Tennis

Francisco Comesana, the 23-year-old Argentine tennis prodigy, has etched his name in Wimbledon history with a stunning upset over world No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the first round.Comesana, ranked No. 122, had endured a frustrating start to the year, failing to secure a tour-level victory in South America and falling short in his Wimbledon qualifying bid. However, on Tuesday, he rose to the occasion on the hallowed No. 2 Court, producing a performance that will forever be etched in his memory.In a thrilling encounter that lasted nearly three hours, Comesana displayed unwavering determination and resilience. He saved eight of the 10 break points he faced and fired 21 aces, keeping Rublev at bay throughout the match.The Argentine faced a crucial test in the fourth set, trailing 4-5 and facing set point. However, he summoned his inner strength and fought back to take a 5-3 lead in the ensuing tiebreak. Despite Rublev's valiant efforts, Comesana's change of pace proved too much for the Russian, who netted his backhand slice reply on match point."I dreamed to play here. I'm so happy. I don't know what to say now," an ecstatic Comesana told the crowd after his historic victory.Rublev, who had previously enjoyed success on grass with two Halle runner-up finishes and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, has now lost three consecutive matches. His exit from the tournament is likely to see him drop out of the Top 10.Comesana's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career. He will now face another first-time major match winner, Adam Walton, in the second round. Walton, who defeated Federico Coria in straight sets, will be looking to continue his impressive run at Wimbledon.

Jack Draper, the newly-crowned British No. 1, stunned the tennis world by defeating world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the cinch Championships on Thursday. The 22-year-old Draper, who captured his first ATP title at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart just last week, extended his winning streak to seven matches with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over the Roland Garros champion.Draper's triumph marks the biggest win of his young career and comes as a major upset, given Alcaraz's impressive form on grass. The Spaniard had won Queen's Club and Wimbledon back-to-back last summer and was looking to build on his unbeaten run on the surface in 2023.However, Draper, who is playing at a career-high ranking of No. 31, proved to be too strong for Alcaraz on this occasion. The Brit, who had defeated former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in the BOSS Open final, carried his momentum into Queen's Club and played with confidence and aggression throughout the match.The first set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve comfortably. However, Draper seized the initiative in the tiebreaker, racing through the first four points and ultimately sealing the set 7-3.Draper continued to impress in the second set, earning the match's first break point when Alcaraz served down 2-3. The Brit converted the break point and saved a break point of his own to edge within a game of the upset.Alcaraz fought back bravely, saving a pair of match points down 15-40 and a third as the game sprawled across six deuces. However, Draper remained composed and served out the match to secure a famous victory.Up next for Draper is an opportunity for another upset in No. 5 seed Tommy Paul, who is yet to drop a set at Queen's Club. Draper leads Paul 3-1 in their head-to-head meetings.

Zhang Zhizhen, the world No. 42, stunned former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (5) to reach the quarterfinals of the Terra Wortmann Open.The match was a tale of two sets, with Medvedev dominating the second set after Zhang had taken the first. However, Zhang showed his resilience in the third set, breaking back after Medvedev had taken an early lead and then holding on through a dramatic tenth game to force a tiebreaker.In the tiebreaker, Zhang trailed 2-4 at the change of ends but fought back to win four of the next five points and clinch the victory.The win is a major upset for Zhang, who had never beaten a top-five player before. It is also a significant result for Chinese tennis, as Zhang is the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals of an ATP Tour event on grass.Zhang's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been working hard to improve his game on grass, and it is now paying off. He is a dangerous player on any surface, and he will be a threat to win any tournament he enters.

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner faced a daunting challenge against Corentin Moutet on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. Despite struggling with a hip injury, Sinner had cruised through his previous matches. However, Moutet, ranked 79th, stunned the crowd by racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set.The Parisian crowd erupted in a mix of excitement and disbelief as Moutet threatened to pull off a major upset. Sinner's first-serve percentage plummeted to 59%, giving Moutet ample opportunities to attack. The Italian seemed out of sorts, struggling to find his rhythm.But as the first set reached its conclusion, Sinner's resolve hardened. He tightened his serve, increasing his first-serve percentage to 78% in the fourth set. This tactical adjustment kept Moutet at bay, silencing the Chatrier faithful.Sinner surged through the next three sets, brushing aside the lone break point he faced. He displayed his trademark power and precision, dictating the pace of the match. Moutet, despite his valiant effort, was unable to sustain his early momentum.In the end, Sinner completed a remarkable 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 comeback, advancing to the quarterfinals. He will face No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling three-set battle.Sinner's victory was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he refused to give up, showcasing the mental fortitude that has made him one of the most promising players in the world.

Emma Navarro, the 23-year-old American tennis sensation, has defied expectations and surged into the fourth round of the French Open, marking her first Grand Slam appearance at this stage. Despite her unassuming stature and lack of a signature weapon, Navarro has proven to be a formidable force on the court.Navarro's success stems from her unconventional approach. She charges forward on opponents' second serves, taking the ball on the rise, a risky tactic that has paid off handsomely. Her backhand drop shot, executed with precision and height, keeps opponents guessing and forces them to scramble.Moreover, Navarro's excellent timing allows her to counterpunch even the hardest hitters, sending their pace back across the net with precision. Her athleticism is also a key factor, as she covers the court with ease and executes difficult shots with aplomb.Navarro's mindset has shifted since turning pro. She now embraces the aggressive approach, striking first and dictating the pace of play. This newfound confidence has been evident in her composed performance in tiebreakers, where she has remained calm under pressure.Next up for Navarro is a clash with second seed Aryna Sabalenka, a player she has already defeated this season. Navarro's ability to handle Sabalenka's power and create her own opportunities will be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.

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."

Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev's French Open campaign came to an abrupt end in the third round on Friday, as he suffered a surprising 7-6 (8/6), 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Italian qualifier Matteo Arnaldi.Rublev, a 10-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist, was visibly frustrated throughout the match, repeatedly throwing his racquet to the ground and hitting himself in the knee with it in the third set."Completely disappointed with myself -- the way I behaved, the way I performed, and I don't remember behaving worse on a Slam ever," Rublev said. "I think it was first time I ever behaved that bad."The 26-year-old Russian had a set point in the opening tie-break but failed to convert it. He was broken in the first game of the second set but broke back immediately. However, Arnaldi's confidence grew as Rublev's frustration mounted."I was able to break back, and it looks like I started to have a bit more chances," Rublev added. "Then out of nowhere, again, I collapse with myself, I get emotional, I lost my serve, and then I lose it completely and basically I almost tank the second set, and then it was too late, because then he started to play unbelievable."Rublev never regained his composure, and Arnaldi closed out the match with a love service hold. It is the second straight year that Rublev has lost in the third round to an Italian on the same court, after blowing a two-set lead against Lorenzo Sonego 12 months ago."I was struggling, and then I had a really good result in Madrid," Rublev said. "Now I'm playing well again. I feel that I have a good game, I'm improving. The problem is the head, that today basically I kill myself, and that's it."Arnaldi, ranked 35th in the world, will face either former runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas or China's Zhang Zhizhen in the last 16."It's incredible, I think I played the best tennis in my life," said Arnaldi. "I wasn't even expecting it.""He (Rublev) didn't play his best tennis for sure, but I used my best tactics to put him under pressure."

Peyton Stearns Stuns Daria Kasatkina in Late-Night Roland Garros ThrillerIn a captivating night of tennis at Roland Garros, unseeded American Peyton Stearns pulled off a stunning upset, eliminating No. 10 seed Daria Kasatkina in a match that stretched well past midnight.Despite the long wait to get on court due to rain delays, Stearns remained unfazed. The 22-year-old from Cincinnati, who won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas, unleashed 17 forehand winners to defeat Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2."You just kind of don't know what to expect," said Stearns about the unpredictable schedule. "You have to accept that."Kasatkina, a 2022 Roland Garros semifinalist, struggled to cope with the situation. "Mentally, it's tough to face the day when it's a long wait," she said. "You have to be calm, but at the same time, you have to be ready to jump on the court. And you don't know when."Stearns' victory was not the only upset of the day. No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 champion in Paris, lost to Denmark's Clara Tauson, while No. 11 Danielle Collins was defeated by Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic.On the men's side, No. 25 Frances Tiafoe and No. 31 Mariano Navone were eliminated. Tiafoe's frosty handshake with Denis Shapovalov after their match drew attention, as Tiafoe had accidentally hit Shapovalov in the head with a tennis ball.Despite the weather disruptions, several top players advanced, including No. 1 Novak Djokovic, No. 4 Alexander Zverev, No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz, and two-time runner-up Casper Ruud.Stearns' victory was particularly impressive given her recent success. She claimed her first career WTA title last week in Rabat, Morocco, and is now working with Tom Hill, who previously coached Maria Sakkari."I was like, 'Look, just stay. Please," Stearns said about her mother, who had planned to leave after the first round. "We've got to keep this going."With her mother now assisting with her warmups and cool downs, Stearns is determined to continue her impressive run at Roland Garros.

Casper Ruud Stuns Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo SemifinalsIn a thrilling upset, Casper Ruud has defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. The victory marks the biggest win of Ruud's career and ends Djokovic's 11-match winning streak against Top 3 opponents.Ruud, ranked No. 8 in the world, started the match strongly, breaking Djokovic's serve in the opening game. He held his own serve throughout the first set, forcing Djokovic to play catch-up. The Norwegian eventually took the set 6-4.Djokovic responded in the second set, breaking Ruud's serve twice to level the match. However, Ruud regained his composure in the third set, breaking Djokovic's serve in the seventh game and holding on to win 6-4.The victory is a major breakthrough for Ruud, who had never beaten a Top 3 player before. It also marks the first time that Djokovic has lost to a player outside the Top 5 since 2018.Ruud will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday. Tsitsipas defeated Alexander Zverev in the other semifinal.