'It's very special,' says Rafael Nadal on historic French Open title

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cricketer-to-grand-slam-winner-ashleigh-bartys-journey-is-inspiring-225626">Ash Barty won the French Open title</a> on Saturday she thought she was the first Australian woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Margaret Court in 1973.

According to the trophy, though, there was also an Australian champion in 1976.

Clearly, nobody has told Sue Barker, the Briton who triumphed in Paris 43 years ago.

Barker, now aged 63 and from Paignton in south-west England, is a sports presenter in UK.

Back in 1976 she was a rising star and recorded her best Grand Slam result by winning in Paris aged 20, beating Czech Renata Tomanova in the final.

She reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the Australian Open the following year but never again played a Grand Slam final.

Galling, then, perhaps that her one moment of Grand Slam glory has been recorded for posterity on the trophy with the letters 'AUST' next to her name, denoting Australia rather than the 'GBR' for Britain.

It is not the only error on the trophy as under Barker comes 1977 champion Mima Jausovec, whose name is mis-spelt 'Jausevec'.

The name of the women's doubles trophy, the Coupe Simonne Mathieu, created in 1990, has also been mis-spelt 'Simone Mathieu' on the plaque and on the cup itself.

French Open organisers told Reuters on Sunday that the mistakes would be fixed.&nbsp;

When Ash Barty won the French Open title on Saturday she thought she was the first Australian woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Margaret Court in 1973.

When Ash Barty won the French Open title on Saturday she thought she was the first Australian woman to lift the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Margaret Court in 1973. According to the trophy, though, there was also an Australian champion in 1976. Clearly, nobody has told Sue Barker, the Briton who triumphed in Paris 43 years ago. Barker, now aged 63 and from Paignton in south-west England, is a sports presenter in UK. Back in 1976 she was a rising star and recorded her best Grand Slam result by winning in Paris aged 20, beating Czech Renata Tomanova in the final. She reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the Australian Open the following year but never again played a Grand Slam final. Galling, then, perhaps that her one moment of Grand Slam glory has been recorded for posterity on the trophy with the letters 'AUST' next to her name, denoting Australia rather than the 'GBR' for Britain. It is not the only error on the trophy as under Barker comes 1977 champion Mima Jausovec, whose name is mis-spelt 'Jausevec'. The name of the women's doubles trophy, the Coupe Simonne Mathieu, created in 1990, has also been mis-spelt 'Simone Mathieu' on the plaque and on the cup itself. French Open organisers told Reuters on Sunday that the mistakes would be fixed.

French Open red-faced over 43-year trophy error

Rafael Nadal might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750">won a 12th Roland Garros title</a> on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday.

Austrian Dominic Thiem, whom Nadal beat in Sunday's final, keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer, who went down to the Spaniard in the last-four on his first appearance in Paris since 2015.

Russian Karen Khachanov jumped two spots into a personal best of ninth thanks to his achievement in reaching the French Open quarter-finals.

Italy's Fabio Fognini, also a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and winner in Monte-Carlo in April, also moved up two places to 10th.

The biggest mover in the top 20 was Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, whose quarter-final defeat by Federer in Paris was enough to see him go up nine places into 19th.

Watch&nbsp;Rafael Nadal's all winning moments at French Open:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nadal-lifts-french-open-trophy-for-12th-time-226006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ATP ranking as of June 10, 2019

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,715 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945

3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,670

4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,685

5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,360

6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,215

7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040

8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,565

9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,980 (+2)

10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,785 (+2)

11. John Isner (USA) 2,715 (-1)

12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,695 (-3)

13. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,625 (+1)

14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,525 (+1)

15. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,395 (-2)

16. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,055 (+1)

17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,970 (-1)

18. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,960

19. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (+9)

20 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 1,690 (+1)

Rafael Nadal might have won a 12th Roland Garros title on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday.

