Tennis

Ben Stiller, the renowned actor and tennis enthusiast, has become a regular fixture at Grand Slam events, particularly those featuring the rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. After witnessing their epic 2022 US Open encounter, Stiller was eager to catch their next Grand Slam clash in person.On Friday, Stiller joined the thousands of spectators at Roland Garros who were captivated by the thrilling five-set semifinal between Alcaraz and Sinner. The match, which lasted over four hours, showcased the exceptional talent and determination of both players.Stiller's passion for tennis extends beyond his role as a spectator. He is an avid player himself, having taken up the sport later in life. His love for the game has led him to develop a close friendship with Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player.Stiller's appreciation for tennis stems from its parallels to acting. He believes that both pursuits require individuals to be responsive and adaptable to the actions of others. In tennis, players must adjust their game plan based on their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Similarly, in acting, actors must react to the cues and emotions of their fellow performers.In recent years, Stiller has been particularly impressed by the rise of Alcaraz. He witnessed the Spaniard's epic victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final and was present at Roland Garros to watch Alcaraz defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.With Alcaraz poised to compete for his third Grand Slam title on Sunday, it remains to be seen whether Stiller will make it a hat trick of appearances at the young star's matches. Regardless, his presence at Roland Garros is a testament to his admiration for the sport and its rising stars.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to reach Grand Slam finals on all three surfaces: hard, grass, and clay. His remarkable achievement was secured with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of Roland Garros on Friday.Alcaraz's triumph marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. He has already captured Grand Slam titles on hard and grass, winning the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023, respectively. By reaching the final of Roland Garros, he has completed the career set, becoming the first player to achieve this feat at such a young age.The previous record holder was Andre Agassi, who was 22 years old when he reached the Wimbledon final in 1992, having previously reached the Roland Garros and US Open finals. Alcaraz's accomplishment underscores his exceptional talent and versatility, as he has proven his ability to excel on all surfaces.Alcaraz's victory over Sinner was a testament to his resilience and determination. After dropping the first set, he fought back to win the next two, only to lose the fourth. However, he refused to be denied, digging deep to secure the fifth set and book his place in the final.The Spaniard's success is a testament to his unwavering belief in himself and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He has consistently pushed himself to the limit, seeking to improve his game and overcome any challenges that come his way.As Alcaraz prepares for the Roland Garros final, he will face the daunting task of defeating Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion who is seeking to extend his dominance on the Parisian clay. However, Alcaraz has proven that he is capable of anything, and he will undoubtedly give Nadal a run for his money.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, has once again proven his mettle by overcoming a formidable challenge at the Roland Garros semifinals. A year after his heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz returned to Court Philippe Chatrier with a vengeance, battling through a grueling five-set marathon against Jannik Sinner.The match was a testament to the intense rivalry between the two young players. Sinner, the Italian sensation, started strong, taking the first set with ease. However, Alcaraz fought back, showcasing his resilience and determination. He clawed his way back into the match, winning the second set and taking a 2-1 lead.The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions. Alcaraz struck first, but Sinner responded with a break of his own. A right-hand cramp appeared to hinder Sinner, but he fought through the pain, erasing four break points before receiving medical attention. Sinner eventually took the third set, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.In the fourth set, Alcaraz's forehand came alive. He hit blistering shots and tracked down drop shots with ease. The crowd erupted in chants of "Carlos!" as he forced a fifth set.The final set was a battle of wills. Alcaraz broke Sinner early on and held his nerve throughout. Sinner made one last stand, pushing Alcaraz to deuce, but the Spaniard held firm, sealing the victory with a backhand crosscourt winner.Alcaraz's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career. He is now the youngest man in the Open Era to reach major finals on three different surfaces. His victory also extends his unbeaten record in five-setters to an impressive 10-1.The match was a showcase of the future of tennis. Alcaraz and Sinner are two of the most promising players in the world, and their rivalry is sure to produce many more memorable moments in the years to come.

