Tennis

Denis Shapovalov, the former world No. 10, is poised to face Frances Tiafoe, the world No. 26, in a highly anticipated clash at Roland Garros on Wednesday, May 29. Despite his current ranking of 118th, Shapovalov is a formidable opponent, having recently recovered from an injury.Shapovalov's clay-court season has been inconsistent, but he has shown signs of improvement since arriving in Madrid, posting a 4-3 record. Tiafoe, on the other hand, has struggled on European clay, winning only one match before narrowly defeating Mattia Bellucci in his opener.The Bellucci match highlighted Tiafoe's difficulties against left-handed opponents, particularly those with powerful groundstrokes and serves. Shapovalov, a left-hander with exceptional power and serve, poses a significant threat to Tiafoe.Furthermore, Shapovalov holds a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over Tiafoe, including a winning record on clay. Tiafoe's success on clay has primarily been on green clay in Texas, which differs significantly from the conditions in Europe.Shapovalov's recent straight-set victory over Luca Van Assche has boosted his confidence, while Tiafoe may be fatigued after playing nearly four hours in his previous match.Overall, Shapovalov appears to have the edge in this matchup. His superior power, serve, and experience on clay make him the favorite to advance to the next round.

Peyton Stearns, the 22-year-old American tennis sensation, has once again defied the odds, this time at the prestigious Roland Garros tournament in Paris. Despite facing adversity in both her quarterfinal and second-round matches, Stearns has emerged victorious, showcasing her remarkable resilience and determination.In her quarterfinal clash with Lucia Bronzetti, Stearns found herself trailing 0-5 in the third set. However, the former Texas Longhorn star displayed her unwavering spirit, winning seven consecutive games and saving two match points to secure a stunning victory.A few days later, Stearns faced another formidable opponent in Lucija Ciric Bagaric. Leading 6-3, 5-4, 40-15, Stearns faltered, committing four consecutive faults. She was broken in that game and again two games later, giving Ciric Bagaric three match points in the subsequent tiebreaker.Undeterred, Stearns fought back, escaping the clutches of defeat once more. Ciric Bagaric, despite her impressive record in lower-level tournaments, was unable to capitalize on her opportunities. Stearns broke her Croatian opponent and ultimately prevailed in a thrilling 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6) victory.Stearns' remarkable run at Roland Garros is a testament to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity. Her ability to turn the tide of matches when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds is a testament to her mental fortitude and competitive spirit.As the tournament progresses, Stearns will undoubtedly face even greater challenges. However, her recent performances have demonstrated that she is a force to be reckoned with. With her fearless determination and unwavering belief, Stearns has the potential to make a deep run at Roland Garros and establish herself as one of the rising stars of women's tennis.

Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian tennis star, has sparked a social media frenzy with his emphatic victory at Roland Garros and his subsequent declaration about the color of his polo shirt. After securing his first Grand Slam match win since Wimbledon last year, Shapovalov took to social media to address the buzz surrounding his attire."Forget 'blue and black' or 'white and gold': 'My shirt is salmon,'" Shapovalov declared on X, formerly Twitter, referencing the iconic "Friends" episode where Ross insists his shirt is not pink.Shapovalov's humorous declaration has divided fans, with some insisting it's orange on TV. However, the Canadian's light-hearted commentary has been widely appreciated.The debate over the shirt's color stems from Nike's Paris Collection, which is inspired by the color palette of Roland Garros. According to Nike, the shirt's color is "Pink Quartz," with a "Rust Factor" orange collar.Shapovalov's second-round match against fellow Nike-wearer Frances Tiafoe promises to reignite the debate. Tiafoe, the No. 25 seed, has opted for the "Thunder Blue" colorway of the same kit.The color controversy has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to Shapovalov's Roland Garros campaign. As he progresses through the tournament, the debate over his shirt's color is likely to follow him, adding a touch of humor to the intense competition.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's second-ranked player, made a resounding start to her 2024 Roland Garros campaign, crushing Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 in the first round. The Belarusian star, who reached the semifinals in Paris last year, displayed her dominance on clay, winning in just 68 minutes.Sabalenka, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, broke Andreeva's serve twice in the opening set, firing 13 winners to just seven unforced errors. The Russian qualifier, making her Roland Garros main-draw debut, managed to break Sabalenka in the second set, but the Belarusian responded with a flurry of winners to seal the victory.Sabalenka's victory sets up a potential second-round clash with Irene Burillo Escorihuela of Spain or Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, who are scheduled to face off in the qualifiers. However, her biggest challenge is likely to come in the semifinals, where she could face Elena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed and reigning Wimbledon champion.Sabalenka's impressive form on clay this season has made her a contender for the Roland Garros title. She reached the finals of both the Mutua Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, losing only to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. With Swiatek on the opposite half of the draw, Sabalenka has a clear path to the final.The Belarusian's victory also marks a significant milestone for Andreeva, who is making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam. The 19-year-old, who won the junior Roland Garros title in 2021, has been steadily rising up the rankings and will look to build on her experience in Paris.

Elise Mertens, the Belgian tennis star, has received a special gift from Roland Garros tournament director Amélie Mauresmo ahead of her 10th main-draw appearance at the tournament. The gift, a swan-themed token, symbolizes Mertens' grace and dedication on the court.The note accompanying the gift reads, "The swan, with its grace and timeless elegance, mirrors the spirit of tennis itself, where every movement on the court is a dance of finesse and determination." It also honors Mertens' unwavering dedication and her indelible mark on the courts of Roland Garros.Mertens, who made her debut at the clay-court major in 2016, has 17 career main-draw wins in Paris. It's her second-most successful major after the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals in her main-draw debut in 2018. She has never lost before the third round at Roland Garros.The 28-year-old Mertens, seeded No. 25 at this year's Roland Garros, opens her tournament against Argentina's Maria Lourdes Carle on Tuesday. She could be the projected third-round opponent for No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina. She and Hsieh Su-wei are also the No. 1 seeds in doubles.Mertens' gift from Roland Garros is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. It's a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact on the lives of athletes.

Rafael Nadal's reign at Roland Garros has been a spectacle of athleticism and artistry, captured through the lenses of countless photographers. Since his debut in 2005, Nadal has triumphed in 112 of his 116 matches on the Parisian clay, etching his name into the annals of tennis history.For photographers, Nadal's presence on the court is a symphony of emotions and action. His signature fist-pumps, leg-kicks, and forehands have become iconic, providing a canvas for photographers to immortalize his every triumph. The red clay of Roland Garros serves as a backdrop, enhancing the drama and intensity of each shot.Susan Mullane, a veteran photographer who has captured Nadal's journey from a young prodigy to a global icon, believes that his performances on the Parisian clay are unmatched. "When he wins on another surface, it's not the same," she says. "The pictures don't have the same punch."Corinne Dubreuil, whose clients include the FFT and ATP, echoes Mullane's sentiments. "He's a fighter. He never gives up," she says. "Every point can give you a good picture."Mateo Villalba, a photographer for the Mutua Madrid Open, highlights Nadal's expressiveness as a key element in his photography. "He fights for every ball until the end," he says. "His expressiveness is crucial for photographers, as he consistently offers celebrations and expressions that make the images more powerful."Clive Brunskill, a Getty Images veteran, has witnessed Nadal's evolution firsthand. "Shooting him has always being exciting," he says. "I call him my lucky player. Whenever I arrive in a match, there's always something he does that I get a cool picture."For Regina Cortina, the privilege of documenting Nadal's legacy is paramount. "Being part of history has been the most special," she says. "Everything you look at here, it screams beautiful. But capturing the title that could be his last one here, it's amazing."As Nadal's career enters its twilight, photographers are cherishing every opportunity to capture his artistry on the court. Villalba, who made a special effort to witness Nadal in Paris this year, says, "Photographing Rafa Nadal is always special because he is an icon, a legend, and arguably the greatest Spanish athlete of all time."

