'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785">wave of violence and vandalism in Paris</a>&nbsp;on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.

'No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,'&nbsp;Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-macron-to-meet-on-g20-sidelines-amidst-rafale-row-180641">G20 summit.</a>

Declining to take questions after a day of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">rioting in Paris</a>, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger. 'No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,' Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the G20 summit. Declining to take questions after a day of rioting in Paris, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.

France's Macron says nothing can justify the violence in Paris

By Sophie Hunter

Emmanuel Macron has just confirmed once again that he has the best interests of the wealthy at heart. A most recent example is the lower middle class-led protests that began on Saturday, November 17. Since then, demonstrators in yellow high visibility vests have been blocking roads, oil refineries, motorway tolls and major supermarket warehouses across France, especially at the periphery of major cities. The root of their discontent is not solely the new tax increase and a rise in fuel costs, which Macron justifies in the name of an ecological transition to a low-carbon economy. Instead, the French have erupted in fury and have marched down the Champs-Élysées because the latest tax hike is shrinking the buying power of the middle and lower classes.

Some analysts doubt whether the movement will gain momentum. Others believe differently. They think that the latest tax hike will rally people from various backgrounds and regions who are united by their disappointment with the president. Since his election in 2017, Emmanuel Macron has introduced or increased a variety of taxes. In March, thousands of pensioners marched through Paris in protest over higher social security taxes. While &nbsp;Macron has scrapped a wealth tax and cut corporate tax, he is taxing the poor more and slashing their benefits. Unsurprisingly, the former investment banker has earned the epithet “president of the rich.”

Since April, Macron’s popularity has been declining. His labour-market reforms led to prolonged strikes by railway unions. Then, the young president chose to attack the French social model for higher education. Currently, French students who pass the baccalaureate exam have the right to attend university in their area. Macron’s reform allows universities to select students on merit. Sit-ins and protests broke out across the country just before the end-of-year exams. After the latest fuel hike protests, the so-called Macronmania is in free fall. Macron’s popularity has crashed to a new low record of 25%. It is clear that the “Macron honeymoon” is over and has been replaced by disillusionment.

Tearing up the social contract

Macron’s policies and reforms are informed by a simple calculus: He wants to make France more dynamic, just like the US and the UK. Curiously, he is doing so at a time when the Anglo-Saxon economic model stands discredited and weakened by the uncertainty of Brexit. No less than a fifth of the UK population now lives in poverty. Children and pensioners are experiencing the worst decline in living conditions in decades. UN special rapporteur, Philip Alston, found 14 million Brits living in poverty, many unable to break its vicious cycle.

Macron has decided that cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy is the best way to attract investment in France. This investment, combined with privatization of state-owned assets, should bring innovation, jobs and better growth. To achieve this, he must rip up France’s existing social contract and cut costs on its rather generous welfare state. As Owen Jones writes in The Guardian, Macron’s “policies have shifted the workplace balance of power from workers to bosses.” While this comes as no surprise, voters seem to be suffering from memory loss. As economy minister under François Hollande, Macron pushed hard for unpopular policies aimed at unlocking economic growth. Today, as president, he is turning them into reality.

To be fair, the French social model has been under strain for a long time. The 2017 elections demonstrated deepening divisions in French society. The two candidates left standing in the final round were Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. It was clear that the French, young and old, were willing to shake up the system. Out went the traditional parties on the left and the right. In came two populists, one so-called centrist and the other from the far right. Macron owes his throne to the divisions in France, demonstrating that the center has moved to the right.

A very French Schizophrenia

The very students who now oppose Macron were his greatest supporters who helped elect him in 2017 — he was the preferred candidate for millennial voters from all social strata. He was young, good looking, telegenic, energetic and charismatic. The country of Napoleon likes flair, and Macron had a charming love story that sold well. His high school teacher, 25 years his senior, had fallen in love with him, abandoning her husband to marry her precocious student. This cool new Pied Piper seduced millennials with even greater ease than he had seduced his wife. For the young, Macron was their man.

Unfortunately, young French voters forgot to observe that Macron was an establishment man. He is an énarque, a graduate of the elitist National School of Administration (L’ENA). Last year, French businessman Alain Minc told the Financial Times that Macron was the “perfect product of the French Republican monarchy.” This high flier graduated as an inspecteur des finances — an elite corps of the very highest-ranking graduates from L’ENA. At the height of the global financial crisis in 2008, Macron jetted off to Rothschild, eventually “earning €2.9m and a nickname — ‘the Mozart of finance’ — for his role advising Nestlé on its $12bn acquisition of a unit of Pfizer in 2012.” According to the Financial Times, the Mozart of finance made his fortune because he “mastered the art of networking and navigated around the numerous conflicts of interest that arise in close-knit Parisian business circles.” In other words, Macron was hardly the rebel or the outsider that French millennials imagined him to be.

Macron captures a very French schizophrenia among the young. On the one hand, they are still intoxicated by the memory of the heady days of 1968. They identify with socialist and radical culture. On the other hand, young people still imagine themselves to be important in the world. They might be disillusioned, but they still have both illusions and delusions of grandeur. It is this contradiction that made Macron attractive to them.

Macron’s image appealed to the radical counterculture of May 1968. At the same time, he was promising to modernize the country and put France center stage. His party, La République En Marche! (Republic on the Move!) promised change but never really defined it. He called himself a centrist, but no one asked him what that really meant. He never disclosed who funded his slick campaign. Yet what is indisputable is that Macron did run a brilliant campaign with meticulous attention to branding, marketing and messaging, which was especially successful in seducing millennials. The fact that these two impulses or desires of preserving the legacy of 1968 and of making the country hip in 2017 might ever be contradictory never occurred to Macron’s enthusiastic supporters.

Hyperreality

French youngsters simply fail to realize that la grande nation is no longer the center of the world. They don’t see that time has passed France by. Paris is no London, New York, Singapore or Shanghai. France’s incestuous elite and infamous red tape continue to drive away talent. Yet most French youngsters overlook reality and stick to a perception of France that is nostalgic, wooly and even smug. They don’t think deeply, debate passionately or explore widely.

Admittedly, this situation is not unique to France. Not only the young but also the old in many parts of the world fail to discern the difference between reality and perception. Peter Isackson has written consistently about this new world of hyperreality, where image matters more than substance, where perception overrides reality. In this hyperreal world, the young have lost their ability to think critically. They no longer challenge established norms or institutions. They are ultra sensitive and shy away from debate. They fail to realize that anything meaningful or substantive is controversial, painful and unsafe.

In France and elsewhere, the young mouth platitudes to diversity, but remain slaves to conformity. There are few discussions or debates about immigration, inequality, social mobility, alternative economic models or even education. Paradoxically, as foreshadowed by the Dalai Lama in his “Paradox of Our Times,” this much celebrated millennial generation has wider access to information, greater opportunities to travel and enormous potential to learn, but it is far less accepting of differences than earlier generations. Therefore, it is far more vulnerable to the hyperreality peddled by snake-oil salesmen.

(Sophie Hunter is a French law graduate from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-political-discourse-desperately-needs-a-course-correction-2689959">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Sophie Hunter Emmanuel Macron has just confirmed once again that he has the best interests of the wealthy at heart. A most recent example is the lower middle class-led protests that began on Saturday, November 17.