Zendaya Joins On Apparel as Brand Ambassador, Embracing "Tenniscore" StyleTennis-themed blockbuster "Challengers" has catapulted Zendaya into the spotlight as the newest brand ambassador for On apparel. The actress, known for her fashion icon status, will collaborate with On on design and creative campaigns, showcasing the brand's signature "tenniscore" aesthetic.Zendaya's partnership with On marks a significant moment for the brand, which has been making strides in the tennis world. In 2019, Roger Federer invested in the Swiss-based company, and last year, On signed deals with Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton as its first on-court tennis apparel ambassadors.The collaboration between Zendaya and On was announced with a short film titled "Dream Together," directed by artist and choreographer C Prinz. The film highlights creative movement and the power of collaboration, values that align with On's brand identity."I owe so much to the people around me for getting me to where I am," Zendaya says in the film. "This film recognizes and appreciates those who support and uplift us every day."Zendaya's influence on fashion is undeniable. Her previous collaborations with luxury brands like Valentino, Louis Vuitton, and Lancôme have solidified her status as a style icon. Her partnership with On further cements the "tenniscore" trend, which she showcased during the promotional tour for "Challengers."On's rapid growth in tennis is evident in its recent signings. Former junior world No. 1 Joao Fonseca joined the brand shortly after turning professional. Federer, who has been an investor in On since 2019, congratulated Zendaya on her new role with a playful dad joke on social media."It's On," Federer quipped, referencing a scene from "Challengers" where Zendaya's character watches a tennis match.On co-founder David Allemann expressed his admiration for Zendaya's ability to inspire and connect with people. "We can't think of a better partner to help us grow, evolve, and connect with people around the world," he said.Zendaya echoed Allemann's sentiments, stating, "I've been a big fan of On for a long time. I'm always wearing them on set, or when I'm traveling, rehearsing, or running around with my dog. So it's a full-circle moment to make this partnership official."

Alexander Zverev Case Dropped After Settlement and FinesGerman tennis star Alexander Zverev has avoided a criminal conviction after reaching an out-of-court settlement with his former partner, Brenda Patea. The Berlin District Court dismissed the case on Friday, following Zverev's agreement to pay fines totaling 200,000 euros ($218,000).Zverev was facing charges of causing bodily harm to Patea during an argument in Berlin in May 2020. Prosecutors alleged that he pushed her against a wall and choked her, but Zverev denied any wrongdoing. The case went to trial after Zverev contested a penalty order issued in October, which required him to pay fines of 450,000 euros ($490,000).However, the trial was halted after lawyers for Zverev and Patea reached an agreement to end their disputes. Judge Barbara Lüders stated that the former couple wished to move forward and focus on their joint custody of their child.Zverev, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, did not appear in court on Friday as he was scheduled to play in the semifinals of the Roland Garros tournament. Patea testified as a witness in a closed session.The settlement includes fines of 150,000 euros to the state and 50,000 euros to charitable organizations. Zverev has expressed relief at the outcome of the case and stated that he is eager to put the matter behind him.

The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season, is fast approaching, with tickets now on sale to the general public. To commemorate the 144th edition of the tournament, artist Chelsey Farris has created a vibrant and dynamic poster based on the theme "The Power of Tennis."Farris's artwork features 16 unique tennis balls, each representing a different aspect of the sport, from "community" to "tradition" to "entertainment." The primary poster showcases four of these balls against the US Open's signature blue and green court, symbolizing health and wellness, New York City, diversity and inclusion, and tradition.The poster and art will be prominently displayed throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, as well as on merchandise and marketing materials. Farris's design is intended to be "scalable and adaptable," allowing it to be repurposed in various ways."Creating the theme art for the US Open is the type of project that fuels my love for design," said Farris. "Instead of a single static layout, I developed a scalable design system adaptable to multiple touchpoints, allowing the work to be repurposed in innovative ways."The US Open is renowned for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the 2024 poster reflects this spirit. The tournament celebrated the 50th anniversary of equal prize money last year, and continues to promote opportunities for players from all backgrounds.As the countdown to the US Open continues, fans can purchase tickets and explore the 2024 poster and art theme at the official website. The tournament promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the power and passion of tennis.

