Iga Swiatek won the Rome Open on Saturday by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the final to claim her third Foro Italico title.

World number one Swiatek comfortably prevailed on second-ranked Sabalenka in the last major tournament before she defends her French Open crown.

In front of a packed centre court crowd Swiatek won her 36th match of the year and became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win at Madrid and Rome in the same season.

Swiatek will be the red-hot favourite to win her fourth title, and third in a row, at Roland Garros which starts later this month after besting Belarusian Sabalenka as she did at the recent Madrid final.

The Pole took her winning record over Sabalenka to 8-3 in another hugely impressive display from what has been an almost flawless tournament from the four-time Grand Slam champion, who didn't drop a single set on her way to championship victory.

Saturday's match was less dramatic than Madrid's three-set thriller as Sabalenka, who has won the two most recent Australian Opens, gave herself too much to do.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-mumbai-indians-coach-mark-boucher-reveals-what-next-for-rohit-sharma-722850">IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher reveals 'what next for Rohit Sharma'</a>

Swiatek took the opening set in just 36 minutes in a clinical display of tennis against Sabalenka, who has said repeatedly that Rome is her dream tournament to win.

Going into Saturday's final Swiatek had won 97 percent of her matches in which she went one set ahead since the start of 2022 and Sabalenka didn't help her cause by wasting seven break points over two games in the second set.

And after Swiatek broke Sabalenka's serve in game seven it was only a matter of time before she closed out the match and championship.

Iga Swiatek won the Rome Open on Saturday by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the final to claim her third Foro Italico title. World number one Swiatek comfortably prevailed on second-ranked Sabalenka in the last major tournament before she defends her French Open crown.

Iga Swiatek won the Rome Open on Saturday by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the final to claim her third Foro Italico title. World number one Swiatek comfortably prevailed on second-ranked Sabalenka in the last major tournament before she defends her French Open crown. In front of a packed centre court crowd Swiatek won her 36th match of the year and became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win at Madrid and Rome in the same season. Swiatek will be the red-hot favourite to win her fourth title, and third in a row, at Roland Garros which starts later this month after besting Belarusian Sabalenka as she did at the recent Madrid final. The Pole took her winning record over Sabalenka to 8-3 in another hugely impressive display from what has been an almost flawless tournament from the four-time Grand Slam champion, who didn't drop a single set on her way to championship victory. Saturday's match was less dramatic than Madrid's three-set thriller as Sabalenka, who has won the two most recent Australian Opens, gave herself too much to do. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher reveals 'what next for Rohit Sharma' Swiatek took the opening set in just 36 minutes in a clinical display of tennis against Sabalenka, who has said repeatedly that Rome is her dream tournament to win. Going into Saturday's final Swiatek had won 97 percent of her matches in which she went one set ahead since the start of 2022 and Sabalenka didn't help her cause by wasting seven break points over two games in the second set. And after Swiatek broke Sabalenka's serve in game seven it was only a matter of time before she closed out the match and championship.

Iga Swiatek demolishes Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka to win third Rome title

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FTF) announced the name of players who will be receiving the wild cards on Tuesday (May 14).

Venus Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion, is a former finalist&nbsp;at Roland Garros. She, however, hasn't played at the French Open since 2021. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem is also a former finalist at the French Open. Thiem has already announced his retirement at the end of ongoing season owing to a longtime wrist injury.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/raphael-varane-to-leave-manchester-united-at-the-end-of-season-721402">Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at the end of season</a>

Halep, who returned to the competitive tennis in March earlier year after her doping ban time period was reduced, has won the prestigious tournament in 2018 alongside 2019 Wimbledon as well.&nbsp;

Wozniacki, who ended her three-year long retirement in August last year, has been a quarterfinalist at the French Open twice. Wozniacki has 2018 Australian Open title to her name as a notable trophy.

British national Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open and became the first qualifier in the Open Era history to a grand slam, has featured in French Open only once in 2022 which ended in second round.

However, Thiem, Wozniacki and Raducanu can still earn a place at the Roland Garros via qualifying round which starts on Monday (May 20). The main draw will start on May 26 with Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic being the women's singles and men's singles defending champions.

Among the French players who received the wild cards are: Alize Cornet, Fiona Ferro, Kristina Mladenovic, Richard Gasquet, Harold Mayot and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Two Americans Sachia Vickery and Nicolas Moreno de Alboran also got a place in the main draw owing to a mutual agreement between FTF and its US counterpart.

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open.

Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu highlighted the list of players who missed out on a wild card for the upcoming French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FTF) announced the name of players who will be receiving the wild cards on Tuesday (May 14). Venus Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion, is a former finalist at Roland Garros. She, however, hasn't played at the French Open since 2021. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem is also a former finalist at the French Open. Thiem has already announced his retirement at the end of ongoing season owing to a longtime wrist injury. Also Read: Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at the end of season Halep, who returned to the competitive tennis in March earlier year after her doping ban time period was reduced, has won the prestigious tournament in 2018 alongside 2019 Wimbledon as well. Wozniacki, who ended her three-year long retirement in August last year, has been a quarterfinalist at the French Open twice. Wozniacki has 2018 Australian Open title to her name as a notable trophy. British national Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open and became the first qualifier in the Open Era history to a grand slam, has featured in French Open only once in 2022 which ended in second round. However, Thiem, Wozniacki and Raducanu can still earn a place at the Roland Garros via qualifying round which starts on Monday (May 20). The main draw will start on May 26 with Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic being the women's singles and men's singles defending champions. Among the French players who received the wild cards are: Alize Cornet, Fiona Ferro, Kristina Mladenovic, Richard Gasquet, Harold Mayot and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Two Americans Sachia Vickery and Nicolas Moreno de Alboran also got a place in the main draw owing to a mutual agreement between FTF and its US counterpart.

French Open 2024: Simona Halep, Venus Williams, Dominic Thiem miss out on wild cards

Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the Italian Open on Sunday could prove to be a decisive moment in the race for the world number one spot, as the top-ranked Serb prepares for his French Open title defence with Jannik Sinner poised to leapfrog him. Two days after accidentally being hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs in Rome, an off-colour Djokovic crashed to his earliest defeat in the tournament he has won six times after a 6-2 6-3 third-round thrashing by Alejandro Tabilo.

Djokovic will remain 1,090 points ahead of Sinner before the year's second Grand Slam begins on May 26, but the 36-year-old is on shaky ground as he will be defending 2,000 points in Paris and winning the title may not be enough to stay on top.

"It was a very unfortunate, unlucky situation ... that guy leaned over the fence, and the bottle dropped from his rucksack and landed on my head," Djokovic said, reflecting on the freak accident that hurt his chances to pull away from Sinner. "It was unexpected. I wasn't even looking up. Then I felt a very strong hit in the head. That has really impacted me. After that I got the medical care. Been through half-an-hour, an hour of nausea, dizziness, blood,&nbsp;a lot of different things."

"I managed to sleep okay. I had headaches. Yesterday was fine, so I thought it's okay. Maybe it's okay. Maybe it's not. "The way I felt on the court was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes. No rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It's a bit concerning."

With only six matches on clay, Djokovic will be slightly undercooked as he heads to Paris in search of a record 25th Grand Slam title. Even if Djokovic goes on to win at Roland Garros, Sinner could rise to world number one for the first time on June 10 by reaching the championship match.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chiles-tabilo-stuns-tennis-world-with-shock-win-over-novak-djokovic-in-italian-open-third-round-720744">Chile's Tabilo stuns tennis world with shock win over Novak Djokovic in Italian Open third round</a>

The 22-year-old Sinner, who skipped Rome with a hip injury sustained in Madrid, will be defending only 45 points in Paris but faces a race against time to be fully fit. Djokovic had endured a bumpy season even before the bottle incident as the Serb's bid for a record-extending 11th title at the Australian Open was snuffed out by eventual champion Sinner in the semi-finals.

He then fell to lucky loser Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells third round before being outlasted by Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semi-finals, sparking fear among fans that his aura of invincibility was slowly fading.

Despite winning three out of the four Grand Slams last year, Djokovic split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic and fitness coach Marco Panichi in a bid to rediscover his best form ahead of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics.

Talk of terminal decline may still be premature and Djokovic could silence critics by winning a fourth title at the claycourt major, but he admitted things must improve fast after reaching May without a trophy for the first time since 2018. "Everything needs to be better in order for me to have at least a chance to win it," said Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the Italian Open on Sunday could prove to be a decisive moment in the race for the world number one spot, as the top-ranked Serb prepares for his French Open title defence with Jannik Sinner poised to leapfrog him.

Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the Italian Open on Sunday could prove to be a decisive moment in the race for the world number one spot, as the top-ranked Serb prepares for his French Open title defence with Jannik Sinner poised to leapfrog him. Two days after accidentally being hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs in Rome, an off-colour Djokovic crashed to his earliest defeat in the tournament he has won six times after a 6-2 6-3 third-round thrashing by Alejandro Tabilo. Djokovic will remain 1,090 points ahead of Sinner before the year's second Grand Slam begins on May 26, but the 36-year-old is on shaky ground as he will be defending 2,000 points in Paris and winning the title may not be enough to stay on top. "It was a very unfortunate, unlucky situation ... that guy leaned over the fence, and the bottle dropped from his rucksack and landed on my head," Djokovic said, reflecting on the freak accident that hurt his chances to pull away from Sinner. "It was unexpected. I wasn't even looking up. Then I felt a very strong hit in the head. That has really impacted me. After that I got the medical care. Been through half-an-hour, an hour of nausea, dizziness, blood, a lot of different things." "I managed to sleep okay. I had headaches. Yesterday was fine, so I thought it's okay. Maybe it's okay. Maybe it's not. "The way I felt on the court was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes. No rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It's a bit concerning." With only six matches on clay, Djokovic will be slightly undercooked as he heads to Paris in search of a record 25th Grand Slam title. Even if Djokovic goes on to win at Roland Garros, Sinner could rise to world number one for the first time on June 10 by reaching the championship match. Also read: Chile's Tabilo stuns tennis world with shock win over Novak Djokovic in Italian Open third round The 22-year-old Sinner, who skipped Rome with a hip injury sustained in Madrid, will be defending only 45 points in Paris but faces a race against time to be fully fit. Djokovic had endured a bumpy season even before the bottle incident as the Serb's bid for a record-extending 11th title at the Australian Open was snuffed out by eventual champion Sinner in the semi-finals. He then fell to lucky loser Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells third round before being outlasted by Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semi-finals, sparking fear among fans that his aura of invincibility was slowly fading. Despite winning three out of the four Grand Slams last year, Djokovic split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic and fitness coach Marco Panichi in a bid to rediscover his best form ahead of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics. Talk of terminal decline may still be premature and Djokovic could silence critics by winning a fourth title at the claycourt major, but he admitted things must improve fast after reaching May without a trophy for the first time since 2018. "Everything needs to be better in order for me to have at least a chance to win it," said Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic's Rome exit opens door for Jannik Sinner to attain top ranking at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal survived a tough scare from Belgian qualifier&nbsp;Zizou Bergs to go past the opening round in the Italian Open on Thursday (May 9). Going down in the first set 4-6, Nadal had a herculean task ahead but the former world number one was up for the challenge and came back in style to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4&nbsp;in a match that lasted over&nbsp;more than 3 hours.

Nadal, the 10-time Italian Open champion who is on the road to a comeback following a plethora of injuries, wasn't at his best which gave a good chance to the 24-year-old. The Spaniard&nbsp;struggled&nbsp;with his movement and pace in the opening set, however, the experienced player&nbsp;found his footing and his signature fighting spirit in the next two sets. The turning point proved to be when Nadal broke Bergs' serve in the third game of the second set, paving the way for&nbsp;a thrilling comeback.

Talking about the third set, it saw both players exchanging breaks and displaying their grit and determination. Nadal's experience and fighting spirit proved to be the difference as he won&nbsp;4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to move ahead in the Italian Open,&nbsp;Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/clinical-atalanta-thrash-marseille-3-0-to-reach-europa-league-final-719890">Clinical Atalanta thrash Marseille 3-0 to reach Europa League final</a>

After the match, Nadal said, "It was not my best match. I was practising better than how I played today without a doubt but I found a way to win."

"That is so important at the beginning of the tournament. My game is more unpredictable than before. I didn't play much tennis for the past two years, so it is up and down. I think I can do much better than I did today and hope I can do it in the next round," he added.

Nadal will now lock horns with&nbsp;Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, facing the seventh seed for the first time in his decade-long&nbsp;career. The Spanish maestro will be eager to make a strong statement in the Italian Open&nbsp;ahead of the French Open which kicks off later this month.

Rafael Nadal survived a tough scare from Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs to go past the opening round in the Italian Open on Thursday (May 9). Going down in the first set 4-6, Nadal had a herculean task ahead but the former world number one was up for the challenge and came back in style to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that lasted over more than 3 hours.

Rafael Nadal survived a tough scare from Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs to go past the opening round in the Italian Open on Thursday (May 9). Going down in the first set 4-6, Nadal had a herculean task ahead but the former world number one was up for the challenge and came back in style to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that lasted over more than 3 hours. Nadal, the 10-time Italian Open champion who is on the road to a comeback following a plethora of injuries, wasn't at his best which gave a good chance to the 24-year-old. The Spaniard struggled with his movement and pace in the opening set, however, the experienced player found his footing and his signature fighting spirit in the next two sets. The turning point proved to be when Nadal broke Bergs' serve in the third game of the second set, paving the way for a thrilling comeback. Talking about the third set, it saw both players exchanging breaks and displaying their grit and determination. Nadal's experience and fighting spirit proved to be the difference as he won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to move ahead in the Italian Open, Masters 1000 tournament in Rome. Also read: Clinical Atalanta thrash Marseille 3-0 to reach Europa League final After the match, Nadal said, "It was not my best match. I was practising better than how I played today without a doubt but I found a way to win." "That is so important at the beginning of the tournament. My game is more unpredictable than before. I didn't play much tennis for the past two years, so it is up and down. I think I can do much better than I did today and hope I can do it in the next round," he added. Nadal will now lock horns with Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, facing the seventh seed for the first time in his decade-long career. The Spanish maestro will be eager to make a strong statement in the Italian Open ahead of the French Open which kicks off later this month.

Rafael Nadal survives scare from Belgium qualifier Zizou Bergs to pass Italian Open first round

Austria's&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Thiem, former US Open champion, announced his retirement from the sport on Friday, ending a career plagued by a long-term wrist injury.

The 30-year-old's career has nose-dived since his crowning moment in 2020, when Thiem beat Alexander Zverev in that year's pandemic-affected US Open final held behind closed doors.

"The season 2024 is gonna be my last one. I am gonna finish my career with the end of this season," Thiem said in a video statement posted on social media.

Thiem said several reasons had influenced his decision to retire, mainly his injured wrist and his "inner feeling" that had caused him to "very carefully" reflect on the ups and downs of his "incredible... journey as a tennis player".&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said he had thought about the decision to end his career "for a very long time".