By Sophie Hunter Emmanuel Macron has just confirmed once again that he has the best interests of the wealthy at heart. A most recent example is the lower middle class-led protests that began on Saturday, November 17. Since then, demonstrators in yellow high visibility vests have been blocking roads, oil refineries, motorway tolls and major supermarket warehouses across France, especially at the periphery of major cities. The root of their discontent is not solely the new tax increase and a rise in fuel costs, which Macron justifies in the name of an ecological transition to a low-carbon economy. Instead, the French have erupted in fury and have marched down the Champs-Élysées because the latest tax hike is shrinking the buying power of the middle and lower classes. Some analysts doubt whether the movement will gain momentum. Others believe differently. They think that the latest tax hike will rally people from various backgrounds and regions who are united by their disappointment with the president. Since his election in 2017, Emmanuel Macron has introduced or increased a variety of taxes. In March, thousands of pensioners marched through Paris in protest over higher social security taxes. While Macron has scrapped a wealth tax and cut corporate tax, he is taxing the poor more and slashing their benefits. Unsurprisingly, the former investment banker has earned the epithet “president of the rich.” Since April, Macron’s popularity has been declining. His labour-market reforms led to prolonged strikes by railway unions. Then, the young president chose to attack the French social model for higher education. Currently, French students who pass the baccalaureate exam have the right to attend university in their area. Macron’s reform allows universities to select students on merit. Sit-ins and protests broke out across the country just before the end-of-year exams. After the latest fuel hike protests, the so-called Macronmania is in free fall. Macron’s popularity has crashed to a new low record of 25%. It is clear that the “Macron honeymoon” is over and has been replaced by disillusionment. Tearing up the social contract Macron’s policies and reforms are informed by a simple calculus: He wants to make France more dynamic, just like the US and the UK. Curiously, he is doing so at a time when the Anglo-Saxon economic model stands discredited and weakened by the uncertainty of Brexit. No less than a fifth of the UK population now lives in poverty. Children and pensioners are experiencing the worst decline in living conditions in decades. UN special rapporteur, Philip Alston, found 14 million Brits living in poverty, many unable to break its vicious cycle. Macron has decided that cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy is the best way to attract investment in France. This investment, combined with privatization of state-owned assets, should bring innovation, jobs and better growth. To achieve this, he must rip up France’s existing social contract and cut costs on its rather generous welfare state. As Owen Jones writes in The Guardian, Macron’s “policies have shifted the workplace balance of power from workers to bosses.” While this comes as no surprise, voters seem to be suffering from memory loss. As economy minister under François Hollande, Macron pushed hard for unpopular policies aimed at unlocking economic growth. Today, as president, he is turning them into reality. To be fair, the French social model has been under strain for a long time. The 2017 elections demonstrated deepening divisions in French society. The two candidates left standing in the final round were Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. It was clear that the French, young and old, were willing to shake up the system. Out went the traditional parties on the left and the right. In came two populists, one so-called centrist and the other from the far right. Macron owes his throne to the divisions in France, demonstrating that the center has moved to the right. A very French Schizophrenia The very students who now oppose Macron were his greatest supporters who helped elect him in 2017 — he was the preferred candidate for millennial voters from all social strata. He was young, good looking, telegenic, energetic and charismatic. The country of Napoleon likes flair, and Macron had a charming love story that sold well. His high school teacher, 25 years his senior, had fallen in love with him, abandoning her husband to marry her precocious student. This cool new Pied Piper seduced millennials with even greater ease than he had seduced his wife. For the young, Macron was their man. Unfortunately, young French voters forgot to observe that Macron was an establishment man. He is an énarque, a graduate of the elitist National School of Administration (L’ENA). Last year, French businessman Alain Minc told the Financial Times that Macron was the “perfect product of the French Republican monarchy.” This high flier graduated as an inspecteur des finances — an elite corps of the very highest-ranking graduates from L’ENA. At the height of the global financial crisis in 2008, Macron jetted off to Rothschild, eventually “earning €2.9m and a nickname — ‘the Mozart of finance’ — for his role advising Nestlé on its $12bn acquisition of a unit of Pfizer in 2012.” According to the Financial Times, the Mozart of finance made his fortune because he “mastered the art of networking and navigated around the numerous conflicts of interest that arise in close-knit Parisian business circles.” In other words, Macron was hardly the rebel or the outsider that French millennials imagined him to be. Macron captures a very French schizophrenia among the young. On the one hand, they are still intoxicated by the memory of the heady days of 1968. They identify with socialist and radical culture. On the other hand, young people still imagine themselves to be important in the world. They might be disillusioned, but they still have both illusions and delusions of grandeur. It is this contradiction that made Macron attractive to them. Macron’s image appealed to the radical counterculture of May 1968. At the same time, he was promising to modernize the country and put France center stage. His party, La République En Marche! (Republic on the Move!) promised change but never really defined it. He called himself a centrist, but no one asked him what that really meant. He never disclosed who funded his slick campaign. Yet what is indisputable is that Macron did run a brilliant campaign with meticulous attention to branding, marketing and messaging, which was especially successful in seducing millennials. The fact that these two impulses or desires of preserving the legacy of 1968 and of making the country hip in 2017 might ever be contradictory never occurred to Macron’s enthusiastic supporters. Hyperreality French youngsters simply fail to realize that la grande nation is no longer the center of the world. They don’t see that time has passed France by. Paris is no London, New York, Singapore or Shanghai. France’s incestuous elite and infamous red tape continue to drive away talent. Yet most French youngsters overlook reality and stick to a perception of France that is nostalgic, wooly and even smug. They don’t think deeply, debate passionately or explore widely. Admittedly, this situation is not unique to France. Not only the young but also the old in many parts of the world fail to discern the difference between reality and perception. Peter Isackson has written consistently about this new world of hyperreality, where image matters more than substance, where perception overrides reality. In this hyperreal world, the young have lost their ability to think critically. They no longer challenge established norms or institutions. They are ultra sensitive and shy away from debate. They fail to realize that anything meaningful or substantive is controversial, painful and unsafe. In France and elsewhere, the young mouth platitudes to diversity, but remain slaves to conformity. There are few discussions or debates about immigration, inequality, social mobility, alternative economic models or even education. Paradoxically, as foreshadowed by the Dalai Lama in his “Paradox of Our Times,” this much celebrated millennial generation has wider access to information, greater opportunities to travel and enormous potential to learn, but it is far less accepting of differences than earlier generations. Therefore, it is far more vulnerable to the hyperreality peddled by snake-oil salesmen. (Sophie Hunter is a French law graduate from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For France, the Macron Honeymoon is over

Thousands demonstrate against sexual violence at Paris protest

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace.

Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief".

For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories.

They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles.

Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters.

"We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force.

Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day.

Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups.

Protests spread

The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity.

Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire.

The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government.

Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration.

But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France. Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace. Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief". For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories. They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles. Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters. "We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force. Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day. Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups. Protests spread The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity. Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire. The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday. While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government. Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration. But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

French police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army.

"Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US&nbsp;came along. Pay for NATO or not!"

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Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062311785787744256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over the weekend, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-macron-agree-on-defence-after-insulting-european-army-spat-176575">Macron angered Trump</a> by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European security.

Trump and Mcron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".

Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past.

"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump.

"We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Macron delivered a speech&nbsp;condemning the rise of nationalism&nbsp;as dozens of world leaders—including President Donald Trump—gathered in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

“Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Macron said. “By saying, ‘Our interests first, who cares about the others,’ we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what gives it grace and what is essential: its moral values.”

Macron didn’t mention Trump or the United States by name in his remarks, and his message was likely meant for several world leaders in the audience and listeners worldwide, given&nbsp;the rise of nationalist movements&nbsp;throughout Europe.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army. "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army. "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along. Pay for NATO or not!" Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × Over the weekend, Macron angered Trump by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European security. Trump and Mcron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting". Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past. "We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States." Meanwhile, Macron delivered a speech condemning the rise of nationalism as dozens of world leaders—including President Donald Trump—gathered in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. “Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Macron said. “By saying, ‘Our interests first, who cares about the others,’ we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what gives it grace and what is essential: its moral values.” Macron didn’t mention Trump or the United States by name in his remarks, and his message was likely meant for several world leaders in the audience and listeners worldwide, given the rise of nationalist movements throughout Europe.

Trump criticises Macron again over European defense remarks

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values.

With US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting just a few feet away listening to the speech via translation earpieces, Macron denounced those who evoke nationalist sentiment to disadvantage others.

"Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism," Macron said in a 20-minute address delivered from under the Arc de Triomphe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

"By pursuing our own interests first, with no regard to others', we erase the very thing that a nation holds most precious, that which gives it life and makes it great: its moral values."

Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since entering the White House and in the run-up to the congressional elections this month declared himself a "nationalist", sat still and stony-faced in the front row as Macron spoke.

There was no immediate response from either the White House or the Kremlin to Macron's comments.

"Old demons"

In the week ahead of Sunday's commemoration, Macron spent time touring World War One battlefields in northern and eastern France, repeatedly warning in speeches of the resurgence of nationalism, saying it threatened the unity so carefully rebuilt in Europe over the past 70 years.

In one interview, he compared the political tone now to the 1930s, saying complacency towards unbridled nationalism then had opened the way for the rise of Hitler.

In part, his warnings seemed aimed at far-right parties that have gained ground across Europe in recent elections, including in France, where the National Front, now renamed the National Rally, has nudged ahead of Macron's En Marche movement in the polls ahead of European Parliament elections next May.

Besides France, right-wing nationalist or populist parties are on the rise or now have a stake in power in Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Slovenia, among others.

There has been a similar resurgence in nationalist-populist sentiment from Brazil to Turkey and the Philippines, echoing trends in Russia and the United States and challenging the multilateralism that leaders like Macron are keen to preserve.

In his address on Sunday, Macron said that "old demons are reawakening" and warned against ignoring the past.

"History sometimes threatens to repeat its tragic patterns, and undermine the legacy of peace we thought we had sealed with the blood of our ancestors," he said.

Asked in late October what he meant when he described himself as a nationalist, Trump cited his love of the country and said it was about putting it first economically.

"We're giving all of our wealth, all of our money, to other countries and then they don't treat us properly," he said.

"For many years other countries that are allies of ours... they have not treated our country fairly. So in that sense, I am absolutely a nationalist and I'm proud of it."

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values.

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values. With US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting just a few feet away listening to the speech via translation earpieces, Macron denounced those who evoke nationalist sentiment to disadvantage others. "Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism," Macron said in a 20-minute address delivered from under the Arc de Triomphe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. "By pursuing our own interests first, with no regard to others', we erase the very thing that a nation holds most precious, that which gives it life and makes it great: its moral values." Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since entering the White House and in the run-up to the congressional elections this month declared himself a "nationalist", sat still and stony-faced in the front row as Macron spoke. There was no immediate response from either the White House or the Kremlin to Macron's comments. "Old demons" In the week ahead of Sunday's commemoration, Macron spent time touring World War One battlefields in northern and eastern France, repeatedly warning in speeches of the resurgence of nationalism, saying it threatened the unity so carefully rebuilt in Europe over the past 70 years. In one interview, he compared the political tone now to the 1930s, saying complacency towards unbridled nationalism then had opened the way for the rise of Hitler. In part, his warnings seemed aimed at far-right parties that have gained ground across Europe in recent elections, including in France, where the National Front, now renamed the National Rally, has nudged ahead of Macron's En Marche movement in the polls ahead of European Parliament elections next May. Besides France, right-wing nationalist or populist parties are on the rise or now have a stake in power in Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Slovenia, among others. There has been a similar resurgence in nationalist-populist sentiment from Brazil to Turkey and the Philippines, echoing trends in Russia and the United States and challenging the multilateralism that leaders like Macron are keen to preserve. In his address on Sunday, Macron said that "old demons are reawakening" and warned against ignoring the past. "History sometimes threatens to repeat its tragic patterns, and undermine the legacy of peace we thought we had sealed with the blood of our ancestors," he said. Asked in late October what he meant when he described himself as a nationalist, Trump cited his love of the country and said it was about putting it first economically. "We're giving all of our wealth, all of our money, to other countries and then they don't treat us properly," he said. "For many years other countries that are allies of ours... they have not treated our country fairly. So in that sense, I am absolutely a nationalist and I'm proud of it."

With Trump sitting nearby, Macron calls nationalism a betrayal; adds 'old demons are reawakening'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged dozens of world leaders marking a century since the end of World War I to come together for a joint "fight for peace".&nbsp;

"Let us build our hopes rather than playing our fears against each other," he told leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Speaking to an audience that included US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, he called for leaders to fight "withdrawal, violence and domination".

"Together, we can ward off threats -- the spectre of global warming and the destruction of the environment, poverty, hunger, disease, inequalities, ignorance."&nbsp;

After spending a week touring the former battlefields of northern France, he urged leaders not to forget the slaughter, "one hundred years after a massacre whose scars are still visible on the face of the world". &nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged dozens of world leaders marking a century since the end of World War I to come together for a joint "fight for peace".

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged dozens of world leaders marking a century since the end of World War I to come together for a joint "fight for peace". "Let us build our hopes rather than playing our fears against each other," he told leaders gathered at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Speaking to an audience that included US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, he called for leaders to fight "withdrawal, violence and domination". "Together, we can ward off threats -- the spectre of global warming and the destruction of the environment, poverty, hunger, disease, inequalities, ignorance." After spending a week touring the former battlefields of northern France, he urged leaders not to forget the slaughter, "one hundred years after a massacre whose scars are still visible on the face of the world".

At WWI ceremony Macron urges world leaders to 'build hope, not fear'

France's Human Rights League (LDH) said on Thursday it would file a legal complaint against soccer club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) after an investigative website reported its scouts had for years listed the ethnic origins of young recruits.

The website, Mediapart, which based its allegations on the so-called "Football Leaks' documents, claimed PSG had until the spring of 2018 asked recruiters to record the origin of players in four categories: "Francais" (French), "Maghrebin" (North African), "Antillais" (West Indian), and "Afrique noire" (Black African).

It is against French law to collect personal data which reveals racial or ethnic origins of individuals.

In 2014, the director of the club's recruitment unit across the country, excluding the Paris region, defended at a meeting the ethnic vision of the team, justifying a discriminatory recruitment policy, Mediapart said.

The comments triggered protests at the club, but despite being summoned by management, the director was never punished, Mediapart said.

Qatari-owned PSG acknowledged and condemned on Thursday the existence of the ethnic identity files.

"The general management of the club never knew of an ethnic registration system within a recruitment department or possessed any such forms.

"Paris Saint-Germain confirms that forms with illegal contents were used between 2013 and 2018 by the recruitment cell of the training academy dedicated to regions outside Ile-de-France (Paris area). These forms were an individual initiative of the head of this department," it said.

In a statement, the LDH said any such system was deeply racist and discriminatory.

"These practices, if confirmed, are illegal," it said. "This is why the Human Rights League has decided to file to the public prosecutor a complaint ... to punish the culprits."

France's Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu warned of consequences and said she had asked French football authorities to investigate the case.

"If this is proved true, they are punishable by disciplinary or even criminal punishment. It is not acceptable that people are identified and recruited according to their skin colour or origin," she said.

If found guilty those responsible could face five years in jail and a €300,000 fine.

It is not the first time the issue has come up in French soccer. In 2011, Mediapart revealed that the national coach at the time, Laurent Blanc, had discussed with other officials a project to enforce racial quotas in youth academies.

France's Human Rights League (LDH) said on Thursday it would file a legal complaint against soccer club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) after an investigative website reported its scouts had for years listed the ethnic origins of young recruits.

France's Human Rights League (LDH) said on Thursday it would file a legal complaint against soccer club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) after an investigative website reported its scouts had for years listed the ethnic origins of young recruits. The website, Mediapart, which based its allegations on the so-called "Football Leaks' documents, claimed PSG had until the spring of 2018 asked recruiters to record the origin of players in four categories: "Francais" (French), "Maghrebin" (North African), "Antillais" (West Indian), and "Afrique noire" (Black African). It is against French law to collect personal data which reveals racial or ethnic origins of individuals. In 2014, the director of the club's recruitment unit across the country, excluding the Paris region, defended at a meeting the ethnic vision of the team, justifying a discriminatory recruitment policy, Mediapart said. The comments triggered protests at the club, but despite being summoned by management, the director was never punished, Mediapart said. Qatari-owned PSG acknowledged and condemned on Thursday the existence of the ethnic identity files. "The general management of the club never knew of an ethnic registration system within a recruitment department or possessed any such forms. "Paris Saint-Germain confirms that forms with illegal contents were used between 2013 and 2018 by the recruitment cell of the training academy dedicated to regions outside Ile-de-France (Paris area). These forms were an individual initiative of the head of this department," it said. In a statement, the LDH said any such system was deeply racist and discriminatory. "These practices, if confirmed, are illegal," it said. "This is why the Human Rights League has decided to file to the public prosecutor a complaint ... to punish the culprits." France's Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu warned of consequences and said she had asked French football authorities to investigate the case. "If this is proved true, they are punishable by disciplinary or even criminal punishment. It is not acceptable that people are identified and recruited according to their skin colour or origin," she said. If found guilty those responsible could face five years in jail and a €300,000 fine. It is not the first time the issue has come up in French soccer. In 2011, Mediapart revealed that the national coach at the time, Laurent Blanc, had discussed with other officials a project to enforce racial quotas in youth academies.

