Tennis

With Novak Djokovic's withdrawal, the Roland Garros semifinals will feature a clash between Alex De Minaur and Alexander Zverev, both of whom have a history of success against Casper Ruud. While Zverev is the favorite, De Minaur's recent form and Zverev's physical toll make this matchup more competitive than it seems.Zverev's grueling matches against Tallon Griekspoor and Holger Rune have taken their toll, and De Minaur's relentless baseline grinding could further exhaust him. De Minaur's exceptional speed and ability to extend rallies will test Zverev's endurance.Moreover, De Minaur has shown improvement in his game, making him less vulnerable to breaks and more capable of hitting with power. His recent victory over Zverev at the United Cup and a competitive loss at Indian Wells demonstrate his ability to challenge the German.De Minaur's edge in rest and his recent success on clay give him a significant advantage. He has the potential to wear down Zverev and secure a spot in the final.

Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star, has revealed her pick for the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Despite her team, the Miami Heat, being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Gauff has a personal connection to the Mavericks due to her admiration for Kyrie Irving.Gauff's basketball background has influenced her perspective on the Finals. As a former basketball player, she understands the challenges and strategies involved in the sport. She believes that the Mavericks have a chance to upset the Celtics if they approach the series with the same mindset she has for her upcoming Roland Garros semifinal against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.Gauff's confidence stems from her belief in her abilities and her willingness to embrace challenges. Despite her previous losses to Swiatek, she is determined to give it her all and prove that anything is possible. She recognizes that the pressure is on Swiatek as the top-ranked player, and she intends to use that to her advantage.Gauff's journey in tennis has been marked by her determination and resilience. She has faced setbacks and challenges, but she has always persevered. Her approach to the Roland Garros semifinal reflects her belief in herself and her ability to overcome obstacles.The NBA Finals will be a test of both the Celtics' and Mavericks' skills and strategies. Gauff's pick for the Mavericks is based on her personal connection to Irving and her understanding of the game. Whether her prediction comes true or not, her insights provide a unique perspective on the upcoming series.

Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the French Open due to a torn meniscus has raised questions about the future of the "Big Three" in tennis. Despite his injury, it would be premature to write off Djokovic, who has a history of bouncing back from setbacks.Djokovic's injury is a significant blow to his hopes of winning a 21st Grand Slam title and extending his record at Roland Garros. However, it is important to remember that he has faced similar challenges in the past and emerged stronger.After a two-year drought without a major title from mid-2016 to mid-2018, Djokovic underwent elbow surgery and returned to win Wimbledon in 2018. He then went on to win 12 of the next 19 Grand Slams he entered, pushing his career tally to 24.Djokovic's resilience and determination are well-known. He has repeatedly shown that he can overcome adversity and return to the top of the game. As Carlos Alcaraz, one of the rising stars of tennis, noted, "He comes back stronger and he comes back quickly."While Djokovic's injury is a setback, it is not necessarily a sign of the end of his competitive career. He is still only 37 years old and has a wealth of experience and talent. If he can recover fully from his injury, he could still challenge for more Grand Slam titles and remain a force in the sport.The future of the "Big Three" is uncertain. Federer has retired, Nadal is dealing with injuries, and Djokovic is facing a new challenge. However, it would be a mistake to assume that their era is over. As long as they remain healthy and motivated, they can continue to compete at the highest level and inspire future generations of tennis players.

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.

Novak Djokovic's French Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday due to a knee injury, while Iga Swiatek continued her dominant run with a ruthless display to reach the semi-finals.Djokovic, the world number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion, withdrew ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a "medial meniscus tear" in his right knee. The 37-year-old had blamed the "slippery" Roland Garros courts for aggravating the problem during his last-16 win on Monday."I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros," Djokovic wrote on social media. "My team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation."Ruud, who lost to Djokovic in last year's final, will receive a walkover and play Alexander Zverev or Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals on Friday.Djokovic's injury-enforced exit also means that Jannik Sinner will become Italy's first number one in the sport next week. It also paves the way for a new name on the men's French Open trophy.Second seed Sinner reached his first Roland Garros semi-final shortly after the news of Djokovic's withdrawal, beating Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3)."It's every player's dream to become number one in the world. On the other hand, seeing Novak retiring (from the tournament) is disappointing, so I wish him a speedy recovery," said Sinner.The Australian Open champion awaits the winner of the night match between Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, a repeat of last year's quarter-final.Alcaraz, who appears to be moving through the gears in Paris after an injury-hit preparation, has won all five past encounters with Tsitsipas."I'm really looking forward to playing this match. I love this challenge and these kind of matches," said the 21-year-old Spaniard, attempting to add to his Wimbledon title from a year ago and the 2022 US Open."I have seen a lot of matches from Stefanos lately. He has a lot of confidence right now and is playing great tennis. I think I have the key against him so I will try to make him in trouble."Tsitsipas, who lost the 2021 French Open final in five sets to Djokovic, hopes to put a stop to Alcaraz's dominance."He has said in the past he likes playing against me, so I hope he gets to like it a little bit less this time," said the Greek ninth seed.Earlier in the day, Swiatek thrashed Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2 to set up a last-four showdown with American third seed Coco Gauff, the player she beat in the 2022 Roland Garros final.World number one Swiatek improved her career record in Paris to 33-2 and is on course to become the first woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen three years in a row since Justine Henin in 2005-07.After Swiatek's 40-minute rout of Anastasia Potapova in the last 16, the only consolation for Vondrousova was her snapping the Pole's incredible run of 20 consecutive games won early in the second set."Honestly I think everything worked," said the 23-year-old Swiatek. "I felt like I was in the zone today."Since saving a match point against Naomi Osaka in round two, Swiatek has looked every bit the tournament favorite and goes into her semi-final with Gauff having won 10 of their 11 meetings, all in straight sets.US Open champion Gauff has come up short against Swiatek in four attempts on clay and was beaten by the top seed on her way to the title in Rome last month."You don't want to change your routines. Not to put too much baggage on your shoulders, just treat it like any other match and not something huge," said Swiatek.Gauff passed her toughest test of the fortnight as she fought back from a set down to beat three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.The 20-year-old Gauff is set for a third straight Grand Slam semi-final, after also making the last four at the Australian Open."Everybody knows I want to go all the way," said Gauff, who must try to end Swiatek's 19-match French Open winning run."She's playing great tennis here, so it's going to be a challenge, but I'm going to go into the match with a lot of belief that I can.""I have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on her."