"I am very happy with it (decision) and I am also super excited for everything what is coming next," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once the world number three, Thiem's ranking plummeted to 352 in June 2022 after a wrist injury sidelined him for nine months and prevented him from defending his US Open title.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jay-shah-puts-blame-on-chief-selector-agarkar-for-dropping-ishan-kishan-shreyas-iyer-from-bccis-contract-720084">'Decision lies with Agarkar': Jay Shah on Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan's omission from BCCI contract</a>

He is currently ranked 117th.

Over the course of his career, Thiem won 17 tournaments, including the US Open in 2020.

Twice a finalist at the French Open and once at the Australian Open, Thiem has also contested two finals at the Masters in London that brings together the season's eight best players.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic praised Thiem earlier this week, saying the Austrian had "always shown respect on the court and always took the time to say hello", according to APA press agency.

"I really like&nbsp;Dominic. We all know how hard it is to come back (after an injury)," Djokovic was quoted as saying.

Austria's Dominic Thiem, former US Open champion, announced his retirement from the sport on Friday, ending a career plagued by a long-term wrist injury. The 30-year-old's career has nose-dived since his crowning moment in 2020, when Thiem beat Alexander Zverev in that year's pandemic-affected US Open final held behind closed doors.

Austria's Dominic Thiem, former US Open champion, announced his retirement from the sport on Friday, ending a career plagued by a long-term wrist injury. The 30-year-old's career has nose-dived since his crowning moment in 2020, when Thiem beat Alexander Zverev in that year's pandemic-affected US Open final held behind closed doors. "The season 2024 is gonna be my last one. I am gonna finish my career with the end of this season," Thiem said in a video statement posted on social media. Thiem said several reasons had influenced his decision to retire, mainly his injured wrist and his "inner feeling" that had caused him to "very carefully" reflect on the ups and downs of his "incredible... journey as a tennis player". He said he had thought about the decision to end his career "for a very long time". "I am very happy with it (decision) and I am also super excited for everything what is coming next," he said. Once the world number three, Thiem's ranking plummeted to 352 in June 2022 after a wrist injury sidelined him for nine months and prevented him from defending his US Open title. ALSO READ | 'Decision lies with Agarkar': Jay Shah on Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan's omission from BCCI contract He is currently ranked 117th. Over the course of his career, Thiem won 17 tournaments, including the US Open in 2020. Twice a finalist at the French Open and once at the Australian Open, Thiem has also contested two finals at the Masters in London that brings together the season's eight best players. Serbia's Novak Djokovic praised Thiem earlier this week, saying the Austrian had "always shown respect on the court and always took the time to say hello", according to APA press agency. "I really like Dominic. We all know how hard it is to come back (after an injury)," Djokovic was quoted as saying.

Austria's former US Open winner Dominic Thiem to retire at end of season

Rafa Nadal said on Wednesday (May 8) that he hopes his body will allow him to keep playing as he looks ahead to the French Open and Olympics this summer.

The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury.

He was then out for another stretch due to a thigh issue and returned in Barcelona last month.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-kevin-pietersen-demands-australian-govt-apologise-to-novak-djokovic-amid-astrazeneca-row-719411">After AstraZeneca row, Kevin Pietersen says Australian govt should apologise to Novak Djokovic</a>

Speaking in Rome ahead of his Italian Open match against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, Nadal said he still enjoys playing tennis but has to manage his body carefully.

"I am happy doing what I am doing, when I'm talking about retirement it's not because I am not happy any more playing tennis or not because I am not feeling myself competitive enough, that's not the case, it's about the body was not able to play weeks in a row, was not able to allow me to practice and enjoy the practices in a daily basis," Nadal said, adding that a month ago he could not have believed it possible that he has returned to the court so quickly.

Nadal also spoke about the injury risks that top players face due to their workloads, with young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner missing in Rome due to injury.

"If we want to talk about why people get injured I tell you very clear, when you push your body to the limit you get injured in the end, when the game is faster and faster and faster you get injured, when you play most of the year on hard courts where the surfaces are tougher for the body, you get injured. So that's the simple answer."

The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion enters the Italian Open unseeded and ranked 305 in the world.

Rafa Nadal said on Wednesday (May 8) that he hopes his body will allow him to keep playing as he looks ahead to the French Open and Olympics this summer. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury.

Rafa Nadal said on Wednesday (May 8) that he hopes his body will allow him to keep playing as he looks ahead to the French Open and Olympics this summer. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury. He was then out for another stretch due to a thigh issue and returned in Barcelona last month. Also Read: After AstraZeneca row, Kevin Pietersen says Australian govt should apologise to Novak Djokovic Speaking in Rome ahead of his Italian Open match against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, Nadal said he still enjoys playing tennis but has to manage his body carefully. "I am happy doing what I am doing, when I'm talking about retirement it's not because I am not happy any more playing tennis or not because I am not feeling myself competitive enough, that's not the case, it's about the body was not able to play weeks in a row, was not able to allow me to practice and enjoy the practices in a daily basis," Nadal said, adding that a month ago he could not have believed it possible that he has returned to the court so quickly. Nadal also spoke about the injury risks that top players face due to their workloads, with young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner missing in Rome due to injury. "If we want to talk about why people get injured I tell you very clear, when you push your body to the limit you get injured in the end, when the game is faster and faster and faster you get injured, when you play most of the year on hard courts where the surfaces are tougher for the body, you get injured. So that's the simple answer." The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion enters the Italian Open unseeded and ranked 305 in the world.

Rafael Nadal 'hopes his body will allow' to play in French Open

Former player Andy Roddick has questioned Rafael Nadal's doubts over his participation at the 2024 French Open, which kicks off later this month.&nbsp;This year's French Open is likely to be Nadal's final appearance at the clay court major, the 14-time Roland Garros champion has remained tight lipped on his participation in the second Grand Slam of the year, even stating that the 'world does not end with Roland Garros'.

Amid all this, Roddick recently shared his take on Nadal's uncertainty, remaining sceptical about the possibility of the former world number one skipping the French Open and highlighting his tendency to 'underpromise and overdeliver'.

Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick' podcast, "At the beginning of the tournament he said, ‘if I feel the way that I feel physically right now with confidence, not knowing what I have, I don’t know if I’ll play Roland Garros.’ I tend to not believe that. I think he’s the master of under promising and over delivering."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-andrey-rublev-battles-serious-illness-to-win-madrid-open-title-718335">Tennis: Andrey Rublev battles ‘serious illness’ to win Madrid Open title</a>

He further opined, "During his prime, he’d be going into like the first round of Roland Garros against someone ranked like 70 in the world and be like, 'I don’t know it could go either way." Roddick added, "I used to not really believe that, I’d go like full Davenport violent eye roll when he would say it but then I honestly think he just works from a place of this could go wrong, I’m going to hustle my way to make it not so and give my best effort."

Nadal underwent a hip surgery in 2023 and missed most of the season, including the French Open. Back then, he indicated that 2024 can be his last season. He missed the Australian Open and has played just a few competitions, including the Barcelona and Madrid Open, is running against time to regain full fitness for the Roland Garros, which kicks off on May 20. He has earned direct entry into the French Open main draw via protected rankings.

Former player Andy Roddick has questioned Rafael Nadal's doubts over his participation at the 2024 French Open, which kicks off later this month. This year's French Open is likely to be Nadal's final appearance at the clay court major, the 14-time Roland Garros champion has remained tight lipped on his participation in the second Grand Slam of the year, even stating that the 'world does not end with Roland Garros'.

Former player Andy Roddick has questioned Rafael Nadal's doubts over his participation at the 2024 French Open, which kicks off later this month. This year's French Open is likely to be Nadal's final appearance at the clay court major, the 14-time Roland Garros champion has remained tight lipped on his participation in the second Grand Slam of the year, even stating that the 'world does not end with Roland Garros'. Amid all this, Roddick recently shared his take on Nadal's uncertainty, remaining sceptical about the possibility of the former world number one skipping the French Open and highlighting his tendency to 'underpromise and overdeliver'. Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick' podcast, "At the beginning of the tournament he said, ‘if I feel the way that I feel physically right now with confidence, not knowing what I have, I don’t know if I’ll play Roland Garros.’ I tend to not believe that. I think he’s the master of under promising and over delivering." Also read: Tennis: Andrey Rublev battles ‘serious illness’ to win Madrid Open title He further opined, "During his prime, he’d be going into like the first round of Roland Garros against someone ranked like 70 in the world and be like, 'I don’t know it could go either way." Roddick added, "I used to not really believe that, I’d go like full Davenport violent eye roll when he would say it but then I honestly think he just works from a place of this could go wrong, I’m going to hustle my way to make it not so and give my best effort." Nadal underwent a hip surgery in 2023 and missed most of the season, including the French Open. Back then, he indicated that 2024 can be his last season. He missed the Australian Open and has played just a few competitions, including the Barcelona and Madrid Open, is running against time to regain full fitness for the Roland Garros, which kicks off on May 20. He has earned direct entry into the French Open main draw via protected rankings.

‘He’s master of underpromising & overdelivering’: Roddick on Nadal’s doubts about French Open participation

On Wednesday (May 1), top-seeded Jannik Sinner withdrew from the ongoing Madrid Open, in Spain, due to a hip injury. Sinner went past Karen Khachanov in the fourth round and was set to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals on Thursday (May 2).

However, he has left the tournament midway with an injury crisis -- just few weeks before the upcoming French Open.&nbsp;

<h2>'My hip has been bothering me'</h2>

World number two Sinner said on social media, "Very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid."

"My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful. Taking the advice from the doctors we decided it's best to not play further and make it worse."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-flawless-andrey-rublev-knocks-out-champion-carlos-alcaraz-to-move-into-madrid-semis-717186">Tennis: Flawless Andrey Rublev knocks out champion Carlos Alcaraz to move into Madrid semis</a>

The 22-year-old was expected to play in Rome before the French Open, which kicks off&nbsp;later this month.

However, his withdrawal seems like a wise decision as the in-form Italian player will be eager to regain full fitness ahead of the second Grand Slam of the calendar year.

It is to be noted that the 2024 Australian Open winner holds a 28-2 record this season. He&nbsp;was making his third appearance in Madrid before quitting midway with injury concerns.

With Sinner pulling out, Auger-Aliassime will play in his first ATP 1000 semifinal since Paris in 2022. The Canadian will now lock horns with either third-seeded Daniil Medvedev or 30th-seeded Jiri Lehecka.&nbsp;

Carlos Alcaraz also bowed out of the Madrid Open, on Wednesday, after losing to Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals.

He went down&nbsp;4-6 6-3 6-2 in front of his home crowd as Rublev will now face American Taylor Fritz in Friday's semifinal clash.&nbsp;

On Wednesday (May 1), top-seeded Jannik Sinner withdrew from the ongoing Madrid Open, in Spain, due to a hip injury. Sinner went past Karen Khachanov in the fourth round and was set to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals on Thursday (May 2).

On Wednesday (May 1), top-seeded Jannik Sinner withdrew from the ongoing Madrid Open, in Spain, due to a hip injury. Sinner went past Karen Khachanov in the fourth round and was set to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals on Thursday (May 2). However, he has left the tournament midway with an injury crisis -- just few weeks before the upcoming French Open. 'My hip has been bothering me' World number two Sinner said on social media, "Very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid." "My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful. Taking the advice from the doctors we decided it's best to not play further and make it worse." Also read: Tennis: Flawless Andrey Rublev knocks out champion Carlos Alcaraz to move into Madrid semis The 22-year-old was expected to play in Rome before the French Open, which kicks off later this month. However, his withdrawal seems like a wise decision as the in-form Italian player will be eager to regain full fitness ahead of the second Grand Slam of the calendar year. It is to be noted that the 2024 Australian Open winner holds a 28-2 record this season. He was making his third appearance in Madrid before quitting midway with injury concerns. With Sinner pulling out, Auger-Aliassime will play in his first ATP 1000 semifinal since Paris in 2022. The Canadian will now lock horns with either third-seeded Daniil Medvedev or 30th-seeded Jiri Lehecka. Carlos Alcaraz also bowed out of the Madrid Open, on Wednesday, after losing to Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. He went down 4-6 6-3 6-2 in front of his home crowd as Rublev will now face American Taylor Fritz in Friday's semifinal clash.

Tennis: Jannik Sinner withdraws from Madrid Open with hip injury ahead of Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz said he is playing pain-free at the Madrid Open following an arm injury that derailed the start of his claycourt season but the defending champion still has some lingering doubts about his forehand. The 20-year-old successfully defended his Indian Wells title last month and then reached the Miami Open quarter-finals before injuring his right forearm during a practice session in Monaco.

Alcaraz, who missed the Monte Carlo and Barcelona tournaments before making a comeback in Madrid, said he had tweaked his style slightly on the advice of his coach "Juanqui" - Juan Carlos Ferrero. "When I want to hit a forehand hard, I'm asking myself how the arm will react. It's there in my mind," the world number three said after beating Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3 6-3 in the third round on Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-houston-texans-wr-tank-dell-injured-in-shooting-at-event-in-florida-716143">Houston Texans WR Tank Dell injured in shooting at event in Florida</a>

"Juanqui tells me to go with a relaxed hand and that's what I do. "I still don't trust 100% the forearm. I have doubts, it's just in my head. I love competing, so from time to time I want to go hard and I think about it. "I can't say that I play at a lower percentage, I play differently. You're used to seeing me push my forehand to 200% several times in matches. Juanqui tells me I don't need to go that far. "I'm happy with my game and with the ball's trajectory. I'm moving well, feeling good and I have no pain. I just need time to let these thoughts go away."

The second-seeded Spaniard, who is seeking a third straight trophy in Madrid ahead of next month's French Open, next plays Jan-Lennard Struff in a rematch of last year's title clash.

Carlos Alcaraz said he is playing pain-free at the Madrid Open following an arm injury that derailed the start of his claycourt season but the defending champion still has some lingering doubts about his forehand.

Carlos Alcaraz said he is playing pain-free at the Madrid Open following an arm injury that derailed the start of his claycourt season but the defending champion still has some lingering doubts about his forehand. The 20-year-old successfully defended his Indian Wells title last month and then reached the Miami Open quarter-finals before injuring his right forearm during a practice session in Monaco. Alcaraz, who missed the Monte Carlo and Barcelona tournaments before making a comeback in Madrid, said he had tweaked his style slightly on the advice of his coach "Juanqui" - Juan Carlos Ferrero. "When I want to hit a forehand hard, I'm asking myself how the arm will react. It's there in my mind," the world number three said after beating Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3 6-3 in the third round on Sunday. Also read: Houston Texans WR Tank Dell injured in shooting at event in Florida "Juanqui tells me to go with a relaxed hand and that's what I do. "I still don't trust 100% the forearm. I have doubts, it's just in my head. I love competing, so from time to time I want to go hard and I think about it. "I can't say that I play at a lower percentage, I play differently. You're used to seeing me push my forehand to 200% several times in matches. Juanqui tells me I don't need to go that far. "I'm happy with my game and with the ball's trajectory. I'm moving well, feeling good and I have no pain. I just need time to let these thoughts go away." The second-seeded Spaniard, who is seeking a third straight trophy in Madrid ahead of next month's French Open, next plays Jan-Lennard Struff in a rematch of last year's title clash.

