Tennis

American tennis stars Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins made impressive starts to their Roland Garros campaigns on Monday, securing straight-sets victories in the first round.Gauff, the No. 3 seed and last year's runner-up, dominated qualifier Julia Avdeeva 6-1, 6-3 in just 53 minutes. The 20-year-old showcased improved serve consistency, hitting only four double faults and winning 86% of points behind her first serve."I just had to play solid today," Gauff said. "I think my serve is getting better match by match, and I'm pretty confident now with it."Gauff will face dangerous qualifier Tamara Zidansek in the second round, a player she acknowledges as a "fighter" with strong ball tolerance.Meanwhile, Collins, the No. 11 seed, defeated countrywoman Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-4 in 85 minutes. The 30-year-old, who has announced her retirement from the tour in 2024, has been in excellent form since winning the Miami Open in March.Collins struck 27 winners and broke serve three times against Dolehide. She will now face Olga Danilovic in the second round, a rematch of their third-set tiebreaker at the Mutua Madrid Open last month.Collins' best result at Roland Garros is a quarterfinal run in 2020, where she defeated former champion Garbiñe Muguruza and then-No. 30 seed Ons Jabeur.

Rafael Nadal's quest for a record-extending 15th French Open title got off to a star-studded start on Monday, with arch-rival Novak Djokovic, successor Carlos Alcaraz, and WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek among the spectators at the Phillippe-Chatrier court.Nadal, who has been battling recurring injuries, faces a tough first-round challenge against Alexander Zverev, who is in fine form after winning the Italian Open. The Spaniard holds a 7-3 win record against Zverev, including a victory in the 2022 French Open semifinal.However, Zverev is confident heading into the match, saying, "Ideally I would have liked to play him in at a later stage of the tournament, but it is how it is now. He is unseeded this year, I am seeded. It's a tough draw but it's a tough draw for both of us and we'll see how it goes."Nadal, who has hinted at the possibility of 2024 being his swansong year in tennis, is aware of the challenges ahead. "At some point somebody told me the draw. I mean, the reaction is something that I expected in some way. When you’re not seeded, anything can happen. That’s part of the business," he said.The match between Nadal and Zverev is expected to be a close and competitive affair. Nadal's experience and clay-court prowess will be tested against Zverev's power and recent form. The winner will face either Richard Gasquet or Hugo Grenier in the second round.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, commenced her pursuit of a third consecutive Roland Garros title with an emphatic 6-1, 6-2 victory over French qualifier Léolia Jeanjean on Monday. This triumph extended her remarkable winning streak in Paris to 15 matches.Swiatek, who had won her previous 12 matches before arriving at the French Open, including back-to-back titles in Madrid and Rome, made light work of Jeanjean in a match that lasted just 61 minutes. The Pole converted all three break opportunities in the opening set, which she claimed in 30 minutes.Jeanjean briefly raised the spirits of the Chatrier crowd by breaking Swiatek's serve at the start of the second set. However, Swiatek quickly regained control, breaking back immediately and winning 10 consecutive points to move within a game of victory. She sealed the match with a powerful forehand that set up three match points, converting with a backhand into the open court.Swiatek's next opponent will be former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who overcame a tough three-set battle with Italian Lucia Bronzetti on Sunday. Osaka has won four Grand Slam titles but has historically struggled on clay.Swiatek's dominance on clay is undeniable. She has won the Roland Garros title three times in the past four years, losing only one match in Paris since 2021. Her 2024 clay-court season began with a surprising loss in the semifinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, but she quickly rebounded with victories in Madrid and Rome.Jeanjean, a 28-year-old qualifier, enjoyed a memorable run at Roland Garros in 2022, where she stunned former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova en route to the third round. However, she proved to be no match for Swiatek, who is the overwhelming favorite to win a fourth title at the French Open.

