Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has proven that he is still a force to be reckoned with at the age of 37. Despite a challenging start to his Roland Garros campaign, Djokovic rallied to defeat Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling five-set match that ended at 3:07 a.m.Djokovic's victory was a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. "I have always had that conviction inside of me that I can win a Slam," he said. "That's why I'm still competing at this level."The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for Djokovic. He struggled in the third and early fourth sets, but the crowd's support gave him a much-needed boost. "At 2-2 in the fourth set, I became a different player," he said. "That was perhaps the best match I ever played here."Djokovic's performance was a reminder of his exceptional skills and determination. He hit blistering forehands and chased down every ball with relentless energy. Musetti, a rising star in the tennis world, gave Djokovic a run for his money, but in the end, the experience and class of the Serbian prevailed.Djokovic's victory sends a clear message to his rivals: he is not ready to give up his throne. "Beware, one and all," he said. "I have planted my flag in the red dirt."However, Djokovic's late-night triumph comes with a caveat. The grueling schedule and late finish could take a toll on his body in the later rounds of the tournament. "I don't want to get into it," he said of the schedule. "But I have my opinions."Despite the potential physical challenges, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to win another Grand Slam title. "I'm on a high," he said. "I'm not letting go of that stranglehold that I created on Lorenzo."

Alex de Minaur's remarkable run at the 2023 Roland Garros reached new heights on Saturday as he became the first Australian man in 17 years to reach the fourth round of the clay-court major. However, it was not just his on-court performance that made headlines, but also the unwavering support of a young superfan who inspired him throughout the rain-soaked match.Throughout the four-set victory over Jan-Lennard Struff, the young boy, clad in rain gear and a backwards gray cap, was a constant presence on television cameras, cheering, clapping, and pumping his fists with every point de Minaur won. Despite multiple rain interruptions that dragged the match to over eight hours, the boy's courtside passion never wavered.De Minaur, who was visibly lifted by the support, acknowledged the boy's impact after the match. "I'm looking at him and thinking of if I was a fan, I would probably be back home, because it was bloody cold out there," he said. "I don't understand what this kid is doing, but, oh, he gave me life."After securing the victory, de Minaur made a beeline for the courtside seats to give his superfan a big hug, a high-five, and handed him a towel from his bag. "I was, like, Mate ... It was a relief more than anything. It was amazing. I appreciate this kid," de Minaur said.The heartwarming moment went viral on social media, with the video of the embrace being viewed over 1 million times on Roland Garros' official Twitter account. De Minaur later launched a public plea on social media to find the young fan, saying he "need[ed]" him in the stands for the next round.By Sunday morning, social media had done its job. De Minaur posted an update to his Instagram story that he had located the youngster. Whether the good luck charm will be in the crowd when de Minaur takes on Daniil Medvedev on Monday for a first-ever Roland Garros quarterfinal remains to be seen.

Second seeds Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden faced a stern test in their French Open opener, overcoming a spirited challenge from Brazilian duo Orlnado Luz and Marcelo Zormann in a thrilling three-set encounter.The Brazilians, who entered the tournament as eighth alternates, proved to be formidable opponents, pushing the Australian Open champions to the limit. The first set was a see-saw battle, with both teams trading breaks. Bopanna and Ebden eventually prevailed 7-5, but not without a fight from Luz and Zormann.The second set saw the Brazilians seize the initiative, breaking Ebden's serve in the opening game. However, the second seeds responded with a break of their own, and the set remained on serve until the eighth game. Luz and Zormann had four set points to level the match, but Bopanna and Ebden held firm to break back and take the set 6-4.The third set was equally competitive, with both teams holding serve until the fifth game. Bopanna and Ebden finally broke through, and they held on to their advantage to close out the match 6-4.Despite the Brazilians' valiant effort, the experience of Bopanna and Ebden proved decisive. The second seeds showed their class in the crucial moments, shifting momentum in their favor when it mattered most.

Iga Swiatek's Dominance Continues at Roland Garros with Lightning-Fast VictoryPARIS—Iga Swiatek, the reigning Roland Garros champion, once again showcased her unparalleled dominance on the clay courts of Paris, dispatching Anastasia Potapova in a mere 40 minutes in the fourth round. The 6-0, 6-0 victory was a testament to Swiatek's exceptional form and the gulf in class between the two players.Swiatek's efficiency was astonishing, surpassing her record-breaking 21-minute first set by winning the second in just 19 minutes. Her relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy left Potapova overwhelmed and unable to mount any meaningful resistance.The statistics tell the tale of Swiatek's dominance: six breaks of serve in eight chances, 13 winners to just two unforced errors, and a staggering 16 "forced errors" induced on Potapova. Five of Swiatek's 12 games won were at love, highlighting her ability to control the tempo and dictate the terms of the match.The swift conclusion of the match was a welcome respite for tournament organizers, who had witnessed Novak Djokovic's marathon victory over Lorenzo Musetti the previous night. For once, Court Philippe Chatrier remained uncovered, allowing the fans to bask in the sunshine and witness Swiatek's brilliance.Swiatek's next opponent will be either Olga Danilovic or Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, but both players will face an uphill battle against the seemingly unstoppable Polish star. Swiatek's relentless pursuit of perfection and her unwavering focus on the task at hand make her the overwhelming favorite to claim a third consecutive Roland Garros title.

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.

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.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, has recently regained her form, winning seven of her last 10 matches. This resurgence has made her a favorite against players outside the Top 50, including Clara Tauson in the Round of 16 at Roland Garros.Tauson has also been impressive lately, winning six of her last seven matches, including an upset over Jelena Ostapenko. However, her aggressive style of play, which relies heavily on power, may not be as effective on the slower clay courts of Roland Garros.Jabeur, on the other hand, is known for her versatility and trickery. She can slice, drop, and hit with heavy topspin, making her difficult to predict. This variety will likely give her an advantage over Tauson, who has a more limited game.One potential concern for Jabeur is her serve. If she struggles to make first serves, Tauson will have opportunities to punish her second serves. However, the weather forecast for Sunday does not call for rain, which means the match is likely to be played outdoors, where the conditions will favor Jabeur's style of play.Overall, Jabeur is the more likely winner in this matchup. Her versatility and experience on clay should give her the edge over Tauson's power.

Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, recently revealed his dream dinner party guests from tennis history: Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Medvedev emphasized that he would prioritize honest conversations about life rather than tennis.Medvedev's choice of Djokovic stems from his desire to delve into the Serbian's mindset and perspectives. McEnroe, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, would bring a unique and entertaining element to the table. Kafelnikov, a former Roland Garros and Olympic gold medalist, could provide valuable insights on navigating a demanding clay-court season.Medvedev's recent success on clay, including a Masters 1000 victory in Rome and two second-week appearances in Paris, suggests that he may be approaching the form necessary to make his dream dinner party a reality.During his third-round victory at the French Open, Medvedev experienced a peculiar incident involving an injured pigeon. The bird's presence on the court provided a brief respite, allowing Medvedev to catch his breath and regain focus.Medvedev's ability to adapt to different surfaces and his growing comfort on clay indicate that he is a serious contender for this year's Roland Garros title. Should he continue his impressive run, he may soon have the opportunity to share a meal with his tennis idols and engage in the thought-provoking conversations he desires.

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."