Rafael Nadal might have won a 12th Roland Garros title on the weekend, but he remains well behind Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist in Paris, in ATP rankings released Monday. Austrian Dominic Thiem, whom Nadal beat in Sunday's final, keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer, who went down to the Spaniard in the last-four on his first appearance in Paris since 2015. Russian Karen Khachanov jumped two spots into a personal best of ninth thanks to his achievement in reaching the French Open quarter-finals. Italy's Fabio Fognini, also a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and winner in Monte-Carlo in April, also moved up two places to 10th. The biggest mover in the top 20 was Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, whose quarter-final defeat by Federer in Paris was enough to see him go up nine places into 19th. Watch Rafael Nadal's all winning moments at French Open: × ATP ranking as of June 10, 2019 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,715 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6,670 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,685 5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,360 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,215 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,565 9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,980 (+2) 10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,785 (+2) 11. John Isner (USA) 2,715 (-1) 12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,695 (-3) 13. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,625 (+1) 14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,525 (+1) 15. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,395 (-2) 16. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,055 (+1) 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,970 (-1) 18. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,960 19. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (+9) 20 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 1,690 (+1)

French Open winner Rafael Nadal still lagging Novak Djokovic in rankings

Rafael Nadal claimed a record-stretching 12th French Open title by beating Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in a repeat of last year's final on Sunday.

The Spaniard, who now has 18 majors to his name, also becomes the first player to win the same Grand Slam title 12 times, going past Margaret Court's 11 Australian Open titles.

He took command by winning a high-octane first set, but Thiem, who was on court for the fourth consecutive day after weather delays, stayed in the contest and fought back to go level.

Nadal's response was brutal as he won 16 of the first 17 points of the third set against a tiring Thiem, bagged it in less than half an hour.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
18 Grand Slams. 
12 Roland-Garros titles. 
1 <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/gWXeqGCZGd">pic.twitter.com/gWXeqGCZGd</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1137756482748014592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 33-year-old, whose Roland Garros haul started on his debut year in 2005, cruised through the fourth set and wrapped it up when Thiem sent a forehand long.

Rafael Nadal claimed a record-stretching 12th French Open title by beating Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in a repeat of last year's final on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal claimed a record-stretching 12th French Open title by beating Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in a repeat of last year's final on Sunday. The Spaniard, who now has 18 majors to his name, also becomes the first player to win the same Grand Slam title 12 times, going past Margaret Court's 11 Australian Open titles. He took command by winning a high-octane first set, but Thiem, who was on court for the fourth consecutive day after weather delays, stayed in the contest and fought back to go level. Nadal's response was brutal as he won 16 of the first 17 points of the third set against a tiring Thiem, bagged it in less than half an hour. 18 Grand Slams. 12 Roland-Garros titles. 1 @RafaelNadal.#RG19 pic.twitter.com/gWXeqGCZGd — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2019 × The 33-year-old, whose Roland Garros haul started on his debut year in 2005, cruised through the fourth set and wrapped it up when Thiem sent a forehand long.

Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem to claim record-stretching French Open title

From cricketer to grand slam winner, Ashleigh Barty's journey is inspiring

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final.

Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov.

"It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic.

"It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again."

The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather.

Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout.

"I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb.

Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open.

The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title.

He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris.

However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017.

Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start.

The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead.

But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault.

Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip.

The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2.

Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final.

"I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German.

"When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason.

"I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult."

The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points.

Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners.

"The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set.

He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track. Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final. Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov. "It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic. "It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again." The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather. Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout. "I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb. Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open. The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title. He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris. However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017. Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start. The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead. But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault. Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip. The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2. Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final. "I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German. "When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason. "I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult." The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points. Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners. "The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title. Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set. He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic to face Dominic Thiem in his ninth Roland Garros semi-final

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-into-12th-roland-garros-semi-final-224354">Rafael Nadal</a> on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years.

The 37-year-old Swiss beat his compatriot 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach his 43rd major semi-final and eighth at Roland Garros.

He trails his head-to-head record with Nadal 23-15, but has won their last five meetings.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal, bidding for a 12th title at the French Open, blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in his quarter-final.

"It was hard, really, really hard. Stan played a really good match, I'm very happy to play him here at Roland Garros," said Federer.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion is the oldest man to make the semis at one of the big four tournaments since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open aged 39.

Wawrinka saved 16 of 18 break points in a thrilling encounter, but Federer quickly finished off the match after a rain delay to progress.

Watch Federer's reaction after winning:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Quelques mots sur la "petite" demi-finale à venir... 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dd8UXYrgkZ">pic.twitter.com/Dd8UXYrgkZ</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1135960047085850624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It is the third seed's first appearance at the French Open since 2015 after taking time away from clay to focus on Wimbledon, but he has been in fine form in Paris and has only lost one set so far -- as has Nadal.

Nadal, who turned 33 on Monday, is three behind Federer in the all-time list of Grand Slam singles titles heading into their 39th career clash.

It will be Federer's first Roland Garros semi-final since a defeat by Novak Djokovic in 2012.

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years.

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years. The 37-year-old Swiss beat his compatriot 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach his 43rd major semi-final and eighth at Roland Garros. He trails his head-to-head record with Nadal 23-15, but has won their last five meetings. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, bidding for a 12th title at the French Open, blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in his quarter-final. "It was hard, really, really hard. Stan played a really good match, I'm very happy to play him here at Roland Garros," said Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is the oldest man to make the semis at one of the big four tournaments since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open aged 39. Wawrinka saved 16 of 18 break points in a thrilling encounter, but Federer quickly finished off the match after a rain delay to progress. Watch Federer's reaction after winning: Quelques mots sur la "petite" demi-finale à venir... 😉@rogerfederer | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/Dd8UXYrgkZ — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2019 × It is the third seed's first appearance at the French Open since 2015 after taking time away from clay to focus on Wimbledon, but he has been in fine form in Paris and has only lost one set so far -- as has Nadal. Nadal, who turned 33 on Monday, is three behind Federer in the all-time list of Grand Slam singles titles heading into their 39th career clash. It will be Federer's first Roland Garros semi-final since a defeat by Novak Djokovic in 2012.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal to meet in French Open semi-finals

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer.

Nadal, bidding to win a 12th French Open, took his record in Paris to 91 wins and just two defeats, a day after he celebrated his 33rd birthday.

In what will be his 31st appearance in a Slam semi-final, the world number two will face either 2009 champion Federer.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rafael. Nadal. 👑🙌 
 
5 jeux. C'est tout ce que <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> a concédé à Kei Nishikori aujourd'hui. L'Espagnol se qualifie 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 pour les demi-finales de Roland-Garros pour la 12e fois. Nouveau record.<a href="https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX">https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQv3X82Vlu">pic.twitter.com/rQv3X82Vlu</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1135954492728520704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As Federer reached&nbsp;his first Roland-Garros semi-final since 2012 in a gritty 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Stan Wawrinka.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer. Nadal, bidding to win a 12th French Open, took his record in Paris to 91 wins and just two defeats, a day after he celebrated his 33rd birthday. In what will be his 31st appearance in a Slam semi-final, the world number two will face either 2009 champion Federer. Rafael. Nadal. 👑🙌 5 jeux. C'est tout ce que @RafaelNadal a concédé à Kei Nishikori aujourd'hui. L'Espagnol se qualifie 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 pour les demi-finales de Roland-Garros pour la 12e fois. Nouveau record.https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/rQv3X82Vlu — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2019 × As Federer reached his first Roland-Garros semi-final since 2012 in a gritty 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Stan Wawrinka.

Rafael Nadal into 12th Roland Garros semi-final

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final.

Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983.

The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits.

However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017.

"To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens.

"I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match.

"So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points."

Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set.

The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener.

The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough.

Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday. Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final. Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983. The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits. However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017. "To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens. "I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match. "So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points." Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set. The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener. The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough. Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta first British woman in Roland Garros semis in 36 years

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved.

Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger.

It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot.

He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners.

After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout.

He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final.

Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals. His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved. Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger. It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot. He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners. After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout. He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final. Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Novak Djokovic reaches 10th successive French Open quarter-final

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys.

The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

"I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year.

Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back.

The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand.

But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle.

After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals. The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys. The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova. "I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year. Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back. The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round. She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand. But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run. On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle. After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty defeats Sofia Kenin to enter quarter-finals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals.

In hot and breezy conditions, the Spaniard looked once again produced claycourt tennis of the highest quality to make the last eight of a Grand Slam event for the 38th time.

The tone was set when he broke the 25-year-old Londero's serve in the second game of the Court Philippe Chatrier duel and while his 78th-ranked opponent never threw in the towel he could only try to delay the inevitable.

Londero had a break point early in the third set but Nadal stamped out that danger and broke in the very next game to close in on victory.

With his eyes fixed firmly on claiming a 12th French Open title next Sunday he seemed eager to finish the job swiftly, but after moving 4-1 ahead in the third set he dropped serve for the first time in the match.

