Tennis

WNBA Star Cameron Brink Channels Coco Gauff's Tennis StyleAs the French Open heats up, tennis fashion is making waves in the WNBA. Rookie sensation Cameron Brink has revealed her inspiration for a recent pre-game outfit: US Open champion Coco Gauff.In a video posted to social media, Brink confessed, "I'm wearing my little New Balance tennis set, I want to be like Coco." The Stanford alumna paired the set with New Balance sneakers and "old-school socks" before her team's game against the Indiana Fever.Both Brink and Gauff are sponsored by New Balance and recently starred in an ad campaign for the brand. Brink's pre-game attire adds to the growing popularity of "tenniscore" fashion, which has been trending in pop culture thanks to the release of the film "Challengers" and Zendaya's stylish promotional looks.However, tennis icons like Venus Williams argue that the practice of incorporating tennis aesthetics into everyday fashion has been around for a long time. "Tennis never goes out of style—it’s always trending!" Williams said. "I’ve always loved seeing people embracing tennis-core and incorporating it into every day style in their own unique way."At Roland Garros, Gauff has been sporting a gray New Balance set in her first two matches. Her collared polo tank and pleated skirt have been paired with a new gray colorway of her signature CG1 shoe.Brink's and Gauff's fashion choices highlight the intersection of sports and fashion. Tenniscore is not just a trend but a reflection of the sport's enduring influence on style.

Irina-Camelia Begu Poised to Upset Linda Noskova at Roland GarrosThe rain-soaked Roland Garros tournament has finally resumed, and Day 5 promises an exciting clash between Irina-Camelia Begu and world No. 29 Linda Noskova. Despite Noskova's higher ranking, Begu's clay-court prowess and recent form make her a formidable opponent.Begu's season started late due to an injury, but she has since played a heavy clay-court schedule, reaching the fourth round in Rome. Her ability to construct points and her impressive hold and break percentages on clay give her an edge over Noskova, who has limited experience on the surface.Noskova, on the other hand, has had success on hard courts but has struggled on clay, winning only four of her 10 matches at the WTA level. Her shaky performance against Harriet Dart in the first round raises concerns about her ability to handle the challenges of clay.Furthermore, Begu has a history of performing well at Roland Garros, reaching the fourth round in 2021. Her experience and familiarity with the conditions could prove crucial against Noskova.While Noskova defeated Begu in Indian Wells last year, the clay-court surface presents a different dynamic. Begu's ranking of 127 does not reflect her true potential on clay, and she is likely to pose a significant threat to Noskova.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned tennis coach, has opened up about his journey from being a shy and introverted individual to becoming a prominent figure in the sport. In an interview with Nick Kyrgios on the podcast "Good Trouble," Mouratoglou shared his experiences of being bullied and struggling with social anxiety.Determined to overcome his challenges, Mouratoglou sought therapy and worked diligently on improving his communication skills. He credits this transformation to his decision to change and his willingness to seek help.Mouratoglou's coaching career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. He spent a decade as Serena Williams' coach, guiding her to 11 Grand Slam titles. However, their partnership was marred by the infamous 2018 US Open final incident, where Mouratoglou was accused of giving Williams illegal coaching advice.Despite the negative publicity, Mouratoglou believes the incident had a positive impact on tennis. He argues that the drama surrounding the incident drew attention to the sport and ultimately led to changes in the coaching rules.Mouratoglou also discussed his unconventional approach to coaching, which often goes against traditional tennis wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of seeing players with a "kind eye" and understanding their individual needs.For Kyrgios, Mouratoglou believes the key to unlocking his full potential lies in overcoming his internal battles. He advises Kyrgios to focus on the positive aspects of his game and to not let negative thoughts or criticism overshadow his abilities.Mouratoglou concluded the interview by declaring Novak Djokovic as the GOAT and urging people to not let critiques or bad thoughts win the day. He emphasized the importance of balancing criticism with the support of those who love and believe in you.

