Tennis

Alizé Cornet, the French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious career at the upcoming Roland Garros, the tournament where it all began for her. With a record-breaking 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, Cornet has established herself as a symbol of consistency and longevity in the sport.As she prepares for her final dance at her home major, Cornet reflects on her remarkable journey. Her debut at Roland Garros in 2005, as a wide-eyed 15-year-old, holds a special place in her heart. The excitement of playing on the hallowed grounds and the thrill of facing her idol, Amélie Mauresmo, in the second round created unforgettable memories.Over the years, Cornet has faced countless challenges and celebrated numerous triumphs. She has notched up six WTA titles, including the 2018 Hobart International, and has consistently challenged the top players in the world. Her 25 career Top 10 victories stand as a testament to her fighting spirit and unwavering determination.In her final tournament, Cornet will face a formidable opponent in seventh seed Zheng Qinwen, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Cornet remains focused on giving it her all and making her opponent work hard for every point.Surrounded by her family, friends, and the adoring French crowd, Cornet is determined to soak up every moment of her last Roland Garros. She hopes to leave a lasting impression on the tournament that has played such a pivotal role in her life.As she prepares to say goodbye, Cornet acknowledges the emotions that come with such a significant milestone. However, she is also filled with gratitude for the incredible journey she has been on. Her longevity and consistency are a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the sport.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, begins his quest for a fourth French Open title on Tuesday, despite enduring a lackluster season. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slams, is seeking to extend his record and equal Rafael Nadal's 14 Roland Garros titles.However, Djokovic has not won a title in 2024 and has yet to reach a final. He has suffered from a stomach problem and was accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome, causing nausea and dizziness.Despite these setbacks, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to perform well in Grand Slams. "I have always looked ahead, what is the next challenge, and what it takes for me to be better than I was last week," he said.Djokovic will face French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round, a player he has defeated in their only previous meeting. Herbert, ranked 142nd in the world, has not won a match on the main tour this year.Also in action on Tuesday is Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two and two-time Australian Open champion. Sabalenka is seeking her first Roland Garros final and is the only woman to beat world number one Iga Swiatek in a final on clay since 2019.Sabalenka will face Russia's Erika Andreeva in the first round. Fourth seed Elena Rybakina, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, will take on Greet Minnen of Belgium.In the men's singles, Argentine qualifier Roman Andres Burruchaga, son of 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga, will make his Grand Slam debut against Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.

Daniil Medvedev's Roland Garros debut on Monday evening was a memorable one, not only for his performance on the court but also for his unique attire. Bundled up in multiple layers to combat the chilly Parisian weather, Medvedev's cozy ensemble drew attention on social media.Despite the cold temperatures, Medvedev's performance was far from sluggish. He faced a spirited challenge from Dominik Koepfer, but ultimately prevailed in four sets. The Russian fired 35 winners and saved all four break points he faced, showcasing his resilience and determination.Medvedev's attire was a testament to his adaptability and the importance of comfort on the court. He wore his signature Lacoste match kit, complete with thermal sleeves, leggings, and two outer layers. The leggings were tucked into high socks for maximum warmth, creating a look that was both functional and stylish.The cozy ensemble garnered a range of reactions on social media, with some fans dubbing him the second coming of French fashion icon Rene Lacoste. Lacoste, a three-time Roland Garros winner, was not only a tennis champion but also the inventor of the polo shirt and a pioneer of branding in sportswear.Medvedev's Lacoste kit for Roland Garros 2024 is a testament to the brand's heritage and its commitment to innovation. The navy blue performance polo with burgundy red and white details, including a striped collar and sleeves, is both stylish and functional. The burgundy red shorts and Lacoste AG-LT Ultra shoes in navy blue complete the look.All of the garments feature Medvedev's personal logo, which was introduced by Lacoste last year and is inspired by his love for gaming. The logo adds a personal touch to the kit, reflecting Medvedev's unique personality and style.Medvedev's victory over Koepfer sets up a second-round clash with Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated Thiago Monteiro in four sets. Medvedev will be looking to continue his momentum and make a deep run at Roland Garros, while also showcasing his signature style on the court.

U.S. Tennis Announces Coaching Staff for Paris Olympics and ParalympicsThe United States Tennis Association (USTA) has appointed Kathy Rinaldi and Bob Bryan as coaches for the U.S. tennis teams at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Rinaldi, a former Billie Jean King Cup captain, will lead the women's team, while Bryan, a two-time Olympic medalist, will coach the men's team.Rinaldi, who also served as Team USA's coach at the Tokyo Olympics, brings a wealth of experience to the role. During her seven-year tenure as Billie Jean King Cup captain, she guided the team to victory in 2017. Bryan, on the other hand, will make his Olympic coaching debut. He and his twin brother, Mike, won a gold medal in doubles at the 2012 London Games and a bronze in Beijing four years earlier.For the Paralympics, Jon Rydberg and John Devorss will coach the U.S. teams. Rydberg, a four-time Paralympian, has extensive experience in wheelchair tennis. Devorss, who has coached the U.S. World Team Cup team, brings a strong track record in adaptive sports.The U.S. tennis players for the Olympics and Paralympics will be named at a later date. For the Olympics, the selections will be based on the WTA and ATP rankings on June 10, the day after the French Open concludes. Tennis for both the Olympics and Paralympics will be played at Roland Garros, the site of the year's second Grand Slam tournament. The Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8.The USTA's decision to appoint experienced and accomplished coaches reflects its commitment to fielding competitive teams at the Paris Games. Rinaldi, Bryan, Rydberg, and Devorss will provide valuable guidance and support to the U.S. athletes as they strive for Olympic and Paralympic glory.

Gael Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman, has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by becoming the Frenchman with the most career wins at a Grand Slam. His triumph over Thiago Seyboth Wild at Roland Garros on Monday night marked his 122nd victory at a major, surpassing the previous record of 121 held by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.Monfils' journey to this milestone has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. He has reached the semifinals of two Grand Slams, the 2008 Roland Garros and the 2016 US Open, where he faced formidable opponents in Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, respectively. Additionally, he has made it to the quarterfinals of eight other majors, including three at Roland Garros, three at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open.Despite his impressive record at the majors, Wimbledon has remained a challenge for Monfils. His best result at the All England Club is a fourth-round appearance in 2018. However, his determination and unwavering spirit have kept him striving for success on all surfaces.Monfils' achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has played in 62 Grand Slams throughout his career, showcasing his remarkable fitness and dedication to the sport. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and overcome adversity has made him a formidable opponent for any player.As Monfils continues his journey at Roland Garros, he will be aiming to add to his historic tally of Grand Slam wins. His experience, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a contender for a deep run in the tournament. The French crowd will undoubtedly be behind him as he seeks to create even more memorable moments on the hallowed courts of Paris.

Rafael Nadal's reign at Roland Garros came to an end on Monday as the 38-year-old legend was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round. Despite flashes of brilliance that harkened back to his dominant days, Nadal's body ultimately betrayed him, succumbing to the relentless pressure of Zverev's power and precision.Nadal's performance was a testament to his enduring spirit and unwavering determination. In the early stages of the match, he showcased his trademark forehand winners and serve-and-volley prowess, leaving the crowd in awe. However, as the match progressed, the toll of time and injuries became evident. Zverev's relentless baseline play and pinpoint serving proved too much for Nadal, who struggled to maintain his intensity and focus.The loss marked a poignant moment in Nadal's illustrious career. The "King of Clay" has been a symbol of resilience and longevity, but even he could not defy the inevitable march of time. Nadal's record at Roland Garros remains unparalleled, with 14 titles to his name, but his defeat to Zverev served as a reminder that even the greatest champions have their limits.Despite the disappointment, Nadal remained optimistic about his future. He expressed his desire to return to Roland Garros next year and hinted at the possibility of competing in the Olympic Games in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal's love for the sport and his unwavering belief in his abilities suggest that he is not ready to hang up his racquet just yet.The tennis world paid tribute to Nadal's legacy, with fellow players and fans alike expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the sport. Zverev, in his post-match interview, thanked Nadal on behalf of the entire tennis community, acknowledging his immense impact on the game.Nadal's defeat at Roland Garros may have marked the end of an era, but his spirit and determination will continue to inspire generations of tennis players. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure, and his love for the sport will undoubtedly endure long after he retires.