Coco Gauff's French Open semifinal loss to Iga Swiatek was marred by a controversial line call that left the American fuming and calling for the implementation of video replay technology in tennis.During the second set, Swiatek hit a serve that was initially called out. However, as Gauff swung to return the ball, the call was reversed to "In," awarding the point to Swiatek. Gauff vehemently disagreed, claiming that she was affected by the original "Out" call and should have been allowed to finish her swing.Chair umpire Aurélie Tourte dismissed Gauff's protest, stating that the call did not affect her shot. This prompted an outburst from Gauff, who accused Tourte of being wrong and "should be ashamed."The incident highlighted the ongoing debate over the use of video replay in tennis. Gauff argued that it is "almost ridiculous" that the sport does not have such technology, especially considering its prevalence in other sports. She pointed out that the U.S. Open introduced replays for certain calls last year, and that tennis needs to "evolve" and embrace technology.Swiatek agreed with the principle of using replays but expressed concerns about its logistical implementation. She questioned when players would be allowed to request replays and whether it would be up to the umpire's discretion.The controversy underscores the need for a more consistent and fair system of officiating in tennis. While human error is inevitable, the use of video replay could help minimize incorrect calls and ensure that players are not penalized for decisions that are beyond their control.As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it is imperative that tennis adopts modern technology to enhance the fairness and integrity of its competitions. The implementation of video replay would not only benefit players but also improve the overall fan experience by providing greater clarity and transparency.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, two rising stars in tennis, are set to face off in a highly anticipated French Open semifinal on Friday. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as both players have proven their exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament.Sinner, 22, has been in impressive form this year, winning the Australian Open in January and rising to No. 1 in the rankings. His aggressive style of play, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and quick reflexes, has earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the sport.Alcaraz, 21, is another rising star who has made a name for himself with his exceptional athleticism and all-court ability. He won two Grand Slam titles in 2022 and spent time at No. 1 in the rankings. His ability to cover the court with ease and hit winners from any position makes him a formidable opponent.The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has been building for some time, with each player winning four of their eight previous encounters. Their most recent match, a semifinal at Indian Wells in March, was a thrilling three-set victory for Alcaraz.The French Open semifinal is expected to be another close and competitive match. Both players have dropped just one set through five matches in the tournament, showcasing their consistency and resilience.Mats Wilander, a former world No. 1 and three-time French Open champion, believes that Sinner and Alcaraz are the future of tennis. "No one has ever played like Alcaraz. No chance. And Sinner? The same thing," he said. "They’re like, ‘Whoa! What and where did they come from?’”The other men's semifinal features Casper Ruud of Norway, twice the runner-up in Paris, against Alexander Zverev of Germany, a finalist at the 2020 U.S. Open and an Olympic gold medalist. Zverev is currently involved in an ongoing court case in Berlin related to allegations of domestic violence.While the Ruud-Zverev match is intriguing, it is the Sinner-Alcaraz clash that has captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. Their rivalry is a testament to the changing landscape of the sport, with a new generation of players emerging to challenge the established order.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, has advanced to her fourth Roland Garros final in five years, defeating Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals. Swiatek, who has won 20 consecutive matches in Paris, will face either 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva or Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the championship match.Swiatek, who has won 10 of her previous 11 meetings with Gauff in straight sets, broke the US Open champion in the opening game of the match and never looked back. She withstood break points in her first two service games before breaking again to move up a double break at 4-1. Swiatek closed out the first set without trouble.Gauff threatened a fightback in the second set, taking a 3-1 lead after wiping away tears following an argument with the chair umpire over the timing of a line call. However, Swiatek responded immediately, winning four consecutive games to surge to the cusp of victory. Gauff saved two match points, but Swiatek eventually served it out at the fourth time of asking."It was intense," said Swiatek. "In the second set it was tight because we were breaking each other. I was consistent with my tactics, didn't overthink stuff and just went for it in the end."Swiatek improved to 34-2 at the French Open after beating Gauff at Roland Garros for the third tournament in a row. She has won all four of her previous Grand Slam finals and could become only the fourth woman to win four Roland Garros titles in the Open era -- after Justine Henin, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.Swiatek is also on track to join Serena Williams as the only women to complete the treble of French, Madrid and Rome Open titles in the same year.In the other semi-final, Andreeva, the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist since Martina Hingis in 1997, will take on the unheralded Paolini. Andreeva stole the headlines in the quarter-finals with a shock victory over world number two Aryna Sabalenka, who was hit by a stomach bug, becoming the youngest woman to reach a Slam semi-final since Hingis at the US Open 27 years ago.Paolini, the 12th seed, also got through with a surprise win against former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Both Andreeva and Paolini had never reached the quarters at a major tournament before this week, but are now just one match from the final.With another win, Andreeva will also be the youngest Slam finalist since Hingis, who won the 1997 US Open aged 16.Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he has undergone an operation on his right knee, which he injured during his last-16 win at Roland Garros. The 24-time Grand Slam winner was forced to withdraw ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a torn medial meniscus in his right knee."In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match," Djokovic posted on social media. "I'm still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well."Djokovic made no mention of whether he would be fit to take part at Wimbledon, which begins on July 1, but added that he was going to "do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible."