Tennis

Ben Shelton's Roland Garros preparations suffered a setback as he bowed out of the Gonet Geneva Open in the second round, succumbing to a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-2 defeat against Flavio Cobolli.Shelton, seeded fourth, had hoped to build on his impressive clay-court form this season, which included a title in Houston and third-round appearances in Madrid and Rome. However, Cobolli, ranked 22nd, proved too strong, rallying from a set and a break down to secure his third ATP quarterfinal of the year.The American started brightly, breaking Cobolli's serve in the opening set and serving it out comfortably. He carried that momentum into the second set, breaking again and taking a 4-2 lead. But Cobolli refused to be deterred, breaking back in the eighth game and forcing a tiebreaker.In a stunning reversal, Cobolli dominated the tiebreaker, winning it 7-1 and leveling the match. The Italian continued to grow in confidence in the third set, breaking Shelton's serve twice and consolidating his lead with strong serving.Shelton, who had been serving and volleying effectively throughout the match, retreated to the baseline as the match reached its critical phase. Cobolli took full advantage, breaking Shelton's serve again and serving out the match with an ace.Cobolli's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko, who advanced via walkover. Shelton, meanwhile, will have to regroup and refocus his preparations for Roland Garros, which begins on May 28.

Roland Garros 2023: Betting Preview and Players to WatchThe upcoming Roland Garros tournament promises to be an intriguing affair, with several top players facing uncertainties heading into the event. Carlos Alcaraz, the betting favorite, has been sidelined with a forearm injury, while defending champion Novak Djokovic lacks confidence and is seeking to regain form at a lower-level event. Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open champion, is also dealing with a hip injury that could potentially hinder his performance.Given these concerns, betting on Roland Garros presents a unique challenge. However, there are several players who stand out as potential contenders or value picks.Fliers:* Taylor Fritz (70-1): Despite his long odds, Fritz has shown impressive form on clay recently, reaching the semifinals in Madrid and quarterfinals in Rome. His improved serve and movement on the surface make him a potential dark horse for a deep run.* Karen Khachanov (95-1): A two-time Roland Garros quarterfinalist, Khachanov possesses a solid all-around game and has a history of performing well against top players. His ability to serve and back it up from the baseline makes him a potential value pick for a quarterfinal or semifinal berth.Fades:* Rafael Nadal (17-1): While Nadal's 14 Roland Garros titles make him a tempting pick, his recent form on clay has been disappointing. His performance rating on the surface is below average, and he has struggled to maintain his signature defensive style.* Holger Rune (33-1): Rune has shown flashes of brilliance but has also suffered some embarrassing losses. His return game and baseline play have declined this year, making him a risky bet at his current odds.Pick to Win:* Jannik Sinner (+460): Despite his hip injury, Sinner remains a formidable contender. He has won three tournaments this season, including the Australian Open, and is fully capable of succeeding on clay. If he decides to participate, his odds offer great value for an elite player.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has unveiled her latest signature shoe with New Balance, the Coco CG1 "Grey Days." This special-edition sneaker is a nod to the brand's heritage and the moody neutrals that have become synonymous with the Boston-based sportswear giant.The "Grey Days" CG1 features a hairy suede upper in a range of subtle stone and off-white hues. The sand-colored sole bears the inspiring words of Gauff's father, "You can change the world with your racquet." This message reflects Gauff's commitment to using her platform for social change.The Grey Coco CG1 is the culmination of New Balance's annual Grey Day celebration, which pays homage to the color that has become emblematic for the brand since its introduction in the 1980s. Throughout the month, New Balance athletes, including Gauff and Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, have showcased their own gray sneakers and apparel.Gauff's shoe will make its Grand Slam debut at Roland Garros, where the gray and beige design will face the ultimate test on the tournament's infamous terre-battue surface. The shoe will be unveiled in person at "Coco's Court," a pop-up experience in Paris ahead of the tournament.The pop-up will offer fans a chance to experience Gauff's favorite treats and activities, customize their own apparel, and enjoy live music. The "Grey Days" CG1 will be available for purchase on May 24th, adding a touch of moody elegance to the tennis courts and beyond.

