Tennis

Roland Garros, the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam, has witnessed a captivating display of fashion alongside the thrilling tennis action. From custom kits to bold colorways, the tournament has been a showcase for the latest trends in tennis attire.Naomi Osaka, the four-time major champion, made a statement in a custom Nike dress featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and contrasting colorways on her shoes. Aryna Sabalenka stood out in a unique "Rust Factor" orange Nike dress, while Daniil Medvedev's Lacoste kit became an instant hit with its navy blue and burgundy red details.Coco Gauff's New Balance outfit inspired a WNBA crossover, with Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink citing Gauff as her pre-game fashion inspiration. Marta Kostyuk's eye-catching Wilson dress in field green featured perforated panels and a low-back keyhole cutout.Casper Ruud showcased Yonex's 2024 Paris Collection, with performance tops and shorts in olive green, beige, and orange. Jelena Ostapenko's DK One dress combined sky blue and hot pink panels, while Zhang Zhizhen's all-pink K-Swiss look turned heads.Andrey Rublev unveiled his first day and night match kits for his clothing brand Rublo, featuring contrasting colorways and new K-Swiss shoes. Ajla Tomljanovic's Original Penguin outfit featured a geometric print in royal blue, white, and hot pink.Finally, Iga Swiatek debuted a fresh On ensemble in a red, white, and indigo blue gradient, paying homage to the tournament's Parisian setting. The world No. 1 completed the look with her signature white hat and custom On shoes.Roland Garros has once again proven to be a fashion-forward event, where the latest trends in tennis attire take center stage alongside the world's top players.

Novak Djokovic's Roland Garros campaign has come to an abrupt end due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, raising questions about his decision to rely heavily on pain-killing medication to continue playing.Djokovic's injury occurred during his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo, where he initially struggled with mobility and pain. However, after taking the maximum amount of medication allowed by the tournament doctor, he experienced a remarkable transformation, playing pain-free and ultimately winning the match.This decision has sparked concerns about the potential long-term consequences for Djokovic's career. The injury has put his immediate future in jeopardy, including his participation in Wimbledon and the Olympic Games.Djokovic's decision to continue playing despite the injury is puzzling, especially considering his age (37) and the potential risks involved. The injury is similar to one suffered by Roger Federer in 2016, which significantly impacted his career.Djokovic's injury also raises questions about the role of pain-killing medication in sports. While it can provide temporary relief, it can also mask underlying issues and potentially lead to further damage.The Serbian star has been experiencing mild discomfort in his knee for several weeks, but he dismissed it as nothing concerning. However, the severity of the injury suggests that he may have underestimated the problem.Djokovic's withdrawal from Roland Garros is a major setback for the tournament and for the player himself. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover in time for Wimbledon and the Olympics, and whether this injury will have a lasting impact on his career.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the semifinalists at the 2023 Roland Garros, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on Friday. Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, continued his impressive run by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-4.Alcaraz dominated the opening set, breaking Tsitsipas in the first game and wrapping it up with another break in the eighth. The second set was more competitive, with Tsitsipas breaking back after trailing 2-0. However, Alcaraz regained control in the tie-break, winning four consecutive points to take the set.In the third set, Alcaraz broke Tsitsipas early and held on to his serve to secure the victory. The match was marred by some controversy, as Tsitsipas complained to the umpire about Alcaraz's grunting.Earlier in the day, Sinner defeated Grigor Dimitrov in three sets, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3). Sinner controlled the match from the start, breaking Dimitrov twice in the first set and once in the second. Dimitrov fought back in the third set, but Sinner proved too strong in the tie-break.Alcaraz and Sinner have now both reached 50 career Grand Slam wins, becoming the first men born in the 2000s to achieve this milestone. Alcaraz has advanced to the semifinals or better at five of the past six majors he has entered, while Sinner has reached the quarterfinals or better at four of the past five.The semifinal clash between Alcaraz and Sinner promises to be a captivating encounter. Alcaraz has won four of their previous eight meetings, but Sinner has prevailed in their only clay-court clash. With both players in excellent form, the match is likely to be decided by fine margins.