Nadal's pace appeared to drop ever so slightly and Londero even sensed another break two games later when heavy hitting got him to 0-30 on the second seed's serve, but Nadal reeled off four consecutive points, holding with an ace.

He finished the match with a signature forehand to set up a clash with Kei Nishikori or Benoit Paire.

Rafael Nadal ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals.

Rafael Nadal ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals. In hot and breezy conditions, the Spaniard looked once again produced claycourt tennis of the highest quality to make the last eight of a Grand Slam event for the 38th time. The tone was set when he broke the 25-year-old Londero's serve in the second game of the Court Philippe Chatrier duel and while his 78th-ranked opponent never threw in the towel he could only try to delay the inevitable. Londero had a break point early in the third set but Nadal stamped out that danger and broke in the very next game to close in on victory. With his eyes fixed firmly on claiming a 12th French Open title next Sunday he seemed eager to finish the job swiftly, but after moving 4-1 ahead in the third set he dropped serve for the first time in the match. Nadal's pace appeared to drop ever so slightly and Londero even sensed another break two games later when heavy hitting got him to 0-30 on the second seed's serve, but Nadal reeled off four consecutive points, holding with an ace. He finished the match with a signature forehand to set up a clash with Kei Nishikori or Benoit Paire.

Rafael Nadal ends Juan Ignacio Londero's run to reach quarter-finals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-eases-into-12th-french-open-quarter-final-223671">Roger Federer</a> said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday.

However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin.

It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible.

"It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room.

"I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want."

Watch the video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
video of Dominic his press <a href="https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY">https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY</a>
— t (@slaycoric) <a href="https://twitter.com/slaycoric/status/1134910695735214081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar".

"I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors.

"There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre.&nbsp;

"I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation."

There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night.

However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference.

"Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said.

With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room.

"That's really impolite," she was heard to say.

Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin.

There was a backlash on social media over the incident.

"Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth.

"Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams. Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday. However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin. It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible. "It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room. "I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want." Watch the video: video of Dominic his press https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY — t (@slaycoric) June 1, 2019 × Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar". "I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors. "There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre. "I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation." There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night. However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference. "Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said. With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room. "That's really impolite," she was heard to say. Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin. There was a backlash on social media over the incident. "Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth. "Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer says Thiem right to fume over Serena Williams press conference row

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Roger+Federer">Roger Federer</a> reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam.

The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

"It's fabulous that I can spend this time in&nbsp;Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka.

The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January.

"I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance.

"I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas."

Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list.

Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago.

"I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts!

"But he played really great that year and won the title."

Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.

Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot. "It's fabulous that I can spend this time in Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka. The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January. "I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance. "I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas." Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list. Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago. "I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts! "But he played really great that year and won the title." Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open. Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer eases into 12th French Open quarter-final

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin. Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier. In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty. Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's pursuit of 24th major title on hold after French Open exit

World number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Naomi+Osaka">Naomi Osaka</a>'s hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech.

Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches.

"It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. <a href="https://twitter.com/K_Siniakova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@K_Siniakova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgAnzJ2x5e">pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1134822481884303361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I played my best tennis and I hope it continues."

Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all.

Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set.

The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set.

Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match.

Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand.

The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors.

Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris.

She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two.

Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic. Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech. Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches. "It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova. First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. @K_Siniakova | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2019 × "I played my best tennis and I hope it continues." Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all. Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set. The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set. Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match. Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand. The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors. Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris. She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two. Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka knocked out of French Open

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes.

The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu.

However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord.

The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point.

That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide.

The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight.

He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday. Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes. The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu. However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account. The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord. The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point. That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide. The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight. He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

French Open: Del Potro prevails in five-set battle with Nishioka

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion was in dominant form for the majority of the match and will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin for a place in the second week.

Nadal's win-loss record at the French Open now reads an astounding 88-2.

"He (Maden) is a good player. He had already won four matches so was full of confidence," he said. "For me it was an important victory."

The 32-year-old Spaniard wasted little time in wrapping up the first two sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

World number 114 Maden may have briefly allowed himself to dream of an outrageous upset when he broke twice to level at 3-3 and then 4-4 in the third set, but Nadal put him back in his place with two quick games to seal victory.

