Tennis

Ben Stiller, the renowned actor and tennis enthusiast, has become a regular fixture at Grand Slam events, particularly those featuring the rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. After witnessing their epic 2022 US Open encounter, Stiller was eager to catch their next Grand Slam clash in person.On Friday, Stiller joined the thousands of spectators at Roland Garros who were captivated by the thrilling five-set semifinal between Alcaraz and Sinner. The match, which lasted over four hours, showcased the exceptional talent and determination of both players.Stiller's passion for tennis extends beyond his role as a spectator. He is an avid player himself, having taken up the sport later in life. His love for the game has led him to develop a close friendship with Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player.Stiller's appreciation for tennis stems from its parallels to acting. He believes that both pursuits require individuals to be responsive and adaptable to the actions of others. In tennis, players must adjust their game plan based on their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Similarly, in acting, actors must react to the cues and emotions of their fellow performers.In recent years, Stiller has been particularly impressed by the rise of Alcaraz. He witnessed the Spaniard's epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final and was present at Roland Garros to watch Alcaraz defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.With Alcaraz poised to compete for his third Grand Slam title on Sunday, it remains to be seen whether Stiller will make it a hat trick of appearances at the young star's matches. Regardless, his presence at Roland Garros is a testament to his admiration for the sport and its rising stars.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, has once again proven his mettle by overcoming a formidable challenge at the Roland Garros semifinals. A year after his heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz returned to Court Philippe Chatrier with a vengeance, battling through a grueling five-set marathon against Jannik Sinner.The match was a testament to the intense rivalry between the two young players. Sinner, the Italian sensation, started strong, taking the first set with ease. However, Alcaraz fought back, showcasing his resilience and determination. He clawed his way back into the match, winning the second set and taking a 2-1 lead.The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions. Alcaraz struck first, but Sinner responded with a break of his own. A right-hand cramp appeared to hinder Sinner, but he fought through the pain, erasing four break points before receiving medical attention. Sinner eventually took the third set, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.In the fourth set, Alcaraz's forehand came alive. He hit blistering shots and tracked down drop shots with ease. The crowd erupted in chants of "Carlos!" as he forced a fifth set.The final set was a battle of wills. Alcaraz broke Sinner early on and held his nerve throughout. Sinner made one last stand, pushing Alcaraz to deuce, but the Spaniard held firm, sealing the victory with a backhand crosscourt winner.Alcaraz's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career. He is now the youngest man in the Open Era to reach major finals on three different surfaces. His victory also extends his unbeaten record in five-setters to an impressive 10-1.The match was a showcase of the future of tennis. Alcaraz and Sinner are two of the most promising players in the world, and their rivalry is sure to produce many more memorable moments in the years to come.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the semifinalists at the 2023 Roland Garros, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on Friday. Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, continued his impressive run by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-4.Alcaraz dominated the opening set, breaking Tsitsipas in the first game and wrapping it up with another break in the eighth. The second set was more competitive, with Tsitsipas breaking back after trailing 2-0. However, Alcaraz regained control in the tie-break, winning four consecutive points to take the set.In the third set, Alcaraz broke Tsitsipas early and held on to his serve to secure the victory. The match was marred by some controversy, as Tsitsipas complained to the umpire about Alcaraz's grunting.Earlier in the day, Sinner defeated Grigor Dimitrov in three sets, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3). Sinner controlled the match from the start, breaking Dimitrov twice in the first set and once in the second. Dimitrov fought back in the third set, but Sinner proved too strong in the tie-break.Alcaraz and Sinner have now both reached 50 career Grand Slam wins, becoming the first men born in the 2000s to achieve this milestone. Alcaraz has advanced to the semifinals or better at five of the past six majors he has entered, while Sinner has reached the quarterfinals or better at four of the past five.The semifinal clash between Alcaraz and Sinner promises to be a captivating encounter. Alcaraz has won four of their previous eight meetings, but Sinner has prevailed in their only clay-court clash. With both players in excellent form, the match is likely to be decided by fine margins.

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."

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.

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner faced a daunting challenge against Corentin Moutet on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. Despite struggling with a hip injury, Sinner had cruised through his previous matches. However, Moutet, ranked 79th, stunned the crowd by racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set.The Parisian crowd erupted in a mix of excitement and disbelief as Moutet threatened to pull off a major upset. Sinner's first-serve percentage plummeted to 59%, giving Moutet ample opportunities to attack. The Italian seemed out of sorts, struggling to find his rhythm.But as the first set reached its conclusion, Sinner's resolve hardened. He tightened his serve, increasing his first-serve percentage to 78% in the fourth set. This tactical adjustment kept Moutet at bay, silencing the Chatrier faithful.Sinner surged through the next three sets, brushing aside the lone break point he faced. He displayed his trademark power and precision, dictating the pace of the match. Moutet, despite his valiant effort, was unable to sustain his early momentum.In the end, Sinner completed a remarkable 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 comeback, advancing to the quarterfinals. He will face No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling three-set battle.Sinner's victory was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he refused to give up, showcasing the mental fortitude that has made him one of the most promising players in the world.

Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek, who turned 23 on Friday, narrowly escaped a second-round upset against Naomi Osaka, saving a match point to advance to the third round. The Polish star, who boasts a 30-2 record at Roland Garros, will face 42nd-ranked Marie Bouzkova in her next match.Swiatek's victory over Osaka was a testament to her resilience and determination. After dropping the first set, she rallied to win the final five games and secure a hard-fought victory. The win also marked her 30th consecutive victory on clay, extending her impressive streak.On the men's side, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are both aiming for a place in the last 16. Alcaraz, who has been battling an arm injury, overcame a scare in the second round against Jesper de Jong. He will now face American Sebastian Korda, who defeated him in their previous meeting on clay.Sinner, the Australian Open champion, has looked impressive in Paris despite concerns over his health. He will play Pavel Kotov, who upset Stan Wawrinka in the last round. Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2021 Roland Garros runner-up, is also in action, while sixth seed Andrey Rublev faces Matteo Arnaldi.The French Open is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top players vying for the title. Swiatek remains the favorite in the women's draw, while Alcaraz and Sinner are the frontrunners in the men's competition.

Jannik Sinner, the world's No. 2 tennis player, has once again made a fashion statement on the court, this time with a one-of-a-kind duffle bag designed by Gucci in collaboration with his racquet sponsor, Head. The bag, which features Head's performance materials and Gucci's signature green and red Web stripe, is a testament to the growing partnership between the Italian tennis star and the luxury fashion house.Sinner's partnership with Gucci began in 2022, when he became the brand's global ambassador. However, Gucci's ties to tennis extend back to the 1970s, when the brand unveiled its first tennis-inspired pieces. Gucci's visionary decision to sign Sinner, then a rising star ranked outside the Top 10, has proven to be a wise one, as he has since ascended to the top of the game and become a national hero in Italy.Last year, Sinner made history by bringing Gucci's signature monogram duffle bag on court at Wimbledon, with the brand receiving special approval from the ATP, ITF, and Wimbledon. The bag has since become a symbol of Sinner's unique style and the growing influence of fashion in the world of tennis.Sinner's latest on-court accessory is a testament to the continued collaboration between Gucci and Head. The bag perfectly blends sportswear and luxury fashion, featuring both Head's leading performance materials and Gucci's signature design elements. Sinner is set to carry the bag at all competitions this season, further solidifying his status as a fashion icon in the world of tennis.Beyond his fashion sense, Sinner is also a formidable competitor on the court. Despite struggling with a hip injury in recent weeks, he made a strong return at Roland Garros, defeating Christopher Eubanks in straight sets. The victory boosted confidence in Sinner's quest for a second Grand Slam title and put him back in the running to finish the fortnight as the ATP's new world No. 1.Sinner's next challenge will be against France's Richard Gasquet on Court Philippe Chatrier in the second round at Roland Garros. With his unique style and determination, Sinner is poised to make a deep run in the tournament and continue his ascent to the top of the tennis world.

Iga Swiatek vs. Naomi Osaka: A Clash of Titans on ClayIn a highly anticipated matchup, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek will face off against former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the second round of the French Open. The two players have a contrasting history on clay, with Swiatek dominating the surface and Osaka struggling to find her footing.Swiatek has established herself as the queen of clay, winning three French Open titles and compiling an impressive 29-2 record on the surface this season. Her powerful groundstrokes and relentless defense make her a formidable opponent on any court, but especially on clay.Osaka, on the other hand, has never advanced past the third round at Roland Garros. Her game is more suited to hard courts, where her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play can overwhelm opponents. However, she has shown signs of improvement on clay this season, reaching the semifinals in Madrid.Despite their contrasting records on clay, Osaka possesses the weapons to challenge Swiatek. Her serve is one of the most feared in the women's game, and her return of serve is equally impressive. If she can control the rallies and avoid unforced errors, she has a chance to upset the world No. 1.Jannik Sinner vs. Richard Gasquet: Youth vs. ExperienceIn another intriguing matchup, rising star Jannik Sinner will take on veteran Richard Gasquet. Sinner, ranked No. 2 in the world, is the clear favorite on paper. He has won a major title this year and has a dominant 29-2 record on the season.Gasquet, at 37 years old, is a former top-10 player who has seen his ranking decline in recent years. However, he remains a dangerous opponent on clay, where his experience and crafty shot-making can trouble even the best players.Sinner's youth and power will be a major advantage, but Gasquet's experience and crowd support could give him an edge. If Sinner can maintain his focus and avoid complacency, he should be able to secure the victory.Frances Tiafoe vs. Denis Shapovalov: A Battle of Shot-MakersTwo of the most exciting young players in the game, Frances Tiafoe and Denis Shapovalov, will face off in a clash of styles. Both players are known for their flashy shot-making and unpredictable play.Tiafoe, ranked No. 26, has a slight edge in the rankings and has been more consistent this season. Shapovalov, ranked No. 118, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency but remains a dangerous opponent on his day.This matchup promises to be an explosive and entertaining affair. Tiafoe's power and consistency may give him the edge, but Shapovalov's left-handed serve and ability to hit winners from any position make him a threat.