Elena Rybakina vs. Jasmine Paolini: A Clash of StylesElena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed, has quietly advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open, while Jasmine Paolini has also flown under the radar. The two players have contrasting styles, with Rybakina relying on power and aggression, while Paolini uses speed, spin, and scrambling to win points.Rybakina has won both of their previous encounters, including a three-set battle on clay in Stuttgart earlier this year. However, Paolini's energetic style and the support of the crowd could make this match more competitive.Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva: A Rematch with AdjustmentsAryna Sabalenka will face Mirra Andreeva in a rematch of their Madrid quarterfinal, which Sabalenka won in straight sets. Andreeva has since made a strong run at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.Andreeva admits that she needs to make adjustments to her game plan, as her previous approach against Sabalenka proved ineffective. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, will likely try to prevent Andreeva from gaining early confidence.Alexander Zverev vs. Alex de Minaur: A Battle of EnduranceAlexander Zverev will face Alex de Minaur in a quarterfinal that promises to be a test of endurance. Zverev has shown remarkable resilience in Paris, overcoming deficits in both his third and fourth-round matches.De Minaur has a 2-7 record against Zverev, but he defeated the German in their United Cup encounter earlier this year. However, Zverev's height advantage, comfort on clay, and ability to rally will give him the edge in this match.

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, will face off in the French Open semifinals after securing victories on June 4.Gauff, the No. 3 seed, rallied to defeat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, reaching the semifinals of a third consecutive Grand Slam tournament. Swiatek, the No. 1 seed, followed suit on Court Philippe Chatrier with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, extending her Roland Garros winning streak to 19 matches.Gauff has enjoyed a remarkable run in recent Grand Slams, winning her first major title at the U.S. Open in September and reaching the final four at the Australian Open in January. The 20-year-old American was the runner-up to Swiatek at the French Open in 2022.Overall, Swiatek holds a 10-1 advantage in meetings against Gauff, including a 6-4, 6-3 semifinal win on clay last month en route to the Italian Open title.Despite a tough three-set triumph over four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in the second round last week, Swiatek has been at her dominant best in this French Open, showcasing why she has led the WTA rankings nearly every week since April 2022 and is a popular pick to leave with another title.Excluding the 17 games Osaka managed, Swiatek has dropped a total of only 11 games in her other four matches so far.Swiatek followed up her 6-0, 6-0 shutout of Anastasia Potapova in the fourth round by grabbing the initial seven games against Vondrousova. And make no mistake: Vondrousova is no slouch. In addition to being a Grand Slam champion, she was a finalist at Roland Garros in 2019, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and is currently ranked No. 6.But she never stood a chance against Swiatek, who compiled 25 winners to just 10 unforced errors. Swiatek, a 23-year-old from Poland, faced just one break point — and, naturally, she saved it.Jabeur's mix of speeds and spins gave Gauff fits at times. And as well-known as Gauff is for her ability to cover the court and play defense, Jabeur managed to keep coming up with winners, finishing with 30 in all."She was playing really well the whole match. She was hitting a lot of winners on me, which is something I’m not used to against anybody,” Gauff said. “So today I was just trying to just be aggressive toward the end.”Gauff pulled away to a 5-2 lead in the last set, then needed a trio of match points to close things out, acknowledging afterward that maybe she grew a little tight down the stretch. The last game was key, with Gauff needing to save a break point, then Jabeur dismissing one match point with a disguised drop shot that earned a roar from the stands that the 29-year-old Tunisian responded to by putting her right index finger to her ear.But on Gauff's next opportunity to seal the victory, Jabeur badly flubbed an overhead. Gauff smiled, then raised her arms and yelled.With the crowd at the main stadium loudly supporting Jabeur at times, Gauff did not play badly in the opening set. But No. 8 seed Jabeur — a three-time major finalist — was superb, winning 17 of 18 first-serve points, never facing a single break point, and accumulating a 12-5 edge in total winners. When she delivered an ace at 114 mph (184 kph) to end the set, Jabeur nodded repeatedly."She’s a tough opponent and she’s well-loved on tour. I could tell by the crowd today — I know you guys wanted her to win. Honestly, whenever she’s not playing (me), I cheer for her, too,” Gauff said. “Even though you guys were for Ons, I really had a lot of fun, even when I lost the first set and they were chanting when I was in the bathroom," Gauff said about her trip off the court after the first set. "I was like, ‘This is just really fun, win or lose.’ It is.”Gauff got going after that, raising her level and trying to gain the upper hand during lengthier exchanges. She put in 16 winners over the last two sets, while breaking serve four times.“I know I have a lot of love here in Paris. Trust me, I know," said Gauff, who won the French Open junior title at age 14. "So I really appreciate it, and hopefully you guys can help me make it through the next round.”