Tennis

Richard Gasquet's triumph at Roland Garros on Sunday was a testament to his enduring brilliance and the transformative power of a home crowd. The 37-year-old Frenchman, once a rising star but now ranked 124th, defied expectations to defeat Borna Coric in a thrilling three-set battle.Gasquet's victory was a nostalgic moment for those who witnessed his early rise to prominence. In 2005, he captivated fans with his elegant and powerful style, earning a wild card into the US Open. While that match ended prematurely, it left an indelible mark on the young tennis enthusiast who witnessed it.Over the years, Gasquet's relationship with the tennis world evolved. As a journalist covering the sport, the author found it difficult to maintain fandom, but Gasquet's performances on the biggest stages left him wanting more. Despite reaching three Wimbledon semifinals and one US Open semifinal, Gasquet's inability to break through in Grand Slams led to a sense of disappointment.However, on Sunday, Gasquet turned back the clock. The French crowd in Court Suzanne Lenglen erupted in support, chanting his name and creating an atmosphere that was both electric and emotional. Gasquet responded with brilliant shotmaking, winning the first two sets in tiebreakers.Despite a brief lapse in the third set, Gasquet regained his composure and fought off Coric's challenge. He fired his signature shot for an iconic victory, falling to the clay as his racquet flew into the air. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, and Gasquet's eyes welled up with tears.Gasquet's triumph was a reminder that even in the twilight of a career, moments of greatness can still be achieved. It was a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of a home crowd.

Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of Roland Garros, embarks on his quest for a record-extending 15th Coupe des Mousquetaires on Monday. The 37-year-old legend faces a formidable challenge in fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who arrives in Paris fresh off his triumph in Rome.Nadal's dominance at the French Open is unparalleled. With a staggering 112-3 career record, he has established himself as the most successful player in the tournament's history. His last appearance on Court Philippe Chatrier ended in triumph, as he defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets to claim his 14th title.Zverev, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Roland Garros semifinals. In 2022, he faced Nadal in a thrilling encounter that was cut short by an ankle injury. The German was leading 7-6(8), 6-6 when he was forced to retire, leaving Nadal to advance to the final.Since then, Zverev has returned to form, winning the Rome Masters and reaching the semifinals in Madrid. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play make him a dangerous opponent for any player, including Nadal.The upcoming match between Nadal and Zverev promises to be a captivating spectacle. Nadal's experience and resilience will be tested against Zverev's youth and firepower. The winner will take a significant step towards the Roland Garros title and cement their place in tennis history.

India's top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal faces a daunting task in the opening round of the French Open as he is set to take on world number 18 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Sunday. Nagal, ranked 94th in the world, earned a direct entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam after his consistent performances on the tour. He became the first Indian male player to qualify for the French Open main draw since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019.However, Nagal's form leading up to the clay Grand Slam has been far from ideal. He lost to Holger Rune in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters, before missing the Madrid and Rome Masters. The 26-year-old then made first-round exits from the Bordeaux Challenger and Geneva Open earlier this month.On the other hand, Khachanov, who has been seeded 18th, had reached the quarterfinals last year. He won the Qatar Open 250 in February and enjoys an impressive 21-7 record this season.Nagal's match against Khachanov will be a stern test for the Indian, who has never faced the Russian before. Khachanov is a powerful hitter with a big serve, and he will be looking to use his experience and ranking advantage to his benefit.Nagal, however, is known for his fighting spirit and determination. He has a strong baseline game and is capable of producing some stunning shots. If he can stay focused and play to his strengths, he has a chance of causing an upset.The match is scheduled to be played on Court number 7 at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Sunday, May 27. It will start after 3:45 PM IST and will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network. It will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career at the Roland Garros has been marked by unprecedented success, with the Spaniard claiming a record 14 titles at the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam. Amidst speculation about his potential retirement in 2024, the French Tennis Federation had planned a grand ceremony to honor his achievements at this year's tournament. However, the event was abruptly canceled after Nadal hinted that he might not be ready to bid farewell to the tournament just yet.Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo revealed that the federation had prepared a special tribute for Nadal, but respected his wishes to postpone the ceremony. "We had something planned for him, but he wants to leave the door open to come back next year as a player," Mauresmo said. "We're not going to push him to do anything. It's his decision when he wants to have a proper farewell."Nadal's decision to delay his retirement plans has left the possibility of his return to Roland Garros in 2025 open. The 38-year-old, who turns 39 in June, has hinted that he may continue playing for as long as his body allows. "I'm taking it year by year," Nadal said in a recent interview. "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to play, but I'm going to keep fighting as long as I can."Nadal's longevity and resilience have been remarkable, especially considering the physical demands of tennis. He has overcome numerous injuries throughout his career, including a chronic foot problem that has plagued him in recent years. Despite these challenges, Nadal remains one of the most competitive players on the ATP Tour, as evidenced by his recent run to the semifinals of the Australian Open.As Nadal prepares for his first-round match at Roland Garros against Alexander Zverev, the question of his retirement looms large. However, the Spaniard has shown no signs of slowing down, and his determination to continue playing at the highest level is unwavering. Whether he decides to retire in 2024 or beyond, Nadal's legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure.

