Tennis

The contrast between the allure of tennis for spectators and the grueling demands it places on players is starkly evident in the wee hours of the morning. For fans, these late-night matches are unforgettable spectacles, etched into memory. However, for the players, they represent a relentless physical and mental toll that extends far beyond the final point.The ultra-early morning matches in professional tennis are akin to taking on a second mortgage, with each additional hour of play compounding the debt. In the aftermath of the epic four-hour and 32-minute battle between Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic, the question arises: who will bear the greater burden?Musetti, who had endured a disappointing clay court season, showed flashes of brilliance against Djokovic. Despite losing the first two sets, he rallied to take the third, showcasing his aggressive shot-making and elegant one-handed backhand. However, Djokovic's experience and tenacity proved too much, as he dominated the decider 6-0.The match's late start, due to rain delays, pushed the finish well past midnight. Musetti's ability to challenge Djokovic but ultimately fall short evoked a comment from Jimmy Connors: "I knew he could cut me; he just couldn't kill me."The implications of playing past midnight are staggering. Djokovic, who likely needed to be on court until at least 3:00 a.m., would have faced a recovery process that extended into the early hours of the morning. Yet, he displayed his trademark resilience, defining time as simply the moment of the next point.Djokovic's excellence stems from his unwavering ability to embrace struggle, stay present, and solve the problems presented to him. As the fifth set began past 2:30 a.m., his experience and mental fortitude proved invaluable.Despite the late hour, Djokovic's victory raises questions about its impact on his next match, scheduled for Monday. However, as Musetti learned firsthand, questioning Djokovic's ability to overcome adversity is often futile. At 37, Djokovic remains a formidable force, proving that a lion in winter is still a lion.

Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim Discuss Roland Garros' Rain Delays, Fan Behavior, and Player PerspectivesThe first week of Roland Garros has been marked by persistent rain delays, creating a challenging environment for players and fans alike. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick and Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim delve into the impact of these delays on players' mentality and preparation.Roddick highlights the stress players face as they navigate the unpredictable weather, constantly preparing for potential matches that may or may not occur. He notes that lower-ranked players are particularly affected, often facing the uncertainty of side-court placement.The discussion also addresses the issue of fan behavior at Roland Garros. Roddick expresses concern over the rowdiness and verbal abuse directed at players, particularly David Goffin. Wertheim and Roddick debate the tournament's decision to ban alcohol in stadiums as a solution.Roddick argues that while physical safety is paramount, he appreciates the atmosphere created by passionate fans. He suggests that fans could mitigate the issue by consuming alcohol before entering the stadium. From a player's perspective, Roddick believes that name-calling and booing are part of the game, but emphasizes the importance of being able to hear the ball off the opponent's racquet.The episode also touches on Elena Rybakina's complaints about the content of press conferences. Wertheim acknowledges the diversity of players and the challenge of asking engaging questions. He expresses sympathy for players who may find press conferences repetitive.Roddick and Wertheim analyze the second-round match between Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka, highlighting Swiatek's resilience in overcoming a 2-5 deficit in the deciding set. They discuss Swiatek's growth and her ability to handle the pressure of being world No. 1.Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of Rafael Nadal's first-round loss. Roddick questions whether Nadal believes he can still make an impact on surfaces other than clay at this stage of his career.