Nadal appears to be hitting form at just the right time, after following three consecutive semi-final defeats on clay with the Italian Open title before arriving in Paris.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
👋 to you too, Rafa. 
 
The Spaniard takes on qualifier Yannick Maden next on Lenglen...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/CtGAbwhqbM">pic.twitter.com/CtGAbwhqbM</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1133683087525777408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He finished the match with 43 winners against just 23 unforced errors as Maden simply could not live with his illustrious opponent.

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.

Rafael Nadal powered into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden to continue his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title. The 17-time Grand Slam champion was in dominant form for the majority of the match and will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin for a place in the second week. Nadal's win-loss record at the French Open now reads an astounding 88-2. "He (Maden) is a good player. He had already won four matches so was full of confidence," he said. "For me it was an important victory." The 32-year-old Spaniard wasted little time in wrapping up the first two sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen. World number 114 Maden may have briefly allowed himself to dream of an outrageous upset when he broke twice to level at 3-3 and then 4-4 in the third set, but Nadal put him back in his place with two quick games to seal victory. Nadal appears to be hitting form at just the right time, after following three consecutive semi-final defeats on clay with the Italian Open title before arriving in Paris. 👋 to you too, Rafa. The Spaniard takes on qualifier Yannick Maden next on Lenglen...#RG19 pic.twitter.com/CtGAbwhqbM — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2019 × He finished the match with 43 winners against just 23 unforced errors as Maden simply could not live with his illustrious opponent.

French Open: Rafael Nadal enters third round after defeating Yannick Maden

Former world number one Serena Williams entered the second round of French Open after she recovered from a poor first set to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 on Monday.&nbsp;

More than her performance, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-reveals-reason-of-wearing-superhero-like-black-catsuit-140967">Serena's dress made headlines</a> at the Roland Garros as she chose a bold outfit for her first-round match against Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko.&nbsp;

Serena wore the Nike-backed black-and-white cape when she entered the court and when she removed it, a black and white zebra-stripe print dress was revealed, split at one thigh.&nbsp;

On her cape, the legend of 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' was written in French.&nbsp;

"It was just to remind everyone that they can be champions and are queens. So I love that about it," she said of her 2019 dress and cape.

Lat year, Serena had caused a stir at the French Open with her Black Panther catsuit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-to-ban-serena-williams-superhero-like-black-catsuit-161409">which was subsequently banned</a>.&nbsp;

Roland Garros chiefs had said that the outfit that Serena wore will not be accepted they also described the outfit as "going too far".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Let the Roland Garros begin. Here is my French Open look designed by <a href="https://twitter.com/virgilabloh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@virgilabloh</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Nike?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nike</a>. <a href="https://t.co/niiyqoI94m">pic.twitter.com/niiyqoI94m</a>
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1132633035684421632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"You know, I have been dealing with a lot, and then I just got nervous out there and I stopped moving my feet.&nbsp;

"There were like concrete blocks on my feet. I was, like, 'You gotta do something'," said Serena.&nbsp;

Former world number one Serena Williams entered the second round of French Open after she recovered from a poor first set to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 on Monday. More than her performance, Serena's dress made headlines at the Roland Garros as she chose a bold outfit for her first-round match against Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko.

Former world number one Serena Williams entered the second round of French Open after she recovered from a poor first set to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 on Monday. More than her performance, Serena's dress made headlines at the Roland Garros as she chose a bold outfit for her first-round match against Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko. Serena wore the Nike-backed black-and-white cape when she entered the court and when she removed it, a black and white zebra-stripe print dress was revealed, split at one thigh. On her cape, the legend of 'mother, champion, queen, goddess' was written in French. "It was just to remind everyone that they can be champions and are queens. So I love that about it," she said of her 2019 dress and cape. Lat year, Serena had caused a stir at the French Open with her Black Panther catsuit, which was subsequently banned. Roland Garros chiefs had said that the outfit that Serena wore will not be accepted they also described the outfit as "going too far". Let the Roland Garros begin. Here is my French Open look designed by @virgilabloh and @Nike. pic.twitter.com/niiyqoI94m — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 26, 2019 × "You know, I have been dealing with a lot, and then I just got nervous out there and I stopped moving my feet. "There were like concrete blocks on my feet. I was, like, 'You gotta do something'," said Serena.

Serena Williams unveils new French Open outfit

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday.

Considering the calibre of her opponent, a 6-4, 7-6(4) loss was not as demoralising as last year's defeat by Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova.

But it continued a steep decline for the 21-year-old who also fell in round one at the Australian Open and has managed back-to-back wins just once in 2019.

The match statistics made grim reading for Ostapenko with 60 unforced errors to Azarenka's 19.

While the Latvian continues to struggle, Azarenka is heading in the right direction having risen back into the top 50 for the first time since giving birth to son Leo in December 2016.

Yet it was the Belarussian who began the match in charitable fashion, opening with two double faults before watching two Ostapenko backhands flash by her.

She broke back in the next game but dropped serve for the third time in the set to trail 4-3.

Ostapenko double-faulted four times in the next game to hand back the advantage, then twice more at 5-6 to surrender a scrappy first set.

She continued to mix flashing winners with unforced errors in the second, leading 4-2 but allowing Azarenka back in.

Ostapenko served for the set at 6-5 and led 30-0 only to offer up more free points to her grateful opponent.

In the tiebreak Azarenka brought up match point with a thumping forehand winner and Ostpenko's 60th unforced error ended the contest.

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday.

Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive first-round loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday. Considering the calibre of her opponent, a 6-4, 7-6(4) loss was not as demoralising as last year's defeat by Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova. But it continued a steep decline for the 21-year-old who also fell in round one at the Australian Open and has managed back-to-back wins just once in 2019. The match statistics made grim reading for Ostapenko with 60 unforced errors to Azarenka's 19. While the Latvian continues to struggle, Azarenka is heading in the right direction having risen back into the top 50 for the first time since giving birth to son Leo in December 2016. Yet it was the Belarussian who began the match in charitable fashion, opening with two double faults before watching two Ostapenko backhands flash by her. She broke back in the next game but dropped serve for the third time in the set to trail 4-3. Ostapenko double-faulted four times in the next game to hand back the advantage, then twice more at 5-6 to surrender a scrappy first set. She continued to mix flashing winners with unforced errors in the second, leading 4-2 but allowing Azarenka back in. Ostapenko served for the set at 6-5 and led 30-0 only to offer up more free points to her grateful opponent. In the tiebreak Azarenka brought up match point with a thumping forehand winner and Ostpenko's 60th unforced error ended the contest.

Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko blows out in first round again

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday.

The German fifth seed, looking for a major breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage, needed more than four hours to see off the world number 56 and set up a meeting with Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer.

The 22-year-old Zverev, one of the leading figures of the sport's 'new generation', claimed his best result at a major when he reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.

For a moment, it seemed he could be sent packing on his first day on court.

Millman cancelled out Zverev's early break with the German winning the resulting tiebreak in the opener before sailing through the second set.

But Zverev never looked comfortable in changing conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier and he was overpowered in the third, Millman taking the tie into a fourth set with a powerful forehand winner.

Zverev stole his serve but Millman turned it around to force a tiebreak, which he won to take the match into a decider.

That did not please Zverev, who destroyed his racket in frustration.

But a timely break in the ninth game of the fifth set had him serve for the match. There were no nerves on display as Zverev ended the contest on his first match point.

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday.

Alexander Zverev was made to work hard to reach the second round of the French Open with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over Australian John Millman on Tuesday. The German fifth seed, looking for a major breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage, needed more than four hours to see off the world number 56 and set up a meeting with Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer. The 22-year-old Zverev, one of the leading figures of the sport's 'new generation', claimed his best result at a major when he reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year. For a moment, it seemed he could be sent packing on his first day on court. Millman cancelled out Zverev's early break with the German winning the resulting tiebreak in the opener before sailing through the second set. But Zverev never looked comfortable in changing conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier and he was overpowered in the third, Millman taking the tie into a fourth set with a powerful forehand winner. Zverev stole his serve but Millman turned it around to force a tiebreak, which he won to take the match into a decider. That did not please Zverev, who destroyed his racket in frustration. But a timely break in the ninth game of the fifth set had him serve for the match. There were no nerves on display as Zverev ended the contest on his first match point.