Tennis: Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz playing pain-free but hasn't regained full trust in forehand

Naomi Osaka picked up her first win on clay in two years on Wednesday (Apr 24) and while the former world number one is adapting to the slower surface ahead of the French Open she has no plans to abandon the power game that brought her four Grand Slam titles.

Naomi Osaka picked up her first win on clay in two years on Wednesday (Apr 24) and while the former world number one is adapting to the slower surface ahead of the French Open she has no plans to abandon the power game that brought her four Grand Slam titles. Osaka, who returned to action in January after a 15-month maternity break, has enjoyed huge success thanks to her powerful baseline game but the Japanese player has struggled on clay. Her first match of the season on the surface ended in an opening-round loss to Martina Trevisan at Rouen last week but she responded with a 6-4 6-1 win over Greet Minnen at the Madrid Open on Wednesday. "I slid a couple of times to my forehand pretty well, so I was excited about that," Osaka told reporters. "She was hitting really good drop shots, but I think I got to a couple quite well. Movement-wise I'm feeling a lot more comfortable. "I want to adapt and I'm trying to, but there are things that work for me and have gotten me to where I am, so I don't want to start slicing and dicing. Also read | Tennis: Jannik Sinner not heaping pressure on himself with top ranking in sight ahead of Madrid Open "There's a basis to my game and I want to stick to that, but also respect the court. It's a work in progress for me, but I'm watching a lot more matches on clay. I'm trying to do my homework as best as I can." Osaka, who is now ranked 197th in the world, has never made it to a final on clay and has failed to advance beyond the third round at Roland Garros. "I'd like to win a tournament on clay," said Osaka, who meets Liudmila Samsonova next in Madrid. "It would be very ironic but also hilarious if my first tournament (win of the comeback) would be on clay." The French Open begins on May 26.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka registers first win of season on clay in preparation of French Open

Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he will only play at the upcoming French Open if he feels "capable enough to compete well".

The 14-time Roland Garros champion conceded that if the action in Paris were to kick off today, he would not be able to participate but vowed to keep fighting for the chance to play at his most successful tournament one last time.

"I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks. I will keep fighting and doing the things I believe I have to do so I can try to play in Paris, and if I can play, I play, if I can’t, I can’t," the former world number one told reporters at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

"I will not play in Paris if I am the way I am now. If Paris were today, I wouldn’t take to the court. That’s the reality. I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pl-erling-haaland-to-miss-brighton-game-but-guardiola-says-injury-not-serious-714607">PL: Erling Haaland to miss Brighton game but Guardiola says injury not serious</a>

Nadal returned to tennis in Brisbane in January after spending almost an entire year on the sidelines nursing a psoas injury. But his comeback was short-lived as he sustained a muscle problem in Australia and has competed in just five matches so far this season.

<h2>- Not 100% -</h2>

The Spaniard kicked off his clay campaign in Barcelona last week, where he lost in the second round and is set to face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in his Madrid opener on Thursday.

"I don’t think I’m ready to play at my 100 per cent but I’m prepared to go out and play tomorrow. It’s important for me to play one last time here in Madrid, for me it means a lot," said the 37-year-old Nadal.

As he attempts to resume his ‘Last Dance’ in Madrid and say goodbye to one of his favourite tournaments on court, rather than on the sidelines, the 22-time major champion admits his farewell tour hasn’t been as enjoyable as he would have hoped.

"A few weeks ago, I didn't know if I will be able to play again on the professional tour, so today I am playing," he added. "It's not perfect, of course not perfect, but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again, especially in the few tournaments that are so emotional for me. I'm able to enjoy the fact that I can say probably good-bye on court."

Nadal says he’s hitting the ball well when he is able to be on court but "it's about more body limitations. I went through a lot of things last year and a half, two years".

"So body feelings are not enough good to feel myself playing with freedom enough in terms of body issues. That's not allowing me to compete the way that I would like to compete."

Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he will only play at the upcoming French Open if he feels "capable enough to compete well". The 14-time Roland Garros champion conceded that if the action in Paris were to kick off today, he would not be able to participate but vowed to keep fighting for the chance to play at his most successful tournament one last time.

Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he will only play at the upcoming French Open if he feels "capable enough to compete well". The 14-time Roland Garros champion conceded that if the action in Paris were to kick off today, he would not be able to participate but vowed to keep fighting for the chance to play at his most successful tournament one last time. "I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next three weeks. I will keep fighting and doing the things I believe I have to do so I can try to play in Paris, and if I can play, I play, if I can’t, I can’t," the former world number one told reporters at the Madrid Open on Wednesday. "I will not play in Paris if I am the way I am now. If Paris were today, I wouldn’t take to the court. That’s the reality. I will only play in Paris if I feel capable enough to compete well." ALSO READ: PL: Erling Haaland to miss Brighton game but Guardiola says injury not serious Nadal returned to tennis in Brisbane in January after spending almost an entire year on the sidelines nursing a psoas injury. But his comeback was short-lived as he sustained a muscle problem in Australia and has competed in just five matches so far this season. - Not 100% - The Spaniard kicked off his clay campaign in Barcelona last week, where he lost in the second round and is set to face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in his Madrid opener on Thursday. "I don’t think I’m ready to play at my 100 per cent but I’m prepared to go out and play tomorrow. It’s important for me to play one last time here in Madrid, for me it means a lot," said the 37-year-old Nadal. As he attempts to resume his ‘Last Dance’ in Madrid and say goodbye to one of his favourite tournaments on court, rather than on the sidelines, the 22-time major champion admits his farewell tour hasn’t been as enjoyable as he would have hoped. "A few weeks ago, I didn't know if I will be able to play again on the professional tour, so today I am playing," he added. "It's not perfect, of course not perfect, but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again, especially in the few tournaments that are so emotional for me. I'm able to enjoy the fact that I can say probably good-bye on court." Nadal says he’s hitting the ball well when he is able to be on court but "it's about more body limitations. I went through a lot of things last year and a half, two years". "So body feelings are not enough good to feel myself playing with freedom enough in terms of body issues. That's not allowing me to compete the way that I would like to compete."

Rafael Nadal willing to play 2024 French Open but only if he can ‘compete well’

World number three Coco Gauff is full of optimism heading into the claycourt season as she targets a first French Open crown but the American said her immediate focus was on ending her trophy drought on the surface over the coming weeks. Gauff last won a title on clay at the Emilia-Romagna Open in 2021, a year before losing in the Roland Garros final to Iga Swiatek.

The 20-year-old will have the chance to end that barren run in Stuttgart this week, with tournaments in Madrid and Rome also on the horizon before the second Grand Slam of the year. "For the clay season this year, I'm really optimistic," she told reporters ahead of her match against fellow American Sachia Vickery later on Wednesday. "Obviously the goal is to win the French Open, but that's every season for any top player. Your goals should be to try to win the big tournaments.

"But I'm not looking at French Open right now. I'm focused on Stuttgart. I want to try to win Madrid or Rome or here ... I just want to get a recent clay title under my belt. So any of the ones along the next couple weeks would be nice."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-mercedes-announces-a-whopping-turnover-for-2023-season-712175">Formula One: Mercedes announces a WHOPPING turnover for 2023 season</a>

The U.S. Open champion has added former coach Jean-Cristophe Faurel to her team alongside Brad Gilbert, as she looks to claim a second Grand Slam crown. Gauff has posted good results on clay with Faurel in her corner, notably winning the 2018 Roland Garros junior title.

"It's nice to have someone on my team that knows me since I was young and knows me well," added Gauff, who stopped working with the Frenchman in 2020. "So I'm really excited to have him back on the team."

The French Open main draw will begin on May 26. Gauff reached the quarter-finals last year.

World number three Coco Gauff is full of optimism heading into the claycourt season as she targets a first French Open crown but the American said her immediate focus was on ending her trophy drought on the surface over the coming weeks.

World number three Coco Gauff is full of optimism heading into the claycourt season as she targets a first French Open crown but the American said her immediate focus was on ending her trophy drought on the surface over the coming weeks. Gauff last won a title on clay at the Emilia-Romagna Open in 2021, a year before losing in the Roland Garros final to Iga Swiatek. The 20-year-old will have the chance to end that barren run in Stuttgart this week, with tournaments in Madrid and Rome also on the horizon before the second Grand Slam of the year. "For the clay season this year, I'm really optimistic," she told reporters ahead of her match against fellow American Sachia Vickery later on Wednesday. "Obviously the goal is to win the French Open, but that's every season for any top player. Your goals should be to try to win the big tournaments. "But I'm not looking at French Open right now. I'm focused on Stuttgart. I want to try to win Madrid or Rome or here ... I just want to get a recent clay title under my belt. So any of the ones along the next couple weeks would be nice." Also read: Formula One: Mercedes announces a WHOPPING turnover for 2023 season The U.S. Open champion has added former coach Jean-Cristophe Faurel to her team alongside Brad Gilbert, as she looks to claim a second Grand Slam crown. Gauff has posted good results on clay with Faurel in her corner, notably winning the 2018 Roland Garros junior title. "It's nice to have someone on my team that knows me since I was young and knows me well," added Gauff, who stopped working with the Frenchman in 2020. "So I'm really excited to have him back on the team." The French Open main draw will begin on May 26. Gauff reached the quarter-finals last year.

Tennis: Coco Gauff eager to end claycourt trophy drought before French Open

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will play this week's Barcelona Open in what will be the Spaniard's first tournament since January and first appearance on clay since the 2022 French Open.

"I arrived here a bit like in a last-minute decision as I didn't know if I was going to be able to play," the 22-time Grand Slam champion told a news conference on Monday (April 15).

"Tomorrow I'm going to be on the court."

The 37-year-old, whose last ATP Tour match was in Brisbane before he pulled out of the Australian Open, withdrew from last week's Monte Carlo Masters saying his body was not yet ready for competition.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-could-be-moved-due-to-terror-threat-hints-prez-emmanuel-macron-711536">Paris Olympics opening ceremony could be moved in case of terror threat, hints Emmanuel Macron</a>

Former world number one Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season but is keen to play at the French Open where he has won a record 14 titles. However, his struggle to recover from the hip flexor surgery has cast doubts on whether he can continue his career.

His opening match in Barcelona, where he has won a record 12 titles and the main court is named in his honour, will be against 21-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli.

Addressing the media after practising on Monday, Nadal said it was a gift to be able to compete in Barcelona.

"I thought 'Can I or can't I?' It has been a difficult two years. I come from a major hip operation, which takes time to recover," he told reporters. "Things happen in the body and I couldn't follow the schedule I wanted...

"My last year and I want to enjoy every moment. I feel ready to play tomorrow. I don't think about how I get there. I know what the situation is, that I'm just preparing, but I'm realistic. For me, being here is a joy."

Nadal, whose dazzling career has included battles with various injuries, said he had practised well in Barcelona.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I am going to try to give myself the best opportunity," he said.

"The week of training has been positive and I am living with the hope of doing my best. I can't give you an injury update because the list is long. I can only tell you that today I feel good enough to be on court tomorrow and that means a lot."

Nadal's last clay court match saw him thrashing Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 French Open.

&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will play this week's Barcelona Open in what will be the Spaniard's first tournament since January and first appearance on clay since the 2022 French Open.

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will play this week's Barcelona Open in what will be the Spaniard's first tournament since January and first appearance on clay since the 2022 French Open. "I arrived here a bit like in a last-minute decision as I didn't know if I was going to be able to play," the 22-time Grand Slam champion told a news conference on Monday (April 15). "Tomorrow I'm going to be on the court." The 37-year-old, whose last ATP Tour match was in Brisbane before he pulled out of the Australian Open, withdrew from last week's Monte Carlo Masters saying his body was not yet ready for competition. Also Read: Paris Olympics opening ceremony could be moved in case of terror threat, hints Emmanuel Macron Former world number one Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season but is keen to play at the French Open where he has won a record 14 titles. However, his struggle to recover from the hip flexor surgery has cast doubts on whether he can continue his career. His opening match in Barcelona, where he has won a record 12 titles and the main court is named in his honour, will be against 21-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli. Addressing the media after practising on Monday, Nadal said it was a gift to be able to compete in Barcelona. "I thought 'Can I or can't I?' It has been a difficult two years. I come from a major hip operation, which takes time to recover," he told reporters. "Things happen in the body and I couldn't follow the schedule I wanted... "My last year and I want to enjoy every moment. I feel ready to play tomorrow. I don't think about how I get there. I know what the situation is, that I'm just preparing, but I'm realistic. For me, being here is a joy." Nadal, whose dazzling career has included battles with various injuries, said he had practised well in Barcelona. "I don't know what will happen in the future, but I am going to try to give myself the best opportunity," he said. "The week of training has been positive and I am living with the hope of doing my best. I can't give you an injury update because the list is long. I can only tell you that today I feel good enough to be on court tomorrow and that means a lot." Nadal's last clay court match saw him thrashing Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 French Open.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal confirms comeback, to play in Barcelona Open

India’s Sumit Nagal scripted history on Monday (April 8) after he became the first Indian tennis star to win an ATP Masters 1000 match at the Monte Carlo Open. Nagal, one of India’s top performers on the ATP circuit, has been making headlines in recent times and added another feather to his impressive hat when he got the better of 38th-ranked Matteo Arnaldi on Monday. In doing so he also became the first Indian since 1990 to win an ATP Masters 1000 match on clay. Here we take a look at who is Sumit Nagal and his rise in the ATP circuit.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇮🇳 CINEMA 🇮🇳 
 
Doubles world No.1 <a href="https://twitter.com/rohanbopanna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rohanbopanna</a> watching on as <a href="https://twitter.com/nagalsumit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nagalsumit</a> becomes the first Indian to win a singles main draw match in Monte Carlo!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexMonteCarloMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexMonteCarloMasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/vJpYIFCcME">pic.twitter.com/vJpYIFCcME</a>
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ROLEXMCMASTERS/status/1777327294463246363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Early life of Sumit&nbsp;Nagal</h2>

Born in Jhajjar district of India’s Haryana state, Nagal started getting his tennis lessons at the age of eight. However, it was not until 10 that he started taking professional tennis lessons and moved to Bengaluru to train at Mahesh Bhupathi's training academy. He was handpicked by Bhupathi as part of a future initiative programme aimed at developing young tennis stars. However, the programme&nbsp;was soon closed which forced Nagal to move outside India for future lessons. Nagal moved to Toronto to train&nbsp;with Coach Bobby Mahal.

