Tennis

Head Velocity Power: A Multifilament String for Power and ComfortHead's Velocity Power multifilament string is designed to deliver exceptional power and arm-friendly cushioning. Compared to the standard Velocity MLT, the Power version features thinner and more numerous filaments in the outer wrap, resulting in increased elasticity and a softer feel.Upon installation, Velocity Power exhibits minimal coil memory and kinking, making it easy to string. Its smooth surface and pliability allow for effortless stretching. As a cross string in a hybrid setup, its slick coating facilitates smooth pulls, although its softness may pose challenges when maneuvering through blocked holes.On the court, Velocity Power lives up to its name. It offers a near gut-like level of power and cushioning, providing excellent ball pocketing and depth. Despite its softness, it maintains a respectable level of feedback and responsiveness, allowing for precise touch shots. Its feel is comparable to Babolat Xcel and Wilson NXT, but at a more affordable price point and with reduced fraying.The string's impressive ball pocketing translates into shots with easy depth and pace. Accuracy is also commendable, especially when paired with a smaller head size or denser string pattern. While its spin potential is moderate compared to polyester strings, it provides sufficient spin for most players.Velocity Power excels in net play, offering both power and touch. It drives volleys through the court with ease and allows for soft drop shots. Its added power enhances flat serves and slice serves, making it a valuable asset for doubles players.However, Velocity Power's moderate spin production may be a drawback for players who rely heavily on topspin. Ground strokes may lack the same movement and dip, and kick serves may not have the desired jump. Additionally, as the string loosens, it may become stickier, leading to potential control issues for big hitters with longer strokes.Overall, Head Velocity Power is an excellent choice for players seeking a power-oriented, arm-friendly multifilament string with good touch. It is also a solid option as a cross string in a hybrid setup to soften up the string bed.

Roland Garros 2023: Rain Continues to Plague French Open, Disrupting Schedule and PlayThe 2023 French Open has been marred by relentless rain, which has disrupted the schedule and forced organizers to rely heavily on retractable roofs. For the past seven days, precipitation has fallen in some form, leading to the unfortunate moniker of "Drench Open."The retractable roofs over Courts Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen have been in constant use, providing a lifeline for the tournament. Without the Lenglen roof, which debuted this year, the situation would have been even more dire.Schedule makers have faced a daunting task, constantly adjusting the daily puzzle due to the unpredictable weather. Despite attempts to start play earlier and cram more matches onto more courts, the rain has persisted.On Saturday, play on outside courts began as scheduled, but was suspended around 1 p.m. local time. No play has occurred since then, with journalist Jose Morgado's timeline resembling a litany of delays.Around 5 p.m. local time, all doubles matches were canceled for the day. Only 10 games of second-round play in the women's doubles event have been completed, and six first-round matches remain unfinished.When play has been possible, it has often extended late into the night or even into the next day. Lighted courts, a recent addition to Roland Garros, have been heavily utilized, resulting in a hefty utility bill.In addition to the rain, cold temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit have added to the discomfort. Hooded tops and parka coats have become common sights, while sunscreen has gone unused.Despite the challenging conditions, fans have remained resilient, sticking around and taking to their damp seats. As of 5:15 p.m., tarps were being removed from outside courts, and play resumed 25 minutes later.Rain is an unavoidable challenge for Grand Slams, but the extent of the disruption in Paris has been unprecedented. Organizers have been left with few options but to adapt and hope for better weather in the coming days.

Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the fourth round of the French Open on June 1, showcasing their dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros.Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon winner, displayed her power and precision in a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens of Belgium. The fourth-seeded Kazakhstani broke Mertens' serve in the seventh game of the first set but immediately dropped her own serve. However, Rybakina regained her composure and broke back to level the set at 4-4. She then held her serve and broke Mertens again to secure the opening set. In the second set, Rybakina continued her momentum, breaking Mertens twice to take a commanding lead. She closed out the match with an emphatic hold of serve.Sabalenka, the two-time Australian Open champion, faced a tougher challenge against Paula Badosa of Spain. The match started with both players holding their serves, but Sabalenka began to assert her authority in the fifth game. She broke Badosa's serve and then held her own to take a 4-2 lead. Badosa fought back to level the set at 5-5, but Sabalenka's determination proved too strong. The Belarusian won the next three games in a row, including two breaks of serve, to seal a 7-5, 6-1 victory."It's tough to play your best friend," Sabalenka said after the match. "But I was just feeling myself and trusting my shots."Rybakina and Sabalenka's victories set up a potential quarterfinal clash between the two Grand Slam winners. Rybakina has reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros once before, while Sabalenka's best performance at the tournament is reaching the semifinals.In other third-round action, Russian-born Varvara Gracheva of France advanced to the fourth round of a major for the first time after defeating Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-3.