Rafael Nadal's remarkable comeback at the 2022 Australian Open, where he defied all odds to win his 21st Grand Slam title, is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Despite facing a debilitating foot injury and contemplating retirement, Nadal's unwavering determination propelled him to a historic victory.Nadal's journey to the final was nothing short of miraculous. After struggling through the early rounds, he faced a daunting two-set deficit against Daniil Medvedev in the championship match. With a mere 4% chance of winning, Nadal summoned his inner strength and rallied back to claim a stunning victory.This comeback epitomizes Nadal's illustrious career, marked by relentless perseverance and an uncanny ability to overcome adversity. Despite not being the most powerful or aggressive player on tour, Nadal's iconic forehand and exceptional defense have enabled him to dominate his opponents and amass an unprecedented 22 Grand Slam titles.As Nadal prepares to face Alexander Zverev in the first round of the 2024 French Open, questions linger about his physical condition. Injuries have plagued him in recent years, and his performance on clay this season has been underwhelming. However, Nadal's record at Roland Garros is unmatched, with an astonishing 112-3 win-loss record.Zverev, on the other hand, enters the tournament in top form, having recently won the Italian Open. His exceptional serve and ability to mix serve locations pose a significant threat to Nadal. To counter Zverev's power, Nadal must adjust his return position and find ways to control the rally length.The outcome of this highly anticipated clash remains uncertain. Nadal's experience and resilience will be tested against Zverev's youth and momentum. Regardless of the result, the match promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

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.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising Spanish star, made a dominant return to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Sunday, crushing American J.J. Wolf in straight sets (6-1, 6-2, 6-1). Alcaraz, who had been sidelined for nearly a month due to a right forearm injury, showcased his impressive form and declared himself "almost at 100% of [his] abilities."In the women's draw, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka secured a hard-fought victory over Lucia Bronzetti (1-6, 6-4, 7-5). Osaka, who is making her comeback after a maternity leave, expressed her nervousness but was thrilled to secure her first Grand Slam win since 2022. She could potentially face the formidable Iga Swiatek, the three-time French Open champion, in a highly anticipated matchup.Elsewhere, Caroline Garcia rallied from a set down to defeat Eva Lys, while American Amanda Anisimova overcame Rebecca Sramkova. Dayana Yastremska eliminated Ajla Tomljanovic, while Lesia Tsurenko retired due to a back injury.In the men's draw, Andrey Rublev overcame Taro Daniel in four sets, despite displaying some frustration during the match. Lorenzo Sonego stunned Ugo Humbert, the highest-ranked Frenchman in the tournament, in four sets. Hubert Hurkacz, Grigor Dimitrov, and Brandon Nakashima also advanced to the second round.Play was briefly interrupted due to rain, but the two largest courts equipped with retractable roofs allowed matches to continue uninterrupted. Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, both three-time Grand Slam champions, are set to face off later on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career at Roland Garros may not be over just yet, as the French Tennis Federation has postponed a planned farewell ceremony at this year's tournament. Nadal, who has won a record 14 titles at the clay-court Grand Slam, has hinted that he may return next year as a player.Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo revealed that Nadal had requested to leave the door open for a potential comeback. "He wants to make sure he's ready whenever he feels he wants to do it," Mauresmo said. "We're not going to push him to do anything."Despite his remarkable record in Paris, Nadal is unseeded this year due to injuries that have limited his playing time in recent seasons. He will face No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev in the first round on Monday.The seeding system has been a topic of discussion, with some players questioning whether Nadal should have been given a special exemption. However, Mauresmo defended the decision, stating that it would create "a lot of other issues and problems."Zverev, who is coming off a title win at the Italian Open, is also facing a court proceeding next week related to accusations of physical abuse. Mauresmo emphasized that Zverev is considered innocent until proven guilty and is therefore allowed to participate in the tournament.Nadal's first-round match against Zverev is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the tournament's trajectory, as Nadal remains a formidable opponent despite his recent injury struggles.

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.