Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, is set to begin his quest for a fourth Roland Garros title and 25th Grand Slam victory on Tuesday, May 27. The Serbian superstar will face French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round.Djokovic's 2024 season has been a mixed bag. After winning the Australian Open, he crashed out of Indian Wells and Rome early. He also suffered a bizarre incident in Rome when a fan struck him in the head with a water bottle.Despite these setbacks, Djokovic remains a formidable opponent. He is the defending champion at Roland Garros and has won the tournament three times before. He is also the all-time leader in Grand Slam titles with 24.Djokovic's main rivals in Paris will be Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev. Nadal is a 14-time Roland Garros winner, while Ruud is a three-time Grand Slam finalist. Zverev and Medvedev are both former world No. 1s.Djokovic is in the top half of the draw, which means he could face Ruud in the quarterfinals. The Norwegian defeated Djokovic on clay in Monte Carlo earlier this year.Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic is still the favorite to win Roland Garros. He is the most experienced player in the draw and has a proven track record of success at the tournament.

Sumit Nagal, India's rising tennis star, has made history by becoming the first Indian man to qualify for the main draw at the French Open since 2019. Nagal's journey to Roland Garros has been marked by remarkable achievements, including his stunning victory over Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open earlier this year.Nagal's triumph in Melbourne not only made him the first Indian man to win a main draw match at the Australian Open in 11 years but also broke a 35-year-old record by defeating a seeded player in the singles draw of a grand slam. This feat propelled him to a career-best ranking of No. 80 and earned him direct entry to the French Open.Nagal's preparation for Roland Garros has been impressive, with strong performances on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters. He defeated Matteo Arnaldi and took a set off world No. 7 Holger Rune before succumbing to a heartbreaking loss.Despite facing a tough opening match against World No. 18 Karen Khachanov, Nagal's supporters remain optimistic about his chances. Former India No. 1 Somdev Devvarman believes that Nagal has the potential to pull off an upset."It's a huge challenge, but I'd like to see a fight. I think Sumit has it in him," said Devvarman. "If he plays well, really well, he'll give himself a chance."Nagal's success has not been limited to the French Open. He has also secured a main-draw appearance at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, becoming the first Indian man to feature in the singles event in five years.However, Devvarman cautions that Nagal still has time before he can start regularly winning main-draw matches at grand slams. "It'll take a little bit of time," he said. "But over the course of his career, if he gets 20 main draws or 25, that would be a good place to begin."Nagal's journey is a testament to his skill, determination, and the growing strength of Indian tennis. As he takes on the world's best at Roland Garros, the nation will be cheering him on, hoping that he can continue to make history.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has launched a new web series titled "Serving Looks" that explores the intersection of fashion and tennis. In the debut episode, Osaka revisits some of the most iconic on-court looks, including her own and those made famous by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.Osaka begins by showcasing the red Nike dress and sneakers she wore at the Tokyo Olympics, which she describes as "the most beautiful Olympics dress you'll ever see." She recalls the significance of being the torch lighter at the Opening Ceremony and the custom white Air Force 1s Nike created for her with the brand's signature swoosh logo."These are a treasure for me," Osaka says of the shoes. "I really love shoes, and I really love things that bring me a lot of memories. These shoes bring me a lot of memories."Osaka also discusses Sharapova's teal-blue Nike dress from the 2007 Roland Garros tournament, which she admired as a child. "I just remember thinking, 'Maybe one day, I'll be sponsored by Nike if I was good enough,'" she says.Other notable outfits featured in the episode include Osaka's hot pink 2022 Australian Open romper, which she calls "very innovative," Williams' famous white and tan Puma dress from her 1999 US Open victory, and Osaka's own orange and black 2019 US Open dress, which she deems "the greatest tennis outfit of all-time.""I vividly remember thinking, 'This is the best tennis outfit I'm going to ever have,'" Osaka says, promising to surpass it with her future looks.Beyond tennis attire, Osaka also shares her thoughts on a striking black leather jacket from the late Kobe Bryant's clothing line and a pair of Nike shoes featuring detailing from the manga series Naruto and a cartoon likeness of her dog, Butta."Serving Looks" promises to delve into the cultural impact of iconic outfits, providing context for their history and legacy.

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, has embarked on a new journey as the host of the Tennis Insider Club podcast. Launched in February with co-host Borja Durán, the podcast aims to provide a platform for players, coaches, and athletes to share their experiences and insights.Garcia, known for her candor in interviews, was inspired to create the podcast during a challenging period in her career. She recognized the need for a safe space where athletes could openly discuss their struggles and triumphs.The podcast's unique English-language format, with Garcia and Durán's distinct perspectives, creates a comfortable atmosphere for guests. Garcia's experience on the tour allows her to relate to players' experiences, while Durán's off-court perspective provides a fresh viewpoint.Garcia has already hosted notable guests such as Ons Jabeur, Andrey Rublev, and Patrick Mouratoglou. She has also conducted the first longform interview with Alizé Cornet after her retirement announcement.The podcast has gained traction, with episodes garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Garcia attributes its success to the combination of her on-court experience and Durán's off-court insights.Garcia's passion for the podcast is evident in her enthusiasm for promoting it on social media and monitoring its analytics. She is grateful for the support from fans and the WTA, which has helped spread the word.Garcia's journey as a podcaster has reminded her of the importance of remembering her roots and appreciating the achievements she has made. She hopes to inspire young players and share her love for the sport through the Tennis Insider Club.

Andy Murray vs. Stan Wawrinka: A Clash of VeteransThe first round of the 2023 French Open will witness a captivating encounter between two tennis veterans, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. With a combined age of 76, this match promises to be a testament to their enduring spirit and unwavering determination.Murray, a former world number one, has been battling injuries in recent years but remains a formidable opponent. His 13-9 head-to-head record against Wawrinka suggests a slight advantage, but the Swiss maestro has the upper hand on clay, winning five of their six encounters on the surface.Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is known for his powerful backhand and relentless fighting spirit. Despite his age and recent struggles, he remains a dangerous opponent, especially on clay.Naomi Osaka vs. Lucia Bronzetti: A Comeback in ProgressFour-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will face Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of the French Open. Osaka's return to the tour after a five-month hiatus has been met with mixed results, but she will be eager to make a statement in Paris.Bronzetti, ranked 48th in the world, is a rising star on the WTA Tour. Her unorthodox forehand and two-handed backhand make her an unpredictable opponent. However, Osaka's experience and mental fortitude should give her the edge in this matchup.Carlos Alcaraz vs. J.J. Wolf: A Test of FitnessWorld number one Carlos Alcaraz will face American qualifier J.J. Wolf in the first round of the French Open. Alcaraz's right arm injury has raised concerns about his fitness, but he remains the heavy favorite against Wolf.Wolf, ranked 107th in the world, has never played Alcaraz before. However, his recent Challenger level performances suggest that he is capable of causing an upset. Alcaraz's fitness will be the key factor in determining the outcome of this match.

Novak Djokovic's quest to defend his French Open title has hit a roadblock after he suffered a disappointing loss in the Geneva Open semifinals. The 44th-ranked Tomas Machac stunned the world's top-ranked player 6-4, 0-6, 6-1, leaving Djokovic with doubts about his form heading into Roland Garros.Djokovic's record in 2024 has been far from impressive, with a 14-6 overall record and a 0-3 mark in semifinals, including a defeat to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. The Serb admitted that he is not the favorite for the French Open, where he has won two of the past three titles and three overall among his record 24 Grand Slam singles titles."I don't consider myself a favorite there," Djokovic said. "I'm going to take it match by match and see how far I can go."Machac, a 22-year-old Czech, played with confidence and aggression, breaking Djokovic's serve five times and forcing him into 27 unforced errors. Djokovic took a medical timeout after the first set for a stomach issue, but it did not seem to affect his performance significantly."It was a terrible feeling with my stomach and health today," Djokovic said. "It was not a great night and today as well. I don't want to take anything away from his win, he deserved it."Machac will face two-time Geneva champion Casper Ruud or unseeded Flavio Cobolli in the final. Ruud, the French Open runner-up for the past two years, is considered a strong contender for the title this year.Djokovic's loss in Geneva raises questions about his form and fitness ahead of the French Open. The Serb has not won a tournament since Wimbledon last year and has struggled to find his best tennis in 2024. He will need to improve his consistency and reduce his unforced errors if he wants to challenge for the title in Paris.

