Tennis

Novak Djokovic to Make Rare Pre-Grand Slam Appearance at Gonet Geneva OpenLast week's announcement of Andy Murray as a wild card for the Gonet Geneva Open has been followed by an even bigger coup for the ATP 250 event. On Friday, it was confirmed that world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will make his debut at the tournament, marking a rare appearance for the Serbian star in the week leading up to a Grand Slam.Djokovic's decision to play in Geneva is driven by his desire to gain match practice ahead of his Roland Garros title defense. The 24-time major champion has been searching for his first title of the year, with his best results being semifinal showings at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.The Geneva Open will provide Djokovic with an opportunity to test his fitness after a head injury sustained in Rome. The incident, which occurred when a fan's metal water bottle slipped from a backpack, forced Djokovic to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against Alejandro Tabilo.Despite the setback, Djokovic has reportedly received the all-clear from doctors and is eager to return to action. With his 37th birthday approaching next Wednesday, the Serbian is determined to find his form before the French Open.Djokovic's entry into the Geneva draw has bumped 2022 champion Casper Ruud to the No. 2 seed. The Norwegian, who was defeated by Djokovic in last year's Roland Garros final, will be looking to avenge that loss.Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are expected to be seeded third and fourth, respectively. Defending champion Nicolas Jarry has withdrawn to focus on his Masters 1000 semifinal clash with Tommy Paul in Rome.The Gonet Geneva Open will take place from May 14-21, providing a crucial warm-up event for players ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year.

Alexander Zverev's impressive run at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia continued with a dominant 6-4, 6-3 victory over Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. Despite a nasty spill early in the match, Zverev showcased his resilience and exceptional form.Zverev's next challenge comes in the form of Alejandro Tabilo, who has upset the likes of Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov. However, Zverev's current level of play suggests that he is a formidable opponent on clay.Statistically, Zverev holds a significant advantage over Tabilo. On clay, Zverev boasts a career record of 136-53, while Tabilo stands at 25-18. Over the past 52 weeks, Zverev's hold percentage is 86.2% and his break percentage is 28.7%, compared to Tabilo's 83.5% and 23.7%.Zverev's baseline play has been particularly impressive in Rome. His backhand remains a potent weapon, but his forehand has also shown remarkable improvement. Zverev's ability to generate topspin and depth on his forehand, as well as flatten it out when necessary, makes him a formidable opponent.Tabilo, a clay-court specialist, will need to find a way to disrupt Zverev's rhythm and exploit his weaknesses. However, Zverev's current form suggests that he is well-equipped to handle any challenges Tabilo may present.With his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros within reach, Zverev is playing with a confidence and precision that makes him a heavy favorite against Tabilo.

Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe are among the tennis stars set to don Nike's latest 2024 Paris Collection at Roland Garros. The collection, unveiled on Tuesday, features a range of stylish and functional pieces inspired by the French Open's iconic clay courts.Sabalenka, the world No. 2, will once again showcase her signature colorway in Paris. She will wear the NikeCourt Slam Women's Dri-FIT Tennis Dress in "Rust Factor" orange, featuring a unique moiré pattern that creates a mesmerizing optical illusion. The dress's high neckline, keyhole back cut-out, and pink or red colorway have become synonymous with Sabalenka's major appearances.The Paris Collection also includes a variety of separates for women, including tanks, tees, and skirts. The moiré pattern is featured prominently throughout the collection, adding a touch of French flair to each piece.For men, the collection offers a choice of DriFIT crew neck or polo tops, along with two-in-one shorts. Colorways include Rust Factor orange, Thunder Blue, and Vivid Sulfur yellow, complemented by contrasting black and white details.Frances Tiafoe, the brand's highest-ranked American ambassador on the ATP side, was featured in the campaign unveiling the Thunder Blue colorway. He is expected to play a significant role in Paris, especially with Nike's top two players, Alcaraz and Sinner, still recovering from injuries.Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal are also expected to compete at Roland Garros in custom kits from Nike. The brand has yet to reveal the designs for these former No. 1s, but fans can expect something special.The 2024 Paris Collection from Nike combines style, functionality, and a touch of French inspiration. It is sure to turn heads on the courts of Roland Garros and beyond.

