Tennis

Leander Paes' induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his illustrious career. The Indian tennis legend, known for his exceptional doubles and mixed doubles prowess, has etched his name in the annals of the sport.Paes' journey began in a middle-class family in Kolkata, where his passion for sports was ignited. Inspired by his father's Olympic medal, he set his sights on achieving greatness. With unwavering determination and a relentless work ethic, Paes honed his skills and rose through the ranks.His breakthrough came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in 44 years. His bronze in singles was a watershed moment for Indian sports, inspiring a generation of athletes.Paes' true calling, however, lay in doubles and mixed doubles. He formed a formidable partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi, and together they dominated the circuit, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the top of the world rankings. Paes also enjoyed success with other partners, including Martina Hingis and Cara Black, amassing a total of 18 Major titles.Beyond his on-court achievements, Paes has been a vocal advocate for Indian tennis. He has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport at the grassroots level and mentoring young players. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the game.Paes' legacy extends beyond his trophy cabinet. He has inspired countless Indians to pursue their dreams and has been a role model for generations. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity serve as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

Peyton Stearns, the 22-year-old American tennis sensation, has once again defied the odds, this time at the prestigious Roland Garros tournament in Paris. Despite facing adversity in both her quarterfinal and second-round matches, Stearns has emerged victorious, showcasing her remarkable resilience and determination.In her quarterfinal clash with Lucia Bronzetti, Stearns found herself trailing 0-5 in the third set. However, the former Texas Longhorn star displayed her unwavering spirit, winning seven consecutive games and saving two match points to secure a stunning victory.A few days later, Stearns faced another formidable opponent in Lucija Ciric Bagaric. Leading 6-3, 5-4, 40-15, Stearns faltered, committing four consecutive faults. She was broken in that game and again two games later, giving Ciric Bagaric three match points in the subsequent tiebreaker.Undeterred, Stearns fought back, escaping the clutches of defeat once more. Ciric Bagaric, despite her impressive record in lower-level tournaments, was unable to capitalize on her opportunities. Stearns broke her Croatian opponent and ultimately prevailed in a thrilling 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6) victory.Stearns' remarkable run at Roland Garros is a testament to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity. Her ability to turn the tide of matches when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds is a testament to her mental fortitude and competitive spirit.As the tournament progresses, Stearns will undoubtedly face even greater challenges. However, her recent performances have demonstrated that she is a force to be reckoned with. With her fearless determination and unwavering belief, Stearns has the potential to make a deep run at Roland Garros and establish herself as one of the rising stars of women's tennis.

Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian tennis star, has sparked a social media frenzy with his emphatic victory at Roland Garros and his subsequent declaration about the color of his polo shirt. After securing his first Grand Slam match win since Wimbledon last year, Shapovalov took to social media to address the buzz surrounding his attire."Forget 'blue and black' or 'white and gold': 'My shirt is salmon,'" Shapovalov declared on X, formerly Twitter, referencing the iconic "Friends" episode where Ross insists his shirt is not pink.Shapovalov's humorous declaration has divided fans, with some insisting it's orange on TV. However, the Canadian's light-hearted commentary has been widely appreciated.The debate over the shirt's color stems from Nike's Paris Collection, which is inspired by the color palette of Roland Garros. According to Nike, the shirt's color is "Pink Quartz," with a "Rust Factor" orange collar.Shapovalov's second-round match against fellow Nike-wearer Frances Tiafoe promises to reignite the debate. Tiafoe, the No. 25 seed, has opted for the "Thunder Blue" colorway of the same kit.The color controversy has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to Shapovalov's Roland Garros campaign. As he progresses through the tournament, the debate over his shirt's color is likely to follow him, adding a touch of humor to the intense competition.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's second-ranked player, made a resounding start to her 2024 Roland Garros campaign, crushing Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 in the first round. The Belarusian star, who reached the semifinals in Paris last year, displayed her dominance on clay, winning in just 68 minutes.Sabalenka, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, broke Andreeva's serve twice in the opening set, firing 13 winners to just seven unforced errors. The Russian qualifier, making her Roland Garros main-draw debut, managed to break Sabalenka in the second set, but the Belarusian responded with a flurry of winners to seal the victory.Sabalenka's victory sets up a potential second-round clash with Irene Burillo Escorihuela of Spain or Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, who are scheduled to face off in the qualifiers. However, her biggest challenge is likely to come in the semifinals, where she could face Elena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed and reigning Wimbledon champion.Sabalenka's impressive form on clay this season has made her a contender for the Roland Garros title. She reached the finals of both the Mutua Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, losing only to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. With Swiatek on the opposite half of the draw, Sabalenka has a clear path to the final.The Belarusian's victory also marks a significant milestone for Andreeva, who is making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam. The 19-year-old, who won the junior Roland Garros title in 2021, has been steadily rising up the rankings and will look to build on her experience in Paris.

Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud cruised into the second round of the 2024 tournament with a straight-sets victory over Brazilian qualifier Felipe Alves. The Norwegian, who won clay-court titles in Barcelona and Geneva in the lead-up to Roland Garros, looked confident on the Paris clay, serving close to 90% first serves as he dispatched Alves in under two hours.Ruud's victory was a continuation of his impressive form on clay this season. He has reached at least the semifinals in his last six Grand Slam events, including a runner-up finish at the 2022 French Open and a loss in the final of the 2023 US Open.The 25-year-old Norwegian is one of the favorites to win the French Open this year, along with world number one Novak Djokovic and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal. Ruud has a 3-2 head-to-head record against Djokovic and a 1-0 record against Nadal on clay.In the second round, Ruud will face either Monaco's Valentin Vacherot or Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.Meanwhile, Djokovic began his defense of his French Open title with a straight-sets victory over French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The Serbian, who is seeking a fourth Roland Garros title and record-extending 25th major, is enduring his worst run since 2018.Djokovic has not won a title in 2024 and has yet to make a final, with semi-final spots at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters his best performances. He also suffered the indignity of being accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome, which caused nausea and dizziness.In Geneva last week, where he was knocked out by Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, Djokovic said he had been suffering from a stomach problem."They are rather bumps on the road," said Djokovic, who watched his long-time rival and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal bow out of the tournament against Alexander Zverev on Monday.When asked to elaborate further on his difficulties so far this season, Djokovic opted for discretion."Various things have been happening in the last couple of months, but I don't want to get into it. I don't want to open Pandora's Box."On Tuesday, Djokovic will take on French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert, the world number 142 who hasn't won a match on the main tour this year.

The US Open Unveils Epic Ad Campaign Narrated by Fat JoeThe countdown to the 2024 US Open has officially begun, and the tournament is pulling out all the stops to hype up fans. The latest addition to the excitement is a pair of captivating ad spots narrated by renowned New York rapper Fat Joe.In the first spot, titled "Experience," Fat Joe's voiceover sets the tone for the tournament's unparalleled atmosphere. "Get your game face on and your game day fit on too," he proclaims over footage of stylish players and fans. The ad captures the essence of the US Open as a celebration of both tennis and fashion.The second spot, "Players," shifts the focus to the exceptional talent that will grace the courts at Flushing Meadows. Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff take center stage, along with rising stars Aryna Sabalenka, Frances Tiafoe, and Jannik Sinner. Fat Joe's narration highlights the "next chapter of spectacular" that awaits fans.For Fat Joe, the connection to tennis runs deep. His autistic son, Joey, has a profound love for the sport. "He has a tennis ball in his hand for his whole life," Fat Joe reveals in a behind-the-scenes video. "Tennis feels like protection to him."The US Open's partnership with Fat Joe is a testament to the tournament's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. By featuring a narrator with a personal connection to the sport, the US Open is sending a message that tennis is for everyone.Tickets for the 2024 US Open are now on sale. Fans can also subscribe to the US Open's official YouTube channel for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage.