Richard Gasquet's triumph at Roland Garros on Sunday was a testament to his enduring brilliance and the transformative power of a home crowd. The 37-year-old Frenchman, once a rising star but now ranked 124th, defied expectations to defeat Borna Coric in a thrilling three-set battle.Gasquet's victory was a nostalgic moment for those who witnessed his early rise to prominence. In 2005, he captivated fans with his elegant and powerful style, earning a wild card into the US Open. While that match ended prematurely, it left an indelible mark on the young tennis enthusiast who witnessed it.Over the years, Gasquet's relationship with the tennis world evolved. As a journalist covering the sport, the author found it difficult to maintain fandom, but Gasquet's performances on the biggest stages left him wanting more. Despite reaching three Wimbledon semifinals and one US Open semifinal, Gasquet's inability to break through in Grand Slams led to a sense of disappointment.However, on Sunday, Gasquet turned back the clock. The French crowd in Court Suzanne Lenglen erupted in support, chanting his name and creating an atmosphere that was both electric and emotional. Gasquet responded with brilliant shotmaking, winning the first two sets in tiebreakers.Despite a brief lapse in the third set, Gasquet regained his composure and fought off Coric's challenge. He fired his signature shot for an iconic victory, falling to the clay as his racquet flew into the air. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, and Gasquet's eyes welled up with tears.Gasquet's triumph was a reminder that even in the twilight of a career, moments of greatness can still be achieved. It was a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of a home crowd.

Asics Brings Tennis to the Heart of Paris with "Rally for the Mind"In the lead-up to the prestigious Roland Garros tournament, Asics, the renowned tennis apparel brand, transformed the iconic Place de la République in Paris into a vibrant tennis court. The "Rally for the Mind" pop-up activation, held on May 23, was a testament to the brand's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and physical activity in the French capital.As part of a two-year partnership with the city of Paris, Asics aimed to inspire Parisians to embrace the transformative power of sports. The event showcased the brand's latest apparel and provided an opportunity for attendees to experience the joy of tennis firsthand. Racquets were distributed to all who stopped by, regardless of their skill level, encouraging them to try the sport and discover its benefits.Several of Asics' pro tour ambassadors graced the event, including Ons Jabeur, Alex de Minaur, Caroline Dolehide, Harriet Dart, Borna Coric, Corentin Moutet, and Diane Parry. These renowned athletes shared their passion for tennis, signed autographs, and posed for selfies with attendees, creating lasting memories.The activation highlighted the positive impact of physical exercise on mental well-being. According to a recent study cited by Asics, 88% of Parisians believe in the benefits of exercise for their psychological health. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and encourage Parisians to prioritize their well-being through physical activity."Asics was founded on the belief that sport and exercise have a positive effect for the body and the mind," said Eddy Ferhi, marketing director of Asics France. "We are proud to continue to be champions of this important message."Ons Jabeur, who recently partnered with Asics, emphasized the connection between physical and mental health. "You can see everywhere, sound mind and sound body, and I'm definitely 300% with that," she said. "I truly wish that being on this court today will bring joy in the minds of others."The "Rally for the Mind" activation was a resounding success, engaging Parisians in the spirit of tennis and promoting the importance of health and well-being. Asics continues to demonstrate its commitment to inspiring people to live healthier, more active lives.

Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of Roland Garros, embarks on his quest for a record-extending 15th Coupe des Mousquetaires on Monday. The 37-year-old legend faces a formidable challenge in fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who arrives in Paris fresh off his triumph in Rome.Nadal's dominance at the French Open is unparalleled. With a staggering 112-3 career record, he has established himself as the most successful player in the tournament's history. His last appearance on Court Philippe Chatrier ended in triumph, as he defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets to claim his 14th title.Zverev, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Roland Garros semifinals. In 2022, he faced Nadal in a thrilling encounter that was cut short by an ankle injury. The German was leading 7-6(8), 6-6 when he was forced to retire, leaving Nadal to advance to the final.Since then, Zverev has returned to form, winning the Rome Masters and reaching the semifinals in Madrid. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play make him a dangerous opponent for any player, including Nadal.The upcoming match between Nadal and Zverev promises to be a captivating spectacle. Nadal's experience and resilience will be tested against Zverev's youth and firepower. The winner will take a significant step towards the Roland Garros title and cement their place in tennis history.