<h2>On-court performance</h2>

In 2015, Nagal began to gain fame when he won the 2015 Wimbledon boys' doubles title with his Vietnamese partner Lý Hoàng Nam, defeating Reilly Opelka and Akira Santillan in the final. He became the sixth Indian player to win a junior Grand Slam title.

His performances did not go unnoticed and he was called up to the Indian squad for the Davis Cup. Nagal made his Davis Cup debut for India in the 2016 World Group Playoff tie against Spain in New Delhi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-mayank-yadav-suffers-soreness-in-lower-abdominal-to-be-back-soon-confirms-lsgs-ceo-709161">IPL 2024: Mayank Yadav has soreness in lower abdominal region, to be back soon, confirms LSG’s CEO</a>

However, Nagal’s biggest and breakthrough year came in 2019 when he made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open. His first match came against then-record Grand Slam champion Roger Federer who had recently finished as runner-up at Wimbledon.&nbsp;However, he faced defeat at the hands of the Swiss great.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the US Open 2020, Nagal registered his first Grand Slam singles win against Bradley Klahn. In doing so, he also became the first Indian to win a singles match at the Grand Slam since Somdev Devvarman’s win in the 2013 US Open.

Nagal later represented India at the Tokyo Olympics where he lost to Russian Daniil Medvedev. He also reached the second round of the 2024 Australian Open before winning at the ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo Open.

India’s Sumit Nagal scripted history on Monday (April 8) after he became the first Indian tennis star to win an ATP Masters 1000 match at the Monte Carlo Open. Nagal, one of India’s top performers on the ATP circuit, has been making headlines in recent times and added another feather to his impressive hat when he got the better of 38th-ranked Matteo Arnaldi on Monday.

India’s Sumit Nagal scripted history on Monday (April 8) after he became the first Indian tennis star to win an ATP Masters 1000 match at the Monte Carlo Open. Nagal, one of India’s top performers on the ATP circuit, has been making headlines in recent times and added another feather to his impressive hat when he got the better of 38th-ranked Matteo Arnaldi on Monday. In doing so he also became the first Indian since 1990 to win an ATP Masters 1000 match on clay. Here we take a look at who is Sumit Nagal and his rise in the ATP circuit. 🇮🇳 CINEMA 🇮🇳 Doubles world No.1 @rohanbopanna watching on as @nagalsumit becomes the first Indian to win a singles main draw match in Monte Carlo!#RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/vJpYIFCcME — Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 8, 2024 × Early life of Sumit Nagal Born in Jhajjar district of India’s Haryana state, Nagal started getting his tennis lessons at the age of eight. However, it was not until 10 that he started taking professional tennis lessons and moved to Bengaluru to train at Mahesh Bhupathi's training academy. He was handpicked by Bhupathi as part of a future initiative programme aimed at developing young tennis stars. However, the programme was soon closed which forced Nagal to move outside India for future lessons. Nagal moved to Toronto to train with Coach Bobby Mahal. On-court performance In 2015, Nagal began to gain fame when he won the 2015 Wimbledon boys' doubles title with his Vietnamese partner Lý Hoàng Nam, defeating Reilly Opelka and Akira Santillan in the final. He became the sixth Indian player to win a junior Grand Slam title. His performances did not go unnoticed and he was called up to the Indian squad for the Davis Cup. Nagal made his Davis Cup debut for India in the 2016 World Group Playoff tie against Spain in New Delhi. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Mayank Yadav has soreness in lower abdominal region, to be back soon, confirms LSG’s CEO However, Nagal’s biggest and breakthrough year came in 2019 when he made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open. His first match came against then-record Grand Slam champion Roger Federer who had recently finished as runner-up at Wimbledon. However, he faced defeat at the hands of the Swiss great. At the US Open 2020, Nagal registered his first Grand Slam singles win against Bradley Klahn. In doing so, he also became the first Indian to win a singles match at the Grand Slam since Somdev Devvarman’s win in the 2013 US Open. Nagal later represented India at the Tokyo Olympics where he lost to Russian Daniil Medvedev. He also reached the second round of the 2024 Australian Open before winning at the ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo Open.

Sumit Nagal: All you need to know about India's first tennis star to win an ATP Masters match at Monte Carlo

Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters has cast doubt over the 22-times Grand Slam champion's participation in&nbsp;the French Open, but Novak Djokovic said he is still hoping for a final chapter in their storied rivalry. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who said he expected to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January, after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but has not played an ATP event since.

"As a&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;fan I want him to play at least one more tournament before he retires ...," world number one Djokovic told Eurosport in an interview published on Saturday.

"We all know what he's done on clay in his career, particularly Roland Garros. "That's his goal, we all know that, he's been saying it. For the sake of all&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;and Roland Garros in particular, we hope that he can play there. It would be great to have another great encounter."

Djokovic will begin his quest for a third title in Monte Carlo on Tuesday without coach Goran Ivanisevic in his box, after ending his highly successful partnership with the Croatian last month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/major-league-soccer-lafc-beat-arch-rivals-la-galaxy-in-el-trafico-708808">Major League Soccer: LAFC beat arch-rivals LA galaxy in 'El Trafico'</a>

The Serbian has been working with former doubles world number one Nenad Zimonjic in recent weeks. "We have known each other really well for more than 20 years. He's been always like an older brother to me. A mentor, a friend, who always tried to help me as a person and as a player," Djokovic said.

"When I stopped with Goran, I was starting my clay-court preparation in Belgrade and he was there. He came to the court, and we really enjoyed our collaboration and I asked him to come here for a few weeks."

"We are trying to make the most of it. He's been giving me really useful advice to find the proper position when I'm approaching the net, and it's something I'm not best at because I don't play as many doubles matches," he further said.

Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters has cast doubt over the 22-times Grand Slam champion's participation in the French Open, but Novak Djokovic said he is still hoping for a final chapter in their storied rivalry.

Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters has cast doubt over the 22-times Grand Slam champion's participation in the French Open, but Novak Djokovic said he is still hoping for a final chapter in their storied rivalry. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who said he expected to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January, after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but has not played an ATP event since. "As a tennis fan I want him to play at least one more tournament before he retires ...," world number one Djokovic told Eurosport in an interview published on Saturday. "We all know what he's done on clay in his career, particularly Roland Garros. "That's his goal, we all know that, he's been saying it. For the sake of all tennis and Roland Garros in particular, we hope that he can play there. It would be great to have another great encounter." Djokovic will begin his quest for a third title in Monte Carlo on Tuesday without coach Goran Ivanisevic in his box, after ending his highly successful partnership with the Croatian last month. Also read: Major League Soccer: LAFC beat arch-rivals LA galaxy in 'El Trafico' The Serbian has been working with former doubles world number one Nenad Zimonjic in recent weeks. "We have known each other really well for more than 20 years. He's been always like an older brother to me. A mentor, a friend, who always tried to help me as a person and as a player," Djokovic said. "When I stopped with Goran, I was starting my clay-court preparation in Belgrade and he was there. He came to the court, and we really enjoyed our collaboration and I asked him to come here for a few weeks." "We are trying to make the most of it. He's been giving me really useful advice to find the proper position when I'm approaching the net, and it's something I'm not best at because I don't play as many doubles matches," he further said.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic wants last dance with arch-rival Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, commencing on April 7, citing that his body is not up to it at the moment. The&nbsp;ATP Masters 1000 event is&nbsp;the first one on clay this season, with the focus&nbsp;later firmly on the French Open 2024, i.e. the second Grand Slam event of the year. Nadal's participation at the Roland Garros is also&nbsp;under serious threat as the tournament is now less than two months away.

In a post shared on Instagram, Nadal wrote, "These are very difficult moments for me, sporting-wise. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won't allow me. And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can't play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events."

The 37-year-old added, "The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WGyngNg3U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WGyngNg3U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WGyngNg3U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WGyngNg3U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-wta-finals-to-be-held-in-saudi-arabia-starting-2024-in-landmark-move-707737">Tennis: WTA finals to be held in Saudi Arabia starting 2024 in landmark move</a>

Nadal has won the Monte Carlo competition as many as 11 times. A 14-time French Open champion, the Spaniard will be desperate to mark his comeback at the Roland Garros but his participation looks dicey.

It is to be noted that&nbsp;Nadal has not competed in an ATP Tour tournament since his comeback to the court&nbsp;in Brisbane in January. He returned earlier this year but his performances remained under par. Despite taking an 11-month sabbatical last year,&nbsp;Nadal's return has not gone as planned with him missing the Australian Open, Indian Wells and&nbsp;Qatar Open. Even in 2023, he bowed out of three of the four Grand Slam events.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner will be hopeful of turning it around by regaining full fitness and competing hard at the Roland Garros in May. A good performance will boost his confidence and also help him compete at the Paris Olympics, later this year.&nbsp;

The Spanish player&nbsp;has dropped to 649 in the current ATP rankings for missing a&nbsp;plethora of tournaments. Thus, Nadal's comeback remains keenly awaited by his ardent fans.

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, commencing on April 7, citing that his body is not up to it at the moment.

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, commencing on April 7, citing that his body is not up to it at the moment. The ATP Masters 1000 event is the first one on clay this season, with the focus later firmly on the French Open 2024, i.e. the second Grand Slam event of the year. Nadal's participation at the Roland Garros is also under serious threat as the tournament is now less than two months away. In a post shared on Instagram, Nadal wrote, "These are very difficult moments for me, sporting-wise. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won't allow me. And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can't play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events." The 37-year-old added, "The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) × Also read: Tennis: WTA finals to be held in Saudi Arabia starting 2024 in landmark move Nadal has won the Monte Carlo competition as many as 11 times. A 14-time French Open champion, the Spaniard will be desperate to mark his comeback at the Roland Garros but his participation looks dicey. It is to be noted that Nadal has not competed in an ATP Tour tournament since his comeback to the court in Brisbane in January. He returned earlier this year but his performances remained under par. Despite taking an 11-month sabbatical last year, Nadal's return has not gone as planned with him missing the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Qatar Open. Even in 2023, he bowed out of three of the four Grand Slam events. The 22-time Grand Slam winner will be hopeful of turning it around by regaining full fitness and competing hard at the Roland Garros in May. A good performance will boost his confidence and also help him compete at the Paris Olympics, later this year. The Spanish player has dropped to 649 in the current ATP rankings for missing a plethora of tournaments. Thus, Nadal's comeback remains keenly awaited by his ardent fans.

Rafael Nadal withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters, French Open participation in doubt

On Tuesday (Oct 24), Indian star shuttler PV Sindhu edged past Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung to progress to the second round in the women's singles of the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament. Sindhu had a tough time but moved past her opposition 12-21, 21-18, 21-15 after 69 minutes of intense battle.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the newly-crowned world number one pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also entered the men's doubles second round earlier in the competition. Talking about their clash, they beat world No. 34 Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar 21-13, 21-13 in a contest which lasted only for 35 minutes as the Indian pairing once again continued their good show on the court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shaheen-rizwan-sarfaraz-in-fray-to-replace-babar-azam-as-pakistan-captain-post-odi-wc-report-650971">Shaheen, Rizwan, Sarfaraz in-fray to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain post ODI WC: Report</a>

Satwik and Chirag will next lock horns with the three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia. The 2014 Asian Games gold medallists defeated Chinese Taipei's Lu Ching Yao and Yang Po Han to set up a tough match against the Indian pair.

For Sindhu, the 28-year-old will lock horns with Thailand's Supanida Katethong on Thursday (Oct 26). In head-to-head, she leads Jatethong 6-2 with Sindhu defeating her most recently in the Denmark Open quarter-finals.

With Sindhu and Chirag-Satwik progressing ahead, all eyes are now on the other Indian shuttlers as well. In this regard, Kidambi Srikanth will be up against France's Tomav Popov Junior whereas Lakshya Sen will lock horns with another Frenchman, Arnaud Merkle on Wednesday (Oct 25). It will be interesting to see how the two fare in their upcoming games.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Tuesday (Oct 24), Indian star shuttler PV Sindhu edged past Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung to progress to the second round in the women's singles of the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament.

On Tuesday (Oct 24), Indian star shuttler PV Sindhu edged past Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung to progress to the second round in the women's singles of the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament. Sindhu had a tough time but moved past her opposition 12-21, 21-18, 21-15 after 69 minutes of intense battle. Meanwhile, the newly-crowned world number one pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also entered the men's doubles second round earlier in the competition. Talking about their clash, they beat world No. 34 Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar 21-13, 21-13 in a contest which lasted only for 35 minutes as the Indian pairing once again continued their good show on the court. Also read: Shaheen, Rizwan, Sarfaraz in-fray to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain post ODI WC: Report Satwik and Chirag will next lock horns with the three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia. The 2014 Asian Games gold medallists defeated Chinese Taipei's Lu Ching Yao and Yang Po Han to set up a tough match against the Indian pair. For Sindhu, the 28-year-old will lock horns with Thailand's Supanida Katethong on Thursday (Oct 26). In head-to-head, she leads Jatethong 6-2 with Sindhu defeating her most recently in the Denmark Open quarter-finals. With Sindhu and Chirag-Satwik progressing ahead, all eyes are now on the other Indian shuttlers as well. In this regard, Kidambi Srikanth will be up against France's Tomav Popov Junior whereas Lakshya Sen will lock horns with another Frenchman, Arnaud Merkle on Wednesday (Oct 25). It will be interesting to see how the two fare in their upcoming games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Badminton: PV Sindhu enters second round of French Open, Chirag-Satwiksairaj also progress ahead

Novak Djokovic insists it is "disrespectful" to hail him as the greatest player of all time after clinching a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam title on Sunday.

36-year-old Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets in the French Open final, breaking the tie of 22 majors he shared with longtime rival Rafael Nadal.

A third Roland Garros title added to his 10 Australian Open trophies, seven Wimbledons and three at the US Open.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2023-novak-djokovic-beats-casper-ruud-to-claim-historic-23rd-grand-slam-title-603221">Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to claim historic 23rd Grand Slam title</a>

He is the only man to win all four Slams on at least three occasions and on Monday he will return to the world number one ranking and start a 388th week on top of the pile.

"I don't want to say that I am the greatest, because I feel it's disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in completely different way than it is played today," said Djokovic.

"So I leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. I have of course huge faith and confidence and belief in myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing."

However, despite becoming the oldest ever French Open champion, he warned he is far from finished.

When asked if he could win 24 or 25 majors, he replied: "Why not?"

Eleven of his Grand Slam titles have been secured since he turned 30.

Retirement is a long way off for a man who has already seen Roger Federer hang up his racquet with 20 majors to his name while 37-year-old Nadal, sitting out the rest of the season with injury, has already said 2024 will be his last as a professional.

"Of course the journey is still not over," said Djokovic. "I feel if I'm winning Slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20 years.&nbsp;

"So I still feel motivated, I still feel inspired to play the best tennis in these tournaments. Those are the ones that count I guess the most in history of our sport.

"I now look forward to Wimbledon," added Djokovic where he will look to equal Federer's record of eight titles.

Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic hailed the Serbian star for being able to install special "software" every time a Grand Slam tournament rolls around.

"It's fascinating to see, because sometimes you think, okay, now you have 23. But he's gonna find, again, some kind of motivation to win 24, maybe 25, who knows where is the end," said Ivanisevic.

<h2>'Not an easy guy'</h2>

"He's keeping his body great, he's in great shape. He's unbelievable, and he's still moving like a cat on the court. He's there, like a Ninja."

However, the former Wimbledon winner admitted Djokovic is "not an easy guy" such is his intensity to make history.

"Especially when something's not going his way. But we are here to put our back and to get beaten, we are here for him to feel better, for him to perform better.&nbsp;

"Sometimes not easy. Sometimes it's very complicated. But overall, this is for what you live, you know, the tournaments like this, the finishing like this."

Djokovic arrived in Paris having endured a mediocre clay court season, failing to get beyond the quarter-finals of any of the three events he played.

There was the added worry of the recurrence of a longstanding wrist injury.

"The day we arrived here, he was better, he was more motivated, he was more hungry. Every day he played better and better," said Ivanisevic who believes Djokovic's victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals was key in his title push.

"I thought against Alcaraz one-and-a-half hours he played unbelievable smart and unbelievable tennis," said Ivanisevic.&nbsp;

"And today he just finish what we started actually in Monte Carlo, to practise, and now it's payday. We cash the cheque."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Novak Djokovic insists it is "disrespectful" to hail him as the greatest player of all time after clinching a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam title on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic insists it is "disrespectful" to hail him as the greatest player of all time after clinching a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam title on Sunday. 36-year-old Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets in the French Open final, breaking the tie of 22 majors he shared with longtime rival Rafael Nadal. A third Roland Garros title added to his 10 Australian Open trophies, seven Wimbledons and three at the US Open. Also Read: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to claim historic 23rd Grand Slam title He is the only man to win all four Slams on at least three occasions and on Monday he will return to the world number one ranking and start a 388th week on top of the pile. "I don't want to say that I am the greatest, because I feel it's disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in completely different way than it is played today," said Djokovic. "So I leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. I have of course huge faith and confidence and belief in myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing." However, despite becoming the oldest ever French Open champion, he warned he is far from finished. When asked if he could win 24 or 25 majors, he replied: "Why not?" Eleven of his Grand Slam titles have been secured since he turned 30. Retirement is a long way off for a man who has already seen Roger Federer hang up his racquet with 20 majors to his name while 37-year-old Nadal, sitting out the rest of the season with injury, has already said 2024 will be his last as a professional. "Of course the journey is still not over," said Djokovic. "I feel if I'm winning Slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20 years. "So I still feel motivated, I still feel inspired to play the best tennis in these tournaments. Those are the ones that count I guess the most in history of our sport. "I now look forward to Wimbledon," added Djokovic where he will look to equal Federer's record of eight titles. Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic hailed the Serbian star for being able to install special "software" every time a Grand Slam tournament rolls around. "It's fascinating to see, because sometimes you think, okay, now you have 23. But he's gonna find, again, some kind of motivation to win 24, maybe 25, who knows where is the end," said Ivanisevic. 'Not an easy guy' "He's keeping his body great, he's in great shape. He's unbelievable, and he's still moving like a cat on the court. He's there, like a Ninja." However, the former Wimbledon winner admitted Djokovic is "not an easy guy" such is his intensity to make history. "Especially when something's not going his way. But we are here to put our back and to get beaten, we are here for him to feel better, for him to perform better. "Sometimes not easy. Sometimes it's very complicated. But overall, this is for what you live, you know, the tournaments like this, the finishing like this." Djokovic arrived in Paris having endured a mediocre clay court season, failing to get beyond the quarter-finals of any of the three events he played. There was the added worry of the recurrence of a longstanding wrist injury. "The day we arrived here, he was better, he was more motivated, he was more hungry. Every day he played better and better," said Ivanisevic who believes Djokovic's victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals was key in his title push. "I thought against Alcaraz one-and-a-half hours he played unbelievable smart and unbelievable tennis," said Ivanisevic. "And today he just finish what we started actually in Monte Carlo, to practise, and now it's payday. We cash the cheque." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'It feels disrespectful,' says Djokovic on being called greatest after winning 23rd grand slam title

French Open 2023: When defending champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the French Open, as many as eight players formed a list of potential winners of the Grand Slam title. Casper Ruud was also among those eight names. His concerning start to the 2023 season saw most write him off despite a title win on clay in Estoril Open. But the Norwegian player quietly upped his game to reach the second successive run to a Roland Garros final. The 24-year-old ousted the mighty tennis pro with his skills and grit.

Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, might set a new record for most Grand Slam titles after today’s match at Roland Garros. He currently shares the record of most Grand Slams with Rafael Nadal, with 22 titles. The world no.3 will now be eyeing the 23rd Grand Slam win besides also reclaiming the ATP World No.1 crown. Even at 36, the Serb has shown great fitness and will enter the final as the favourite to win the tournament.

Ahead of the big final on Sunday on Court Philippe Chatrier, let’s take a look at the head-to-head record, key stats and records in line for the match.

<h2>French Open 2023- Head-To-Head&nbsp;Record: Djokovic vs Ruud</h2>

It has been a lopsided rivalry so far between the two with Djokovic winning all four encounters without even losing a set. Two of them have been at ATP Finals and two others on clay in Rome.

Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-5 6-3 (Italian Open Semi-final 2020)

Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-6(4) 6-2 (ATP Finals Round-Robin 2021)

Djokovic beat Ruud, 6-4 6-3 (Italian Open Semi-final 2022)

Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-5 6-3 (ATP Finals Final 2022)

<h2>French Open 2023: How did Casper Ruud reach the 2023 French Open men's final?</h2>

Ruud beat Elias Ymer in the first round: 6-4, 6-3, 6-2

Ruud beat Giulio Zeppieri in the second round: 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5

Ruud beat Zhang Zhizhen in the third round: 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4

Ruud beat Nicolás Jarry in the fourth round: 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5

Ruud beat No. 6 Holger Rune in the Quarterfinals: 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3

Ruud beat No. 22 Alexander Zverev in the Semifinals: 6-3, 6-4, 6-0

<h2>French Open 2023: Key stats&nbsp;on French Open&nbsp;</h2>

With a win over injured Carlos Alcaraz in the semis, Djokovic reached a record-equalling 34th Grand Slam final, levelling Chris Evert's long-standing record. The next best player in men's singles tennis is Roger Federer with 31 appearances followed by Nadal's 30.

In 33 Grand Slam finals, the Serb owns a 22-11 record which is the second best among the Big Three with Nadal's figure of 22-8 still leading the chart. Federer now stands third with a 20-11 record.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2023-final-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-djokovic-vs-ruud-live-on-mobile-tv-603063">French Open 2023 Final live streaming: When and where to watch Djokovic vs Ruud live on mobile, TV</a>

Seven of his finals have come in Paris where he has managed just two wins while going down four times. His previous two wins came in 2016 and 2021. This is also his seventh major final since 2021 where he has a staggering 6-1 record. His only loss came against Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 US Open.

With a win against Alexander Zverev, Ruud reached his third Grand Slam final in the last five events. He lost once against Nadal in Paris and another against Alcaraz in the 2022 US Open. He also became the first Scandinavian to reach back-to-back finals at Roland Garros since Robin Soderling in 2009 and 2010.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

French Open 2023: When defending champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the French Open, as many as eight players formed a list of potential winners of the Grand Slam title.

French Open 2023: When defending champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the French Open, as many as eight players formed a list of potential winners of the Grand Slam title. Casper Ruud was also among those eight names. His concerning start to the 2023 season saw most write him off despite a title win on clay in Estoril Open. But the Norwegian player quietly upped his game to reach the second successive run to a Roland Garros final. The 24-year-old ousted the mighty tennis pro with his skills and grit. Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, might set a new record for most Grand Slam titles after today’s match at Roland Garros. He currently shares the record of most Grand Slams with Rafael Nadal, with 22 titles. The world no.3 will now be eyeing the 23rd Grand Slam win besides also reclaiming the ATP World No.1 crown. Even at 36, the Serb has shown great fitness and will enter the final as the favourite to win the tournament. Ahead of the big final on Sunday on Court Philippe Chatrier, let’s take a look at the head-to-head record, key stats and records in line for the match. French Open 2023- Head-To-Head Record: Djokovic vs Ruud It has been a lopsided rivalry so far between the two with Djokovic winning all four encounters without even losing a set. Two of them have been at ATP Finals and two others on clay in Rome. Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-5 6-3 (Italian Open Semi-final 2020) Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-6(4) 6-2 (ATP Finals Round-Robin 2021) Djokovic beat Ruud, 6-4 6-3 (Italian Open Semi-final 2022) Djokovic beat Ruud, 7-5 6-3 (ATP Finals Final 2022) French Open 2023: How did Casper Ruud reach the 2023 French Open men's final? Ruud beat Elias Ymer in the first round: 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 Ruud beat Giulio Zeppieri in the second round: 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 Ruud beat Zhang Zhizhen in the third round: 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 Ruud beat Nicolás Jarry in the fourth round: 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 Ruud beat No. 6 Holger Rune in the Quarterfinals: 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Ruud beat No. 22 Alexander Zverev in the Semifinals: 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 French Open 2023: Key stats on French Open With a win over injured Carlos Alcaraz in the semis, Djokovic reached a record-equalling 34th Grand Slam final, levelling Chris Evert's long-standing record. The next best player in men's singles tennis is Roger Federer with 31 appearances followed by Nadal's 30. In 33 Grand Slam finals, the Serb owns a 22-11 record which is the second best among the Big Three with Nadal's figure of 22-8 still leading the chart. Federer now stands third with a 20-11 record. Also Read | French Open 2023 Final live streaming: When and where to watch Djokovic vs Ruud live on mobile, TV Seven of his finals have come in Paris where he has managed just two wins while going down four times. His previous two wins came in 2016 and 2021. This is also his seventh major final since 2021 where he has a staggering 6-1 record. His only loss came against Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 US Open. With a win against Alexander Zverev, Ruud reached his third Grand Slam final in the last five events. He lost once against Nadal in Paris and another against Alcaraz in the 2022 US Open. He also became the first Scandinavian to reach back-to-back finals at Roland Garros since Robin Soderling in 2009 and 2010. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Djokovic vs Ruud, French Open 2023: Key stats, head-to-head, schedule- All you need to know

Iga Swiatek battled past Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to win her third French Open title on Saturday and become the first woman to successfully defend the Roland Garros title since 2007. The 22-year-old Swiatek is just the third woman in the Open era to win each of her first four Grand Slam finals, the Pole adding to her 2020 and 2022 titles in Paris and last year's US Open triumph.

Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka are the only other players to accomplish the feat.

Swiatek, the world number one from Poland, is also the youngest woman to claim back-to-back French Open titles since Monica Seles in the early 1990s. Justine Henin was the last woman to win successive Roland Garros crowns when she captured her third in a row and fourth in total 16 years ago.

Swiatek's latest coronation caps another dominant two weeks on the clay in Paris, where her record stands at 28 wins and two losses in five visits.

Muchova, at 43 in the world, was the fourth lowest ranked woman to reach the French Open final, her first championship match at a major.

Swiatek, then just 19, was ranked 54 when she lifted her first trophy -- three years after Jelena Ostapenko's shock triumph. Muchova's compatriot Renata Tomanova was runner-up in 1976.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-2023-when-and-where-to-watch-manchester-city-vs-inter-milan-live-streaming-details-602938">Champions League Final 2023: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Inter Milan, Live Streaming details</a>

However, the unseeded Czech had won all five matches in her career against players in the top three -- four of them at Grand Slams -- having stunned Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.

On guard against an underdog with a habit of taking those down at the top, Swiatek quickly applied pressure on the 26-year-old Muchova.

A miscued forehand from Muchova gave the Pole two break points in the second game which she took with minimal fuss.

The top seed consolidated with a quick hold before Muchova got on the board in game four, drawing loud roars from the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd.

Muchova carved out a break opportunity to get back on serve but Swiatek snuffed it out in a protracted fifth game -- pumping her fist in relief as she surged 4-1 up.

Swiatek saw another break point come and go the following game, but her disappointment was brief as she easily won the next two games to wrap up the opening set.

<h2>- Back and forth -</h2>

Muchova had outfoxed her rivals with her cunning variety throughout the tournament, but Swiatek had clearly done her homework since the Czech won their only other meeting in Prague in 2019. A loose service game allowed Swiatek to pull 3-0 in front in the second set, but Muchova refused to roll over, displaying the grit and resolve she used to rally from match point down against Sabalenka in the previous round.

A crunching forehand down the line retrieved the break before Muchova levelled at three games each.

Swiatek slowed Muchova's momentum as the pair traded holds before the reigning champion showed her first real sign of nerves, double-faulting to leave her rival serving at 5-4 to force a decider.

Muchova couldn't take advantage as Swiatek broke right back, but another shaky game from the Pole presented her with another shot.

Two set points passed Muchova by but she set up a third with a brilliant backhand volley on the stretch, with Swiatek then pumping her return long to send the match to a third set.

Muchova sensed the tide was turning in her favour as Swiatek's title defence began to creak, the Pole broken to love as her opponent rattled off eight straight points to move 2-0 ahead.

But with her formidable record at Roland Garros, Swiatek came storming back and snatched three games on the bounce.

Muchova broke for 4-3 only for Swiatek to hit back immediately and then secure a nervy hold, resisting another break point, to move within a game of victory.

Swiatek swiftly raced 30-0 ahead and earned two championship points when Muchova dragged a forehand wide, the Czech succumbing in the most brutal of ways with a double fault to end a thrilling contest.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Iga Swiatek battled past Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to win her third French Open title on Saturday and become the first woman to successfully defend the Roland Garros title since 2007.

Iga Swiatek battled past Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to win her third French Open title on Saturday and become the first woman to successfully defend the Roland Garros title since 2007. The 22-year-old Swiatek is just the third woman in the Open era to win each of her first four Grand Slam finals, the Pole adding to her 2020 and 2022 titles in Paris and last year's US Open triumph. Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka are the only other players to accomplish the feat. Swiatek, the world number one from Poland, is also the youngest woman to claim back-to-back French Open titles since Monica Seles in the early 1990s. Justine Henin was the last woman to win successive Roland Garros crowns when she captured her third in a row and fourth in total 16 years ago. Swiatek's latest coronation caps another dominant two weeks on the clay in Paris, where her record stands at 28 wins and two losses in five visits. Muchova, at 43 in the world, was the fourth lowest ranked woman to reach the French Open final, her first championship match at a major. Swiatek, then just 19, was ranked 54 when she lifted her first trophy -- three years after Jelena Ostapenko's shock triumph. Muchova's compatriot Renata Tomanova was runner-up in 1976. ALSO READ: Champions League Final 2023: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Inter Milan, Live Streaming details However, the unseeded Czech had won all five matches in her career against players in the top three -- four of them at Grand Slams -- having stunned Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals. On guard against an underdog with a habit of taking those down at the top, Swiatek quickly applied pressure on the 26-year-old Muchova. A miscued forehand from Muchova gave the Pole two break points in the second game which she took with minimal fuss. The top seed consolidated with a quick hold before Muchova got on the board in game four, drawing loud roars from the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd. Muchova carved out a break opportunity to get back on serve but Swiatek snuffed it out in a protracted fifth game -- pumping her fist in relief as she surged 4-1 up. Swiatek saw another break point come and go the following game, but her disappointment was brief as she easily won the next two games to wrap up the opening set. - Back and forth - Muchova had outfoxed her rivals with her cunning variety throughout the tournament, but Swiatek had clearly done her homework since the Czech won their only other meeting in Prague in 2019. A loose service game allowed Swiatek to pull 3-0 in front in the second set, but Muchova refused to roll over, displaying the grit and resolve she used to rally from match point down against Sabalenka in the previous round. A crunching forehand down the line retrieved the break before Muchova levelled at three games each. Swiatek slowed Muchova's momentum as the pair traded holds before the reigning champion showed her first real sign of nerves, double-faulting to leave her rival serving at 5-4 to force a decider. Muchova couldn't take advantage as Swiatek broke right back, but another shaky game from the Pole presented her with another shot. Two set points passed Muchova by but she set up a third with a brilliant backhand volley on the stretch, with Swiatek then pumping her return long to send the match to a third set. Muchova sensed the tide was turning in her favour as Swiatek's title defence began to creak, the Pole broken to love as her opponent rattled off eight straight points to move 2-0 ahead. But with her formidable record at Roland Garros, Swiatek came storming back and snatched three games on the bounce. Muchova broke for 4-3 only for Swiatek to hit back immediately and then secure a nervy hold, resisting another break point, to move within a game of victory. Swiatek swiftly raced 30-0 ahead and earned two championship points when Muchova dragged a forehand wide, the Czech succumbing in the most brutal of ways with a double fault to end a thrilling contest. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open 2023: Iga Swiatek beats Karolina Muchova to win women's singles title

Novak Djokovic has moved one step closer to a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam after he got the better of number-one seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the French Open on Friday, June 9. Djokovic, a two-time champion at the Roland Garros got the better of the Spaniard by 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 at the Philippe Chatrier court. He will now face the winner of Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday where he can win his 23rd Grand Slam title.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Never doubt Novak 💪🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> gets the better of Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to reach a 34th Grand Slam final.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/fefJZKKMxn">pic.twitter.com/fefJZKKMxn</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1667207182704603144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What happened in the contest?</h2>

The contest was well anticipated by the Paris crowd and the media around the world as the battle of the two generations. It was expected to be a tight contest, but Djokovic and his experience prevailed in the end as the Serb booked his place in the final. The former World No.1 took the lead in the contest after winning the first set 6-3.&nbsp;However, he lost his serve at the wrong time in the second set.

Alcaraz won the second set 7-5 and looked on course to give a hard time to the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Things though did not pan out perfectly for the World No.1 and he lost the consequent sets by the same score of 6-1. While there was a lot of tussle in the second set, it was the final straw for the defending US Open champion before he surrendered the match to Djokovic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ricky-ponting-explains-where-india-did-go-wrong-with-their-bowling-plans-in-first-innings-602434">WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings</a>

<h2>Day with destiny awaits</h2>

The 36-year-old Djokovic will look to conquer his third French Open title on Sunday and could become the player with the most Grand Slam singles titles in the men’s division. Currently level with Rafael Nadal, the Serb will be presented with an opportunity to surpass the great Spaniard in his own backyard, where he is a 14-time champion. Having won the French Open in 2016 and 2021, Djokovic will be eager to add to his tally, which will also see him go level with Serena Williams for most Grand Slam singles titles. Only Margaret Court of Australia with 24 titles has won more Grand Slam singles titles than Djokovic and Williams.

Sunday’s final will be Novak’s 34th Grand Slam title, another record for most Grand Slam finals in the men’s singles division. So far in his 33 Grand Slam singles finals, the Serb has won 22 and lost 11 and will look to get the better of Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev to reach the milestone title.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Novak Djokovic has moved one step closer to a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam after he got the better of number-one seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the French Open on Friday, June 9.

Novak Djokovic has moved one step closer to a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam after he got the better of number-one seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the French Open on Friday, June 9. Djokovic, a two-time champion at the Roland Garros got the better of the Spaniard by 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 at the Philippe Chatrier court. He will now face the winner of Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday where he can win his 23rd Grand Slam title. Never doubt Novak 💪🇷🇸@DjokerNole gets the better of Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to reach a 34th Grand Slam final.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/fefJZKKMxn — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2023 × What happened in the contest? The contest was well anticipated by the Paris crowd and the media around the world as the battle of the two generations. It was expected to be a tight contest, but Djokovic and his experience prevailed in the end as the Serb booked his place in the final. The former World No.1 took the lead in the contest after winning the first set 6-3. However, he lost his serve at the wrong time in the second set. Alcaraz won the second set 7-5 and looked on course to give a hard time to the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Things though did not pan out perfectly for the World No.1 and he lost the consequent sets by the same score of 6-1. While there was a lot of tussle in the second set, it was the final straw for the defending US Open champion before he surrendered the match to Djokovic. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings Day with destiny awaits The 36-year-old Djokovic will look to conquer his third French Open title on Sunday and could become the player with the most Grand Slam singles titles in the men’s division. Currently level with Rafael Nadal, the Serb will be presented with an opportunity to surpass the great Spaniard in his own backyard, where he is a 14-time champion. Having won the French Open in 2016 and 2021, Djokovic will be eager to add to his tally, which will also see him go level with Serena Williams for most Grand Slam singles titles. Only Margaret Court of Australia with 24 titles has won more Grand Slam singles titles than Djokovic and Williams. Sunday’s final will be Novak’s 34th Grand Slam title, another record for most Grand Slam finals in the men’s singles division. So far in his 33 Grand Slam singles finals, the Serb has won 22 and lost 11 and will look to get the better of Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev to reach the milestone title. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Novak Djokovic demolishes World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz to book final berth

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic saved a match point and battled back from 2-5 down in the final set to shock world number two Aryna Sabalenka and reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open on Thursday.

Muchova, ranked at 43, defeated the Australian Open winner 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in a thrilling three-hour 13-minute match and will face either defending champion Iga Swiatek or Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in Saturday's final.

"It's unbelievable. I just kept fighting. But I don't want to sound cocky, I just keep working on my game," said Muchova.

The 26-year-old added Sabalenka to an impressive list of victims in Paris which included eighth seed Maria Sakkari in the first round and 2021 runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-final.

For Sabalenka, defeat ended her run of 12 successive match wins at the Slams as she paid a heavy price for 53 unforced errors while the versatile Muchova saved nine of 13 break points.

Muchova, playing in her second Grand Slam semi-final, dug deep to save two break points in the fourth game of the opening set.

Her clever angles countered the raw power of Sabalenka, taking her to set point in the 10th game.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-had-been-a-question-of-money-i-would-have-gone-to-saudi-arabia-lionel-messi-on-joining-inter-miami-601947">'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami</a>

She was unable to convert that opportunity but made no mistake at the second time of asking, a wrong-footing, deep backhand giving her the set via a tiebreak after 68 minutes on court.

It was the first set Sabalenka had dropped at the tournament.

Muchova was 2-0 ahead and sensing a shock triumph in the second set but Sabalenka battled back, overcoming double-faulting on a first set point in the tiebreak to level the semi-final on the second.&nbsp;

Suddenly the momentum was with the Belarusian who broke for 4-2 in the decider after seeing four break points come and go in the second game.

Muchova appeared doomed to wilt under the barrage.&nbsp;

However, she saved a match point in the eighth game before incredibly racing away with the last five games to claim a famous win.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic saved a match point and battled back from 2-5 down in the final set to shock world number two Aryna Sabalenka and reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open on Thursday.

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic saved a match point and battled back from 2-5 down in the final set to shock world number two Aryna Sabalenka and reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open on Thursday. Muchova, ranked at 43, defeated the Australian Open winner 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in a thrilling three-hour 13-minute match and will face either defending champion Iga Swiatek or Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in Saturday's final. "It's unbelievable. I just kept fighting. But I don't want to sound cocky, I just keep working on my game," said Muchova. The 26-year-old added Sabalenka to an impressive list of victims in Paris which included eighth seed Maria Sakkari in the first round and 2021 runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-final. For Sabalenka, defeat ended her run of 12 successive match wins at the Slams as she paid a heavy price for 53 unforced errors while the versatile Muchova saved nine of 13 break points. Muchova, playing in her second Grand Slam semi-final, dug deep to save two break points in the fourth game of the opening set. Her clever angles countered the raw power of Sabalenka, taking her to set point in the 10th game. ALSO READ | 'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami She was unable to convert that opportunity but made no mistake at the second time of asking, a wrong-footing, deep backhand giving her the set via a tiebreak after 68 minutes on court. It was the first set Sabalenka had dropped at the tournament. Muchova was 2-0 ahead and sensing a shock triumph in the second set but Sabalenka battled back, overcoming double-faulting on a first set point in the tiebreak to level the semi-final on the second. Suddenly the momentum was with the Belarusian who broke for 4-2 in the decider after seeing four break points come and go in the second game. Muchova appeared doomed to wilt under the barrage. However, she saved a match point in the eighth game before incredibly racing away with the last five games to claim a famous win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Karolina Muchova stuns Aryna Sabalenka in epic comeback to reach final

Japan's Miyu Kato became a French Open champion on Thursday, four days after she was controversially disqualified from the women's doubles for accidentally hitting a ball girl. Kato and her German partner Tim Puetz defeated Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 in the mixed doubles final at Roland Garros.

"It has been challenging mentally in the last few days after my unjust disqualification from the women's doubles," Kato told the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, reading from a prepared statement.

"Thanks to all the players for their heartfelt messages of support. I used that positive energy on court here today.

"I am now looking for a positive result to my appeal so I can reclaim my prize money, points and my reputation."

Puetz said he hoped the title would help Kato after the drama of the default.

"I hope this is redemption for you after what happened. The support you received was well deserved."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-had-been-a-question-of-money-i-would-have-gone-to-saudi-arabia-lionel-messi-on-joining-inter-miami-601947">'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami</a>

The 28-year-old Kato and her Indonesian teammate Aldila Sutjiadi were defaulted on Sunday after a gentle lob from the Japanese player left a ballgirl in tears and shaking.

Initially, the pair were handed only a warning by the chair umpire but their opponents Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo protested and urged the tournament supervisor to look again at the incident.

Kato and Sutjiadi were then disqualified. Kato also had to forfeit her prize money.

"I hope the ballgirl is OK and I hope we get to play Marie and Sara again," said Kato.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Japan's Miyu Kato became a French Open champion on Thursday, four days after she was controversially disqualified from the women's doubles for accidentally hitting a ball girl.

Japan's Miyu Kato became a French Open champion on Thursday, four days after she was controversially disqualified from the women's doubles for accidentally hitting a ball girl. Kato and her German partner Tim Puetz defeated Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 in the mixed doubles final at Roland Garros. "It has been challenging mentally in the last few days after my unjust disqualification from the women's doubles," Kato told the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, reading from a prepared statement. "Thanks to all the players for their heartfelt messages of support. I used that positive energy on court here today. "I am now looking for a positive result to my appeal so I can reclaim my prize money, points and my reputation." Puetz said he hoped the title would help Kato after the drama of the default. "I hope this is redemption for you after what happened. The support you received was well deserved." ALSO READ | 'If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia' - Lionel Messi on joining Inter Miami The 28-year-old Kato and her Indonesian teammate Aldila Sutjiadi were defaulted on Sunday after a gentle lob from the Japanese player left a ballgirl in tears and shaking. Initially, the pair were handed only a warning by the chair umpire but their opponents Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo protested and urged the tournament supervisor to look again at the incident. Kato and Sutjiadi were then disqualified. Kato also had to forfeit her prize money. "I hope the ballgirl is OK and I hope we get to play Marie and Sara again," said Kato. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Disqualified Japanese player Miyu Kato claims mixed doubles title with Tim Puetz

World number one Carlos Alcaraz survived a third set wobble to cruise past fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) on Tuesday and earn a spot in the French Open last four.

For almost three sets,&nbsp;Alcaraz played jaw-dropping tennis, having pulverised his opponent, who staged a brief comeback to force a tiebreak in the third.

The 20-year-old will now face third seed Novak Djokovic in a mouth-watering semi-final on Friday with the Spaniard chasing a second Grand Slam title after winning the U.S. Open crown last year and the Serbian veteran on course for a record-breaking 23rd men's singles major.

Alcaraz did not take long to put Tsitsipas under pressure, breaking him on his second service game.

The 24-year-old Greek, still searching for an elusive first Grand Slam title, could not match Alcaraz's power and precision and the Spaniard broke him to love with a sensational running forehand down the line to go 5-2 up.

He wrapped up the first set, winning 12 of the last 14 points played, but he was equally relentless in the second to break Tsitsipas in the very first game to love.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-novak-djokovic-books-semifinal-berth-after-dominant-win-against-khachanov-likely-to-face-alcaraz-601423">French Open: Novak Djokovic books semifinal berth after dominant win against Khachanov</a>

Like a bear hunting down prey, Alcaraz did not let off, forcing the Greek into the net with superb and constant drop shots or stretching him wide on his backhand.

He added another break to his rapidly growing collection to go 4-1 up and even the crowd, clearly backing Tsitsipas, could not spark a comeback as Alcaraz bagged the second set a little later with his dazed opponent double-faulting.

It was a similar story in the third as he earned a quick break and took a 5-1 lead, before he squandered three match points. Tsitsipas launched a four-game comeback but Alcaraz ended it on his fifth match point. 
 
 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz survived a third set wobble to cruise past fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) on Tuesday and earn a spot in the French Open last four.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz survived a third set wobble to cruise past fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 6-1 7-6(5) on Tuesday and earn a spot in the French Open last four. For almost three sets, Alcaraz played jaw-dropping tennis, having pulverised his opponent, who staged a brief comeback to force a tiebreak in the third. The 20-year-old will now face third seed Novak Djokovic in a mouth-watering semi-final on Friday with the Spaniard chasing a second Grand Slam title after winning the U.S. Open crown last year and the Serbian veteran on course for a record-breaking 23rd men's singles major. Alcaraz did not take long to put Tsitsipas under pressure, breaking him on his second service game. The 24-year-old Greek, still searching for an elusive first Grand Slam title, could not match Alcaraz's power and precision and the Spaniard broke him to love with a sensational running forehand down the line to go 5-2 up. He wrapped up the first set, winning 12 of the last 14 points played, but he was equally relentless in the second to break Tsitsipas in the very first game to love. Also Read | French Open: Novak Djokovic books semifinal berth after dominant win against Khachanov Like a bear hunting down prey, Alcaraz did not let off, forcing the Greek into the net with superb and constant drop shots or stretching him wide on his backhand. He added another break to his rapidly growing collection to go 4-1 up and even the crowd, clearly backing Tsitsipas, could not spark a comeback as Alcaraz bagged the second set a little later with his dazed opponent double-faulting. It was a similar story in the third as he earned a quick break and took a 5-1 lead, before he squandered three match points. Tsitsipas launched a four-game comeback but Alcaraz ended it on his fifth match point. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top seed Alcaraz hunts down Tsitsipas to set up semi-final showdown with Novak Djokovic

Holder Iga Swiatek was tested by American sixth seed Coco Gauff in a rematch of their 2022 French Open title clash but the world number one showed her class to secure a 6-4 6-2 victory and reach the semi-finals on Wednesday (June 7).