France's PSG club faces complaint over ethnic origin recruitment policy

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November.

The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany. India has been keen to raise awareness about its role in the war.

India contributed hugely in both World War I and II in terms of manpower and resources and suffered from heavy losses.

India was also one of largest contributors of soldiers during World War I. Heads of State/Heads of Government of over 50 countries including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join France's Macron at the ceremony to commemorate the armistice of World War I at Arc de Triomphe.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s participation at the Armistice Centenary ceremony will be a befitting tribute to the sacrifices made by these soldiers, underlining India’s historical contribution to global peace and security."

As part of the Armistice Centenary, the French Government will also be hosting the Paris Peace Forum, which will take place in Paris from 11-13 November 2018. The Forum is envisioned as a recurring, annual event to promote governance solutions in five key areas: Peace and Security, Environment, Development, New Technologies, and Inclusive Economy. The Vice President will speak at the high-level panel discussion titled, "Dialogue of the Continents on Global Governance.”

He will also inaugurate the Indian War Memorial at Villers Guislain on 10 November 2018. The memorial will have an Ashok Chakra and was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her France visit earlier this year.

In the run-up to the ceremony, India has also adopted marigold as the flower of remembrance. Poppy being widely used in Europe as the flower of remembrance and marigold being adopted in India. The Marigold is chosen because it is easily and widely available in India and also because saffron is often seen as the colour of sacrifice. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a marigold wreath at India Gate during their visit in April 2016.&nbsp;

PM Modi in his visits abroad has been paying homage to Indians who laid lives in the World Wars. He visited the martyrs memorial at Neuve-Chapelle and paid homage to 10,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I, he became the first Indian prime minister to do so. During his Israel trip, the Prime Minister visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid respect to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I while protecting the city from the Ottomans.

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November. The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany.

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November. The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany. India has been keen to raise awareness about its role in the war. India contributed hugely in both World War I and II in terms of manpower and resources and suffered from heavy losses. India was also one of largest contributors of soldiers during World War I. Heads of State/Heads of Government of over 50 countries including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join France's Macron at the ceremony to commemorate the armistice of World War I at Arc de Triomphe. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s participation at the Armistice Centenary ceremony will be a befitting tribute to the sacrifices made by these soldiers, underlining India’s historical contribution to global peace and security." As part of the Armistice Centenary, the French Government will also be hosting the Paris Peace Forum, which will take place in Paris from 11-13 November 2018. The Forum is envisioned as a recurring, annual event to promote governance solutions in five key areas: Peace and Security, Environment, Development, New Technologies, and Inclusive Economy. The Vice President will speak at the high-level panel discussion titled, "Dialogue of the Continents on Global Governance.” He will also inaugurate the Indian War Memorial at Villers Guislain on 10 November 2018. The memorial will have an Ashok Chakra and was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her France visit earlier this year. In the run-up to the ceremony, India has also adopted marigold as the flower of remembrance. Poppy being widely used in Europe as the flower of remembrance and marigold being adopted in India. The Marigold is chosen because it is easily and widely available in India and also because saffron is often seen as the colour of sacrifice. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a marigold wreath at India Gate during their visit in April 2016. PM Modi in his visits abroad has been paying homage to Indians who laid lives in the World Wars. He visited the martyrs memorial at Neuve-Chapelle and paid homage to 10,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I, he became the first Indian prime minister to do so. During his Israel trip, the Prime Minister visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid respect to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I while protecting the city from the Ottomans.

100 years of WWI: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to represent India at Paris ceremony

How cities around the world tackle air pollution

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball.

The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her.

She further stressed that the injury could have more serious if the ball had missed her right eye and hit the side of her head.

"It's so nice to be on the golf course, to see the players. I hope that this terrible accident will improve safety for the public," said Remande.

"The doctor said immediately to my husband that it was a very big explosion in my eye and it was impossible for me now to see again with this eye."

Though, Remande did not blame Koepka for what happened but was worried about her future.

Remande had travelled with husband Raphael from their home in Egypt to watch the Ryder Cup on the outskirts of Paris.

She is also planning legal action against the organisers, saying course officials did not give adequate warnings.

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball. The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her.

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball. The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her. She further stressed that the injury could have more serious if the ball had missed her right eye and hit the side of her head. "It's so nice to be on the golf course, to see the players. I hope that this terrible accident will improve safety for the public," said Remande. "The doctor said immediately to my husband that it was a very big explosion in my eye and it was impossible for me now to see again with this eye." Though, Remande did not blame Koepka for what happened but was worried about her future. Remande had travelled with husband Raphael from their home in Egypt to watch the Ryder Cup on the outskirts of Paris. She is also planning legal action against the organisers, saying course officials did not give adequate warnings.

'Hope spectator safety will improve', says woman who was blinded at golf's Ryder Cup

France accused Iran's intelligence ministry on Tuesday of being behind a foiled plot to bomb an exiled opposition group near the French capital in a move that risks straining already complicated ties between Paris and Tehran.

The French government announced it was freezing assets belonging to two suspected Iranian intelligence operatives, as well as others belonging to Iran's ministry of intelligence and security.

The decision to take retaliatory measures and go public with the accusations was taken three months after the alleged plot to bomb a meeting of the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK) in a suburb of Paris.

"This extremely serious act envisaged on our territory could not go without a response," France's interior, foreign and economy ministers said in a rare joint statement.

"In taking this decision, France underlines its determination to fight against terrorism in all its forms, particularly on its own territory."

A French diplomatic source told AFP that the security forces had concluded that "the head of operations at the (Iranian) intelligence ministry ordered it".

Iran immediately denied any involvement, as it did in July when the MEK accused it of being responsible.

Raids across Europe

The alleged bomb plot came to light two days after thousands of Iranian opposition supporters gathered at an exhibition centre outside Paris on June 30.

The meeting was attended by two allies of US President Donald Trump, former House speaker Newt Gingrich and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The People's Mujahedin was formed in the 1960s to overthrow the Shah of Iran and it continues to organise opposition to the current leaders of the Islamic republic who took power following the 1979 revolution.

Belgium announced in July that it had arrested a couple in a Brussels suburb who were suspected of preparing to drive a car packed with explosives to the French rally.

But a total of six people were then detained in coordinated raids by European police.

One of the detained men was an Iranian diplomat based in Vienna who was stopped by German police.&nbsp;

The diplomat, Assadollah Asadi, was targeted by the asset freezes announced by French authorities Tuesday, as well as Saeid Hashemi Moghadam, who the French diplomatic source said was head of operations at the intelligence ministry.

Asadi is set to be extradited to Belgium to face trial, German authorities announced on Monday.

"We deny the accusations and forcefully condemn the Iranian diplomat's arrest, and call for his immediate release," a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Diplomatic strains

The measures announced Tuesday come as French President Emmanuel Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani are at odds on a host of issues.&nbsp;

Macron, who hoped to improve ties with Tehran at the start of his presidency last year, has allied with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal which limits the Islamic Republic's atomic programme.

While US President Donald Trump has pulled out of the agreement and denounced it, Macron has been vocal supporter and has worked to keep the accord alive despite US sanctions.