Tsitsipas and Badosa Reunite for Mixed Doubles at Roland GarrosThe mixed doubles tournament at Roland Garros has gained prominence this year, with the return of tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa. The duo, who recently reunited, will face Ena Shibahara and Nathaniel Lammons in the first round.Tsitsipas and Badosa's participation has drawn attention due to their high-profile relationship and their potential to challenge for the title. The Greek and Spaniard are both accomplished singles players, with Tsitsipas ranked ninth in the world and Badosa a former world number two.In singles, Tsitsipas is considered a title contender, despite the uncertainty surrounding the men's game. He remains deferential to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, but believes he has the potential to challenge them on clay.Badosa, meanwhile, will face Katie Boulter in a high-profile first-rounder. She is eager to put her recent struggles behind her and make a deep run in Paris.The mixed doubles draw also features several other notable teams, including top seeds Ellen Perez and Matthew Ebden, and third seeds Demi Schurrs and Wesley Koolhof. Half of the 32 teams feature compatriots, adding an element of national pride to the competition.The mixed doubles tournament will take place at the same venue that will host the Olympic tennis event in a few months. This provides an opportunity for teams to familiarize themselves with the conditions and gain valuable experience.

Alizé Cornet, the French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious career at the upcoming Roland Garros, the tournament where it all began for her. With a record-breaking 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, Cornet has established herself as a symbol of consistency and longevity in the sport.As she prepares for her final dance at her home major, Cornet reflects on her remarkable journey. Her debut at Roland Garros in 2005, as a wide-eyed 15-year-old, holds a special place in her heart. The excitement of playing on the hallowed grounds and the thrill of facing her idol, Amélie Mauresmo, in the second round created unforgettable memories.Over the years, Cornet has faced countless challenges and celebrated numerous triumphs. She has notched up six WTA titles, including the 2018 Hobart International, and has consistently challenged the top players in the world. Her 25 career Top 10 victories stand as a testament to her fighting spirit and unwavering determination.In her final tournament, Cornet will face a formidable opponent in seventh seed Zheng Qinwen, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Cornet remains focused on giving it her all and making her opponent work hard for every point.Surrounded by her family, friends, and the adoring French crowd, Cornet is determined to soak up every moment of her last Roland Garros. She hopes to leave a lasting impression on the tournament that has played such a pivotal role in her life.As she prepares to say goodbye, Cornet acknowledges the emotions that come with such a significant milestone. However, she is also filled with gratitude for the incredible journey she has been on. Her longevity and consistency are a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the sport.

Daniil Medvedev's Roland Garros debut on Monday evening was a memorable one, not only for his performance on the court but also for his unique attire. Bundled up in multiple layers to combat the chilly Parisian weather, Medvedev's cozy ensemble drew attention on social media.Despite the cold temperatures, Medvedev's performance was far from sluggish. He faced a spirited challenge from Dominik Koepfer, but ultimately prevailed in four sets. The Russian fired 35 winners and saved all four break points he faced, showcasing his resilience and determination.Medvedev's attire was a testament to his adaptability and the importance of comfort on the court. He wore his signature Lacoste match kit, complete with thermal sleeves, leggings, and two outer layers. The leggings were tucked into high socks for maximum warmth, creating a look that was both functional and stylish.The cozy ensemble garnered a range of reactions on social media, with some fans dubbing him the second coming of French fashion icon Rene Lacoste. Lacoste, a three-time Roland Garros winner, was not only a tennis champion but also the inventor of the polo shirt and a pioneer of branding in sportswear.Medvedev's Lacoste kit for Roland Garros 2024 is a testament to the brand's heritage and its commitment to innovation. The navy blue performance polo with burgundy red and white details, including a striped collar and sleeves, is both stylish and functional. The burgundy red shorts and Lacoste AG-LT Ultra shoes in navy blue complete the look.All of the garments feature Medvedev's personal logo, which was introduced by Lacoste last year and is inspired by his love for gaming. The logo adds a personal touch to the kit, reflecting Medvedev's unique personality and style.Medvedev's victory over Koepfer sets up a second-round clash with Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated Thiago Monteiro in four sets. Medvedev will be looking to continue his momentum and make a deep run at Roland Garros, while also showcasing his signature style on the court.