French Open 2023: Preview and Predictions for Zverev, Goffin, Musetti, Monfils, Azarenka, and SabalenkaThe French Open 2023 is underway, and some intriguing matchups are set to take place in the second round. Here's a preview and predictions for four highly anticipated matches:Alexander Zverev vs. David GoffinZverev and Goffin have a history of close encounters, with Zverev holding a narrow 3-2 head-to-head advantage. Their most recent meeting, on clay in Rome last year, went to a third-set tiebreaker.Goffin, now ranked 115th, has shown signs of his old form in his five-set first-round win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. However, Zverev, fresh off his historic victory over Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, is likely to be too strong for the Belgian.Lorenzo Musetti vs. Gael MonfilsMusetti and Monfils are both known for their flashy and entertaining style of play. Musetti, ranked 30th, has a single-handed backhand, while Monfils, ranked 37th, is renowned for his acrobatic shots.Their only previous meeting, on indoor hard courts in Vienna in 2021, went to Monfils in two close sets. However, Musetti has shown impressive form on clay this season, and his youth and energy could give him an edge over the veteran Monfils.Victoria Azarenka vs. Mirra AndreevaAzarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, faces a rising star in 17-year-old Andreeva. Despite the age difference, both players have similar playing styles, favoring their two-handed backhands and playing a balanced game.Azarenka's experience and ability to handle pressure should give her the advantage in this matchup. However, Andreeva's youth and fearless attitude could make this a competitive contest.Aryna Sabalenka vs. Moyuka UchijimaSabalenka, the No. 2 seed, is a heavy favorite against Uchijima, who is ranked 83rd. However, Uchijima has won 19 straight matches at the ITF level and in Roland Garros qualifying.Sabalenka's power and consistency should be too much for Uchijima, but the Japanese player could provide a surprise if she can maintain her high level of play.

French Open Introduces Head-Cams for Chair Umpires, Enhancing Viewer ExperiencePARIS - The French Open has taken a groundbreaking step to enhance the viewing experience for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. For the first time, chair umpires at the prestigious Court Philippe Chatrier are donning small head-cams, providing viewers with an unprecedented perspective of the on-court action.The head-cam footage offers a unique glimpse into the duties and interactions of chair umpires, bringing viewers closer to the heart of the game. From their communication with players to their meticulous decision-making, the cameras capture every aspect of their role."This innovative technology brings viewers even closer to the action, enabling them to discover the umpires' duties, as well as their interactions with players," said the French tennis federation.The head-cam footage is seamlessly integrated into the international broadcast feed, allowing viewers to experience the tournament from a fresh perspective. This feature is part of a suite of enhancements introduced by the French Open this year, including a second retractable roof for the 10,000-seat Court Suzanne Lenglen.The introduction of head-cams for chair umpires is a testament to the French Open's commitment to innovation and providing fans with an immersive and engaging experience. By offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the umpiring process, the tournament aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport.