Elise Mertens, the Belgian tennis star, has received a special gift from Roland Garros tournament director Amélie Mauresmo ahead of her 10th main-draw appearance at the tournament. The gift, a swan-themed token, symbolizes Mertens' grace and dedication on the court.The note accompanying the gift reads, "The swan, with its grace and timeless elegance, mirrors the spirit of tennis itself, where every movement on the court is a dance of finesse and determination." It also honors Mertens' unwavering dedication and her indelible mark on the courts of Roland Garros.Mertens, who made her debut at the clay-court major in 2016, has 17 career main-draw wins in Paris. It's her second-most successful major after the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals in her main-draw debut in 2018. She has never lost before the third round at Roland Garros.The 28-year-old Mertens, seeded No. 25 at this year's Roland Garros, opens her tournament against Argentina's Maria Lourdes Carle on Tuesday. She could be the projected third-round opponent for No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina. She and Hsieh Su-wei are also the No. 1 seeds in doubles.Mertens' gift from Roland Garros is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. It's a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact on the lives of athletes.

Rafael Nadal's reign at Roland Garros has been a spectacle of athleticism and artistry, captured through the lenses of countless photographers. Since his debut in 2005, Nadal has triumphed in 112 of his 116 matches on the Parisian clay, etching his name into the annals of tennis history.For photographers, Nadal's presence on the court is a symphony of emotions and action. His signature fist-pumps, leg-kicks, and forehands have become iconic, providing a canvas for photographers to immortalize his every triumph. The red clay of Roland Garros serves as a backdrop, enhancing the drama and intensity of each shot.Susan Mullane, a veteran photographer who has captured Nadal's journey from a young prodigy to a global icon, believes that his performances on the Parisian clay are unmatched. "When he wins on another surface, it's not the same," she says. "The pictures don't have the same punch."Corinne Dubreuil, whose clients include the FFT and ATP, echoes Mullane's sentiments. "He's a fighter. He never gives up," she says. "Every point can give you a good picture."Mateo Villalba, a photographer for the Mutua Madrid Open, highlights Nadal's expressiveness as a key element in his photography. "He fights for every ball until the end," he says. "His expressiveness is crucial for photographers, as he consistently offers celebrations and expressions that make the images more powerful."Clive Brunskill, a Getty Images veteran, has witnessed Nadal's evolution firsthand. "Shooting him has always being exciting," he says. "I call him my lucky player. Whenever I arrive in a match, there's always something he does that I get a cool picture."For Regina Cortina, the privilege of documenting Nadal's legacy is paramount. "Being part of history has been the most special," she says. "Everything you look at here, it screams beautiful. But capturing the title that could be his last one here, it's amazing."As Nadal's career enters its twilight, photographers are cherishing every opportunity to capture his artistry on the court. Villalba, who made a special effort to witness Nadal in Paris this year, says, "Photographing Rafa Nadal is always special because he is an icon, a legend, and arguably the greatest Spanish athlete of all time."

Tsitsipas and Badosa Reunite for Mixed Doubles at Roland GarrosThe mixed doubles tournament at Roland Garros has gained prominence this year, with the return of tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa. The duo, who recently reunited, will face Ena Shibahara and Nathaniel Lammons in the first round.Tsitsipas and Badosa's participation has drawn attention due to their high-profile relationship and their potential to challenge for the title. The Greek and Spaniard are both accomplished singles players, with Tsitsipas ranked ninth in the world and Badosa a former world number two.In singles, Tsitsipas is considered a title contender, despite the uncertainty surrounding the men's game. He remains deferential to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, but believes he has the potential to challenge them on clay.Badosa, meanwhile, will face Katie Boulter in a high-profile first-rounder. She is eager to put her recent struggles behind her and make a deep run in Paris.The mixed doubles draw also features several other notable teams, including top seeds Ellen Perez and Matthew Ebden, and third seeds Demi Schurrs and Wesley Koolhof. Half of the 32 teams feature compatriots, adding an element of national pride to the competition.The mixed doubles tournament will take place at the same venue that will host the Olympic tennis event in a few months. This provides an opportunity for teams to familiarize themselves with the conditions and gain valuable experience.