Iga Swiatek's relentless dominance at Roland Garros continued on Tuesday as she cruised past Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2 to reach the semifinals. The top seed extended her winning streak to 35 consecutive sets, including three straight bagel sets in Paris.Swiatek's resurgence since her near-elimination against Naomi Osaka in the second round has been remarkable. She has dropped only 10 games in her last three matches, showcasing her exceptional form and mental fortitude. Against Vondrousova, she was in complete control, striking 25 winners to 15 unforced errors.The Czech challenger, who had never won a set against Swiatek in their previous encounters, managed to hold serve once in the second set but was unable to make any significant impact on the match. Swiatek's relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy proved too much to handle.In the semifinals, Swiatek will face No. 3 seed Coco Gauff, who overcame Ons Jabeur in a thrilling three-set battle. The Pole holds a commanding 10-1 head-to-head record against Gauff, including a 4-0 advantage on clay.Swiatek's current form suggests that she is the overwhelming favorite to win her fourth Roland Garros title. Her ability to dominate opponents with such ease is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, has emerged as a beacon of joy and camaraderie at the ongoing Roland Garros tournament. Her infectious enthusiasm and playful antics have brought smiles to the faces of fellow players and fans alike.On Monday, as Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka secured their spots in the quarterfinals, Jabeur played a behind-the-scenes role in their celebrations. After Sabalenka's victory, she joined the Belarusian in a spontaneous dance break, much to the delight of the crowd.Jabeur's playful spirit extended to Djokovic as well. Before his third-round match, she greeted him with a hug and dubbed him the "minister of playing late," a reference to his marathon match the previous night. Djokovic couldn't help but chuckle at her wit.Jabeur's social media presence also reflects her positive attitude. After Djokovic's hard-fought victory, she took to Twitter to praise his resilience, writing, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion."On Tuesday, Jabeur will take center stage when she faces Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. Her infectious energy and playful nature are sure to create a memorable atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Jabeur's presence at Roland Garros has not only been a source of entertainment but also a reminder of the importance of joy and camaraderie in sports. Her ability to spread happiness and connect with others is a testament to her character and the spirit of the game.

Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff are set to face off in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros on Tuesday, June 4, in a highly anticipated clash. The last time these two met, Gauff dominated Jabeur with a 6-0, 6-1 victory at the 2023 WTA Finals. However, Jabeur has since regained her form and is now a serious contender for the title.Jabeur's recent resurgence has seen her win eight of her last 11 matches, including an impressive straight-set victory over Clara Tauson in the previous round. She is now ranked No. 9 in the world and is playing with the confidence of a Grand Slam champion.Gauff, on the other hand, has not dropped a single set at Roland Garros so far. However, she has not faced any significant competition, with her wins coming against players ranked outside the top 50.The key to this match will be Jabeur's ability to exploit Gauff's weaknesses. Gauff has struggled with her serve and forehand in recent matches, and Jabeur will look to take advantage of these areas.Jabeur's slice shots and drop shots will also be a major threat to Gauff, who is one of the best movers on tour. However, if Jabeur can strike the ball cleanly and keep Gauff off balance, she will have a good chance of winning.Overall, this is a very close matchup, but Jabeur's recent form and experience at the Grand Slam level give her a slight edge. She is a dangerous opponent for anyone, and Gauff will need to be at her best to beat her.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, is back at Roland Garros with a renewed determination to conquer the clay courts. Despite a challenging start to the season, Jabeur has regained her form and is now a contender for the title.Last year, Jabeur reached the Wimbledon final but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Marketa Vondrousova. The defeat left a deep scar, and Jabeur initially resisted watching the replay. However, she eventually agreed, believing it would be beneficial for her documentary.The experience of reliving that loss has helped Jabeur move forward. She feels more prepared for the challenge this year, both physically and mentally. Jabeur has dropped just one set through four rounds at Roland Garros and is confident in her abilities."I'm here. I know what to do exactly," Jabeur said. "I think that in terms of maturity, I'm more mature than I was last year."Jabeur's mental strength has been tested in the past, particularly in the Wimbledon finals. However, she remains resilient and determined to overcome her setbacks."I'm rebuilding, definitely, but also not everything that I've learned, or I have in me, is completely gone. It's still there," Jabeur said.Jabeur is banking on her experience to guide her through the tournament. She believes that her past successes and failures have made her a stronger player."My experiences are helping me be the player that I am today, the player that can pull off some matches like this," Jabeur said.A win at Roland Garros would be a major breakthrough for Jabeur and would alleviate the pressure she faces at Wimbledon. It would also be a testament to her resilience and determination.

