Tennis

Gael Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman, has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by becoming the Frenchman with the most career wins at a Grand Slam. His triumph over Thiago Seyboth Wild at Roland Garros on Monday night marked his 122nd victory at a major, surpassing the previous record of 121 held by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.Monfils' journey to this milestone has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. He has reached the semifinals of two Grand Slams, the 2008 Roland Garros and the 2016 US Open, where he faced formidable opponents in Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, respectively. Additionally, he has made it to the quarterfinals of eight other majors, including three at Roland Garros, three at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open.Despite his impressive record at the majors, Wimbledon has remained a challenge for Monfils. His best result at the All England Club is a fourth-round appearance in 2018. However, his determination and unwavering spirit have kept him striving for success on all surfaces.Monfils' achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has played in 62 Grand Slams throughout his career, showcasing his remarkable fitness and dedication to the sport. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and overcome adversity has made him a formidable opponent for any player.As Monfils continues his journey at Roland Garros, he will be aiming to add to his historic tally of Grand Slam wins. His experience, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a contender for a deep run in the tournament. The French crowd will undoubtedly be behind him as he seeks to create even more memorable moments on the hallowed courts of Paris.

Rafael Nadal's reign at Roland Garros came to an end on Monday as the 38-year-old legend was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round. Despite flashes of brilliance that harkened back to his dominant days, Nadal's body ultimately betrayed him, succumbing to the relentless pressure of Zverev's power and precision.Nadal's performance was a testament to his enduring spirit and unwavering determination. In the early stages of the match, he showcased his trademark forehand winners and serve-and-volley prowess, leaving the crowd in awe. However, as the match progressed, the toll of time and injuries became evident. Zverev's relentless baseline play and pinpoint serving proved too much for Nadal, who struggled to maintain his intensity and focus.The loss marked a poignant moment in Nadal's illustrious career. The "King of Clay" has been a symbol of resilience and longevity, but even he could not defy the inevitable march of time. Nadal's record at Roland Garros remains unparalleled, with 14 titles to his name, but his defeat to Zverev served as a reminder that even the greatest champions have their limits.Despite the disappointment, Nadal remained optimistic about his future. He expressed his desire to return to Roland Garros next year and hinted at the possibility of competing in the Olympic Games in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal's love for the sport and his unwavering belief in his abilities suggest that he is not ready to hang up his racquet just yet.The tennis world paid tribute to Nadal's legacy, with fellow players and fans alike expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the sport. Zverev, in his post-match interview, thanked Nadal on behalf of the entire tennis community, acknowledging his immense impact on the game.Nadal's defeat at Roland Garros may have marked the end of an era, but his spirit and determination will continue to inspire generations of tennis players. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure, and his love for the sport will undoubtedly endure long after he retires.

Alize Cornet, the 34-year-old French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to Roland Garros, the tournament where she has made a name for herself. Cornet, who has fallen out of the Top 100, will face a formidable opponent in world No. 8 Qinwen Zheng in the opening round.Zheng, a rising star from China, possesses world-class power from the baseline, making her a dangerous force on hard courts. However, her experience on clay is limited, with only 33 WTA-level matches played on the surface. This could prove to be an advantage for Cornet, who has a wealth of experience on clay, boasting a 121-109 career record on the surface.Cornet's ability to hit with heavy topspin and redirect her opponent's pace will be crucial in this matchup. She is known for her counter-punching style, which is particularly effective on clay. Additionally, the support of the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier is expected to give Cornet an emotional boost.While Zheng has the potential to dominate with her power, she may struggle to adapt to the demands of Roland Garros. The tournament requires a more varied approach, which Cornet is more likely to possess.Experts predict that Cornet will cover a massive game spread in this match. Her experience and ability to neutralize Zheng's power will likely keep the match competitive.