In 1974, the tennis world witnessed a quiet revolution at Roland Garros. Two teenage prodigies, Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg, emerged victorious, forever altering the trajectory of the sport.Evert, known as the "Ice Maiden," and Borg, dubbed "Ice Borg," were both products of the Open era, which had opened up tennis to professionals. They possessed a unique blend of consistency, defense, and unorthodox playing styles. Evert's two-handed backhand and Borg's flicky forehand and two-handed backhand defied the norms of the time.Their rise to prominence was not without its challenges. Evert had lost two Slam finals in 1973, while Borg had yet to reach a major semifinal. However, their determination and unwavering focus propelled them to the top.At Roland Garros, Evert and Borg faced off against Olga Morozova and Manuel Orantes, respectively. Evert's victory was a display of efficiency, while Borg's triumph was a testament to his resilience. After dropping the first two sets, Borg rallied back to win the next three with ease.Their victories marked a turning point in tennis. The baseline game they pioneered gradually replaced serve-and-volley as the dominant strategy. Their two-handed backhands also became the norm, with Roger Federer's retirement solidifying its supremacy.Beyond their playing styles, Evert and Borg were also pioneers in the realm of celebrity. Their mass appeal and fan following set the stage for the modern era of tennis stardom.Fifty years later, the legacy of Evert and Borg continues to shape the sport. Their quiet revolution transformed tennis from a game of aggression to one of consistency and defense. Their influence is evident in the playing styles of today's top players and the enduring popularity of the sport.

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa, close friends off the court, faced off in a highly anticipated third-round clash at the 2024 Roland Garros. Despite their friendship, Sabalenka emerged victorious, defeating Badosa 7-5, 6-1 in a match that showcased both their competitive spirit and mutual respect.Sabalenka, the world No. 2, had a slow start but gradually rediscovered her form, winning 12 of the next 16 points after Badosa came close to taking the first set. The Belarusian's powerful groundstrokes and varied shot selection proved too much for Badosa, who had been dealing with chronic back issues.Despite her physical challenges, Badosa fought valiantly, saving three match points before Sabalenka sealed the victory with an audacious drop shot. The two friends shared a warm embrace at the net, demonstrating the strength of their bond despite the competitive nature of the match.Sabalenka's victory sets up a potential quarterfinal clash with either Madison Keys or Emma Navarro, both of whom have previously defeated the Belarusian. Sabalenka will be aiming to reach the Roland Garros quarterfinals for the second time in her career, while Badosa will look to build on her impressive run to the third round despite her physical limitations.The match between Sabalenka and Badosa highlighted the complexities of friendship and competition in professional sports. While the two players share a close bond off the court, they were able to put their friendship aside and compete fiercely on the court. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other's abilities made the match a compelling spectacle for tennis fans.

Tennis Stars Predict Gold Medalists for Paris OlympicsWith the Paris Olympics fast approaching, Tennis Channel surveyed WTA and ATP stars to predict potential gold medalists in various sports beyond tennis.Pole Vault:Elena Rybakina emerged as the favorite for pole vault, receiving four votes from Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka, Jelena Ostapenko, and Ons Jabeur. Jannik Sinner followed closely with three nominations from Casper Ruud, Zheng Qinwen, and Arthur Fils.Table Tennis:Andrey Rublev topped the table tennis predictions with three votes from Carlos Alcaraz, Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff. Alexander Bublik and Rafael Nadal each received two votes.Boxing:Sabalenka, Gauff, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton all expressed confidence in their own abilities to win gold in boxing. Rublev and Reilly Opelka tied with two votes each.Fencing:Reilly Opelka and Alex de Minaur shared the lead in fencing with two votes each. Other notable picks included Gauff, Jabeur, and Medvedev.Gymnastics:Novak Djokovic dominated the gymnastics predictions, receiving an overwhelming 9.5 votes. Gauff, Sabalenka, and Matteo Arnaldi also received support.Other Predictions:* Swimming: Sabalenka and Gauff predicted gold for Iga Swiatek.* Archery: Ons Jabeur and Gauff chose each other.* Basketball: Medvedev selected Caroline Garcia.* Volleyball: Jasmine Paolini was Andreeva's pick.

Babolat Pure Aero 98: The Control-Oriented Racquet for Demanding PlayersThe Babolat Pure Aero 98 is the most control-oriented member of the Pure Aero family, designed for players seeking precision and all-court versatility. Its smaller head size and thinner, more flexible beam provide enhanced control, allowing for accurate targeting and a wider range of tactics.Despite its control-oriented design, the Aero 98 still delivers impressive spin thanks to its 16x20 string pattern. This pattern reins in some of the prodigious spin generated by the Aero series, making it more manageable for players who prioritize accuracy over extreme spin.The Aero 98 is a demanding racquet that requires a clean swing and precise contact. However, for players like Carlos Alcaraz, who possess exceptional technique and power, it offers a perfect balance of control and spin. The racquet is also available in matching pairs, with a maximum weight variance of just 1 gram, ensuring consistency and reliability for competitive players.NikeCourt Slam Apparel: Stylish and Functional for the CourtThe NikeCourt Slam Top and Slam Short are designed to provide comfort, breathability, and style on the court. The top features lightweight, stretch-knit fabric that wicks away moisture and minimizes body cling. Its innovative wrap-around seam across the shoulders allows for unrestricted movement and a comfortable fit. The French-inspired moire print adds a touch of elegance to the design.The Slam Short is made from smooth, stretchy woven fabric with added Spandex for enhanced flexibility and support. Its tailored fit and built-in inner compression shorts provide a secure and comfortable feel. Deep side pockets ensure that essentials stay in place during play.Nike Air Zoom Vapor 11 Premium: Explosive Performance for Fast-Twitch MoversCarlos Alcaraz's explosive movement demands a shoe that can keep up with his fast-twitch style. The Nike Air Zoom Vapor 11 Premium is designed to provide exceptional speed and agility on the court. Its lower profile allows for a faster first step and overall quickness.The shoe features a molded sidewall on the lateral side that encapsulates the heel, providing stability during aggressive cuts. The tongue has a ½ inner sleeve or bootie construction for improved comfort and ease of entry. Cushioning is provided by a dense EVA heel and Zoom Air underneath the forefoot.The data-informed outsole design has been optimized to reduce weight while maintaining optimal grip and sliding capabilities. This makes the Vapor 11 Premium an ideal choice for players who demand explosive performance and quick transitions on the court.

Novak Djokovic stands on the cusp of history as he prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the French Open on Saturday. A victory over the Italian would see Djokovic equal Roger Federer's record for most Grand Slam match wins, with both players currently sitting on 368.Djokovic, the defending champion at Roland Garros, has been in impressive form so far in the tournament, not dropping a set in his first two matches. He will be wary of Musetti, however, who pushed him to the brink in their fourth-round encounter at the French Open in 2021.Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to win another Grand Slam title. "There is always that kind of conviction and belief inside of me that I can win a Slam," said the 37-year-old. "That's the reason why I'm still competing at this level."Another player to watch in the men's draw is Alexander Zverev, who has reached the semi-finals in each of the last three years. Zverev faces Tallon Griekspoor in the third round and will be looking to continue his impressive start to the tournament.In the women's draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka will face close friend Paula Badosa in a highly anticipated third-round clash. Sabalenka has reached at least the third round in her past 14 Grand Slam appearances, while Badosa is a former world number two.Another intriguing matchup in the women's draw is between 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva and Peyton Stearns. Andreeva, ranked 38, upset former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the second round and will be looking to make the last 16 of a Slam for the third time.

Ons Jabeur, the trailblazing Arab women's tennis star, has raised her voice against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging the world to "speak more" about the humanitarian crisis. As the only Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final and a former world number two, Jabeur's platform carries significant weight.Jabeur expressed her anguish over the devastating impact of the war, stating that she has been avoiding social media due to the disturbing images and videos. "It's horrifying what's happening in Gaza right now," she said. "I wish the world could speak more because it's really unfair what's happening. These kids, women, and men are suffering."The Tunisian star highlighted the silence of many countries amidst the ongoing conflict. "We are in 2024, and it's very sad to see that a lot of countries are silent about it," she lamented.Jabeur's humanitarian efforts extend beyond her tennis career. As a goodwill ambassador for the World Food Programme (WFP), she has been actively involved in initiatives to address the Gaza emergency. "I'm trying to send the great energy helping as a WFP Ambassador, trying to help as much as I can," she said.The Gaza war, sparked by Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,189 people, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive has claimed the lives of at least 36,284 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.Jabeur's call for global attention and action underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Her voice adds to the growing chorus of international figures demanding an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza.