World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match on Wednesday. Halep, the runner-up in Paris in 2014 and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the opening set to world number 83 Riske whose only win at the tournament came in 2014. The Romanian committed 16 unforced errors in the set but stepped up a gear from that point on to book a second-round match against Taylor Townsend of the United States.

"It's always difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam, you are always nervous," said Halep.

"But I started to run more, played better and kept more balls in play."

The 26-year-old, who is still looking for a first Grand Slam title, will play for the second straight day on Thursday after the match with Riske was pushed back from Tuesday due to rain.

"I think I'll be ready tomorrow, I feel strong in my legs," said the top seed.

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Simona Survives 
 
World No.1 <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> scores roller-coaster 2-6 6-1 6-1 win over Riske to reach 2R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/NvVxpPkjAc">pic.twitter.com/NvVxpPkjAc</a>
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"Anything can happen with the rain so all we can do is rest and try to be at our best when we step on the court."

Halep needs to reach the semi-finals or better if she is to retain the world top spot.

World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match

World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match on Wednesday. Halep, the runner-up in Paris in 2014 and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the opening set to world number 83 Riske whose only win at the tournament came in 2014. The Romanian committed 16 unforced errors in the set but stepped up a gear from that point on to book a second-round match against Taylor Townsend of the United States. "It's always difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam, you are always nervous," said Halep. "But I started to run more, played better and kept more balls in play." The 26-year-old, who is still looking for a first Grand Slam title, will play for the second straight day on Thursday after the match with Riske was pushed back from Tuesday due to rain. "I think I'll be ready tomorrow, I feel strong in my legs," said the top seed. Simona Survives World No.1 @Simona_Halep scores roller-coaster 2-6 6-1 6-1 win over Riske to reach 2R.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/NvVxpPkjAc — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 × "Anything can happen with the rain so all we can do is rest and try to be at our best when we step on the court." Halep needs to reach the semi-finals or better if she is to retain the world top spot.

Simona Halep survives first-round of Roland-Garros, beats Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1

Serena Williams marked an astounding Grand Slam return by defeating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 and romped through the second round at the Roland Garros on Tuesday.

Dressed in a skintight, all-in-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest.

After winning the match, former world number one said that she felt like a "superhero" in the black catsuit that she wore during the match.

The temperature hit 25C in Paris but it did not seem to affect the Serena in her come back match.

Serena interacted with media after the match and said, "It was comfortable to wear."

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Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!! <a href="https://t.co/xXb3BKDGNF">pic.twitter.com/xXb3BKDGNF</a>
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1001540241558261760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also revealed the reason for wearing such unusual attire and said that the outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February.

"I had a lot of problems with those - I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months," she said. "It definitely has little functionality to it.

"It's a fun suit, but it's also functional so I'm able to play without any problems."

She also added the fun fact behind the 'superhero suit' and said, "I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda (Wakanda is a fictional character of Black Panther movie) maybe."

"I'm always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero."

Serena will play next against the three-time champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round.

The outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February

Serena Williams marked an astounding Grand Slam return by defeating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 and romped through the second round at the Roland Garros on Tuesday. Dressed in a skintight, all-in-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest. After winning the match, former world number one said that she felt like a "superhero" in the black catsuit that she wore during the match. The temperature hit 25C in Paris but it did not seem to affect the Serena in her come back match. Serena interacted with media after the match and said, "It was comfortable to wear." Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!! pic.twitter.com/xXb3BKDGNF — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 29, 2018 × She also revealed the reason for wearing such unusual attire and said that the outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February. "I had a lot of problems with those - I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months," she said. "It definitely has little functionality to it. "It's a fun suit, but it's also functional so I'm able to play without any problems." She also added the fun fact behind the 'superhero suit' and said, "I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda (Wakanda is a fictional character of Black Panther movie) maybe." "I'm always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero." Serena will play next against the three-time champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round.

Serena Williams reveals reason of wearing 'superhero-like' black catsuit

Three-time champion Serena Williams returns to Grand Slam tennis on Tuesday and will play against Kristyna Pliskova in the Round of 128 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Former world number one has not played any major tournament after winning the Australian Open 2017. She was able to use her protected ranking to enter the French Open.

Serena has since crashed to 453 in the world as a result, however, she can use the initial rounds to improve her ranking.

The former world number one briefly returned for the American hardcourt season but suffered early losses to sister Venus and Naomi Osaka in Indian Wells and Miami respectively.

Also, current world number one Simona Halep, chasing a maiden grand slam crown, will start her campaign against American Alison Riske.

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It’s National Heat Awareness Day, grab your <a href="https://twitter.com/MissionAthlete?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@missionathlete</a> MAX cooling towel and stay cool and safe all summer long! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onamission?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onamission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/heatsquad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#heatsquad</a> <a href="https://t.co/d4cYQz9cCz">pic.twitter.com/d4cYQz9cCz</a>
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&nbsp

The former world one last played a major tournament in a victorious 2017 Australian Open campaign

Three-time champion Serena Williams returns to Grand Slam tennis on Tuesday and will play against Kristyna Pliskova in the Round of 128 on Court Philippe Chatrier. Former world number one has not played any major tournament after winning the Australian Open 2017. She was able to use her protected ranking to enter the French Open. Serena has since crashed to 453 in the world as a result, however, she can use the initial rounds to improve her ranking. The former world number one briefly returned for the American hardcourt season but suffered early losses to sister Venus and Naomi Osaka in Indian Wells and Miami respectively. Also, current world number one Simona Halep, chasing a maiden grand slam crown, will start her campaign against American Alison Riske. It’s National Heat Awareness Day, grab your @missionathlete MAX cooling towel and stay cool and safe all summer long! #onamission #heatsquad pic.twitter.com/d4cYQz9cCz — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 25, 2018 ×

French Open: Serena Williams set for Grand Slam return

Serena Williams&#39;&nbsp;return to the Women&#39;s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the &quot;greatest challenge&quot; of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.&quot;

Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year&#39;s Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne.

She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week.

Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: &quot;It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge.&quot;

Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September.

Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport.

&quot;I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness,&quot; he told the Women&#39;s Tennis Association website

&quot;Serena&#39;s target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018.&quot;

Serena William returns to her sport after giving birth to her daughter in September, coach Mouratoglou calls this her biggest challenge

Serena Williams' return to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the "greatest challenge" of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou." Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year's Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne. She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week. Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: "It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge." Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September. Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport. "I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness," he told the Women's Tennis Association website "Serena's target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018."

Tennis: Serena's comeback her greatest challenge, says coach Mouratoglou

Stan Wawrinka broke down Andy Murray&#39;s formidable defences to reach the French Open final on Friday, twice coming from a set down to win a high-octane contest 6-7(6) 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 6-1.

The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year&#39;s semi-final defeat by the world number one to set up a final against nine-times champion Rafa Nadal or Austrian wunderkind Dominic Thiem.

Murray absorbed everything Wawrinka threw at him for most of the four hour and 34 minute match but after winning a tense fourth set Wawrinka steamed ahead in the decider as Murray&#39;s armour was finally pierced.

Third seed Wawrinka, who had not dropped a set on the way to the semis, wavered slightly when dropping serve at 5-0 but broke straight back to claim victory with a flashing backhand.

(Reuters)

The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year's semi-final defeat

Stan Wawrinka broke down Andy Murray's formidable defences to reach the French Open final on Friday, twice coming from a set down to win a high-octane contest 6-7(6) 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 6-1. The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year's semi-final defeat by the world number one to set up a final against nine-times champion Rafa Nadal or Austrian wunderkind Dominic Thiem. Murray absorbed everything Wawrinka threw at him for most of the four hour and 34 minute match but after winning a tense fourth set Wawrinka steamed ahead in the decider as Murray's armour was finally pierced. Third seed Wawrinka, who had not dropped a set on the way to the semis, wavered slightly when dropping serve at 5-0 but broke straight back to claim victory with a flashing backhand. (Reuters)

French Open: Wawrinka beats out Murray to reach the finals

On court Novak Djokovic is taking tennis to extraordinary new levels with his single-minded obsession with winning. Off it the Serbian is more than happy to share power. 
 
The 29-year-old will begin his attempt to win a fourth Wimbledon title on Monday when he plays British wildcard James Ward on Centre Court,12 months after claiming a second successive title by beating Roger Federer. 
 
While nothing will distract him from that goal, the dominant Serbian also knows that however big the gap is between himself and his rivals and it is a yawning chasm that no player is bigger than the sport. 
 
At his pre-tournament news conference at Wimbledon today, the world number one confirmed he had re-joined the 12-man ATP Players Council, along with chief rival Andy Murray and Murray&#39;s brother Jamie, the world&#39;s top doubles player. 
 
It is a responsibility Djokovic will apply himself to with the same devotion as his career for the next two years as tennis wrestles with the kind of doping and corruption scandals that have afflicted world sport. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve been very flattered and humbled to be elected by my colleagues,&quot; Djokovic told reporters. 
 
&quot;The way I see it is that I managed to gain trust from players, which is very important to me. I have been part of the Player Council for three years earlier in my career. I`ve been familiar with the way the system works. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m hoping I can contribute to the evolution and to the betterment of our sport in every aspect.&quot; 
 
There is little argument that he has taken tennis to new levels of perfection since losing to Murray in the 2013 final here. 
 
Since then he has won six of the 11 grand slam titles on offer, taking his tally to 12 overall. 
 
In beating Murray at Roland Garros earlier this month he became the first man in 47 years to hold all four majors. 
 
He also won the ATP World Tour Finals in November and will have his eye on Olympic gold in August and probably the Davis Cup too. 
 
His immediate focus though is on a smooth opening to his Wimbledon campaign having chosen again not to play any grasscourt tournaments in the run-up. 
 
&quot;This year is quite different from previous years because I`m coming in with a Roland Garros title,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;That gives me, obviously, a lot of confidence. I&#39;ve played a lot of points in the practice sessions these four or five days, trying to be on the grass as much as I can. So I`m really keen on getting on the court.&quot; 
 
Djokovic, who beat Federer in the last two Wimbledon finals, could face a tough path to a hat-trick. 
 
Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic is a potential quarter-final opponent with Federer possible in the semis. 
 
Ward is unlikely to pose too many problems, although Djokovic is well aware that the crowd will be rooting for his opponent when play begins on Monday. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s going to be the first match on the untouched grass,&quot; he said. &quot; That&#39;s probably one of the most special tennis matches that you get to experience as a tennis player. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m looking forward to that. Obviously I know that he doesn`t have much to lose.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The 29-year-old will begin his attempt to win a fourth Wimbledon title on Monday when he plays British wildcard James Ward on Centre Court

On court Novak Djokovic is taking tennis to extraordinary new levels with his single-minded obsession with winning. Off it the Serbian is more than happy to share power. The 29-year-old will begin his attempt to win a fourth Wimbledon title on Monday when he plays British wildcard James Ward on Centre Court,12 months after claiming a second successive title by beating Roger Federer. While nothing will distract him from that goal, the dominant Serbian also knows that however big the gap is between himself and his rivals and it is a yawning chasm that no player is bigger than the sport. At his pre-tournament news conference at Wimbledon today, the world number one confirmed he had re-joined the 12-man ATP Players Council, along with chief rival Andy Murray and Murray's brother Jamie, the world's top doubles player. It is a responsibility Djokovic will apply himself to with the same devotion as his career for the next two years as tennis wrestles with the kind of doping and corruption scandals that have afflicted world sport. "I've been very flattered and humbled to be elected by my colleagues," Djokovic told reporters. "The way I see it is that I managed to gain trust from players, which is very important to me. I have been part of the Player Council for three years earlier in my career. I`ve been familiar with the way the system works. "I'm hoping I can contribute to the evolution and to the betterment of our sport in every aspect." There is little argument that he has taken tennis to new levels of perfection since losing to Murray in the 2013 final here. Since then he has won six of the 11 grand slam titles on offer, taking his tally to 12 overall. In beating Murray at Roland Garros earlier this month he became the first man in 47 years to hold all four majors. He also won the ATP World Tour Finals in November and will have his eye on Olympic gold in August and probably the Davis Cup too. His immediate focus though is on a smooth opening to his Wimbledon campaign having chosen again not to play any grasscourt tournaments in the run-up. "This year is quite different from previous years because I`m coming in with a Roland Garros title," he said. "That gives me, obviously, a lot of confidence. I've played a lot of points in the practice sessions these four or five days, trying to be on the grass as much as I can. So I`m really keen on getting on the court." Djokovic, who beat Federer in the last two Wimbledon finals, could face a tough path to a hat-trick. Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic is a potential quarter-final opponent with Federer possible in the semis. Ward is unlikely to pose too many problems, although Djokovic is well aware that the crowd will be rooting for his opponent when play begins on Monday. "It's going to be the first match on the untouched grass," he said. " That's probably one of the most special tennis matches that you get to experience as a tennis player. "I'm looking forward to that. Obviously I know that he doesn`t have much to lose." (Reuters)

Djokovic focused on Wimbledon but sees bigger picture

Australia&#39;s Bernard Tomic thinks he is playing some of the best grasscourt tennis of his career, and is in a good place off the court, as he heads into the Wimbledon championships main draw for the seventh time. 
 
The 23-year-old&#39;s campaign at the All England Club ended in the third round last year and was followed by a very public and bitter row with Tennis Australia over what he said was their lack of backing for him. 
 
Since then, there have been rows over his suitability to be part of Australia&#39;s Olympic team, which he defused by withdrawing his name from consideration, and the now traditional woes of his claycourt season. 
 
After a second-round departure at the French Open that surprised few given his dislike of the Roland Garros surface, however, Tomic has rediscovered his form on grass at &#39;s-Hertogenbosch and Queen&#39;s Club. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d say probably it&#39;s the best it&#39;s been leading into Wimbledon,&quot; the 19th seed told Australia&#39;s Fox Sports TV. 
 
&quot;I managed to play two grasscourt tournaments, played really well, making the quarters in the Netherlands and the semis at Queen&#39;s.&nbsp;I feel like I&#39;m playing some of my best tennis on grass and now we&#39;re here at the famous Wimbledon tournament and I&#39;m ready to go.&quot; 
 
Tomic made his grand slam breakthrough when he reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as a qualifier in 2011, and it remains his favourite of the sport&#39;s four majors. 
 
&quot;It was a huge moment for my career that turned everything around and I always look back on that leading into any grasscourt tournament,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I take back that memory and I&#39;m always in a position to play my best tennis on grass. On grass, I always seem to be intense and on my feet and I always seem to play really well.&quot; 
 
Lapses of concentration and intensity have been a problem for Tomic throughout a career that promised so much when he won two junior grand slam titles. 
 
Allegations of giving up, or tanking, have dogged him in recent years and reached fever pitch when he faced match point at the Madrid Open in May with his racket upside down. 
 
He knows, however, that he will have to be on his toes for his first round match against tricky Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, who he beat at Queen&#39;s Club to take a 4-1 lead in their career head-to-head. 
 
&quot;Last week was an incredible match,&quot; Tomic said. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s going to come out swinging, doing some different things, he knows he&#39;s down in the record against me but that&#39;s not going to stop him playing well.&quot; 
 
Off court, the presence of Lleyton Hewitt in London should also ensure no repeat of the rows with Tennis Australia. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy now, I&#39;ve got a good team around me, and I&#39;m at my favourite tournament as well,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

After a second-round departure at the French Open, Bernard Tomic rediscovered his form on grass at 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's Club

Australia's Bernard Tomic thinks he is playing some of the best grasscourt tennis of his career, and is in a good place off the court, as he heads into the Wimbledon championships main draw for the seventh time. The 23-year-old's campaign at the All England Club ended in the third round last year and was followed by a very public and bitter row with Tennis Australia over what he said was their lack of backing for him. Since then, there have been rows over his suitability to be part of Australia's Olympic team, which he defused by withdrawing his name from consideration, and the now traditional woes of his claycourt season. After a second-round departure at the French Open that surprised few given his dislike of the Roland Garros surface, however, Tomic has rediscovered his form on grass at 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's Club. "I'd say probably it's the best it's been leading into Wimbledon," the 19th seed told Australia's Fox Sports TV. "I managed to play two grasscourt tournaments, played really well, making the quarters in the Netherlands and the semis at Queen's. I feel like I'm playing some of my best tennis on grass and now we're here at the famous Wimbledon tournament and I'm ready to go." Tomic made his grand slam breakthrough when he reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as a qualifier in 2011, and it remains his favourite of the sport's four majors. "It was a huge moment for my career that turned everything around and I always look back on that leading into any grasscourt tournament," he said. "I take back that memory and I'm always in a position to play my best tennis on grass. On grass, I always seem to be intense and on my feet and I always seem to play really well." Lapses of concentration and intensity have been a problem for Tomic throughout a career that promised so much when he won two junior grand slam titles. Allegations of giving up, or tanking, have dogged him in recent years and reached fever pitch when he faced match point at the Madrid Open in May with his racket upside down. He knows, however, that he will have to be on his toes for his first round match against tricky Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, who he beat at Queen's Club to take a 4-1 lead in their career head-to-head. "Last week was an incredible match," Tomic said. "He's going to come out swinging, doing some different things, he knows he's down in the record against me but that's not going to stop him playing well." Off court, the presence of Lleyton Hewitt in London should also ensure no repeat of the rows with Tennis Australia. "I'm happy now, I've got a good team around me, and I'm at my favourite tournament as well," he added. (Reuters)

All England grass a tonic for Tomic

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