But Macron is at loggerheads with Rouhani over the wars in Syria and Yemen, in which Iran is a major player, and has raised concerns about the country's ballistic missile programme.

The US considers Iran to be the world's biggest state sponsor of terrorism because of its links with a host of armed groups, particularly the powerful Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories, as well as other networks in Iraq and Yemen.

Iran has been blamed in the past for carrying out attacks in countries as far afield as Argentina, India and Thailand.

The French diplomatic source said Iran was suspected of carrying out "several" assassinations of opposition figures in the European Union since 2015.&nbsp;

Also Tuesday, around 200 French police launched a dawn anti-terror raid on one of the biggest Shiite Muslim centres in France, the Zahra Centre France, as well as the homes of its directors.

Eleven people were questioned -- three of them arrested, security sources told AFP, including for the illegal possession of firearms.

The Zahra Centre France was founded in 2009 by Yahia Gouasmi, a pro-regime activist and religious figure who has spoken in support of Hezbollah.

Gouasmi is also the founder of the Anti-Zionist Party in France and an associate of controversial comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, a convicted anti-Semite.

France accused Iran's intelligence ministry on Tuesday of being behind a foiled plot to bomb an exiled opposition group near the French capital in a move that risks straining already complicated ties between Paris and Tehran.

France accused Iran's intelligence ministry on Tuesday of being behind a foiled plot to bomb an exiled opposition group near the French capital in a move that risks straining already complicated ties between Paris and Tehran. The French government announced it was freezing assets belonging to two suspected Iranian intelligence operatives, as well as others belonging to Iran's ministry of intelligence and security. The decision to take retaliatory measures and go public with the accusations was taken three months after the alleged plot to bomb a meeting of the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK) in a suburb of Paris. "This extremely serious act envisaged on our territory could not go without a response," France's interior, foreign and economy ministers said in a rare joint statement. "In taking this decision, France underlines its determination to fight against terrorism in all its forms, particularly on its own territory." A French diplomatic source told AFP that the security forces had concluded that "the head of operations at the (Iranian) intelligence ministry ordered it". Iran immediately denied any involvement, as it did in July when the MEK accused it of being responsible. Raids across Europe The alleged bomb plot came to light two days after thousands of Iranian opposition supporters gathered at an exhibition centre outside Paris on June 30. The meeting was attended by two allies of US President Donald Trump, former House speaker Newt Gingrich and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. The People's Mujahedin was formed in the 1960s to overthrow the Shah of Iran and it continues to organise opposition to the current leaders of the Islamic republic who took power following the 1979 revolution. Belgium announced in July that it had arrested a couple in a Brussels suburb who were suspected of preparing to drive a car packed with explosives to the French rally. But a total of six people were then detained in coordinated raids by European police. One of the detained men was an Iranian diplomat based in Vienna who was stopped by German police. The diplomat, Assadollah Asadi, was targeted by the asset freezes announced by French authorities Tuesday, as well as Saeid Hashemi Moghadam, who the French diplomatic source said was head of operations at the intelligence ministry. Asadi is set to be extradited to Belgium to face trial, German authorities announced on Monday. "We deny the accusations and forcefully condemn the Iranian diplomat's arrest, and call for his immediate release," a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Diplomatic strains The measures announced Tuesday come as French President Emmanuel Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani are at odds on a host of issues. Macron, who hoped to improve ties with Tehran at the start of his presidency last year, has allied with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal which limits the Islamic Republic's atomic programme. While US President Donald Trump has pulled out of the agreement and denounced it, Macron has been vocal supporter and has worked to keep the accord alive despite US sanctions. But Macron is at loggerheads with Rouhani over the wars in Syria and Yemen, in which Iran is a major player, and has raised concerns about the country's ballistic missile programme. The US considers Iran to be the world's biggest state sponsor of terrorism because of its links with a host of armed groups, particularly the powerful Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories, as well as other networks in Iraq and Yemen. Iran has been blamed in the past for carrying out attacks in countries as far afield as Argentina, India and Thailand. The French diplomatic source said Iran was suspected of carrying out "several" assassinations of opposition figures in the European Union since 2015. Also Tuesday, around 200 French police launched a dawn anti-terror raid on one of the biggest Shiite Muslim centres in France, the Zahra Centre France, as well as the homes of its directors. Eleven people were questioned -- three of them arrested, security sources told AFP, including for the illegal possession of firearms. The Zahra Centre France was founded in 2009 by Yahia Gouasmi, a pro-regime activist and religious figure who has spoken in support of Hezbollah. Gouasmi is also the founder of the Anti-Zionist Party in France and an associate of controversial comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, a convicted anti-Semite.

France accuses Iran over bomb plot near Paris, Tehran denies allegations 

In a city yet to name a back alley after Coco Chanel, Parisians stepped out Sunday to do their organic shopping at a street market named after fashion designer Sonia Rykiel.

Hours earlier the city's mayor Anne Hidalgo -- something of a fashionista herself -- had declared Allee Sonya Rykiel open, with her label staging its Paris fashion week show between the twinkling lights of the market stalls.

The "allee" is in the middle of a grand Left Bank boulevard where the late designer, who died in 2016, did her fruit and vegetable shopping.

It is the first time the French capital has named any kind of thoroughfare after a fashion designer.

To celebrate, Rykiel's successor Julie de Libran staged a chi-chi Parisian market-themed show, with her models carrying baguettes or popping out for a bit of broccoli in lace nighties and techno trenchcoats.

The collection, with dresses inspired by the "petit filet" string shopping bags that are de rigueur among Paris' hipster "bobos", had a Saturday night-Sunday morning feel, with a cute terrier on a lead and De Libran's young son and his Labrador pup making a cameo.

"Sonia Rykiel gave us a taste for freedom, she was the most Parisian of Parisians," said Hidalgo.&nbsp;

Indeed the designer opened her first shop a stone's throw away in Saint Germain des Pres just as French students rose up in revolt in May 1968.&nbsp;

But the authorities in the French capital would not be drawn on whether there were any plans for a Boulevard Karl Lagerfeld or Avenue Christian Dior.&nbsp;

A street named after Chanel would be politically tricky in a city which mostly votes for the left because of the designer's "horizontal collaboration" during the Nazi occupation.

Chanel spent much of the war in the Ritz hotel with her lover, German intelligence officer Baron Hans Gunther von Dincklage.

In a city yet to name a back alley after Coco Chanel, Parisians stepped out Sunday to do their organic shopping at a street market named after fashion designer Sonia Rykiel.

In a city yet to name a back alley after Coco Chanel, Parisians stepped out Sunday to do their organic shopping at a street market named after fashion designer Sonia Rykiel. Hours earlier the city's mayor Anne Hidalgo -- something of a fashionista herself -- had declared Allee Sonya Rykiel open, with her label staging its Paris fashion week show between the twinkling lights of the market stalls. The "allee" is in the middle of a grand Left Bank boulevard where the late designer, who died in 2016, did her fruit and vegetable shopping. It is the first time the French capital has named any kind of thoroughfare after a fashion designer. To celebrate, Rykiel's successor Julie de Libran staged a chi-chi Parisian market-themed show, with her models carrying baguettes or popping out for a bit of broccoli in lace nighties and techno trenchcoats. The collection, with dresses inspired by the "petit filet" string shopping bags that are de rigueur among Paris' hipster "bobos", had a Saturday night-Sunday morning feel, with a cute terrier on a lead and De Libran's young son and his Labrador pup making a cameo. "Sonia Rykiel gave us a taste for freedom, she was the most Parisian of Parisians," said Hidalgo. Indeed the designer opened her first shop a stone's throw away in Saint Germain des Pres just as French students rose up in revolt in May 1968. But the authorities in the French capital would not be drawn on whether there were any plans for a Boulevard Karl Lagerfeld or Avenue Christian Dior. A street named after Chanel would be politically tricky in a city which mostly votes for the left because of the designer's "horizontal collaboration" during the Nazi occupation. Chanel spent much of the war in the Ritz hotel with her lover, German intelligence officer Baron Hans Gunther von Dincklage.