Tennis Channel is set to provide extensive coverage of the 2024 Roland Garros tournament, offering close to 2,500 hours of live matches across its platforms. The network's 18th year at the prestigious clay-court event will feature live coverage on Tennis Channel, its second channel T2, and subscription service Tennis Channel+.Tennis Channel alone will offer nearly 140 hours of live competition, becoming America's "Roland Garros Network" for the 15-day event. T2 will showcase over 100 hours of live play, providing viewers with more free, live tennis from Roland Garros than ever before on U.S. television.The coverage will include live matches from the first round through the quarterfinals, as well as the mixed-doubles final, women's singles semifinals, men's singles semifinals, women's doubles final, and same-day men's and women's singles and doubles finals.Tennis Channel+ subscribers will have access to approximately 2,225 live hours of play, with the option to select from up to 16 court feeds. All Roland Garros matches will be available on-demand after their conclusion.The network's on-air talent includes 16 former professional players, including Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier, and Lindsay Davenport. Other notable analysts include Paul Annacone, Chanda Rubin, Jimmy Arias, and Andrea Petkovic.Tennis.com and the Tennis Channel app will provide comprehensive digital coverage, including live scoring, brackets, schedules, news, features, and highlights. Interactive games and prize giveaways will also be available.

Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, made his triumphant return to Roland Garros on Monday, igniting the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The 14-time champion arrived at the hallowed grounds of Court Philippe-Chatrier, where he has etched his name into the annals of tennis history.Nadal's arrival was met with thunderous applause and chants of "Rafa!" from the adoring crowd. Clad in his signature Nike attire, he stepped onto the court with his coach, Carlos Moya, and began his first practice session. The Spaniard's every move was captured by the tournament's social media channels, showcasing his unwavering determination and the anticipation surrounding his return.Despite a challenging 18-month period marred by injuries, Nadal remains a formidable force on clay. The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has hinted that this year's Roland Garros could be his final competitive season, making his presence even more poignant.Nadal's return to Paris comes after a string of setbacks. He withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open due to a hip injury and was sidelined for three more months with a muscle problem. However, his recent performances on clay, including a 5-3 record in Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome, have raised hopes that he can defy the odds once again.In a recent interview, Nadal acknowledged his physical limitations but expressed his unwavering desire to compete in Roland Garros. "If I have to say what's my feeling and if my mind is closer one way or the other way, I going to say [I'll] be in Roland Garros and try my best," he said.The main-draw action at Roland Garros begins on May 26, and all eyes will be on Nadal as he embarks on his quest for a record-extending 15th title. The Spaniard's return to his beloved tournament is a testament to his enduring legacy and the indomitable spirit that has made him one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has embarked on his final Roland Garros campaign with a hard-fought victory in the first round of qualifying. The 30-year-old Austrian, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season, defeated Italy's Franco Agamenone 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday.Thiem, a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, was not among the wild card recipients for the men's singles draw. As a result, he must win three qualifying matches to earn a spot in the main event. This is the first time since the 2014 Australian Open that Thiem has had to enter Grand Slam qualifying.Despite dropping the first set, Thiem rallied to defeat Agamenone, a 31-year-old who has only made one Grand Slam main-draw appearance. Thiem struck 41 winners and converted five of 14 break point opportunities to secure the victory in two hours and 19 minutes.Up next for Thiem is 22-year-old Otto Virtanen of Finland, who also defeated an Australian opponent in the first round of qualifying. Virtanen, who has only played one Grand Slam main draw at the 2023 US Open, will pose a significant challenge to Thiem.Thiem's retirement announcement has cast a bittersweet shadow over his final Roland Garros campaign. The Austrian has enjoyed a successful career, winning 17 ATP titles, including the 2020 US Open. However, he has also struggled with injuries in recent years, which have hampered his progress.Despite the challenges, Thiem remains determined to make the most of his final season on the ATP Tour. He will be hoping to make a deep run at Roland Garros, where he has always performed well. A strong performance in Paris would be a fitting farewell to one of the most talented players of his generation.

