Tennis

Iga Swiatek, the world's No. 1 tennis player, celebrates her 23rd birthday today. Her remarkable career has been marked by numerous milestones and achievements, which we commemorate with a special stat for each of her 23 birthdays so far:1: Swiatek has spent 105 weeks as the world's No. 1, and she is guaranteed to retain the top ranking regardless of her performance at Roland Garros this year.2: She has finished the year as No. 1 twice, in 2022 and 2023, becoming the youngest woman to achieve back-to-back No. 1 finishes since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010 and 2011.3: Swiatek has won three Roland Garros titles, including her first in 2020 as an unseeded player ranked No. 54.4: She has a perfect 4-0 record in Grand Slam finals, winning Roland Garros three times and the US Open once.5: Swiatek has won five WTA 500 titles, including Doha and Stuttgart in 2023.6: She won six consecutive WTA titles during her 37-match winning streak in 2022, becoming the first player to achieve this feat since Justine Henin in 2007-2008.7: Swiatek has won her first seven sets in Grand Slam finals, a record for women in the Open Era.8: She has won her last eight WTA finals in a row, including Roland Garros, Warsaw, Beijing, and the WTA Finals in 2023.9: Swiatek has already spent the ninth-most weeks at No. 1 in WTA history, trailing only Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, and Chris Evert.10: She has won 10 WTA 1000 titles, including four this year alone.11: Swiatek defeated 11 consecutive Grand Slam champions in straight sets between October 2022 and April 2023, the first woman to achieve this since Serena Williams in 2010-2012.12: She is currently on a 12-match winning streak in Doha, where she has won the title three years in a row.13: Swiatek has won 13 WTA titles as the world's No. 1, including four in 2023.14: She is on a 14-match winning streak going into the third round of Roland Garros.15: Swiatek won 15 consecutive matches against Top 10 players in 2022.16: She has a 16-match winning streak at Roland Garros.17: Swiatek has reached the third round or better at the last 17 Grand Slams in a row.18: She won 18 consecutive matches between Beijing 2022 and the Australian Open 2023.19: Swiatek won her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2020 at the age of 19, becoming the youngest woman to win the title since Monica Seles in 1992.20: She lost only 20 games en route to the WTA Finals title in 2022, the fewest games lost by any player since the tournament switched to a round-robin format in 2003.21: Swiatek has won 21 career WTA titles, the most among players born in the 2000s.22: She has recorded 22 bagels (6-0 sets) at Grand Slams in her career.23: Swiatek has the potential to break numerous records in the coming year, including becoming the youngest player to win four consecutive Grand Slams.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton, two rising stars in the tennis world, will face off in a highly anticipated clash at Roland Garros on Friday, May 31. This will be the first encounter between these two talented players, and it promises to be a thrilling battle on the clay courts of Paris.Auger-Aliassime, ranked 21st in the world, has proven his prowess on clay, reaching the final of the Madrid Open earlier this month. His powerful serve and solid baseline game make him a formidable opponent on any surface, but he is particularly dangerous on the slower clay courts.Shelton, ranked 15th in the world, has also shown impressive form on clay, winning the Houston Open in April. However, the American is still adapting to the different conditions in Europe, where the clay is slower and heavier. His return game, in particular, needs improvement, as he has struggled to break serve consistently on clay.Despite Shelton's challenges, he remains a dangerous opponent with a big serve and powerful groundstrokes. He will need to find a way to neutralize Auger-Aliassime's serve and create break-point opportunities if he wants to pull off an upset.Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on his experience and consistency on clay. He has a strong track record on the surface, with two Challenger-level titles and several deep runs in ATP tournaments.Overall, Auger-Aliassime is the slight favorite in this matchup. His experience on clay and his superior return game give him an edge over Shelton. However, Shelton is a rising star with a lot of potential, and he could certainly surprise if he can find his rhythm on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Zizou Bergs, the Belgian qualifier, has taken the Roland Garros tournament by storm, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. His epic celebration with the Parisian fans after defeating Maximilian Marterer on Thursday has become a viral sensation.Bergs' journey to the third round has been nothing short of remarkable. In the first round, he upset No. 24 seed Alejandro Tabilo in a thrilling four-set battle. Against Marterer, he rallied from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 victory.The 24-year-old's success in Paris can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, he has been enjoying a sense of home-field advantage. The French crowd has embraced him, chanting "Zizou" in support of his namesake, the legendary soccer player Zinedine Zidane.Secondly, Bergs has been playing with confidence and determination. He has fired 55 winners in his two matches, including eight aces. His aggressive style of play has kept his opponents on the back foot.Thirdly, Bergs has benefited from the support of his team and family. His coach, Christophe Rochus, has been a guiding force throughout his career. His parents and girlfriend have also been present in Paris, providing him with emotional support.Bergs' success at Roland Garros has not only been a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for other Belgian players. He has shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.In the third round, Bergs will face No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov. It will be a tough challenge, but Bergs is confident that he can continue his dream run in Paris.

