Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 25-year-old Greek sensation, will face off against 23-year-old Italian newcomer Matteo Arnaldi in the fourth round of the French Open. Tsitsipas, a seasoned veteran with a strong clay-court game, has been in impressive form, dropping only one set in three matches. Arnaldi, on the other hand, has surprised many by upsetting higher-ranked opponents, including Andrey Rublev.Tsitsipas has been studying Arnaldi's game and recognizes his fighting spirit and tenacity. He plans to disrupt Arnaldi's rhythm by varying his attack, using his one-handed backhand and net-rushing abilities. Arnaldi, known for his baseline power and speed, will need to maintain his confidence and shot-making prowess to challenge Tsitsipas.In the women's draw, Ons Jabeur, the former Roland Garros favorite, will take on 21-year-old Dane Clara Tauson. Jabeur, now 29, has faced some challenges this season but has shown resilience in her two hard-fought victories. Tauson, a former junior world No. 1, has upset Jelena Ostapenko and possesses the power that made her a promising prospect.The highly anticipated clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Félix Auger-Aliassime will be a battle of two rising stars. Alcaraz, despite an earlier forearm injury, has regained his form and confidence, dropping only one set in three matches. Auger-Aliassime, known for his serve-plus-one strategy, has also been in impressive form, reaching the final in Madrid.With Alcaraz's penchant for mid-match lulls and Auger-Aliassime's growing belief in his game, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Despite the relentless rain that has plagued Roland Garros, Sofia Kenin and Stefanos Tsitsipas have emerged as beacons of hope, reaching the third round of the tournament with impressive performances.Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, displayed her trademark efficiency in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over No. 21 seed Caroline Garcia. The American dominated the match, winning over 80% of her first-serve points and breaking Garcia four times. Kenin's resurgence is a testament to her hard work and determination, as she has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form this season.Tsitsipas, the No. 4 seed, also advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4 victory over Daniel Altmaier. The Greek star faced a brief scare when Altmaier took the third set in a tiebreaker, but Tsitsipas quickly regained control of the match. His resilience and ability to overcome adversity are key factors in his status as a title contender.Kenin will next face either Jelena Ostapenko or Clara Tauson, while Tsitsipas will take on Lorenzo Sonego or Zhang Zhizhen. With the rain expected to continue, the resumption of play remains uncertain. However, both Kenin and Tsitsipas have shown that they are ready to embrace the challenge and continue their pursuit of Roland Garros glory.

Tsitsipas and Badosa Reunite for Mixed Doubles at Roland GarrosThe mixed doubles tournament at Roland Garros has gained prominence this year, with the return of tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa. The duo, who recently reunited, will face Ena Shibahara and Nathaniel Lammons in the first round.Tsitsipas and Badosa's participation has drawn attention due to their high-profile relationship and their potential to challenge for the title. The Greek and Spaniard are both accomplished singles players, with Tsitsipas ranked ninth in the world and Badosa a former world number two.In singles, Tsitsipas is considered a title contender, despite the uncertainty surrounding the men's game. He remains deferential to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, but believes he has the potential to challenge them on clay.Badosa, meanwhile, will face Katie Boulter in a high-profile first-rounder. She is eager to put her recent struggles behind her and make a deep run in Paris.The mixed doubles draw also features several other notable teams, including top seeds Ellen Perez and Matthew Ebden, and third seeds Demi Schurrs and Wesley Koolhof. Half of the 32 teams feature compatriots, adding an element of national pride to the competition.The mixed doubles tournament will take place at the same venue that will host the Olympic tennis event in a few months. This provides an opportunity for teams to familiarize themselves with the conditions and gain valuable experience.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 6 seed in Rome and No. 8 on tour, has set his sights on becoming the world's top-ranked tennis player. After a strong start to the season, including victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Tsitsipas believes he has the potential to dethrone the current No. 1, Novak Djokovic.Tsitsipas's confidence stems from his recent performances, particularly his dominant display against Alex de Minaur in Rome. He believes that his heavy and deep ball control has given him an edge over his opponents."I really felt that my opponent felt the heaviness and the depth of my ball," Tsitsipas said. "It gave me courage, it gave me great belief in myself that I can continue pushing in that sense."Tsitsipas's resurgence comes after a difficult period in 2023, when a back injury forced him to drop out of the Top 10. However, he has since recovered and is now back in contention for the top spot."I was outside the Top 10 for a while," he said. "It hurt me a little bit. So being back, it's a great feeling."Tsitsipas has also made some adjustments to his game, including abandoning his recent experiment with a modified service stance. He believes that his old "platform" stance gives him more confidence and allows him to open up the court more easily."Once you start thinking a lot, it's an issue because you can't concentrate on what's happening in front of you," he said. "Your mind travels in different directions and places. . . I did something strange, which I've never done before in a match. I was trying different things during the match, which is definitely something I don't recommend to anyone doing."With the upcoming French Open just around the corner, Tsitsipas is aware that he has a chance to make history. Rafael Nadal, the 14-time Roland Garros champion, is struggling with injuries, while Djokovic has been in poor form this year."I never saw a reason not to follow my dreams to that depth," Tsitsipas said. "It would be a blessing if I was able to conquer and make that happen. It's been my dream since the first day of pursuing professional tennis."