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has received a flattering tribute from WNBA star Cameron Brink. Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, went viral for her pregame cosplay of Gauff's Roland Garros outfit.Brink, who is also sponsored by New Balance, arrived at the arena for a game against the Indiana Fever wearing a similar New Balance collared polo tank and pleated skirt to the separates that Gauff has been wearing on court in Paris."I want to be like Coco," Brink said.Gauff, who is a noted basketball fan, was surprised and delighted by the shoutout."I haven't got the chance to meet Cameron yet, but obviously been watching her a lot when she was at Stanford and now seeing her in the WNBA is great, and I definitely want to try to catch a game," Gauff said.Gauff also expressed her hope that Brink would one day have the chance to show off her own style chops with her own signature New Balance shoe."I hope one day maybe ... I can rock it too for my press events," Gauff said. "She's awesome."Gauff has been equally impressive on the court at Roland Garros. She clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for the fourth straight year with a 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Sunday. In four matches in Paris, Gauff hasn't lost a set and has surrendered just 18 games.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has proven that he is still a force to be reckoned with at the age of 37. Despite a challenging start to his Roland Garros campaign, Djokovic rallied to defeat Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling five-set match that ended at 3:07 a.m.Djokovic's victory was a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. "I have always had that conviction inside of me that I can win a Slam," he said. "That's why I'm still competing at this level."The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for Djokovic. He struggled in the third and early fourth sets, but the crowd's support gave him a much-needed boost. "At 2-2 in the fourth set, I became a different player," he said. "That was perhaps the best match I ever played here."Djokovic's performance was a reminder of his exceptional skills and determination. He hit blistering forehands and chased down every ball with relentless energy. Musetti, a rising star in the tennis world, gave Djokovic a run for his money, but in the end, the experience and class of the Serbian prevailed.Djokovic's victory sends a clear message to his rivals: he is not ready to give up his throne. "Beware, one and all," he said. "I have planted my flag in the red dirt."However, Djokovic's late-night triumph comes with a caveat. The grueling schedule and late finish could take a toll on his body in the later rounds of the tournament. "I don't want to get into it," he said of the schedule. "But I have my opinions."Despite the potential physical challenges, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to win another Grand Slam title. "I'm on a high," he said. "I'm not letting go of that stranglehold that I created on Lorenzo."

Alex de Minaur's remarkable run at the 2023 Roland Garros reached new heights on Saturday as he became the first Australian man in 17 years to reach the fourth round of the clay-court major. However, it was not just his on-court performance that made headlines, but also the unwavering support of a young superfan who inspired him throughout the rain-soaked match.Throughout the four-set victory over Jan-Lennard Struff, the young boy, clad in rain gear and a backwards gray cap, was a constant presence on television cameras, cheering, clapping, and pumping his fists with every point de Minaur won. Despite multiple rain interruptions that dragged the match to over eight hours, the boy's courtside passion never wavered.De Minaur, who was visibly lifted by the support, acknowledged the boy's impact after the match. "I'm looking at him and thinking of if I was a fan, I would probably be back home, because it was bloody cold out there," he said. "I don't understand what this kid is doing, but, oh, he gave me life."After securing the victory, de Minaur made a beeline for the courtside seats to give his superfan a big hug, a high-five, and handed him a towel from his bag. "I was, like, Mate ... It was a relief more than anything. It was amazing. I appreciate this kid," de Minaur said.The heartwarming moment went viral on social media, with the video of the embrace being viewed over 1 million times on Roland Garros' official Twitter account. De Minaur later launched a public plea on social media to find the young fan, saying he "need[ed]" him in the stands for the next round.By Sunday morning, social media had done its job. De Minaur posted an update to his Instagram story that he had located the youngster. Whether the good luck charm will be in the crowd when de Minaur takes on Daniil Medvedev on Monday for a first-ever Roland Garros quarterfinal remains to be seen.

Iga Swiatek's Dominance Continues at Roland Garros with Lightning-Fast VictoryPARIS—Iga Swiatek, the reigning Roland Garros champion, once again showcased her unparalleled dominance on the clay courts of Paris, dispatching Anastasia Potapova in a mere 40 minutes in the fourth round. The 6-0, 6-0 victory was a testament to Swiatek's exceptional form and the gulf in class between the two players.Swiatek's efficiency was astonishing, surpassing her record-breaking 21-minute first set by winning the second in just 19 minutes. Her relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy left Potapova overwhelmed and unable to mount any meaningful resistance.The statistics tell the tale of Swiatek's dominance: six breaks of serve in eight chances, 13 winners to just two unforced errors, and a staggering 16 "forced errors" induced on Potapova. Five of Swiatek's 12 games won were at love, highlighting her ability to control the tempo and dictate the terms of the match.The swift conclusion of the match was a welcome respite for tournament organizers, who had witnessed Novak Djokovic's marathon victory over Lorenzo Musetti the previous night. For once, Court Philippe Chatrier remained uncovered, allowing the fans to bask in the sunshine and witness Swiatek's brilliance.Swiatek's next opponent will be either Olga Danilovic or Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, but both players will face an uphill battle against the seemingly unstoppable Polish star. Swiatek's relentless pursuit of perfection and her unwavering focus on the task at hand make her the overwhelming favorite to claim a third consecutive Roland Garros title.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, has recently regained her form, winning seven of her last 10 matches. This resurgence has made her a favorite against players outside the Top 50, including Clara Tauson in the Round of 16 at Roland Garros.Tauson has also been impressive lately, winning six of her last seven matches, including an upset over Jelena Ostapenko. However, her aggressive style of play, which relies heavily on power, may not be as effective on the slower clay courts of Roland Garros.Jabeur, on the other hand, is known for her versatility and trickery. She can slice, drop, and hit with heavy topspin, making her difficult to predict. This variety will likely give her an advantage over Tauson, who has a more limited game.One potential concern for Jabeur is her serve. If she struggles to make first serves, Tauson will have opportunities to punish her second serves. However, the weather forecast for Sunday does not call for rain, which means the match is likely to be played outdoors, where the conditions will favor Jabeur's style of play.Overall, Jabeur is the more likely winner in this matchup. Her versatility and experience on clay should give her the edge over Tauson's power.