Elena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed at Roland Garros, made a stylish statement on Tuesday with her new cream-colored Yonex dress. The unique outfit, featuring olive contrasts and burnt orange details, set her apart from her Team Yonex teammates, who have been wearing the brand's 2024 Paris Collection in orange and olive.Rybakina's on-court look sparked speculation that it could be a custom fit, as it wasn't featured in Yonex's pre-tournament promotions and is not available online. However, when asked about the dress in a press conference, Rybakina initially seemed annoyed before shutting down the line of questioning."These colors? These colors I didn't choose," she replied. "It was the brand who chose for me, so some other questions?"Despite her reluctance to discuss her outfit, Rybakina's performance on the court was impressive. She fired 36 winners and dropped serve only once in a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Greet Minnen.As Yonex's highest-ranked head-to-toe athlete, Rybakina's unique kit could be a sign of her growing marketability. However, the lack of promotion from Yonex and Rybakina's own disinterest in discussing it has created a sense of confusion and speculation.Rybakina's press conference also raised questions about players' press obligations. When asked about a range of topics, including the conditions, her rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka, and the upcoming Olympic Games, Rybakina kept her answers short and declined to elaborate.Her tense interaction with the press sparked a debate on social media about the balance between players' obligations to the media and the media's responsibility to keep things interesting for them.Despite the controversy surrounding her press conference, Rybakina remains focused on her progress in Paris. She will face Arantxa Rus in the second round on Thursday.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, survived a thrilling three-set battle against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to reach the third round of the French Open on Wednesday.The match, which was billed as the "match of the tournament," lived up to its hype as both players showcased their exceptional skills and determination. Swiatek, who is seeking her fourth Roland Garros title in five years, rallied from a 2-5 deficit in the third set and saved a match point to secure a hard-fought 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 victory.The first set was a closely contested affair, with both players trading blows from the back of the court. Osaka, who has been working hard to improve her clay-court game, showed signs of progress as she rallied from 2-4 down to earn a set point in the 10th game. However, Swiatek held her nerve and dominated the ensuing tiebreaker, winning it 7-1.Osaka turned the tables on Swiatek in the second set, blasting the ball through the court and confounding her opponent with a barrage of winners. Swiatek, who had won 12 straight matches this spring, looked out of sorts as Osaka leveled the match with a 6-1 victory.The third set began with a pair of titanic service games, with both players earning opportunities to break. Osaka drew first blood, holding on from three break points down to open the decider. However, Swiatek refused to go down without a fight and surged ahead 0-40 in the next game. Osaka saved five break points in that game alone, but Swiatek eventually broke through to level the set at 2-2.The intensity continued to build as both players refused to give an inch. Osaka struck a powerful forehand to put herself a game away from the upset, but Swiatek dug deep and saved the match point with a strong second-serve return.Errors began to creep into Osaka's game as Swiatek continued to apply pressure. The Japanese star double faulted to lose a fourth straight game, handing Swiatek the chance to serve for the match.Outrallying Osaka, Swiatek set up two match points with a thunderous backhand winner. Osaka saved the first match point, but Swiatek converted the second when Osaka erred wide off the backhand side after just under three hours on court.Swiatek's victory sets up a third-round clash with either Marie Bouzkova or Croatian lucky loser Jana Fett. The Pole will be aiming to continue her impressive run at Roland Garros, where she has won 16 straight matches and is yet to drop a set.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's No. 3 tennis player, faced a stern test in the second round of the French Open against 176th-ranked qualifier Jesper de Jong. Despite a bothersome right arm that limited his preparation, Alcaraz managed to overcome a mid-match slump and secure a 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory.The match was played under the retractable roof at Court Philippe Chatrier due to heavy rain. Alcaraz started strongly, taking the first two sets with relative ease. However, de Jong, a 23-year-old from the Netherlands, showed his mettle in the third set, breaking Alcaraz's serve and taking the set 6-2.The fourth set proved to be the most competitive. De Jong broke Alcaraz's serve early on and held his own serve to take a 2-1 lead. Alcaraz, known for his aggressive style, struggled to find his rhythm and made several unforced errors.However, the Spaniard refused to give up. He dug deep and won the next five games in a row, breaking de Jong's serve twice. Alcaraz's forehand, which had been giving him trouble earlier in the match, started to find its range."I saw that I need to forget about putting on a show," Alcaraz said after the match. "It was difficult for me today, but really happy to do it at the end."Alcaraz's victory sets up a third-round clash with another qualifier, Alexander Bublik. The Spaniard will be hoping to continue his progress in the tournament and challenge for his second Grand Slam title.

Tennis Courts Reopen in San Francisco, Fostering Community and Youth DevelopmentThe Hunters Point Tennis Courts in San Francisco have undergone a significant renovation, reopening on March 27th with a grand ceremony attended by local dignitaries and tennis legends. The project, a collaboration between Youth Tennis Advantage (YTA), the San Francisco Housing Authority, and San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation (SFFSR), aims to revitalize the community and provide opportunities for youth development through tennis.The $271,000 upgrade, funded by SFFSR and the USTA Foundation, includes four newly resurfaced courts. The courts were originally dedicated in 1987 by tennis icon Arthur Ashe, who believed in using tennis as a tool for education and community empowerment.Current and former tennis stars, including Frances Tiafoe, Mackie McDonald, Rajeev Ram, Brad Gilbert, and Yannick Noah, expressed their support for the project. "It's exactly what the community needs," said Gilbert. "There's nothing better than tennis courts and helping kids."McDonald, a Bay Area native, donated his $50,000 award from the ATP Carbon Tracker Program to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, supporting environmental initiatives in the Bayview Hunters Point community.The reopening ceremony also paid tribute to Ashe's legacy. "The revitalization of the Hunters Point tennis courts is more than just a renovation; it's a recommitment to our youth and the community's future," said YTA executive director Mike Skinner.Yannick Noah, who credits Ashe as a mentor, encouraged the children playing at Hunters Point to "work really hard and enjoy the game. Everything is possible. Keep dreaming and work hard."The Hunters Point Tennis Courts serve as a testament to the power of sports in fostering community, promoting youth development, and honoring the legacy of tennis legends who believed in the transformative power of the game.