Ben Shelton's Roland Garros debut was a nostalgic experience for the American, who felt the familiar atmosphere of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the Parisian crowd. Despite playing against a French opponent, Hugo Gaston, on Court 14, Shelton drew inspiration from the passionate support, which reminded him of his days competing in the Florida-Georgia rivalry."Obviously, he had the home field advantage, but I felt some love out there," Shelton said after his 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. "The partisan atmosphere only added to the excitement."Shelton's connection to the SEC runs deep. He played for the University of Florida, where he helped the team win the 2021 NCAA Championship and claimed the 2022 NCAA Singles Championship. His father, Bryan Shelton, coached the team and is now back on his son's coaching staff alongside Dean Goldfine."I think playing at Georgia is comparable," Shelton said, referring to the rowdy atmosphere. "Not because of the noise, but because of the very nasty, choice words that people say to you in the stands."Shelton's college experience has shaped his approach to professional tennis. He has carried the lessons learned on and off the court into his ATP career, where he has already won two titles, including the Houston clay-court event earlier this year.In the second round of Roland Garros, Shelton will face Kei Nishikori, a former world No. 4 who has overcome injuries to return to Grand Slam competition. Nishikori defeated Gabriel Diallo, a former University of Kentucky player, in a five-set thriller.Shelton's journey at Roland Garros is a testament to his resilience and the influence of his college tennis roots. The American is embracing the challenge of playing on the biggest stage, drawing on the lessons and experiences that have shaped his career.

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, is set to defend his Roland Garros title amidst a challenging season. Despite a lack of titles and a turbulent coaching situation, Djokovic remains a formidable force at Grand Slams. His hopes are buoyed by the absence of his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal.Djokovic's first-round opponent is Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a 33-year-old French doubles specialist. Herbert's acrobatic serve and arcing kick may pose a threat, but Djokovic's experience and dominance on clay make him the clear favorite.In another intriguing first-round matchup, Katie Boulter faces Paula Badosa. Boulter has risen into the Top 30, while Badosa has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world. Badosa's clay-court prowess gives her an edge, but Boulter's recent form and home crowd support could make it a competitive contest.Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a rising French star, will take on David Goffin. Perricard's height, power, and recent title win make him a threat, but Goffin's experience and former Top 10 status should not be underestimated.

American tennis stars Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins made impressive starts to their Roland Garros campaigns on Monday, securing straight-sets victories in the first round.Gauff, the No. 3 seed and last year's runner-up, dominated qualifier Julia Avdeeva 6-1, 6-3 in just 53 minutes. The 20-year-old showcased improved serve consistency, hitting only four double faults and winning 86% of points behind her first serve."I just had to play solid today," Gauff said. "I think my serve is getting better match by match, and I'm pretty confident now with it."Gauff will face dangerous qualifier Tamara Zidansek in the second round, a player she acknowledges as a "fighter" with strong ball tolerance.Meanwhile, Collins, the No. 11 seed, defeated countrywoman Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-4 in 85 minutes. The 30-year-old, who has announced her retirement from the tour in 2024, has been in excellent form since winning the Miami Open in March.Collins struck 27 winners and broke serve three times against Dolehide. She will now face Olga Danilovic in the second round, a rematch of their third-set tiebreaker at the Mutua Madrid Open last month.Collins' best result at Roland Garros is a quarterfinal run in 2020, where she defeated former champion Garbiñe Muguruza and then-No. 30 seed Ons Jabeur.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, commenced her pursuit of a third consecutive Roland Garros title with an emphatic 6-1, 6-2 victory over French qualifier Léolia Jeanjean on Monday. This triumph extended her remarkable winning streak in Paris to 15 matches.Swiatek, who had won her previous 12 matches before arriving at the French Open, including back-to-back titles in Madrid and Rome, made light work of Jeanjean in a match that lasted just 61 minutes. The Pole converted all three break opportunities in the opening set, which she claimed in 30 minutes.Jeanjean briefly raised the spirits of the Chatrier crowd by breaking Swiatek's serve at the start of the second set. However, Swiatek quickly regained control, breaking back immediately and winning 10 consecutive points to move within a game of victory. She sealed the match with a powerful forehand that set up three match points, converting with a backhand into the open court.Swiatek's next opponent will be former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who overcame a tough three-set battle with Italian Lucia Bronzetti on Sunday. Osaka has won four Grand Slam titles but has historically struggled on clay.Swiatek's dominance on clay is undeniable. She has won the Roland Garros title three times in the past four years, losing only one match in Paris since 2021. Her 2024 clay-court season began with a surprising loss in the semifinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, but she quickly rebounded with victories in Madrid and Rome.Jeanjean, a 28-year-old qualifier, enjoyed a memorable run at Roland Garros in 2022, where she stunned former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova en route to the third round. However, she proved to be no match for Swiatek, who is the overwhelming favorite to win a fourth title at the French Open.

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.