Danielle Collins and Madison Keys, two American tennis stars, will face off in the final of the Internationaux de Strasbourg on Saturday. Their friendship, which began nearly two decades ago, has stood the test of time.Collins and Keys first met as 10-year-olds at the Evert Tennis Academy in Florida. Despite living on opposite ends of the state, they became pen pals, exchanging letters that fostered a bond that continues to this day."Our moms are both from Iowa, so they bonded over that at the junior tournaments," Collins revealed. "I've known Maddie a long time, and [she's] a good friend. I'm excited to play her here and have some fun tomorrow."The two have played twice before as professionals, each winning once. However, their last encounter was four years ago. This match holds significance for both players: Keys will be playing in her first red clay final since 2016, while Collins is seeking her third title in the last two months.Neither player has lost a set in the tournament so far. A victory for either would make them the first American champion at Strasbourg since Jennifer Capriati in 1999.

Roland Garros: A Tennis Extravaganza and a Parisian AdventureRoland Garros, the prestigious French Open tennis tournament, is set to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide with over 2,500 hours of live coverage across Tennis Channel platforms. While the on-court action promises to be thrilling, Paris offers an array of experiences to complement the tennis spectacle.Top 5 Things to Do in Paris During Roland Garros:1. Le Bowling:Unwind after intense matches with a game of bowling at Le Bowling, an underground bowling alley near the Arc de Triomphe. With 15 lanes, foosball, and billiards, it's a perfect spot to relax and socialize.2. Cottage of the Islands:Escape the tournament grounds and immerse yourself in history at the Cottage of the Islands. This charming Swiss cottage, nestled in the Bois de Boulogne, has been transformed into a bistronomic restaurant offering stunning park views and a serene dining experience.3. The Latin Quarter Experience:Stroll through the historic Latin Quarter, home to Rue Mouffetard, the oldest street in Paris. Explore its quaint shops, lively cafes, and street markets, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque neighborhood.4. To Paris, With Love:Discover the Wall of Love in Montmartre, where the word "love" is inscribed in 311 languages. This iconic landmark is a testament to the city's romantic spirit and a perfect spot for a romantic stroll or a memorable photo.5. The Museum of a Lifetime:Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the Musée Rodin, dedicated to the works of renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Admire masterpieces like The Thinking Man and The Kiss, surrounded by tranquil sculpture gardens and the historic Hotel Biron.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three and reigning Wimbledon champion, has expressed concerns about the impact of his recent arm injury on his performance at the upcoming French Open. Despite being cleared to play, Alcaraz admitted to feeling "a little bit scared" about unleashing his powerful forehand at full force.The 21-year-old Spaniard was forced to withdraw from the Rome Open due to a right forearm issue. While he has not experienced any pain during practice, Alcaraz remains apprehensive about the potential consequences of hitting forehands with maximum effort."I'm still thinking about it when I'm hitting forehands," Alcaraz said. "I'm a little bit scared about hitting every forehand 100 percent."Alcaraz's injury concerns stem from a lack of clarity regarding its exact nature. "I think you're not going to believe me, but I don't know exactly what I have on the forearm," he confessed.Despite his injury woes, Alcaraz has maintained a positive outlook. He believes that defending champion Novak Djokovic and 14-time winner Rafael Nadal, despite their recent struggles, remain formidable contenders at Roland Garros."Probably we don't see them playing their best tennis, but it's a Grand Slam, it's Roland Garros, and I think they have chances to win the tournament," Alcaraz said.Alcaraz's participation in the French Open will be closely monitored as he attempts to navigate his injury concerns and challenge for his first Grand Slam title on clay.