Peyton Stearns Stuns Daria Kasatkina in Late-Night Roland Garros ThrillerIn a captivating night of tennis at Roland Garros, unseeded American Peyton Stearns pulled off a stunning upset, eliminating No. 10 seed Daria Kasatkina in a match that stretched well past midnight.Despite the long wait to get on court due to rain delays, Stearns remained unfazed. The 22-year-old from Cincinnati, who won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas, unleashed 17 forehand winners to defeat Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2."You just kind of don't know what to expect," said Stearns about the unpredictable schedule. "You have to accept that."Kasatkina, a 2022 Roland Garros semifinalist, struggled to cope with the situation. "Mentally, it's tough to face the day when it's a long wait," she said. "You have to be calm, but at the same time, you have to be ready to jump on the court. And you don't know when."Stearns' victory was not the only upset of the day. No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 champion in Paris, lost to Denmark's Clara Tauson, while No. 11 Danielle Collins was defeated by Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic.On the men's side, No. 25 Frances Tiafoe and No. 31 Mariano Navone were eliminated. Tiafoe's frosty handshake with Denis Shapovalov after their match drew attention, as Tiafoe had accidentally hit Shapovalov in the head with a tennis ball.Despite the weather disruptions, several top players advanced, including No. 1 Novak Djokovic, No. 4 Alexander Zverev, No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz, and two-time runner-up Casper Ruud.Stearns' victory was particularly impressive given her recent success. She claimed her first career WTA title last week in Rabat, Morocco, and is now working with Tom Hill, who previously coached Maria Sakkari."I was like, 'Look, just stay. Please," Stearns said about her mother, who had planned to leave after the first round. "We've got to keep this going."With her mother now assisting with her warmups and cool downs, Stearns is determined to continue her impressive run at Roland Garros.

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.

Under the dazzling lights of Paris, Scandinavian duo Holger Rune and Casper Ruud emerged victorious from thrilling five-set battles to advance to the third round of Roland Garros.Rune, a two-time quarterfinalist, overcame a two-set deficit and rallied from 0-5 down in the fifth-set tiebreaker to defeat Flavio Cobolli. The Italian clay-courter had fought back to force a decider, but Rune's resilience and determination proved too much.Meanwhile, Ruud, a two-time finalist on the terre battue, avenged his 2021 defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard had pushed Ruud to the limit in their previous encounter, but this time the Norwegian prevailed in a grueling four-hour and eight-minute battle.Both matches were played late due to persistent rain delays. Rune and Cobolli battled on Court 14, while Ruud and Davidovich Fokina took shelter under the Court Suzanne-Lenglen roof.Rune's victory was particularly impressive, as he had struggled for form in recent tournaments. However, he rediscovered his momentum in Paris, showcasing his trademark aggression and court coverage. He will now face lucky loser Jozef Kovalík, who also staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down.Ruud, on the other hand, has been in impressive form in 2024. He has reached the final of Monte Carlo and won his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona. His victory over Davidovich Fokina was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He will next face the winner of the match between Tomás Martín Etcheverry and Arthur Rinderknech.The third round of Roland Garros promises to be filled with more thrilling encounters as the tournament reaches its climax. Rune and Ruud will be among the favorites to reach the latter stages, but they will face stiff competition from a field that includes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz.

French Tennis: A Love-Hate Relationship with Homegrown Players and Rowdy FansThe French have a long-standing reputation for their sophistication and cultural refinement. However, their unwavering passion for homegrown tennis players and the boisterous, often hostile fans who support them presents a puzzling paradox.Roland Garros, the French Open, has become notorious for its unruly crowd behavior. Veteran ATP pro David Goffin has expressed his frustration, claiming that fans have spat chewing gum at him and that the atmosphere is becoming increasingly disrespectful. Other players, such as Tomas Martin Etchevery, have echoed these concerns, describing the crowd as "tough" and "incredible to play against."This behavior is not isolated to Roland Garros. Similar incidents have occurred at other major tournaments. However, the pattern at the French Open has become particularly noticeable. Goffin believes that the situation is reaching a tipping point, with many players and umpires expressing concerns about the lack of respect.The underlying frustration among French fans stems from the nation's inability to produce a Grand Slam singles champion on home soil since Yannick Noah's victory in 1983. This has led to a sense of desperation and a determination to support their players at all costs.Ironically, the excessive support can increase the pressure on French players, who often find away games less stressful. Ugo Humbert, the top-ranked French male player, lost in the first round this year, while Caroline Garcia has not advanced past the third round since 2020.Despite the negative aspects, the passion of the French crowd can also be a source of motivation for players. Gael Monfils, a French idol, believes that crowd support can provide a significant boost of adrenaline and energy.French players themselves have no problem with the boisterous behavior of their supporters. However, some players, such as Iga Swiatek, have expressed concerns about excessive noise during points, which can disrupt their play.The issue of crowd behavior at Roland Garros highlights the changing nature of decorum at Grand Slam events. Traditionally, these events have been known for their knowledgeable and respectful crowds. However, codes of conduct among fans and players are gradually eroding.It remains to be seen whether the French Tennis Federation will take steps to address the concerns raised by players and umpires. However, it is clear that the relationship between French tennis players and their fans is a complex and often contradictory one.

Danielle Collins' Roland Garros journey came to an end in the second round as she fell to Olga Danilovic in a thrilling three-set battle. The American, who announced her retirement plans earlier this year, had been a dark horse contender for the title after a strong clay-court season.Collins, seeded 11th, started the match strongly, taking the first set in a tiebreaker. However, Danilovic, a Serbian qualifier, fought back to win the second set 7-5. The third set was a tense affair, with Collins serving for the match at 5-3. But Danilovic broke her serve and won six straight games to secure the victory.The match lasted over two hours and 35 minutes, and Collins called a medical timeout in the third set to address a possible neck or shoulder injury. Danilovic, a talented left-hander, has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in the past but is now enjoying a resurgence in her career.Collins' retirement plans have been met with surprise and disappointment from fans and fellow players. However, the American remains firm in her decision, citing her desire to start a family and advocate for those who share her well-documented health struggles.Despite her retirement announcement, Collins has continued to play at a high level this season, winning titles in Miami and Charleston. She also reached the final in Strasbourg last week. Her impressive form has led to calls for her to reconsider retirement, but Collins has held firm.Danilovic's victory over Collins is one of the biggest of her career. She will now face Donna Vekic in the third round, with a chance to reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, has expressed his desire for his daughter, Alisa, to develop a preference for clay courts over hard courts. Medvedev, who has struggled on clay throughout his career, joked that he would be content if Alisa enjoyed the surface more than he does.Despite Alisa's popularity on social media, Medvedev is not rushing her into tennis. He believes it is crucial to allow her to explore her interests and develop her own passions. However, he acknowledges that she enjoys playing with a small racquet and kicking balls.Medvedev credits his wife, Daria, for spending most of her time with Alisa while he is away on tour. He admits that Alisa is more relaxed and easygoing with him, while she exhibits a stronger personality with her mother.Reflecting on his own childhood, Medvedev acknowledges that he may not have chosen tennis if he had been given the option at the age of 10. He emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and support in shaping his career path.Despite his past struggles on clay, Medvedev has shown improvement this season. He has reached the third round of Roland Garros for only the third time in eight appearances. He attributes this success to the increased competitiveness of the men's draw, which has made it more difficult for top players to dominate.Medvedev's next opponent will be either No. 31 seed Mariano Navone or Tomas Machac, who recently defeated Novak Djokovic. Medvedev remains cautious but is optimistic about his chances of advancing further in the tournament.