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas: A Tennis Power Couple's SplitThe tennis world was rocked by the news of Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas's breakup, ending their year-long relationship. The former world No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, had been a high-profile couple, sharing their love on social media and supporting each other's careers.Badosa, speaking after her victory at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, expressed her emotions about the split. "It hasn't been easy, but I'm a strong person," she said. "I'm proud of how I'm handling it."The couple's relationship had been a whirlwind, with their public announcement during the 2023 Roland Garros. They quickly became known as "Tsitsidosa," a testament to their love and support for each other. However, Badosa acknowledged that the timing may not have been right."When we were great, the relationship was great," she reflected. "But sometimes, it's better to separate ways."Tsitsipas had previously spoken about his support for Badosa during her injury-plagued year. "I'm trying to find the right words," he said in March. "I'm just there as much as I can to keep making her feel good."Badosa announced the split on social media, emphasizing that it was an amicable decision. "We have a great relationship," she said. "He's a great guy, and I wish him the best."On the tennis front, Badosa is cautiously optimistic about her recovery from a back injury. She has undergone a cortisone injection and is feeling pain-free for the first time in months. "It's a rollercoaster," she admitted. "But I have the best team next to me, and I'm confident it'll be okay."Badosa will face Emma Navarro in the second round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as she continues her journey on and off the court.

Tennis Power Couple Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas Announce Amicable SplitAfter a year-long whirlwind romance, tennis stars Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas have announced their amicable separation. The news was shared by Badosa in a heartfelt statement posted on social media on Sunday.The couple's relationship began off the court in 2022, quickly becoming a high-profile affair. They launched a joint Instagram account, starred in a photoshoot together, and frequently supported each other at matches. Their bond was evident in Tsitsipas' unwavering support for Badosa during her injury struggles.However, despite their mutual affection, the couple has decided to part ways. In her statement, Badosa expressed gratitude for the time they shared and emphasized their decision to remain friends. "We have shared a journey filled with love and learning, and it is as friends with immense mutual respect that we now choose to move forward on our own paths," she wrote.Tsitsipas has been a constant source of encouragement for Badosa, both on and off the court. He has publicly praised her resilience and determination, and has been by her side through her injury recovery. Despite their separation, it is likely that their support for each other will continue.Badosa's statement also acknowledged the support they have received from their loved ones and fans. "We are grateful for the support of our friends, family and all who have been part of our story," she wrote. "As we transition into this new chapter of our lives, we continue to wish each other nothing but the best in all our endeavors."The news of Badosa and Tsitsipas' split has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Fans had grown accustomed to seeing the couple together, and their public displays of affection had become a staple of the sport. However, the couple's decision to prioritize their individual well-being is a testament to their maturity and respect for each other.

Rafael Nadal's farewell tour at his home tournament in Madrid took a positive turn as he avenged his recent defeat to Alex de Minaur with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory. Despite admitting to ongoing physical issues, Nadal displayed resilience and determination to advance to the third round, where he will face Argentina's Pedro Cachin.Nadal's performance was met with thunderous applause from a capacity crowd that included royalty and sports icons. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion remained cautious, acknowledging that he still needs time to regain his peak form. "No, not yet. It needs time," Nadal said. "To play over two hours means a lot to me and the atmosphere here is just a joke."Nadal's participation in the upcoming French Open remains uncertain, as he will assess his recovery after the Rome tournament. "It's not a thing about losing or winning. It's about going on court there with the feeling that I can fight and I can be competitive," Nadal explained. "So if I am not able to go on court and dream, for me it doesn't make sense to go."Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a shock second-round exit at the hands of world number 118 Thiago Monteiro. The Greek star, who had only one defeat on clay this season, struggled with his rhythm and balance, losing 6-4, 6-4 in just over 90 minutes.Top seed Jannik Sinner extended his unbeaten record against fellow Italians to 13-0, defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-0, 6-3. Third seed Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the third round after a hard-fought 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Matteo Arnaldi.In the women's draw, world number one Iga Swiatek cruised past Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 6-1 to set up a fourth-round clash with Sara Sorribes Tormo. Ons Jabeur, the 2022 champion, overcame a slow start to defeat Leylah Fernandez 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. US Open champion Coco Gauff also advanced with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Dayana Yastremska.

Thiago Monteiro, the 29-year-old Brazilian qualifier, has made history by reaching the third round of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career. Inspired by the recent successes of Adrian Mannarino and Jan-Lennard Struff, Monteiro has adopted the mantra "it's never too late" and has unlocked a new milestone in his tennis journey.In a stunning display of serving prowess, Monteiro ousted No. 6 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. The 118th-ranked qualifier did not face a break point until he served for the match, showcasing his impeccable control and precision. Despite missing a pair of match points against Tsitsipas' serve in the previous game, Monteiro remained composed and erased the deficit with an inside-out forehand winner."Here in the conditions, the serve, especially the left serve, works really well. The ball was bouncing high," Monteiro explained to the press. "I knew I had a big challenge ahead against a top player, but I was feeling good."Monteiro's victory marks his first completed Top 10 victory since defeating Holger Rune in a Davis Cup rubber in September 2023. The former world No. 61 can now break back into the Top 100 if he advances past No. 30 seed Jiri Lehecka in the third round."Never too late indeed. I see guys like Struff that is (34), won his first ATP (title) last week. Mannarino, 35, he had his best season of his tennis career last year," Monteiro said. "Tennis is like this. One week can change the whole year, the whole plans that you have. You just need to keep working hard and to keep trying to enjoy it, take this opportunity when it appears."Tsitsipas, on the other hand, has now dropped consecutive matches after opening his European clay-court swing with 10 successive victories. The former Roland Garros runner-up captured his third Monte Carlo crown before Casper Ruud avenged that final-round defeat by turning the tables in last Sunday's Barcelona title match."I had a very good opponent on the other side of the net. He was coming up with great shots and punishing me every single time I played short. Didn't manage to get the depth of the court," Tsitsipas assessed.

Casper Ruud, the former junior World No. 1, has finally broken through to win his first ATP 500 or Masters 1000 event. The Norwegian defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open final, a significant milestone in his career.Ruud's victory comes after a period of frustration, having reached three Grand Slam finals and peaking at World No. 2 without a major title. The Barcelona triumph marks a turning point, proving that he can compete with the elite and win big events.In the Barcelona final, Ruud displayed a more aggressive style, taking the initiative and dictating the pace. He had previously struggled against top-three players, but he overcame that mental barrier by staying calm and executing his game plan.Ruud's mental game has also benefited from overcoming a slump in 2023. After a successful 2022, he struggled for much of the year, but he has regained his confidence and belief.With 10 of his 11 career titles coming on clay, Ruud is eyeing the upcoming French Open as an opportunity to break the glass ceiling at the Majors. He has reached the final twice before, but he is determined to take the next step and win his first Grand Slam title.Ruud's recent success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has overcome setbacks and mental challenges to reach the top of the game. As he continues to improve and gain experience, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant players in tennis.