Alize Cornet, the 34-year-old French tennis star, is set to bid farewell to Roland Garros, the tournament where she has made a name for herself. Cornet, who has fallen out of the Top 100, will face a formidable opponent in world No. 8 Qinwen Zheng in the opening round.Zheng, a rising star from China, possesses world-class power from the baseline, making her a dangerous force on hard courts. However, her experience on clay is limited, with only 33 WTA-level matches played on the surface. This could prove to be an advantage for Cornet, who has a wealth of experience on clay, boasting a 121-109 career record on the surface.Cornet's ability to hit with heavy topspin and redirect her opponent's pace will be crucial in this matchup. She is known for her counter-punching style, which is particularly effective on clay. Additionally, the support of the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier is expected to give Cornet an emotional boost.While Zheng has the potential to dominate with her power, she may struggle to adapt to the demands of Roland Garros. The tournament requires a more varied approach, which Cornet is more likely to possess.Experts predict that Cornet will cover a massive game spread in this match. Her experience and ability to neutralize Zheng's power will likely keep the match competitive.

Ben Shelton's Roland Garros debut was a nostalgic experience for the American, who felt the familiar atmosphere of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the Parisian crowd. Despite playing against a French opponent, Hugo Gaston, on Court 14, Shelton drew inspiration from the passionate support, which reminded him of his days competing in the Florida-Georgia rivalry."Obviously, he had the home field advantage, but I felt some love out there," Shelton said after his 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. "The partisan atmosphere only added to the excitement."Shelton's connection to the SEC runs deep. He played for the University of Florida, where he helped the team win the 2021 NCAA Championship and claimed the 2022 NCAA Singles Championship. His father, Bryan Shelton, coached the team and is now back on his son's coaching staff alongside Dean Goldfine."I think playing at Georgia is comparable," Shelton said, referring to the rowdy atmosphere. "Not because of the noise, but because of the very nasty, choice words that people say to you in the stands."Shelton's college experience has shaped his approach to professional tennis. He has carried the lessons learned on and off the court into his ATP career, where he has already won two titles, including the Houston clay-court event earlier this year.In the second round of Roland Garros, Shelton will face Kei Nishikori, a former world No. 4 who has overcome injuries to return to Grand Slam competition. Nishikori defeated Gabriel Diallo, a former University of Kentucky player, in a five-set thriller.Shelton's journey at Roland Garros is a testament to his resilience and the influence of his college tennis roots. The American is embracing the challenge of playing on the biggest stage, drawing on the lessons and experiences that have shaped his career.

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, is set to defend his Roland Garros title amidst a challenging season. Despite a lack of titles and a turbulent coaching situation, Djokovic remains a formidable force at Grand Slams. His hopes are buoyed by the absence of his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal.Djokovic's first-round opponent is Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a 33-year-old French doubles specialist. Herbert's acrobatic serve and arcing kick may pose a threat, but Djokovic's experience and dominance on clay make him the clear favorite.In another intriguing first-round matchup, Katie Boulter faces Paula Badosa. Boulter has risen into the Top 30, while Badosa has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world. Badosa's clay-court prowess gives her an edge, but Boulter's recent form and home crowd support could make it a competitive contest.Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a rising French star, will take on David Goffin. Perricard's height, power, and recent title win make him a threat, but Goffin's experience and former Top 10 status should not be underestimated.