Seventh seed Casper Ruud has reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.Ruud overcame a spirited challenge from 12th-seeded Taylor Fritz, prevailing 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. The Norwegian saved a set point in the opening tie-break and rallied from a break down in the third set to secure the victory."It was a tough match," Ruud said. "I had to stay focused and fight for every point. I'm happy to have come through in the end."Ruud's victory sets up a tantalizing clash with Djokovic, who has won the French Open twice in the past three years. The pair last met in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters in April, where Ruud emerged victorious.However, Djokovic has a formidable record at Roland Garros, having won the tournament 24 times. He has also shown resilience in this year's edition, battling back from two sets down in the second round against Francisco Cerundolo.Despite Djokovic's recent physical struggles, Ruud is not taking anything for granted."I don't expect him to surrender at all," Ruud said. "I have to expect him to be fresh, ready, and that it's going to be a tough match."Ruud has also faced challenges en route to the quarterfinals, dropping four sets in the process. He was pushed to five sets by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and came through in four against Tomas Martin Etcheverry."I think, honestly, I ended up in a pretty tough section of the draw," Ruud said. "But I've been able to overcome some good players."Ruud's success at Roland Garros is a testament to his exceptional clay-court skills. He has won eight titles on the surface, including the Geneva Open earlier this year.The Norwegian is confident in his ability to challenge Djokovic, but he knows it will be a daunting task."I'm going to try to learn from last year's final," Ruud said. "I got an early break in the first set, but I lost it on the tiebreak. It was a long, tough, physical set. I'm going to try to be better prepared this time."

Mirra Andreeva, a rising star in the tennis world, has defied expectations and advanced to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros. Her remarkable victory over Varvara Gracheva, a close friend and frequent practice partner, showcased her exceptional mental fortitude and ability to thrive under pressure.Andreeva's triumph was particularly impressive given the partisan crowd at Court Suzanne Lenglen, which overwhelmingly supported Gracheva, a Frenchwoman representing France. However, instead of being intimidated, Andreeva used the crowd's energy to her advantage."I knew it would be hard, but I know how to use the support against myself for myself," Andreeva explained. "When people cheer super hard against me, I use it to cheer myself up. It really helps me."Andreeva's ability to channel the crowd's support into motivation is reminiscent of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who famously "transmuted" the crowd's support for Roger Federer during the 2019 Wimbledon final."When the crowd is chanting 'Roger,' I hear 'Novak,'" Djokovic said after his victory. "It sounds silly, but it is like that. I try to convince myself that it's like that."Andreeva's victory over Gracheva was not only a testament to her mental strength but also her exceptional talent. The 17-year-old Russian has a powerful serve and a versatile ground game that allows her to adapt to different opponents and court conditions.In her next match, Andreeva will face world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, a formidable opponent who has defeated her twice before. However, Andreeva is confident in her abilities and believes she can continue her impressive run at Roland Garros."I'm just going to go out there and play my game," Andreeva said. "I know it's going to be tough, but I'm ready for the challenge."