Gael Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman, has captivated tennis audiences for two decades with his infectious personality and eye-catching brand of tennis. With over 550 match wins, a career-high ranking of No. 6, and two Grand Slam semifinals, Monfils has established himself as one of the sport's most beloved showmen.His infectious energy and unique style of celebration have inspired a generation of players, including Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, and Ugo Humbert. Monfils's ability to connect with fans and his genuine care for others have earned him widespread respect.His wife, Elina Svitolina, highlights his kindness and consideration, while Victoria Azarenka recalls an incident where Monfils diffused a tense situation with a recreational player by picking up balls and subbing in for the ball machine.Despite his playful demeanor, Monfils is a dedicated and hardworking athlete. Svitolina emphasizes his commitment to training and his efforts to stay injury-free. Jack Draper and Naomi Osaka speak to his supportive nature and his willingness to welcome younger players onto the tour.Monfils's resilience was evident in his miraculous victory over Sebastian Baez at the 2022 French Open, where he overcame a double break deficit in the deciding set and fought through cramps to secure a late-night triumph.As he prepares for his 17th appearance at Roland Garros, Monfils reflects on his journey and the friendships he has forged with fellow champions. Stan Wawrinka, a close friend, shares their mutual love for the game and their gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing.Monfils's passion for tennis remains unwavering, and he continues to inspire audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. From his early days as a flashy junior to his current status as a seasoned veteran, Monfils has never stopped giving fans reason to watch.

India's top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal faces a daunting task in the opening round of the French Open as he is set to take on world number 18 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Sunday. Nagal, ranked 94th in the world, earned a direct entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam after his consistent performances on the tour. He became the first Indian male player to qualify for the French Open main draw since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019.However, Nagal's form leading up to the clay Grand Slam has been far from ideal. He lost to Holger Rune in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters, before missing the Madrid and Rome Masters. The 26-year-old then made first-round exits from the Bordeaux Challenger and Geneva Open earlier this month.On the other hand, Khachanov, who has been seeded 18th, had reached the quarterfinals last year. He won the Qatar Open 250 in February and enjoys an impressive 21-7 record this season.Nagal's match against Khachanov will be a stern test for the Indian, who has never faced the Russian before. Khachanov is a powerful hitter with a big serve, and he will be looking to use his experience and ranking advantage to his benefit.Nagal, however, is known for his fighting spirit and determination. He has a strong baseline game and is capable of producing some stunning shots. If he can stay focused and play to his strengths, he has a chance of causing an upset.The match is scheduled to be played on Court number 7 at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Sunday, May 27. It will start after 3:45 PM IST and will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network. It will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career at the Roland Garros has been marked by unprecedented success, with the Spaniard claiming a record 14 titles at the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam. Amidst speculation about his potential retirement in 2024, the French Tennis Federation had planned a grand ceremony to honor his achievements at this year's tournament. However, the event was abruptly canceled after Nadal hinted that he might not be ready to bid farewell to the tournament just yet.Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo revealed that the federation had prepared a special tribute for Nadal, but respected his wishes to postpone the ceremony. "We had something planned for him, but he wants to leave the door open to come back next year as a player," Mauresmo said. "We're not going to push him to do anything. It's his decision when he wants to have a proper farewell."Nadal's decision to delay his retirement plans has left the possibility of his return to Roland Garros in 2025 open. The 38-year-old, who turns 39 in June, has hinted that he may continue playing for as long as his body allows. "I'm taking it year by year," Nadal said in a recent interview. "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to play, but I'm going to keep fighting as long as I can."Nadal's longevity and resilience have been remarkable, especially considering the physical demands of tennis. He has overcome numerous injuries throughout his career, including a chronic foot problem that has plagued him in recent years. Despite these challenges, Nadal remains one of the most competitive players on the ATP Tour, as evidenced by his recent run to the semifinals of the Australian Open.As Nadal prepares for his first-round match at Roland Garros against Alexander Zverev, the question of his retirement looms large. However, the Spaniard has shown no signs of slowing down, and his determination to continue playing at the highest level is unwavering. Whether he decides to retire in 2024 or beyond, Nadal's legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure.