Tennis

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is likely to miss the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros after withdrawing from this week's qualifying tournament. The Briton, currently ranked 212th in the world, was a third alternate for the main draw, but her name did not appear among the qualifiers listed on the Roland Garros website.Raducanu's withdrawal is a significant setback for the 21-year-old, who has struggled with injuries since her historic US Open triumph. She has not played a match since losing in the first round of the Madrid Open last month, where she admitted to feeling "mentally and emotionally exhausted."In a statement quoted by British media, Raducanu explained her decision to withdraw from the French Open: "It's important for me to keep laying on the foundations and I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year."Raducanu's only appearance at Roland Garros came in 2022, when she lost in the second round to Aliaksandra Sasnovich. She was not awarded a wild card for this year's edition.The Briton's absence from the French Open is a blow to the tournament, which is one of the four Grand Slams. Raducanu's star power and recent success would have undoubtedly drawn attention to the event.However, Raducanu's decision to prioritize her long-term health and fitness is understandable. The grass court season, which includes Wimbledon, is just around the corner, and Raducanu will be eager to make an impact on her home turf.

World number two Jannik Sinner is racing against time to recover from a right hip injury and participate in the upcoming French Open. The Italian star missed the Rome Open due to the ailment but has resumed training on a clay court in Monaco, eight days before the start of Roland Garros on May 26.Sinner's social media posts on Saturday evening featured images of him practicing with a racquet, accompanied by emojis representing a sword and the French flag, symbolizing his determination to compete in Paris.The Australian Open champion had previously stated that he would only participate in the French Open if he was fully fit. The hip injury forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open at the start of the month before his quarter-final match."I don't want to go into details (of the injury)," Sinner said at a press conference announcing his absence from Rome. "We thought initially that it wasn't anything serious, but the scans showed that there was something that wasn't right.""One thing is sure, if I've not 100 percent recovered, I will take more time out as I do not want to lose three years of my career."Despite the setback, Sinner remains optimistic about his chances of playing in Paris. "My preparation for Paris won't be optimal because I won't have much time, but what is sure is that I will give everything in order to be in a position to play," he said.The 22-year-old has enjoyed a successful season so far, winning the Australian Open in January and claiming his second Masters 1000 title in Miami in March. His participation in the French Open would be a major boost for the tournament and would add to the excitement surrounding the second Grand Slam of the season.

Iga Świątek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has extended her winning streak on clay to 12 matches after securing her third Rome title with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory over Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday's final.Świątek, who has now won 28 consecutive sets on clay, will enter the French Open as the overwhelming favorite to defend her title. She is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win both the Madrid and Rome titles on clay in the same season.Despite her impressive form, Świątek remains cautious about her chances at Roland Garros. "Obviously I am confident. I feel like I'm playing great tennis, but that doesn't change the fact that I just want to stay humble," she said. "Grand Slams are different. There's a different pressure on the court and off the court."Świątek's victory over Sabalenka was a clinical display of tennis. She broke Sabalenka's serve twice in the first set and once in the second set to secure the win in just 79 minutes.Sabalenka, who has won the last two Australian Open titles, admitted that she did not play well in the first set. "I wasn't feeling my game well," she said. "In the second set, I tried to stay a little bit more aggressive, but I didn't use my opportunities."Świątek's victory in Rome is a testament to her dominance on clay. She has now won four of the last five clay-court tournaments she has played in, including the French Open in 2020 and 2022.With her victory in Rome, Świątek has extended her lead at the top of the WTA rankings. She is now 2,000 points ahead of second-ranked Sabalenka.

Fedal's Reunion: A Journey of Ambition, Devotion, and DiscoveryIn a captivating collaboration, Louis Vuitton has reunited tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for their "Core Values" campaign. The iconic duo embarked on a journey to the stunning Dolomites in Italy, where they shared their experiences and reflected on their extraordinary careers.The campaign captures the essence of Fedal's shared journey, two fierce competitors who have scaled the heights of tennis together. In a behind-the-scenes clip, Federer teases Nadal about the challenges ahead, while Nadal showcases his trademark resilience in the cold conditions.The pair's camaraderie is evident as they sit on a Vuitton trunk, discussing their careers and the significance of the shoot. Federer expresses his pride in his accomplishments but acknowledges the relief of retirement. Nadal, with his characteristic humor, recalls their first meeting in 2003, describing Federer as "a little bit arrogant."Federer remembers seeing Nadal's potential in Monte Carlo that same year, but it was Nadal's victory over him at the 2004 Miami Open that truly impressed him. "Rafa, with his playing style and attitude on court at a young, young age, was not like everybody else," Federer says.The Core Values campaign, which debuted in 2007, has featured legendary figures such as Muhammad Ali, Steffi Graf, and Sean Connery. Federer and Nadal's participation adds to the legacy of the campaign, embodying the idea that "There are Journeys that turn into Legends."

Yonex VCORE 98: A Powerhouse Racquet for Spin and ControlFor years, Paul has relied on the Yonex VCORE 98 to deliver exceptional performance on the court. This latest iteration, the seventh generation, boasts several enhancements that elevate its spin production and overall playability.The racquet's wider string pattern provides increased power and spin potential. The thinned tip facilitates faster swings, while the expanded sweet spot at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions enhances control and consistency. The silicone-infused grommets promote faster string snapback, resulting in greater string movement and enhanced spin generation.The VCORE 98's added flex offers a more forgiving feel at contact, creating a deeper pocket for improved ball control. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design allow for effortless acceleration and effortless power generation.New Balance Tournament Apparel: Style and PerformanceThe New Balance Tournament Top combines style and functionality with its unique neckline and fast-drying technology. The lightweight construction ensures comfort and breathability, while the side hem vents provide added freedom of movement.The Tournament Short complements the top with its moisture-wicking properties and stretch woven fabric. The elastic waistband and internal drawstring provide a customized fit, while the heritage-inspired sculpted ball pockets add a touch of style.New Balance Fresh Foam X CT-Rally: Stability and ComfortThe New Balance Fresh Foam X CT-Rally inherits the legacy of the Lav franchise, offering exceptional stability and comfort for players who prioritize substance and durability. The shoe's upper has been redesigned for a more adaptive fit without compromising support.The midsole features a full bed of Fresh Foam X, providing a cushioned and responsive ride. The shoe's stability is further enhanced by its sturdy construction, making it an ideal choice for players seeking a reliable and supportive footwear option.

Iga Swiatek's dominance on the WTA Tour continued unabated as she secured her third Internazionali BNL d'Italia title in Rome, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. The victory marked a significant milestone in her career, making her the first player to win four tour-level titles this year and the first to win both Madrid and Rome in the same year since 2013.Swiatek's triumph in Rome was a testament to her unwavering consistency and exceptional form. She has now won all four of her titles this year at WTA 1000 events, a feat that underscores her status as the world's top-ranked player. Her victory in Rome also marked her 10th WTA title overall, a testament to her remarkable rise in the sport.The match against Sabalenka was a rematch of their thrilling encounter in the Madrid final two weeks ago, where Swiatek prevailed in a nail-biting three-hour battle. However, in Rome, Swiatek displayed a clinical performance, controlling the match from start to finish. She broke Sabalenka's serve twice in the first set and once in the second set, securing the victory with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 scoreline.Swiatek's victory in Rome has further solidified her position as the favorite for the upcoming French Open. She has now won 21 tour-level titles in her career, including two Grand Slams, and her current form suggests that she is poised to add to her tally in Paris.

Nicolas Jarry, the 21st seed, has stormed into the final of the Rome Masters 1000, becoming the first Chilean player to reach this stage in 25 years. His impressive run has included three-set victories over Tommy Paul and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the reigning Monte Carlo champion.In the semifinals, Jarry faced a stern test against Paul, the 14th seed. After winning the first set comfortably, Jarry dropped the second in a tiebreaker. However, he regrouped and broke Paul's serve in the third set to take a 4-2 lead. Paul fought back to save two break points and level the set at 4-4, but Jarry remained composed and eventually sealed the victory with a forehand winner."I was not very happy at the end of the second set," Jarry admitted. "But I tried to use that energy to push myself and focus on my tennis. That gave me the break and more confidence to continue and close the match."Jarry's success in Rome is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has now won three Top 10 victories this season, including a quarterfinal triumph over Tsitsipas. The boisterous crowd at the Foro Italico has also played a role in his success, providing him with a boost of energy and motivation."Yesterday and today were amazing," said Jarry. "I was hoping it was going to be like yesterday. Yesterday was my first day in the stadium. It was quite a shock. But I enjoy this atmosphere, I like it."In the final, Jarry will face Alexander Zverev, the 2017 Rome champion. Zverev has won his past 18 matches against left-handers and is 21-11 lifetime in tour-level finals."He's a tough, tough guy to beat," Jarry said of Zverev. "Amazing backhand, good serve. He's playing very good tennis right now."Jarry will be hoping to become the first Chilean player to win a 1000-level title since Marcelo Rios in 1999. Rios won five 1000-level titles during his career, including the 1998 Rome Masters.

Swiatek and Sabalenka: A Rivalry on the RiseThe rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has been simmering for some time, but it may be about to reach a boiling point. The two players, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, respectively, are set to face off in the final of the Italian Open on Saturday, just two weeks after their epic three-hour battle in the Madrid final.While Swiatek has a 7-3 head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka, their matches have been anything but one-sided. In Madrid, Sabalenka had three match points but ultimately fell short in a third-set tiebreaker.The upcoming match in Rome is crucial for both players. Swiatek is looking to maintain her dominance and extend her winning streak to 29 matches. Sabalenka, on the other hand, is eager to avenge her Madrid defeat and claim her first title in Rome.The key to the match could lie in the surface. The slower conditions in Rome may favor Swiatek's more consistent groundstrokes over Sabalenka's raw power. However, Sabalenka's serve and return game could still pose a significant threat.Another factor to consider is the players' form. Swiatek has not dropped a set in Rome, while Sabalenka has played two three-setters and survived a third-set tiebreaker against Elina Svitolina. However, Sabalenka has had an extra day of rest, which could give her an advantage.Mentally, both players are determined to win. Sabalenka is eager to avoid another heartbreaking loss to Swiatek, while Swiatek wants to maintain her edge heading into the French Open.Ultimately, the winner of the Rome final may be the player who can best handle the pressure and execute their game plan. If Swiatek can continue her hot streak and neutralize Sabalenka's power, she will be the favorite. However, if Sabalenka can find a way to overcome her nerves and play aggressively, she could pull off an upset.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has unveiled a new all-black "Legend" racquet designed exclusively for him by Head. The racquet features a glossy black finish with flatter black detailing, paying homage to Djokovic's legendary status in tennis.Djokovic has been instrumental in developing the Speed line of racquets since becoming a Head ambassador in 2008. The Speed Legend is a testament to his close collaboration with Max Bauer, Head's global product manager of performance racquets."It is always special to create such a special racquet and this one specifically stands out because it combines many features that Novak loves," Bauer said. "The naming of the racquet also celebrates Novak's unique status in the tennis world."Djokovic's preference for stylish yet understated drama is evident in his new racquet. It complements his growing collection of all-black accessories, including the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang All Black Pavé watch he wore at the Laureus World Sports Awards.The Head Speed Legend is set for release on May 23 and will be Djokovic's racquet of choice until the end of his career. Tennis fans can catch a glimpse of the racquet in action at the Geneva Open, where Djokovic has received a last-minute wild card ahead of Roland Garros.