Paris names its first street after a fashion designer

&nbsp;A man has taken two people hostage at a business centre in Paris.

The French police said the incident did not appear to be terrorism-related.

Police said the man had asked to communicate with the Iranian embassy so that they could convey a message to the French government.&nbsp;

Reports said the man&nbsp;doused petrol on the hostages.&nbsp;The man is reportedly armed and holding at least two people.&nbsp;

"Officials will be trying to start a negotiation with the man," police union official Yves Lefebvre told BFM TV.

There is no information yet about the exact profile of the hostage-taker.

&nbsp;

The man is reportedly armed and holding at least two people.

A man has taken two people hostage at a business centre in Paris. The French police said the incident did not appear to be terrorism-related. Police said the man had asked to communicate with the Iranian embassy so that they could convey a message to the French government. Reports said the man doused petrol on the hostages. The man is reportedly armed and holding at least two people. "Officials will be trying to start a negotiation with the man," police union official Yves Lefebvre told BFM TV. There is no information yet about the exact profile of the hostage-taker.

Hostage crisis in Paris; man demands to be put in touch with Iran embassy

World number one Rafael&nbspNadal&nbspsaid it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday.

"It's amazing now, I can't describe my feelings,"&nbspNadal&nbsptold the crowd on Philippe Chatrier Court moments after capturing his 17th Grand Slam trophy with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory.

"It's not even a dream to win here 11 times, because its impossible to think of something like this."

Nadal&nbspsaluted his 24-year-old opponent, who is the only man to have beaten the Spaniard on clay over the past two seasons.

"He's very aggressive, with big shots,"&nbspNadal&nbspsaid in halting French before switching to English.

"I want to say well played to Dominic. He played a great two weeks. He's a good friend, one of these players that the tour needs. I am sure you'll win here in the next couple of years."

The emotional Spaniard wiped away tears as he held on to the Coupe de Mousquetaires.

"Many thanks," he told the crowd. "I hope to see you again next year."

World number one Rafael Nadal said it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets

World number one Rafael&nbspNadal&nbspsaid it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday. "It's amazing now, I can't describe my feelings,"&nbspNadal&nbsptold the crowd on Philippe Chatrier Court moments after capturing his 17th Grand Slam trophy with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory. "It's not even a dream to win here 11 times, because its impossible to think of something like this." Nadal&nbspsaluted his 24-year-old opponent, who is the only man to have beaten the Spaniard on clay over the past two seasons. "He's very aggressive, with big shots,"&nbspNadal&nbspsaid in halting French before switching to English. "I want to say well played to Dominic. He played a great two weeks. He's a good friend, one of these players that the tour needs. I am sure you'll win here in the next couple of years." The emotional Spaniard wiped away tears as he held on to the Coupe de Mousquetaires. "Many thanks," he told the crowd. "I hope to see you again next year."

It's beyond a dream to win French Open title 11 times: Rafael Nadal

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Sloane Stephens | #10

Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep.

The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings.

Simona Halep | #1

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final.

World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier. Sloane Stephens | #10 Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep. The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings. Simona Halep | #1 Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final. World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

French Open: Sloane Stephens, Simona Halep to meet in women's singles final

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final.

In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final.

Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006.

"It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said.

"This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime.

"I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player."

Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident.

"I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said.

After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line.

But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner.

Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match.

Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 to enter the finals of this years's French Open

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final. In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final. Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006. "It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said. "This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime. "I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player." Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident. "I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said. After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line. But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner. Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match. Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

French Open: Sloane Stephens beats fellow American Madison Keys to reach final

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza.

Halep, the runner-up in 2014 and 2017, will face either Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in Saturday's final.

Her victory over third seed Muguruza also means she will retain the world number one ranking next week.

"I am really happy that I won the match, it was very important for my mind and I gave it all I had," said Romanian star Halep.

After racing through the first set, Halep saved three break points in a marathon ninth game of the second which lasted 13 minutes.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay against a great opponent," added Halep, who will be appearing in her fourth final at the majors having also been beaten in Australia in January.

"I was 2-4 down in the second set but I knew I had to fight for every ball, push her back and play the way I did in the first set."

Halep has now defeated Muguruza in both their meetings on clay.

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“I am happy that I can have another chance to play the final here in my favorite Grand Slam. I will try my best.” 
 
-<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/aioFGdZ05n">pic.twitter.com/aioFGdZ05n</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1004737289438875648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, her sights now turn to the final where she is desperate to erase the memories of last year's horror show where she surrendered a set and a 3-0 lead to lose to Jelena Ostapenko.

"I have another chance to be in the final and hope to do better than last year."

Halep raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set against misfiring 2016 champion Muguruza who had blasted Maria Sharapova off court on Wednesday for the loss of just three games.

The 24-year-old Spaniard stopped the rot in the sixth game before Halep quickly reasserted her authority.

A sweeping, running forehand into an open court gave her the set with Muguruza having managed just two winners.

It was the first set that the Wimbledon champion had dropped at Roland Garros this year.

She also failed to win a single service game in the opener.

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Welcome back to the final, Simona. 
 
En route to her third career Roland-Garros final, <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> retains her World No.1 ranking as she defeats Garbine Muguruza 6-1 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Ryl1AKSQe">pic.twitter.com/4Ryl1AKSQe</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1004736599660343297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Muguruza settled down in the second set, moving 2-0 ahead before Halep levelled in the eighth game.

That set the stage for the lengthy ninth game where Halep stood firm.

The spirit ebbed away from Muguruza, who converted just two of the eight break points she carved out, and a backhand which sailed long sealed her fate in the 10th game.

In Thursday's other semi-final, US Open champion Stephens will take on fellow American and close friend Keys who she beat 6-3, 6-0 in the final in New York last September.

"When we get on the court, it's time to compete. But before that, we are not going to be weird and awkward and make it, like, weird for each other," said Stephens, who was close to going out in the third round to Camila Giorgi before winning 8-6 in a deciding set.

It is the first time that two American women have reached the last four at Roland Garros since 2002, when Serena Williams beat sister Venus in the final, after a semi-final win over Jennifer Capriati.

Stephens, who is now into the semi-finals of a major for the third time, leads Keys 2-0 in head-to-heads but they have never met on clay.

Simona Halep reached her third French Open final with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza. Halep, the runner-up in 2014 and 2017, will face either Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in Saturday's final. Her victory over third seed Muguruza also means she will retain the world number one ranking next week. "I am really happy that I won the match, it was very important for my mind and I gave it all I had," said Romanian star Halep. After racing through the first set, Halep saved three break points in a marathon ninth game of the second which lasted 13 minutes. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay against a great opponent," added Halep, who will be appearing in her fourth final at the majors having also been beaten in Australia in January. "I was 2-4 down in the second set but I knew I had to fight for every ball, push her back and play the way I did in the first set." Halep has now defeated Muguruza in both their meetings on clay. “I am happy that I can have another chance to play the final here in my favorite Grand Slam. I will try my best.” -@Simona_Halep #RG18 pic.twitter.com/aioFGdZ05n — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 × However, her sights now turn to the final where she is desperate to erase the memories of last year's horror show where she surrendered a set and a 3-0 lead to lose to Jelena Ostapenko. "I have another chance to be in the final and hope to do better than last year." Halep raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set against misfiring 2016 champion Muguruza who had blasted Maria Sharapova off court on Wednesday for the loss of just three games. The 24-year-old Spaniard stopped the rot in the sixth game before Halep quickly reasserted her authority. A sweeping, running forehand into an open court gave her the set with Muguruza having managed just two winners. It was the first set that the Wimbledon champion had dropped at Roland Garros this year. She also failed to win a single service game in the opener. Welcome back to the final, Simona. En route to her third career Roland-Garros final, @Simona_Halep retains her World No.1 ranking as she defeats Garbine Muguruza 6-1 6-4.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/4Ryl1AKSQe — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 × Muguruza settled down in the second set, moving 2-0 ahead before Halep levelled in the eighth game. That set the stage for the lengthy ninth game where Halep stood firm. The spirit ebbed away from Muguruza, who converted just two of the eight break points she carved out, and a backhand which sailed long sealed her fate in the 10th game. In Thursday's other semi-final, US Open champion Stephens will take on fellow American and close friend Keys who she beat 6-3, 6-0 in the final in New York last September. "When we get on the court, it's time to compete. But before that, we are not going to be weird and awkward and make it, like, weird for each other," said Stephens, who was close to going out in the third round to Camila Giorgi before winning 8-6 in a deciding set. It is the first time that two American women have reached the last four at Roland Garros since 2002, when Serena Williams beat sister Venus in the final, after a semi-final win over Jennifer Capriati. Stephens, who is now into the semi-finals of a major for the third time, leads Keys 2-0 in head-to-heads but they have never met on clay.