Elina Avanesyan Continues Giant-Killing Run at Roland Garros, Upsets No. 7 Zheng QinwenPARIS—Elina Avanesyan, the 21-year-old Russian sensation, has continued her remarkable run at Roland Garros, becoming the second Top 8 seed to fall before the fourth round. On Saturday, she defeated No. 7 Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), joining No. 6 Maria Sakkari as an upset victim.Avanesyan's victory is a testament to her rapidly rising star. Ranked 70th in the world, she now boasts an impressive 5-0 record against Top 15 players. Her upset of Sakkari in straight sets at the Australian Open earlier this year hinted at her potential, and she has now confirmed her status as a force to be reckoned with.Zheng, the Australian Open runner-up, fought back from a 2-5 deficit in the third set to force a tiebreaker. However, Avanesyan remained composed and played with the same tenacity that had put Zheng in such a precarious position.The pivotal moment came at 8-6 in the tiebreaker. A lengthy rally ensued, with both players displaying exceptional court coverage and power. Avanesyan ultimately prevailed when Zheng's forehand sailed wide.Avanesyan's victory was a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Despite the rain delays and challenging conditions, she maintained her focus and executed her game plan with precision."After a few days here, I guess everybody gets used to these [conditions]," Avanesyan said about the rain. "On the break we were just playing cards and drinking tea to be honest. It was really nice."Avanesyan will now face either Bianca Andreescu or 12th-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round. She is relishing the opportunity to continue her dream run at Roland Garros, a tournament that holds special significance for her."It's a really magical place for me," Avanesyan said. "Last year was amazing, this year as well."

Roland Garros 2023: Rain Continues to Plague French Open, Disrupting Schedule and PlayThe 2023 French Open has been marred by relentless rain, which has disrupted the schedule and forced organizers to rely heavily on retractable roofs. For the past seven days, precipitation has fallen in some form, leading to the unfortunate moniker of "Drench Open."The retractable roofs over Courts Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen have been in constant use, providing a lifeline for the tournament. Without the Lenglen roof, which debuted this year, the situation would have been even more dire.Schedule makers have faced a daunting task, constantly adjusting the daily puzzle due to the unpredictable weather. Despite attempts to start play earlier and cram more matches onto more courts, the rain has persisted.On Saturday, play on outside courts began as scheduled, but was suspended around 1 p.m. local time. No play has occurred since then, with journalist Jose Morgado's timeline resembling a litany of delays.Around 5 p.m. local time, all doubles matches were canceled for the day. Only 10 games of second-round play in the women's doubles event have been completed, and six first-round matches remain unfinished.When play has been possible, it has often extended late into the night or even into the next day. Lighted courts, a recent addition to Roland Garros, have been heavily utilized, resulting in a hefty utility bill.In addition to the rain, cold temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit have added to the discomfort. Hooded tops and parka coats have become common sights, while sunscreen has gone unused.Despite the challenging conditions, fans have remained resilient, sticking around and taking to their damp seats. As of 5:15 p.m., tarps were being removed from outside courts, and play resumed 25 minutes later.Rain is an unavoidable challenge for Grand Slams, but the extent of the disruption in Paris has been unprecedented. Organizers have been left with few options but to adapt and hope for better weather in the coming days.