The top seed will take on Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last four as she continues her bid for a third crown in four years at Roland Garros and her fourth Grand Slam title overall.

Swiatek has adopted a more ruthless approach to her title defence dishing out four bagels in as many rounds but the Pole found the going tougher against a determined Gauff in the see-sawing opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

After drawing first blood, she allowed Gauff to hit back and level up at 3-3 by crashing a volley into the net before getting back on track to take the advantage in the clash with a superb crosscourt winner.

The relieved 22-year-old pumped her fist and let out a big scream after that decisive point.

Swiatek took a tumble at the net after nearly being struck by a Gauff rocket before producing a tight hold for a 2-1 lead in the next set and dusted herself off to grab another break with a perfectly placed lob.

She settled the contest by pouncing on Gauff's serve again and finished when the 19-year-old found the net.

Haddad Maia left seventh seed Ons Jabeur's hopes of becoming the first African woman to win a singles Grand Slam in ruins after a 3-6 7-6(5) 6-1 victory.

Jabeur was bidding to reach her third Grand Slam semi-final in less than a year but her plans were scuppered by the 14th-seeded left-hander who battled back bravely to book her own maiden last four Slam appearance.

She is the first Brazilian woman since Maria Bueno in 1968 to reach a Slam semi-final and the first female player from her country to book a last four spot at Roland Garros in the Open Era.

The Tunisian, a finalist in Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, bagged a couple of quick breaks at the start to move into the driving seat with Haddad Maia having trouble dealing with her opponent's flat groundstrokes.

The Brazilian, having already become the first woman from her country in 55 years to reach the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam, decided to run Jabeur instead.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-virat-kohli-hopes-for-another-rohit-sharma-century-at-the-oval-601649">WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval</a>

The Tunisian then deployed her much-feared weapon, plopping drop shots over the net with Haddad Maia quickly going 4-1 down.

Jabeur served out the first set a little later with the left hander sending a forehand wide on the first set point.

Both players held serve without conceding a single break point until 5-5 when Jabeur went 40-15 up on Haddad Maia's serve but failed to convert either.

Her opponent also wasted a chance in the next game but levelled after winning the tiebreak.

She then raced to a 5-1 lead with Jabeur sending an easy forehand long on her opponent's first match point.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Holder Iga Swiatek was tested by American sixth seed Coco Gauff in a rematch of their 2022 French Open title clash but the world number one showed her class to secure a 6-4 6-2 victory and reach the semi-finals on Wednesday (June 7).

Holder Iga Swiatek was tested by American sixth seed Coco Gauff in a rematch of their 2022 French Open title clash but the world number one showed her class to secure a 6-4 6-2 victory and reach the semi-finals on Wednesday (June 7). The top seed will take on Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last four as she continues her bid for a third crown in four years at Roland Garros and her fourth Grand Slam title overall. Swiatek has adopted a more ruthless approach to her title defence dishing out four bagels in as many rounds but the Pole found the going tougher against a determined Gauff in the see-sawing opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier. After drawing first blood, she allowed Gauff to hit back and level up at 3-3 by crashing a volley into the net before getting back on track to take the advantage in the clash with a superb crosscourt winner. The relieved 22-year-old pumped her fist and let out a big scream after that decisive point. Swiatek took a tumble at the net after nearly being struck by a Gauff rocket before producing a tight hold for a 2-1 lead in the next set and dusted herself off to grab another break with a perfectly placed lob. She settled the contest by pouncing on Gauff's serve again and finished when the 19-year-old found the net. Haddad Maia left seventh seed Ons Jabeur's hopes of becoming the first African woman to win a singles Grand Slam in ruins after a 3-6 7-6(5) 6-1 victory. Jabeur was bidding to reach her third Grand Slam semi-final in less than a year but her plans were scuppered by the 14th-seeded left-hander who battled back bravely to book her own maiden last four Slam appearance. She is the first Brazilian woman since Maria Bueno in 1968 to reach a Slam semi-final and the first female player from her country to book a last four spot at Roland Garros in the Open Era. The Tunisian, a finalist in Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, bagged a couple of quick breaks at the start to move into the driving seat with Haddad Maia having trouble dealing with her opponent's flat groundstrokes. The Brazilian, having already become the first woman from her country in 55 years to reach the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam, decided to run Jabeur instead. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval The Tunisian then deployed her much-feared weapon, plopping drop shots over the net with Haddad Maia quickly going 4-1 down. Jabeur served out the first set a little later with the left hander sending a forehand wide on the first set point. Both players held serve without conceding a single break point until 5-5 when Jabeur went 40-15 up on Haddad Maia's serve but failed to convert either. Her opponent also wasted a chance in the next game but levelled after winning the tiebreak. She then raced to a 5-1 lead with Jabeur sending an easy forehand long on her opponent's first match point. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Iga Swiatek outclasses Coco Gauff in straight sets to reach semifinals

Stefanos Tsitsipas pledged Tuesday to cut out "naps and melatonin" after admitting virtually sleepwalking into a French Open defeat by Carlos Alcaraz.

The world number five from Greece slumped to a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) loss against top seed Alcaraz in a disappointing quarter-final.

"One thing that I'm going to try to avoid in the future is have melatonin pills and naps before matches because it clearly doesn't seem to be working," said Tsitsipas of his pre-match routine.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-novak-djokovic-books-semifinal-berth-after-dominant-win-against-khachanov-likely-to-face-alcaraz-601423">Novak Djokovic books semifinal berth after dominant win against Khachanov</a>

Melatonin in tablet form is often taken to treat sleep disorders.

Tsitsipas, the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in Paris in 2021, only woke up to the task at hand in the eighth game of the third set on Tuesday.

He saved two match points and then another in the 10th game as he pulled back from 2-5 down to 5-5 before Alcaraz eased through the tiebreak.

It was the 20-year-old Spaniard's fifth win in as many meetings with Tsitsipas.

"The schedule has been a little bit difficult the last few days. I had some late-night sessions. Not super late, but late enough for me to kind of have my sleep schedule ruined," added Tsitsipas.

He recalled a 6-1, 6-2 loss to Djokovic at the Paris Masters in 2019 when the match played out in the same way after he had had tried to catch up on sleep.

"I feel like melatonin really likes 1 and 2," he said, referring to the set outcomes.

"It wasn't really that much fun out there in the first two sets. I felt completely off, kind of like sleeping in a way. I just wish it never happens again. It sucks."

Despite his defeat, Tsitsipas hailed US Open champion Alcaraz, who will face 22-time major winner Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final on Friday.

However, the 24-year-old Greek said he found it impossible to pick a winner.

"One has experience; the other one has legs and moves like Speedy Gonzalez," he explained.

"One can hit huge, super big shots; and the other one prefers control over anything else, probably control and precision, to apply pressure and just make the opponent move as much as possible."

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Stefanos Tsitsipas pledged Tuesday to cut out "naps and melatonin" after admitting virtually sleepwalking into a French Open defeat by Carlos Alcaraz. The world number five from Greece slumped to a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) loss against top seed Alcaraz in a disappointing quarter-final.

Stefanos Tsitsipas pledged Tuesday to cut out "naps and melatonin" after admitting virtually sleepwalking into a French Open defeat by Carlos Alcaraz. The world number five from Greece slumped to a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) loss against top seed Alcaraz in a disappointing quarter-final. "One thing that I'm going to try to avoid in the future is have melatonin pills and naps before matches because it clearly doesn't seem to be working," said Tsitsipas of his pre-match routine. Also Read: Novak Djokovic books semifinal berth after dominant win against Khachanov Melatonin in tablet form is often taken to treat sleep disorders. Tsitsipas, the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in Paris in 2021, only woke up to the task at hand in the eighth game of the third set on Tuesday. He saved two match points and then another in the 10th game as he pulled back from 2-5 down to 5-5 before Alcaraz eased through the tiebreak. It was the 20-year-old Spaniard's fifth win in as many meetings with Tsitsipas. "The schedule has been a little bit difficult the last few days. I had some late-night sessions. Not super late, but late enough for me to kind of have my sleep schedule ruined," added Tsitsipas. He recalled a 6-1, 6-2 loss to Djokovic at the Paris Masters in 2019 when the match played out in the same way after he had had tried to catch up on sleep. "I feel like melatonin really likes 1 and 2," he said, referring to the set outcomes. "It wasn't really that much fun out there in the first two sets. I felt completely off, kind of like sleeping in a way. I just wish it never happens again. It sucks." Despite his defeat, Tsitsipas hailed US Open champion Alcaraz, who will face 22-time major winner Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final on Friday. However, the 24-year-old Greek said he found it impossible to pick a winner. "One has experience; the other one has legs and moves like Speedy Gonzalez," he explained. "One can hit huge, super big shots; and the other one prefers control over anything else, probably control and precision, to apply pressure and just make the opponent move as much as possible." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas vows to cut ‘naps and melatonin’ after exit

Former world number one and number three seed Novak Djokovic has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after getting the better of Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 of Russia on Tuesday, June 6. Despite dropping the first set, the Serbian star did not hesitate and won the next three to advance to the semis and will likely face number one seed Carlos Alcaraz for a place in Sunday’s final. Djokovic is targeting a record 23rd Grand Slam at the French Open and is now one step closer to the dream.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Win No. 9️⃣0️⃣ in Paris 💪🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> <a href="https://t.co/bUqbykErZ4">pic.twitter.com/bUqbykErZ4</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1666126163377369104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Djokovic moves a step closer to 23rd Grand Slam</h2>

After taking the first set 4-6, the former champion was again stretched down to the limit and needed the tiebreak to come back into the contest. The Serb lost his serve at the wrong time in the first set and paid the price to hand over the set to the Russian No. 11 seed. However, the tables were quickly turned by Djokovic as he won the second set tiebreak convincingly, without giving any opportunity to his opponent to settle. Khachanov failed to win a single point in the tiebreak.

<h2>Djokovic’s thoughts after the match</h2>

"I think he was a better player for most of the first two sets," said Djokovic.&nbsp;

"I was struggling to find my rhythm. I came into the match quite slow but played a perfect tie-break and from that moment onwards played a couple of levels higher.

"It's a big fight, something you expect in the quarter-finals. You're not going to have your victories handed to you, you have to earn them."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-may-pull-out-of-asia-cup-if-hybrid-model-rejected-report-601189">Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report</a>

<h2>Djokovic's semi-final is scheduled for Friday</h2>

As things stand, Djokovic will look to book a berth in Sunday’s final and will face the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday, June 9. Currently, he is levelled with Rafael Nadal for most singles Grand Slam titles in the men’s division. Both have 22 Grand Slam titles while the same number is shared by Steffi Graf in the women’s division. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Former world number one and number three seed Novak Djokovic has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after getting the better of Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 of Russia on Tuesday, June 6.

Former world number one and number three seed Novak Djokovic has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after getting the better of Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 of Russia on Tuesday, June 6. Despite dropping the first set, the Serbian star did not hesitate and won the next three to advance to the semis and will likely face number one seed Carlos Alcaraz for a place in Sunday’s final. Djokovic is targeting a record 23rd Grand Slam at the French Open and is now one step closer to the dream. Win No. 9️⃣0️⃣ in Paris 💪🇷🇸#RolandGarros | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/bUqbykErZ4 — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2023 × Djokovic moves a step closer to 23rd Grand Slam After taking the first set 4-6, the former champion was again stretched down to the limit and needed the tiebreak to come back into the contest. The Serb lost his serve at the wrong time in the first set and paid the price to hand over the set to the Russian No. 11 seed. However, the tables were quickly turned by Djokovic as he won the second set tiebreak convincingly, without giving any opportunity to his opponent to settle. Khachanov failed to win a single point in the tiebreak. Djokovic’s thoughts after the match "I think he was a better player for most of the first two sets," said Djokovic. "I was struggling to find my rhythm. I came into the match quite slow but played a perfect tie-break and from that moment onwards played a couple of levels higher. "It's a big fight, something you expect in the quarter-finals. You're not going to have your victories handed to you, you have to earn them." ALSO READ | Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report Djokovic's semi-final is scheduled for Friday As things stand, Djokovic will look to book a berth in Sunday’s final and will face the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday, June 9. Currently, he is levelled with Rafael Nadal for most singles Grand Slam titles in the men’s division. Both have 22 Grand Slam titles while the same number is shared by Steffi Graf in the women’s division. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Novak Djokovic books semifinal berth after dominant win against Khachanov

Australian Open champion Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after she got the better of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in straight sets. Sabalenka, who has been in dazzling form in 2023, beat Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 to reach the last four and will now try to add another trophy to her already impressive cabinet. She will face Karolína Muchová of the Czech Republic on Thursday for a place in Saturday’s final.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
World number 2 delivers 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> <a href="https://t.co/fxULMcKJdN">pic.twitter.com/fxULMcKJdN</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1666072391997333504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The match attracted special attention from the fans as Svitolina, who has been critical of players from Russia and Belarus. She refused to shake hands with players from the nation as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She&nbsp;was not afraid to show her discomfort with players from the opposition camp.

<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>

Despite much anticipation, the contest was straightforward as Sabalenka raced away with a lead in both sets. She looked good on her baseline and with the forehand and gave Svitolina no chance of recovery in the contest. The No. 2 seed won break points at a crucial stage of both sets before bringing match points and pocketing the match to make the semis.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-may-pull-out-of-asia-cup-if-hybrid-model-rejected-report-601189">Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report</a>

<h2>Svitolina accuses Sabalenka of 'inflaming' tensions with net stand-off</h2>

After the match, Svitolina accused Aryna Sabalenka of deliberately "inflaming" the tense stand-off between&nbsp;the two of them&nbsp;at the French Open on Tuesday by staring her down at the net. Sabalenka won their quarter-final&nbsp;and then approached the net in expectation of a handshake which Svitolina had already insisted she was not going to offer.

<h2>Karolina Muchova awaits in the semis</h2>

Sabalenka will play Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals after the Czech player stopped resurgent former French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in her tracks with a 7-5 6-2 victory to march into the Roland Garros semi-finals for the first time in her career. Muchova has largely flown under the radar in Paris this year after she stunned eighth seed Maria Sakkari in the opening round.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Australian Open champion Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after she got the better of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in straight sets.

