. Luz and Zormann had four set points to level the match, but Bopanna and Ebden held firm to break back and take the set 6-4.The third set was equally competitive, with both teams holding serve until the fifth game. Bopanna and Ebden finally broke through, and they held on to their advantage to close out the match 6-4.Despite the Brazilians' valiant effort, the experience of Bopanna and Ebden proved decisive. The second seeds showed their class in the crucial moments, shifting momentum in their favor when it mattered most.

Emma Navarro, the 23-year-old American tennis sensation, has defied expectations and surged into the fourth round of the French Open, marking her first Grand Slam appearance at this stage. Despite her unassuming stature and lack of a signature weapon, Navarro has proven to be a formidable force on the court.Navarro's success stems from her unconventional approach. She charges forward on opponents' second serves, taking the ball on the rise, a risky tactic that has paid off handsomely. Her backhand drop shot, executed with precision and height, keeps opponents guessing and forces them to scramble.Moreover, Navarro's excellent timing allows her to counterpunch even the hardest hitters, sending their pace back across the net with precision. Her athleticism is also a key factor, as she covers the court with ease and executes difficult shots with aplomb.Navarro's mindset has shifted since turning pro. She now embraces the aggressive approach, striking first and dictating the pace of play. This newfound confidence has been evident in her composed performance in tiebreakers, where she has remained calm under pressure.Next up for Navarro is a clash with second seed Aryna Sabalenka, a player she has already defeated this season. Navarro's ability to handle Sabalenka's power and create her own opportunities will be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 25-year-old Greek sensation, will face off against 23-year-old Italian newcomer Matteo Arnaldi in the fourth round of the French Open. Tsitsipas, a seasoned veteran with a strong clay-court game, has been in impressive form, dropping only one set in three matches. Arnaldi, on the other hand, has surprised many by upsetting higher-ranked opponents, including Andrey Rublev.Tsitsipas has been studying Arnaldi's game and recognizes his fighting spirit and tenacity. He plans to disrupt Arnaldi's rhythm by varying his attack, using his one-handed backhand and net-rushing abilities. Arnaldi, known for his baseline power and speed, will need to maintain his confidence and shot-making prowess to challenge Tsitsipas.In the women's draw, Ons Jabeur, the former Roland Garros favorite, will take on 21-year-old Dane Clara Tauson. Jabeur, now 29, has faced some challenges this season but has shown resilience in her two hard-fought victories. Tauson, a former junior world No. 1, has upset Jelena Ostapenko and possesses the power that made her a promising prospect.The highly anticipated clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Félix Auger-Aliassime will be a battle of two rising stars. Alcaraz, despite an earlier forearm injury, has regained his form and confidence, dropping only one set in three matches. Auger-Aliassime, known for his serve-plus-one strategy, has also been in impressive form, reaching the final in Madrid.With Alcaraz's penchant for mid-match lulls and Auger-Aliassime's growing belief in his game, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, recently revealed his dream dinner party guests from tennis history: Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Medvedev emphasized that he would prioritize honest conversations about life rather than tennis.Medvedev's choice of Djokovic stems from his desire to delve into the Serbian's mindset and perspectives. McEnroe, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, would bring a unique and entertaining element to the table. Kafelnikov, a former Roland Garros and Olympic gold medalist, could provide valuable insights on navigating a demanding clay-court season.Medvedev's recent success on clay, including a Masters 1000 victory in Rome and two second-week appearances in Paris, suggests that he may be approaching the form necessary to make his dream dinner party a reality.During his third-round victory at the French Open, Medvedev experienced a peculiar incident involving an injured pigeon. The bird's presence on the court provided a brief respite, allowing Medvedev to catch his breath and regain focus.Medvedev's ability to adapt to different surfaces and his growing comfort on clay indicate that he is a serious contender for this year's Roland Garros title. Should he continue his impressive run, he may soon have the opportunity to share a meal with his tennis idols and engage in the thought-provoking conversations he desires.

Roland Garros 2023: Rain Continues to Plague French Open, Disrupting Schedule and PlayThe 2023 French Open has been marred by relentless rain, which has disrupted the schedule and forced organizers to rely heavily on retractable roofs. For the past seven days, precipitation has fallen in some form, leading to the unfortunate moniker of "Drench Open."The retractable roofs over Courts Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen have been in constant use, providing a lifeline for the tournament. Without the Lenglen roof, which debuted this year, the situation would have been even more dire.Schedule makers have faced a daunting task, constantly adjusting the daily puzzle due to the unpredictable weather. Despite attempts to start play earlier and cram more matches onto more courts, the rain has persisted.On Saturday, play on outside courts began as scheduled, but was suspended around 1 p.m. local time. No play has occurred since then, with journalist Jose Morgado's timeline resembling a litany of delays.Around 5 p.m. local time, all doubles matches were canceled for the day. Only 10 games of second-round play in the women's doubles event have been completed, and six first-round matches remain unfinished.When play has been possible, it has often extended late into the night or even into the next day. Lighted courts, a recent addition to Roland Garros, have been heavily utilized, resulting in a hefty utility bill.In addition to the rain, cold temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit have added to the discomfort. Hooded tops and parka coats have become common sights, while sunscreen has gone unused.Despite the challenging conditions, fans have remained resilient, sticking around and taking to their damp seats. As of 5:15 p.m., tarps were being removed from outside courts, and play resumed 25 minutes later.Rain is an unavoidable challenge for Grand Slams, but the extent of the disruption in Paris has been unprecedented. Organizers have been left with few options but to adapt and hope for better weather in the coming days.

Novak Djokovic stands on the cusp of history as he prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the French Open on Saturday. A victory over the Italian would see Djokovic equal Roger Federer's record for most Grand Slam match wins, with both players currently sitting on 368.Djokovic, the defending champion at Roland Garros, has been in impressive form so far in the tournament, not dropping a set in his first two matches. He will be wary of Musetti, however, who pushed him to the brink in their fourth-round encounter at the French Open in 2021.Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to win another Grand Slam title. "There is always that kind of conviction and belief inside of me that I can win a Slam," said the 37-year-old. "That's the reason why I'm still competing at this level."Another player to watch in the men's draw is Alexander Zverev, who has reached the semi-finals in each of the last three years. Zverev faces Tallon Griekspoor in the third round and will be looking to continue his impressive start to the tournament.In the women's draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka will face close friend Paula Badosa in a highly anticipated third-round clash. Sabalenka has reached at least the third round in her past 14 Grand Slam appearances, while Badosa is a former world number two.Another intriguing matchup in the women's draw is between 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva and Peyton Stearns. Andreeva, ranked 38, upset former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the second round and will be looking to make the last 16 of a Slam for the third time.