World number 1 Simona Halep into third French Open final

Novak Djokovic gave a bizarre press conference after facing the shocking defeat by world number 72 Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 7-6(4), 1-6, 7-6(11) at the French Open on Tuesday.

Unseeded Marco Cecchinato suffered neck pain in the opening set but cruised through successfully and became the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in 40 years. He will face Dominic Thiem in the semi-final.

The last Italian man to take part in a major semi-final was Corrado Barazzutti at the 1978 French Open.

After crashing out, admitted that he had been struggling with a niggling injury throughout the match, but he grew increasingly frustrated when questioned on his performance.

Most players at Roland Garros report to the main interview room where they interact win the media but Djokovic, on the contrary, went to the secondary room.

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"I'm back in the locker room. That's where I'm back", says a very upset Djokovic when asked if he could find solace in progress of past weeks. For those who don't seem to believe how hard Novak (logically) took this loss,u can hear by yourselves here: <a href="https://t.co/b2f9pXKp4m">https://t.co/b2f9pXKp4m</a> <a href="https://t.co/dlS6htVkeB">pic.twitter.com/dlS6htVkeB</a>
— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) <a href="https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard/status/1004082380309704704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to some media reports, the Serb was "super angry" while interacting with media. He also cast doubt over said, "I don't know if I'm going to play on the grass."

Semi-finalist Cecchinato broke down in tears after the match and said, "Am I dreaming? Maybe I'm sleeping? I don't understand nothing."

The defeat was almost like a shock to the former champion and 12-time winner Djokovic.

After crashing out, admitted that he had been struggling with a niggling injury throughout the match

Novak Djokovic gave a bizarre press conference after facing the shocking defeat by world number 72 Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 7-6(4), 1-6, 7-6(11) at the French Open on Tuesday. Unseeded Marco Cecchinato suffered neck pain in the opening set but cruised through successfully and became the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in 40 years. He will face Dominic Thiem in the semi-final. The last Italian man to take part in a major semi-final was Corrado Barazzutti at the 1978 French Open. After crashing out, admitted that he had been struggling with a niggling injury throughout the match, but he grew increasingly frustrated when questioned on his performance. Most players at Roland Garros report to the main interview room where they interact win the media but Djokovic, on the contrary, went to the secondary room. "I'm back in the locker room. That's where I'm back", says a very upset Djokovic when asked if he could find solace in progress of past weeks. For those who don't seem to believe how hard Novak (logically) took this loss,u can hear by yourselves here: https://t.co/b2f9pXKp4m pic.twitter.com/dlS6htVkeB — Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) June 5, 2018 × According to some media reports, the Serb was "super angry" while interacting with media. He also cast doubt over said, "I don't know if I'm going to play on the grass." Semi-finalist Cecchinato broke down in tears after the match and said, "Am I dreaming? Maybe I'm sleeping? I don't understand nothing." The defeat was almost like a shock to the former champion and 12-time winner Djokovic.

Watch: Bad tempered Djokovic gives bizarre press conference after French Open exit

Madison&nbsp;Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday.

The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set.

She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final.

"Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys.

"In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game.

"I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match."

In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games.

The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net.

Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak.

Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control.

Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner.

Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up.

She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

Madison Keys will either play Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens in the semi-final

Madison Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday. The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set. She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final. "Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys. "In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game. "I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match." In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games. The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net. Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak. Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control. Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner. Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up. She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

French Open: Madison Keys reaches her first semi-final on Parisian clay

By Amitabh Pashupati Revi

Our battle cry is against climate change, the Seychelles President Danny Faure told WION on World Environment Day, and that India inspires with its leadership.

“The Paris agreement is the root for humanity. I think over time those who have questioned that will come back," President Faure told WION on US President Donald Trump pulling out of the climate change agreement, rising sea waters, and the threat to his 115-island archipelago.

Speaking to WION at the State House in the capital Victoria, President Faure said, "We signed the Paris agreement and we still believe that that's the root for humanity not for our country individually that's the root for humanity. It is our responsibility now to show them the responsibility for generations to come and not to vacillate — not to change positions as we go forward."

Asked how worried he is about rising sea levels because of global warming, President Faure said, “Our battle cry is to get all the people around the world to understand what is happening. It is no longer a question that you are comfortable in your own country and you believe that you can continue to make progress while others should regress.”

Faure added, “It’s very clear. It is climate change. It is a fact. It is reality. We from small countries say that. I am happy that a country like India has embarked on a very ambitious program on renewable energy. You have taken the lead with France on building the solar alliance, giving other countries the opportunity to participate. These are the things that will continue to inspire others and this is a type of leadership."

'The Paris agreement is the root for humanity. I think over time those who have questioned that will come back,' Faure said

By Amitabh Pashupati Revi Our battle cry is against climate change, the Seychelles President Danny Faure told WION on World Environment Day, and that India inspires with its leadership. “The Paris agreement is the root for humanity. I think over time those who have questioned that will come back," President Faure told WION on US President Donald Trump pulling out of the climate change agreement, rising sea waters, and the threat to his 115-island archipelago. Speaking to WION at the State House in the capital Victoria, President Faure said, "We signed the Paris agreement and we still believe that that's the root for humanity not for our country individually that's the root for humanity. It is our responsibility now to show them the responsibility for generations to come and not to vacillate — not to change positions as we go forward." Asked how worried he is about rising sea levels because of global warming, President Faure said, “Our battle cry is to get all the people around the world to understand what is happening. It is no longer a question that you are comfortable in your own country and you believe that you can continue to make progress while others should regress.” Faure added, “It’s very clear. It is climate change. It is a fact. It is reality. We from small countries say that. I am happy that a country like India has embarked on a very ambitious program on renewable energy. You have taken the lead with France on building the solar alliance, giving other countries the opportunity to participate. These are the things that will continue to inspire others and this is a type of leadership."

Our battle cry is against climate change, Seychelles President Danny Faure tells WION on World Environment Day

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4)

Rafael Nadal defeated&nbsp;a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the&nbsp;French Open quarter-finals on Monday.

Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson.

After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest.

Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long.

Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2

Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday.

The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory.

The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place.

World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

Rafael Nadal will meet Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-final of this year's French Open

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) Rafael Nadal defeated a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the French Open quarter-finals on Monday. Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson. After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest. Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long. Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday. The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory. The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place. World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

French Open: Rafael Nadal, Diego Schwartzman set-up quarter-final clash

American Serena Williams withdrew from the French Open on Monday, shortly before she was due on court to face Maria Sharapova in a much-anticipated fourth-round showdown.

The 36-year-old 23-times Grand Slam champion, making a comeback after a maternity break, told a news conference she had a pectoral muscle injury.

"Unfortunately I'm having some issues with my pec muscle.

Right now I can't actually serve, it's kind of hard to play," she said.

"I'm having an MRI (scan) tomorrow, I'm going to stay here to see the doctors and see as many specialists as I can. I won't know (how serious the injury is) until I get those results."

Williams had worked hard to get back in shape and was making her Grand Slam comeback at the French Open following the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia last September.

"Physically I'm doing great. It hasn't been easy. I sacrificed so much to be at this event. I'm going to continue to get better. I had such a wonderful performance in my first Grand Slam back," she added.

'Unfortunately I'm having some issues with my pec muscle. Right now I can't actually serve, it's kind of hard to play,' said Serena

American Serena Williams withdrew from the French Open on Monday, shortly before she was due on court to face Maria Sharapova in a much-anticipated fourth-round showdown. The 36-year-old 23-times Grand Slam champion, making a comeback after a maternity break, told a news conference she had a pectoral muscle injury. "Unfortunately I'm having some issues with my pec muscle. Right now I can't actually serve, it's kind of hard to play," she said. "I'm having an MRI (scan) tomorrow, I'm going to stay here to see the doctors and see as many specialists as I can. I won't know (how serious the injury is) until I get those results." Williams had worked hard to get back in shape and was making her Grand Slam comeback at the French Open following the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia last September. "Physically I'm doing great. It hasn't been easy. I sacrificed so much to be at this event. I'm going to continue to get better. I had such a wonderful performance in my first Grand Slam back," she added.

French Open: Serena Williams pulls out before Sharapova match

United States 13th seed Madison Keys defeated Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday to enter the quarter-finals of the French Open for the first time in her career.

The match lasted for 65 minutes and former US Open finalist, Madison Keys dominated the match against Mihaela Buzarnescu in which the Romanian made 11 unforced errors in the first set and 16 in the second.

Keys will face either Czech 26th seed Barbora Strycova or Yulia Putintseva, the 98th-ranked Kazakh, for a place in the semi-finals.

The 23-year-old American has now reached at least the last-eight of all four majors and has not lost a single set in this year's French Open.

Madison Keys has not lost a single set in this year's French Open

United States 13th seed Madison Keys defeated Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday to enter the quarter-finals of the French Open for the first time in her career. The match lasted for 65 minutes and former US Open finalist, Madison Keys dominated the match against Mihaela Buzarnescu in which the Romanian made 11 unforced errors in the first set and 16 in the second. Keys will face either Czech 26th seed Barbora Strycova or Yulia Putintseva, the 98th-ranked Kazakh, for a place in the semi-finals. The 23-year-old American has now reached at least the last-eight of all four majors and has not lost a single set in this year's French Open.

French Open: Madison Keys beats Mihaela Buzarnescu to enter quarter-finals for the first time

Grigor Dimitrov bt Jared Donaldson 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov clinched a marathon 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory over American Jared Donaldson to book a last-32 spot at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

The Bulgarian was pushed all the way by world number 57 Donaldson in a match that lasted four hours and 19 minutes, but grabbed the crucial break in the 17th game of the deciding set as his opponent started to struggle with cramp.

Dimitrov will face dangerous Spaniard Fernando Verdasco next as he looks to reach the fourth round in Paris for the first time.

Alexander Zverev bt Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2

Alexander Zverev staged a fightback to win a five-setter with Dusan Lajovic.

German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

The 21-year-old, a winner of three Masters titles, is yet to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final and was knocked out in the first round at Roland Garros last year.

But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.

Kei Nishikori bt Benoit Paire 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

Japan's Kei Nishikori also staged a comeback to edge out Frenchman Benoit Paire on Philippe Chatrier court, winning 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in his first Grand Slam event since Wimbledon last year after recovering from a wrist injury.

Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, Kei Nishikori have entered the third round at French Open on Wednesday

Grigor Dimitrov bt Jared Donaldson 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov clinched a marathon 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory over American Jared Donaldson to book a last-32 spot at Roland Garros on Wednesday. The Bulgarian was pushed all the way by world number 57 Donaldson in a match that lasted four hours and 19 minutes, but grabbed the crucial break in the 17th game of the deciding set as his opponent started to struggle with cramp. Dimitrov will face dangerous Spaniard Fernando Verdasco next as he looks to reach the fourth round in Paris for the first time. Alexander Zverev bt Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 Alexander Zverev staged a fightback to win a five-setter with Dusan Lajovic. German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. The 21-year-old, a winner of three Masters titles, is yet to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final and was knocked out in the first round at Roland Garros last year. But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937. Kei Nishikori bt Benoit Paire 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 Japan's Kei Nishikori also staged a comeback to edge out Frenchman Benoit Paire on Philippe Chatrier court, winning 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in his first Grand Slam event since Wimbledon last year after recovering from a wrist injury.

Dimitrov, Zverev, Nishikori reach round 3rd at Roland-Garros

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round.

The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand.

Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter.

"She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult."

Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot.

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"All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."<a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> is a fighter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/9jeVINbkgn">pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn</a>
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Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris.

"The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said.

Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline.

She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round. The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand. Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter. "She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult." Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot. "All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."@GarbiMuguruza is a fighter.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2018 × Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris. "The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said. Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline. She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.

French Open: Garbine Muguruza defeat Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 to enter 3rd round

The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday.

Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match.

Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round.

Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.

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Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round

The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday. Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match. Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round. Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.

French Open: Yuki Bhambri, Divij Sharan advance to 2nd round

American tennis ace players Serena and Venus Williams staged a stunning comeback to win their first Grand Slam doubles match after almost two years and advancing to the second round of the French Open here on Wednesday.

The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.&nbsp

They last won a major tournament match at Wimbledon in 2016.&nbsp

Although the duo lost the first set of the match, they came back strongly to win the next two sets, in a gruelling match that lasted for nearly two hours.

Both Serena and Venus used their decade-long experience to thwart any chances of the Japanese seeded players getting away with the match.

Earlier on Wednesday, Serena, who was denied seeding at the Roland Garros, made a successful return to her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr earlier in March this year by clinching a comfortable 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over 70th-ranked Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the French Open.

Serena will now lock horns with 17th seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the second round of the women`s singles event on Thursday.

On the other hand, Venus lost to China`s Wang Qiang, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of singles of French Open on Sunday.

The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

American tennis ace players Serena and Venus Williams staged a stunning comeback to win their first Grand Slam doubles match after almost two years and advancing to the second round of the French Open here on Wednesday. The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. They last won a major tournament match at Wimbledon in 2016. Although the duo lost the first set of the match, they came back strongly to win the next two sets, in a gruelling match that lasted for nearly two hours. Both Serena and Venus used their decade-long experience to thwart any chances of the Japanese seeded players getting away with the match. Earlier on Wednesday, Serena, who was denied seeding at the Roland Garros, made a successful return to her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr earlier in March this year by clinching a comfortable 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over 70th-ranked Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the French Open. Serena will now lock horns with 17th seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the second round of the women`s singles event on Thursday. On the other hand, Venus lost to China`s Wang Qiang, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of singles of French Open on Sunday.

French Open: William sisters stage comeback, advance to 2nd round

Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open for the consecutive 13th year. Novak has been struggling with his form since he underwent surgery on his elbow after January's Australian Open. Although, he won but he was not looking comfortable on the court.

Twelve-time Grand Slam champion fired 39 winners but 33 unforced errors and was broken three times by Munar, the world 155.

"I am very happy to be here on Suzanne Lenglen and see so many people and see the support," said Djokovic.

"Jaume is a great player, he has lots of quality and good concentration. I congratulate him on a great match today."

Earlier today, Petra Kvitova entered third round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena and world number one Simona Halep romped through the second round of Roland-Garros.

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Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open

Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open for the consecutive 13th year. Novak has been struggling with his form since he underwent surgery on his elbow after January's Australian Open. Although, he won but he was not looking comfortable on the court. Twelve-time Grand Slam champion fired 39 winners but 33 unforced errors and was broken three times by Munar, the world 155. "I am very happy to be here on Suzanne Lenglen and see so many people and see the support," said Djokovic. "Jaume is a great player, he has lots of quality and good concentration. I congratulate him on a great match today." Earlier today, Petra Kvitova entered third round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena and world number one Simona Halep romped through the second round of Roland-Garros. .@DjokerNole loves the Lenglen crowd...and getting 7-6(1) 6-4 6-4 win over Jaume Munar.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/gt3uHJy2HQ — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 ×

French Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Rogerio Silva to enter 3rd round

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