Australian Open champion Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semifinal of the French Open 2023 after she got the better of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in straight sets. Sabalenka, who has been in dazzling form in 2023, beat Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 to reach the last four and will now try to add another trophy to her already impressive cabinet. She will face Karolína Muchová of the Czech Republic on Thursday for a place in Saturday’s final. World number 2 delivers 👀#RolandGarros | @SabalenkaA pic.twitter.com/fxULMcKJdN — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2023 × The match attracted special attention from the fans as Svitolina, who has been critical of players from Russia and Belarus. She refused to shake hands with players from the nation as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She was not afraid to show her discomfort with players from the opposition camp. What happened in the match? Despite much anticipation, the contest was straightforward as Sabalenka raced away with a lead in both sets. She looked good on her baseline and with the forehand and gave Svitolina no chance of recovery in the contest. The No. 2 seed won break points at a crucial stage of both sets before bringing match points and pocketing the match to make the semis. ALSO READ | Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report Svitolina accuses Sabalenka of 'inflaming' tensions with net stand-off After the match, Svitolina accused Aryna Sabalenka of deliberately "inflaming" the tense stand-off between the two of them at the French Open on Tuesday by staring her down at the net. Sabalenka won their quarter-final and then approached the net in expectation of a handshake which Svitolina had already insisted she was not going to offer. Karolina Muchova awaits in the semis Sabalenka will play Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals after the Czech player stopped resurgent former French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in her tracks with a 7-5 6-2 victory to march into the Roland Garros semi-finals for the first time in her career. Muchova has largely flown under the radar in Paris this year after she stunned eighth seed Maria Sakkari in the opening round. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka downs Elina Svitolina; to face Karolína Muchová in semis

The French Open 2023 is living up to expectations. As we have entered the final week, there are a plethora of big-ticket games lined-up. French Open 2021 runners-up Stefanos Tsitsipas has progressed into the last eight and is set to lock horns with current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, which promises to be an enthralling battle between the two youngsters.

Ahead of the battle, Tsitsipas spoke at length about the upcoming quarter-final face-off. It is to be noted that Alcaraz&nbsp;holds an impressive 4-0 ATP head-to-head record against the Greek player.&nbsp;However, the 24-year-old is up for the challenge this time around.&nbsp;

"The clash we've all been waiting for," said&nbsp;Tsitsipas during his press conference after a dominant straight-set&nbsp;win over Sebastian Ofner. On being asked to elaborate, Tsitsipas added: "I think I said everything I had to say. I think everyone was expecting it, weren't they? And it's here. It's game on."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-world-number-seven-ons-jabeur-swats-aside-bernanda-pera-to-enter-french-open-quarter-finals-600844">Tennis: World number seven Ons Jabeur swats aside Bernanda Pera to enter French Open quarter-finals</a>

Since their first-ever meeting, Alcaraz has continued to climb up the ladder whereas Tsitsipas is still searching for his maiden Grand Slam title. The two locked horns in the 2021&nbsp;US Open where the Spaniard defeated Tsitsipas to become the first man&nbsp;to brush aside&nbsp;a top-three-ranked player in singles at the tournament since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973.&nbsp;

Both Alcaraz and Tsitsipas have contrasting playing styles. The contest promises to be an engaging battle as the race for the title has intensified. Novak Djokovic, another strong contender, will also be in action on Tuesday (June 06), before the Alcaraz-Tsitsipas face-off, as he is up against Russia's&nbsp;Karen Khachanov in the quarters.&nbsp;

Alcaraz and Tsitsipas will come face-to-face later in the day.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The French Open 2023 is living up to expectations. As we have entered the final week, there are a plethora of big-ticket games lined-up. French Open 2021 runners-up Stefanos Tsitsipas has progressed into the last eight and is set to lock horns with current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, which promises to be an enthralling battle between the two youngsters.

The French Open 2023 is living up to expectations. As we have entered the final week, there are a plethora of big-ticket games lined-up. French Open 2021 runners-up Stefanos Tsitsipas has progressed into the last eight and is set to lock horns with current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, which promises to be an enthralling battle between the two youngsters. Ahead of the battle, Tsitsipas spoke at length about the upcoming quarter-final face-off. It is to be noted that Alcaraz holds an impressive 4-0 ATP head-to-head record against the Greek player. However, the 24-year-old is up for the challenge this time around. "The clash we've all been waiting for," said Tsitsipas during his press conference after a dominant straight-set win over Sebastian Ofner. On being asked to elaborate, Tsitsipas added: "I think I said everything I had to say. I think everyone was expecting it, weren't they? And it's here. It's game on." Also Read: Tennis: World number seven Ons Jabeur swats aside Bernanda Pera to enter French Open quarter-finals Since their first-ever meeting, Alcaraz has continued to climb up the ladder whereas Tsitsipas is still searching for his maiden Grand Slam title. The two locked horns in the 2021 US Open where the Spaniard defeated Tsitsipas to become the first man to brush aside a top-three-ranked player in singles at the tournament since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973. Both Alcaraz and Tsitsipas have contrasting playing styles. The contest promises to be an engaging battle as the race for the title has intensified. Novak Djokovic, another strong contender, will also be in action on Tuesday (June 06), before the Alcaraz-Tsitsipas face-off, as he is up against Russia's Karen Khachanov in the quarters. Alcaraz and Tsitsipas will come face-to-face later in the day. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: 'Clash we have all been waiting for' - Tsitsipas geared up for Alcaraz face-off in French Open QFs

Ons Jabeur was a woman in a hurry at the French Open on Monday, as the seventh seed eased into the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3 6-1 win over American Bernarda Pera in bright sunshine. Jabeur's season has steadily gathered steam in Paris after the Tunisian world number seven had minor knee surgery earlier in the year and skipped the Madrid Open due to a calf problem following her run to the Charleston crown.

The 28-year-old breezed to a 4-1 lead in the opening set even as many Court Philippe Chatrier ticket-holders were making their way past the turnstiles and closed it out in 35 minutes with her fifth break of serve. Pera beat Jabeur in their last meeting on the hardcourts of Guangzhou in 2019 but the left-hander struggled to cope with her tricky opponent's clay prowess and did not help her own cause with errors in her maiden last 16 appearance in a Grand Slam.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2023-pair-of-miyu-kato-aldila-sutjiadi-got-disqualified-after-ballgirl-got-hit-during-the-match-600440">French Open 2023: Miyu Kato, Aldila Sutjiadi disqualified after accidently hitting ballgirl during match</a>

Jabeur tightened her grip on the contest by blending power, precision and guile in the next set to close out the victory in just over an hour.

The Tunisian, who is eyeing a first Grand Slam title after falling short in the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals last year, will take on Sara Sorribes Tormo or 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia who face off later in the day.

Ons Jabeur was a woman in a hurry at the French Open on Monday, as the seventh seed eased into the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3 6-1 win over American Bernarda Pera in bright sunshine.

Ons Jabeur was a woman in a hurry at the French Open on Monday, as the seventh seed eased into the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3 6-1 win over American Bernarda Pera in bright sunshine. Jabeur's season has steadily gathered steam in Paris after the Tunisian world number seven had minor knee surgery earlier in the year and skipped the Madrid Open due to a calf problem following her run to the Charleston crown. The 28-year-old breezed to a 4-1 lead in the opening set even as many Court Philippe Chatrier ticket-holders were making their way past the turnstiles and closed it out in 35 minutes with her fifth break of serve. Pera beat Jabeur in their last meeting on the hardcourts of Guangzhou in 2019 but the left-hander struggled to cope with her tricky opponent's clay prowess and did not help her own cause with errors in her maiden last 16 appearance in a Grand Slam. Also Read: French Open 2023: Miyu Kato, Aldila Sutjiadi disqualified after accidently hitting ballgirl during match Jabeur tightened her grip on the contest by blending power, precision and guile in the next set to close out the victory in just over an hour. The Tunisian, who is eyeing a first Grand Slam title after falling short in the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals last year, will take on Sara Sorribes Tormo or 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia who face off later in the day.

Tennis: World number seven Ons Jabeur swats aside Bernanda Pera to enter French Open quarter-finals

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took just 51 minutes to reach the French Open fourth round on Saturday as Coco Gauff ended 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's memorable Paris debut.

Swiatek blitzed 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu of China 6-0, 6-0 on the back of 21 winners as the 22-year-old Pole took another step closer to becoming the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros.

Of the six sets she has played so far, four have been to love. In all she has dropped just eight games through three rounds.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-inch-one-step-closer-to-completing-a-treble-after-2-1-win-over-united-in-fa-cup-final-600187">Manchester City inch one step closer to completing a treble after 2-1 win over United in FA Cup Final</a>

"It was a really solid performance from me. It's not easy to stay disciplined and keep your focus," said Swiatek, who also won the title in 2020.

Swiatek will face Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko, who breezed past 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu for the loss of just two games, for a quarter-final berth.

Her path to the final was made easier earlier Saturday by the withdrawal of Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, a possible last-four opponent, due to illness.

Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier but said she was suffering with a fever.

<h2>Rybakina out</h2>

"I had fever and a headache and it's difficult to breathe. I tried to play in the warm-up but I feel it's the right decision to withdraw," said the 23-year-old Kazakh.

Sorribes Tormo, ranked 132 in the world, will face Beatriz Haddad Maia, the first Brazilian to make the last 16 in Paris since 1979, for a place in the last eight.

World number six Gauff, the runner-up to Swiatek last year, came back from a set down to defeat Andreeva 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-1.

Andreeva, ranked a lowly 143, had come through qualifying and was the youngest player to make the third round since 2005.

"Mirra is super young and has a big future," said 19-year-old Gauff who will face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia for a quarter-finals spot.

Andreeva was fortunate to avoid a default for petulantly hitting a ball into the Court Suzanne Lenglen crowd during the first set.

"Right after I thought that it was a really stupid move from me," she admitted.

Seventh-ranked Ons Jabeur made sure five of the top seeds reached the last 16 by defeating Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

World number four Casper Ruud, the runner-up to Rafael Nadal in 2022, dropped the first set before easing to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win against China's Zhang Zhizhen.

The 26-year-old Zhang was bidding to become the first Chinese man since 1936 to reach the fourth round.

<h2>South American push</h2>

Ruud will next face in-form Nicolas Jarry after the Chilean edged out Marcos Giron of the United States 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3.

Jarry arrived in Paris having claimed the Geneva clay court title and will be making a maiden appearance in the last 16 of a major.

Also featuring in the second week for the first time will be 49th-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina who stunned 15th seed Borna Coric 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.

Etcheverry will next face Japanese 27th seed Yoshihito Nishioka who edged a dramatic five-set battle with qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild to reach the fourth round for the first time.

Nishioka battled back to win 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 against the Brazilian who had knocked out world number two Daniil Medvedev in the first round.

Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina joined the list of South American first-timers in the second week by seeing off US ninth seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

Cerundolo next meets Danish world number six and 2022 quarter-finalist Holger Rune who eased past 231st-ranked Argentinian qualifier Genaro Alberto Olivieri 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.

Daniel Altmaier, who won the fifth longest match in French Open history in the last round, succumbed in straight sets to Grigor Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian will next face Alexander Zverev who edged out Frances Tiafoe of the United States 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 7-6 (7/5).

Zverev suffered ankle ligament damage in a semi-final loss to Nadal in 2022 which ended his season.

"It's been the hardest year of my life," said German 22nd seed Zverev. "I'm so happy to be back." 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took just 51 minutes to reach the French Open fourth round on Saturday as Coco Gauff ended 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's memorable Paris debut.

World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek took just 51 minutes to reach the French Open fourth round on Saturday as Coco Gauff ended 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's memorable Paris debut. Swiatek blitzed 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu of China 6-0, 6-0 on the back of 21 winners as the 22-year-old Pole took another step closer to becoming the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros. Of the six sets she has played so far, four have been to love. In all she has dropped just eight games through three rounds. Also Read: Manchester City inch one step closer to completing a treble after 2-1 win over United in FA Cup Final "It was a really solid performance from me. It's not easy to stay disciplined and keep your focus," said Swiatek, who also won the title in 2020. Swiatek will face Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko, who breezed past 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu for the loss of just two games, for a quarter-final berth. Her path to the final was made easier earlier Saturday by the withdrawal of Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, a possible last-four opponent, due to illness. Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier but said she was suffering with a fever. Rybakina out "I had fever and a headache and it's difficult to breathe. I tried to play in the warm-up but I feel it's the right decision to withdraw," said the 23-year-old Kazakh. Sorribes Tormo, ranked 132 in the world, will face Beatriz Haddad Maia, the first Brazilian to make the last 16 in Paris since 1979, for a place in the last eight. World number six Gauff, the runner-up to Swiatek last year, came back from a set down to defeat Andreeva 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-1. Andreeva, ranked a lowly 143, had come through qualifying and was the youngest player to make the third round since 2005. "Mirra is super young and has a big future," said 19-year-old Gauff who will face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia for a quarter-finals spot. Andreeva was fortunate to avoid a default for petulantly hitting a ball into the Court Suzanne Lenglen crowd during the first set. "Right after I thought that it was a really stupid move from me," she admitted. Seventh-ranked Ons Jabeur made sure five of the top seeds reached the last 16 by defeating Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. World number four Casper Ruud, the runner-up to Rafael Nadal in 2022, dropped the first set before easing to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win against China's Zhang Zhizhen. The 26-year-old Zhang was bidding to become the first Chinese man since 1936 to reach the fourth round. South American push Ruud will next face in-form Nicolas Jarry after the Chilean edged out Marcos Giron of the United States 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3. Jarry arrived in Paris having claimed the Geneva clay court title and will be making a maiden appearance in the last 16 of a major. Also featuring in the second week for the first time will be 49th-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina who stunned 15th seed Borna Coric 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2. Etcheverry will next face Japanese 27th seed Yoshihito Nishioka who edged a dramatic five-set battle with qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild to reach the fourth round for the first time. Nishioka battled back to win 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 against the Brazilian who had knocked out world number two Daniil Medvedev in the first round. Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina joined the list of South American first-timers in the second week by seeing off US ninth seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. Cerundolo next meets Danish world number six and 2022 quarter-finalist Holger Rune who eased past 231st-ranked Argentinian qualifier Genaro Alberto Olivieri 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. Daniel Altmaier, who won the fifth longest match in French Open history in the last round, succumbed in straight sets to Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian will next face Alexander Zverev who edged out Frances Tiafoe of the United States 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 7-6 (7/5). Zverev suffered ankle ligament damage in a semi-final loss to Nadal in 2022 which ended his season. "It's been the hardest year of my life," said German 22nd seed Zverev. "I'm so happy to be back." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French Open: Iga Swiatek serves double bagel in 51-minute blitz vs Wang Xinyu

french-open

French Open, News on French Open, stories on French Open, articles on French Open, French Open stories at Wion, French Open news, French Open latest news

french open