Tennis

Roland Garros: Sabalenka, Zverev, Ruud Face Tricky Tests in QuarterfinalsThe quarterfinals of the 2023 French Open promise thrilling encounters as top seeds Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev, and Casper Ruud navigate challenging opponents.Sabalenka vs. Navarro: A Test of Patience and TacticsSabalenka, the No. 2 seed, will face Emma Navarro, who upset Madison Keys in the previous round. Navarro's victory over Sabalenka at Indian Wells earlier this year highlights her ability to outplay opponents with consistency and a diverse arsenal of shots. Sabalenka, however, has shown improved form on clay and will need to demonstrate patience and tactical acumen to overcome Navarro's tricky style.Zverev vs. Rune: A Clash of Styles and MomentumAlexander Zverev, the No. 4 seed, will take on Holger Rune, a rising star who defeated him in Munich in 2022. Zverev's strong season and comeback victory in his last match suggest he is in good form. Rune, on the other hand, has been inconsistent but has shown resilience in coming back from behind. Zverev's power and experience should give him an edge, but Rune's ability to thrive on the big stage could make it a close contest.Ruud vs. Fritz: A Battle of Clay-Court SpecialistsCasper Ruud, the No. 8 seed, will face Taylor Fritz, who has impressed on clay this year. Ruud's dominance on the surface, including a victory in Barcelona, makes him the favorite. Fritz's serve-plus-one style has proven effective on clay, but Ruud's heavy topspin forehand and overall clay-court prowess should give him the advantage.

At the 2023 Roland Garros tournament, an unprecedented incident occurred during the fourth-round match between No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz and No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov. With Hurkacz trailing 2-0 in sets, a line call in the third set sparked a dramatic meltdown.Hurkacz, believing the ball had landed in, demanded a review from chair umpire Alison Hughes. However, Hughes ruled the ball out, prompting an outburst from Hurkacz. Despite initially moving on, Hurkacz revisited the issue during the changeover, asking Dimitrov if he wanted to replace Hughes.Dimitrov appeared confused but eventually agreed to discuss the matter. After a brief exchange, Hurkacz seemed satisfied, and play resumed. Dimitrov went on to win the match 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3), reaching his first Roland Garros quarterfinal.In a post-match press conference, Hurkacz explained his actions, stating that he had considered asking for a change earlier. He acknowledged the difficulty of line calls on clay courts and emphasized the need to accept the umpire's decisions.The incident was reminiscent of a similar meltdown by Hurkacz in the third-set tiebreaker of their Miami Open match earlier this year. Dimitrov also won that match, extending his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 6-0.Despite the setback, Hurkacz praised Dimitrov's competitive spirit and acknowledged that he had not yet managed to win one of their battles. He expressed hope that he would eventually break through and secure a victory against his friend and rival.

Novak Djokovic's marathon victory over Lorenzo Musetti at Roland Garros has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of his fourth-round clash with Francisco Cerundolo. The match, which ended at 3:07 am local time, was the latest ever at the tournament.Djokovic's grueling encounter with Musetti, coupled with his age and the quick turnaround before facing Cerundolo, has led some experts to question whether he will be at his best. The Argentinean, known for his erratic but powerful play, poses a unique challenge for Djokovic.Cerundolo's aggressive baseline game, featuring a devastating forehand, could trouble Djokovic, who struggled to hit through Musetti's defense. Additionally, Cerundolo's mobility and willingness to take risks could put Djokovic on the move and test his endurance.While Djokovic's superior tennis IQ and experience should ultimately prevail, Cerundolo has the potential to win a set or two. A 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 loss would be enough for Cerundolo to cover the 7.5-game spread.Experts believe that Cerundolo's similarities to Musetti, who pushed Djokovic to the limit, make him a dangerous opponent. If Cerundolo can avoid unforced errors and maintain his aggressive style, he could make Djokovic work hard for the victory.

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.

The Adidas Barricade, a renowned tennis shoe known for its stability and support, has undergone subtle yet significant updates in its latest iteration. The most notable change lies in the cushioning system, which now features Repetitor technology. This dual-density foam provides enhanced stability in the forefoot and plush cushioning in the heel for improved shock absorption and comfort.The upper has also received an upgrade, boasting increased mesh for greater breathability and flexibility. The tongue now features enhanced padding, further enhancing comfort. The Geofit sense pods and shark skin lining in the heel have been refined for an improved fit.The Barricade's signature asymmetrical U-throat and off-set lacing system remain, allowing for a secure and adaptive fit. The Torsion System continues to provide a sturdy backbone, preventing twisting through the midfoot during explosive movements.Toe-draggers will appreciate the reinforced TPU (Adituff) that encapsulates the toe box and medial side of the upper, offering enhanced durability and grip. The Adiwear outsole retains its split herringbone pattern, providing durability in high wear zones and forgiveness in sliding areas.While the Barricade has shed some weight in recent generations, it still falls short of being considered a spry shoe. The latest model is slightly heavier than its predecessor, which may be a consideration for players seeking a more agile option.The break-in period has been reduced thanks to the increased mesh in the upper, but the shoe still requires a few outings to fully conform to the foot. The updated cushioning provides a slightly elevated feel in the heel, while the forefoot may not feel as forgiving as in previous models.Despite these minor drawbacks, the Barricade remains a top choice for high-performance players seeking stability and support. Its durability and adaptability make it a reliable companion on the court, ensuring players can focus on their game without worrying about their footwear.

Grigor Dimitrov has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the first Bulgarian to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams. His impressive victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round of Roland Garros marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.Dimitrov's journey to the quarterfinals has been a testament to his resilience and determination. He has consistently performed at the highest level, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2017, Wimbledon in 2014, and the US Open in 2019. His victory at Roland Garros completes his career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals, a feat achieved by only a select few players.Beyond his Grand Slam success, Dimitrov has also made a mark in the ATP Masters 1000 series. Earlier this year, he reached the quarterfinals of Miami for the first time, completing his career set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals. He went on to reach the final, eventually finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner.Dimitrov's achievements are even more remarkable considering that he is one of only two men born in 1990 or later to have a complete set of Grand Slam quarterfinals and Masters 1000 quarterfinals, alongside Daniil Medvedev.His impressive record in both Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events highlights his versatility and ability to adapt to different surfaces and playing styles. Dimitrov's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.As he continues his journey at Roland Garros, Dimitrov will be aiming to make history once again. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he has the potential to reach even greater heights in the world of 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.