Roger Federer's Roland Garros Racquet Up for Auction, Expected to Fetch $50,000Tennis enthusiasts and collectors have a rare opportunity to own a piece of tennis history as the racquet used by Roger Federer in his final Roland Garros final goes up for auction. The custom-made Wilson racquet, which Federer wielded in 2011, is expected to garner a hefty price tag of up to $50,000 in the bidding period that began on May 14 and ends June 2.The racquet holds significant historical value as it was used by Federer in his fifth and final Roland Garros final, where he famously ended Novak Djokovic's 43-match winning streak in the semifinals. The racquet was provided to the auction by Federer's eponymous charity foundation, and photomatching forensic technology has confirmed its authenticity.In addition to Federer's racquet, the auction also features other autographed match-worn and used items by tennis legends. Collectors can bid on the shoes that carried Iga Swiatek to the BNP Paribas Open title this spring, the shirt, wristbands, and shoes that Rafael Nadal wore in leading Spain to the 2009 Davis Cup, and a wristband worn by Carlos Alcaraz during his run to the 2022 US Open title.Perhaps the most unique item up for auction is the smashed Babolat racquet used by Dominic Thiem at the 2019 Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The racquet, which comes with a letter of authenticity, was given to Thiem by tournament organizers after he smashed it in frustration during a second-round upset loss to Fernando Verdasco.The auction offers a rare chance for collectors and tennis enthusiasts to acquire unique memorabilia from some of the greatest players in the sport. With the bidding period now open, interested parties are encouraged to start their bids and secure a piece of tennis history.

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, has made a statement on and off the court this clay-court season with her bold fashion choices. Partnering with Latvian clothing brand DK ONE, Ostapenko has opted for eye-catching ensembles that reflect her aggressive playing style."I like to mix colors, bright colors with darker ones," she said. "The previous dress was orange, and I think that wouldn't look as good on clay because then it's orange with orange."Ostapenko's style has evolved since joining forces with DK ONE in 2022. She has embraced skirts and other variations, while still providing input on the designs."It's never easy when you're first starting something," she reflected. "Latvia is such a small country and they don't have the same opportunities as a big country, so we have to make the most of what we get."While she draws inspiration from the runway, Ostapenko has her own unique fashion sense."I like their shoes," she says of Balenciaga, "but some of their stuff is really crazy. It's all oversized, very oversized. I like oversized stuff but some of it is too much; it's all unisex and oversized, so the fit is a little bit strange. I like Dior's stuff, and also some less-high brands, like Cinq à Sept or Alice and Olivia. I do have some stuff from Zara too."Ostapenko's eclectic taste extends to her entertainment choices. She prefers historical documentaries and comedies, but draws the line at fantasy and superhero movies."I hate fantasy, superhero movies, any non-realistic movie. I really hate those. Obviously, you know that can't happen in real life, like a huge monster is going to come and attack people!"Off the court, Ostapenko enjoys spending time with fellow Russian speakers Anastasia Potapova and Daria Kasatkina."With Dasha, I don't know why we weren't friends in juniors. But that's in the past, and now we're good friends," she said. "Nastya is a little bit younger than me, and so I got to know her later. Dasha, I've known since we were younger because we're the same age. But they're both really nice girls, and we're able to spend some time going for dinner."After a satisfying meal, Ostapenko turns her focus to tennis, preparing for her third-round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Wilson, the official ball and racquet stringer of Roland Garros since 2020, has unveiled an exclusive collection of Paris-themed gear and fashion for the 2024 tournament.The centerpiece of the collection is a quartet of special-edition racquets: the Blade 98 (16x19) V9, Clash 100 V2, and a special "Session de Soiree" Shift 99 V1. The Roland Garros Shift's dark cosmetic, a departure from its usual icy appearance, evokes the tournament's late-night matches. Despite their unique exteriors, the racquets retain the same specifications and playability as their standard counterparts.Complementing the frames is a range of bags in similar colorways, offering varying capacities from 3 to 9 racquets. Three backpacks provide smaller storage options. Balls, overgrip, strings, and dampeners complete the equipment offerings.Wilson has also collaborated with Sports Professionals to create a clothing line inspired by the clay season. The lineup features jackets, polos, and dresses that blend on-court performance with off-court style.The entire collection is available at wilson.com, on-site at Roland Garros during the tournament, and at specialty tennis retailers.

Tennis and Cuisine: Elevate Your Watch Parties with French FlavorsAs the red clay season reaches its peak, tennis enthusiasts are immersed in the picturesque landscapes of Europe. However, the tantalizing images of Spain, Italy, and France have sparked a craving for the delectable cuisines of these countries.To satisfy this culinary desire, Culinary Tours has partnered with Tennis Channel to bring the flavors of Europe to U.S. supermarkets. Their gourmet cheeses, olives, pastas, and other specialty ingredients are meticulously sourced, each connected to a unique culture, cuisine, recipe, or story.For tennis fans eager to elevate their watch parties, Culinary Tours offers three exquisite French-inspired recipes that will transport them to the courtside at Roland Garros.French Onion Mushroom TartThis savory tart combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a flaky crust. The caramelized onions add a sweet and tangy depth, while the mushrooms provide an earthy umami.Blue Cheese Steak Frites BitesThese bite-sized delights feature tender steak strips coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and topped with a creamy blue cheese sauce. The sharp and tangy blue cheese complements the savory steak, creating a perfect balance of flavors.Goat Cheese Prosciutto CupsThese elegant cups are filled with a whipped goat cheese filling and wrapped in crispy prosciutto. The creamy goat cheese provides a smooth and tangy base, while the prosciutto adds a salty and savory crunch.With these three recipes, tennis fans can indulge in the flavors of France while enjoying the thrilling matches of the red clay season. Culinary Tours' gourmet ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes make it possible to create a culinary experience that rivals the excitement of the court.

For the past two decades, spring tennis has been synonymous with Rafael Nadal's dominance on clay. However, this year, a new era is emerging, with Iga Swiatek becoming the undisputed queen of the red dirt.Since 2022, Swiatek has won all three top-tier WTA clay titles in Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome. At just 22 years old, she has already claimed three Roland Garros titles, establishing herself as the heir apparent to Nadal's throne.While Swiatek's dominance may not yet match Nadal's at her age, her performances on clay have been equally impressive. She has won 58 consecutive matches on the surface after taking the first set, showcasing her ability to maintain an iron grip on her opponents.With injuries sidelining the ATP's top stars, Swiatek has seized the opportunity to cement her status as the world's leading player. Her recent victory in Madrid, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final, further solidified her dominance.Swiatek's success is not limited to the court. She has graced the cover of Elle magazine in Poland and has held the No. 1 ranking for 102 of the past 106 weeks. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains enthusiastic about her life on tour."I love the food, the different vibe, the courts, the nature, and the fans," Swiatek said of the Rome tournament. "It's pretty crazy here usually with the fans. They're loud and they're everywhere."Swiatek's ability to adjust to different clay conditions is a testament to her versatility. She has no trouble transitioning from the faster clay in Madrid to the slower surface in Rome, where her backhand return has proven to be a devastating weapon.Despite her success, Swiatek remains grounded and focused on enjoying her time on tour. She recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and not putting too much pressure on herself."This year I feel pretty comfortable because I felt like I played well," Swiatek said. "I just want to enjoy, honestly, being on tour, and not put too much baggage on my shoulders because we have to survive to November."As the clay-court season reaches its climax, the question remains: Can Swiatek extend her Peak Iga season through Roland Garros? With her current form, it would be unwise to bet against her.

Karolina Muchova, the 2021 Roland Garros finalist, has made a significant step in her recovery from wrist surgery by returning to practice. The Czech star shared an encouraging video on social media, showcasing her progress on an indoor hard court.Muchova's breakthrough season in 2023 saw her reach the US Open semifinals, break into the world's Top 10, and qualify for the WTA Finals. However, a persistent wrist injury forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open and end her season prematurely.In February, Muchova underwent surgery to address the recurring issue. Despite the setback, she has remained active in her recovery, participating in the Prague Half-Marathon in April. The event promotes physical activity and wellness for special-needs children, and Muchova pushed children in special sports wheelchairs along the course."Speed was secondary; what mattered was the journey we embarked on together," Muchova said. "Our goal transcended personal achievements, aiming to give every child the joy of the race and the liberating rush of the wind."Muchova's return to practice is a positive sign for her recovery. She reached a career-high world No. 8 in September 2023, and her absence from the tour has seen her drop to No. 14.With her determination and resilience, Muchova is expected to make a strong comeback to the WTA circuit. Her return will be a welcome addition to the women's game, as she brings a unique blend of power and finesse to the court.