Ons Jabeur's trick shot challenge has sparked a wave of excitement within the tennis community, with Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the first to respond. The Tunisian star's Instagram post, where she showcased her impressive keepie-uppie skills combined with a serve on clay, caught the attention of several top players.Alcaraz, who has been struggling with a muscle edema in his right forearm, answered the call with a video of his own, demonstrating his agility and ball control. Jabeur was quick to approve, commenting "Very good bravo."The challenge has also attracted the interest of former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, who declared "My turn." Other players, including Aryna Sabalenka and Garbine Muguruza, expressed their admiration for Jabeur's trick shot.Alcaraz's participation in the challenge is particularly noteworthy given his recent injury concerns. The two-time major winner has played just one clay-court event in the lead-up to Roland Garros, falling to Andrey Rublev in the Madrid quarterfinals.Last year at Roland Garros, Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals for the first time before being halted by eventual champion Novak Djokovic. His performance in the challenge suggests that he may be regaining his form ahead of the French Open.The trick shot challenge has not only showcased the players' skills but has also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the tennis community. It remains to be seen who will be the next to take up the challenge, but it is clear that Jabeur's initiative has sparked a fun and engaging competition among the top players.

Jiri Lehecka Withdraws from Roland Garros Due to Back InjuryJiri Lehecka's impressive run at the Mutua Madrid Open came to an abrupt end when a back injury forced him to withdraw from the semifinals. The unfortunate setback has also led to the Czech player's withdrawal from the upcoming Roland Garros tournament.Lehecka's injury is a significant blow to his promising season. The 22-year-old had matched his career-high ranking of No. 23 in January and was poised for a deep run in Madrid. However, the back injury has derailed his momentum, leaving him unable to compete at Roland Garros.Lehecka joins Marin Cilic and Facundo Diaz Acosta as the third ATP player to withdraw from the French Open due to injury. The absence of these top players will undoubtedly impact the tournament's competitiveness.Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, who also suffered an injury in Madrid, has provided an update on his condition. The world No. 2 posted photos on social media showing him training on red clay in Monte Carlo, accompanied by the caption "Let's work." Sinner's status for Roland Garros remains uncertain, but his determination to recover is evident.In other news, Emma Raducanu has decided to skip Roland Garros qualifying to focus on preparing for the grass-court season. The 2021 US Open champion has not played since a first-round exit in Madrid, where she admitted to feeling "mentally and emotionally" exhausted. Raducanu, who used a protected ranking to enter the French Open, was three spots out of a main-draw spot."It's important for me to keep laying on the foundations," Raducanu said. "I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard-court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year."Qualifying for Roland Garros begins on Monday, with two-time finalist Dominic Thiem facing Franco Agamenone on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Former world No. 10 Lucas Pouilles will take on Hamad Medjedovic, while Americans Lauren Davis, Alycia Parks, Claire Liu, and Denis Kudla are among those competing in the qualifying rounds.

Dominic Thiem and Diego Schwartzman, two beloved tennis stars, are set to embark on a poignant journey next week as they attempt to qualify for one final appearance at the prestigious Roland Garros tournament.Thiem, a two-time finalist at the French Open, and Schwartzman, a former semifinalist, are among the players vying for a spot in the main draw. Their participation is contingent on no player withdrawals over the weekend that would allow Thiem to automatically qualify.The Austrian and Argentine have a long history of competition and friendship. On Friday, Schwartzman shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing their shared determination to make one last run at Roland Garros."Let's try one more time @domithiem," Schwartzman wrote.In 2020, Schwartzman narrowly defeated Thiem in a thrilling quarterfinal that lasted over five hours. Since then, they have combined for only one additional Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, with Schwartzman reaching the last eight at Roland Garros a year later.Both players have recently announced their plans to retire from professional tennis. Thiem will bid farewell in Vienna this fall, while Schwartzman intends to hang up his racquet in his hometown of Buenos Aires next February.Thiem's last competitive match was a second-round qualifying loss to Thanasi Kokkinakis in Madrid. His only previous Grand Slam qualifying attempt was a successful one at the 2014 Australian Open.Schwartzman, known affectionately as "El Peque," first qualified for Roland Garros in 2012. He was eliminated in the first round of Australian Open qualifying earlier this year.The upcoming Roland Garros qualifying tournament will be a bittersweet moment for Thiem and Schwartzman. It will be their last chance to compete on the hallowed clay courts of Paris and to create more memories in a sport that has brought them so much joy and success.