French Open: Alexander Zverev defeats John Millman to enter second round

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafa-nadal-threaten-djokovic-bid-for-historic-slam-221522">French Open</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.&nbsp;

While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament.&nbsp;

"He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France.&nbsp;

"He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added.&nbsp;

Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday.&nbsp;

Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome.&nbsp;

Watch the preview of French Open 2019:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-can-stop-rafa-nadal-from-winning-12th-title-221573/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me."&nbsp;

"I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.&nbsp;

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

The world number one Novak Djokovic will start his historic bid to win four grand slam titles in a row for the second time at this season's French Open. The Serbian tennis star can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. While ahead of the Grand Slam, Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is his favourite for the tournament. "He's the main favourite to win the title. I think it wouldn't be fair to pick anybody else but him as the main favourite, because he has won this tournament so many times," said the Serb, as he spoke at a press conference ahead of the Grand Slam in France. "He has lost, what, two times in his career on Parisian clay? So, lots of respect for him, obviously, as always," he added. Top seed Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Monday. Djokovic has been enjoying a good run of form during the clay season, winning the title in Madrid before losing to Nadal in Rome. Watch the preview of French Open 2019: × On being asked about his preparations, Djokovic said, "Nothing really in particular days before Roland Garros. I don't do anything that is completely different from anything that I do in the different periods of the year. I do set up a strategy with my team to peak at the Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career, those are the ones that matter the most for me." "I really want to win on every tournament that I participate, but of course Grand Slams just have a special place," he added.

'He's the main favourite,' says Novak Djokovic about Rafael Nadal ahead of French Open

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

Who can stop Rafael Nadal from winning 12th title?

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open.

However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016.

Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'.

Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls.

However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time.

It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history.

Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny.

After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time.

"Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said.

However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history.

"There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again."

Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade.

This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam.

Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon.&nbsp;

10th anniversary

This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time.

However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim.

"I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday.

The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals.

Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week.

"I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match.&nbsp;

"I care about feeling well and playing well."

Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.

The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer.

Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay.

"There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way. World number one Djokovic completed his first private stranglehold of all four Slams with victory at Roland Garros in 2016. Having clinched the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open titles and then a seventh Australian Open crown in January this year, the Serb is tantalisingly close to another 'Djoko Slam'. Federer and Nadal, with 20 and 17 career Grand Slam titles each respectively, may be ahead of 15-time major winner Djokovic in total hauls. However, they have never managed to hold all four of the sport's greatest prizes at the same time. It is such a rare feat that only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) -- all calendar Grand Slams -- have pulled off the sweep in the sport's history. Djokovic, who turned 32 on Wednesday, is playing down his potential date with destiny. After losing to Nadal in the Italian Open final last weekend, the Serb was in no doubt that it was the Spaniard who would likely be celebrating a 12th Roland Garros title in a little over two weeks' time. "Nadal, number one favourite, without a doubt -- then everyone else," he said. However, he admits his Paris triumph of 2016 which gave him his first sweep, is fuelling his bid for more history. "There is an extra motivation and incentive to win Roland Garros because of the opportunity to hold all four Slams, something I did three years ago, and that gives me obviously enough reason to believe I can do it again." Twelve months ago, such confidence would have appeared reckless when he was shocked by Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-finals, a defeat which sent him crashing out of the top 20 for the first time in over a decade. This time around he starts his campaign against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the world number 43 with a potential quarter-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev who has still to get past the last eight at a Slam. Federer is returning to Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 having turned his back on clay court tennis to focus on Wimbledon. 10th anniversary This year marks the 10th anniversary of his one and only Paris triumph and should the 37-year-old defy the odds and clinch the 2019 title he would become the oldest Grand Slam champion of all time. However, Federer admits his hopes of seeing off Nadal and Djokovic are slim. "I feel like I'm playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I'm not sure if it's in my racquet," he said Friday. The Swiss star faces Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, ranked at 73 in the first round on Sunday and could meet Nadal in the semi-finals. Nadal, whose record at Roland Garros stands at a staggering 11 titles and a win-loss record of 86-2, claimed a ninth Italian Open title and a record 34th Masters last week. "I don't care if I'm the favourite," said Nadal who starts against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, the world 184 who has never won a Grand Slam match. "I care about feeling well and playing well." Nadal's three-set win over Djokovic in Rome was timely as it was his first title of 2019 and had followed three successive semi-final losses at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. The last two of those were against Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom play with a one-handed backhand, just like Federer. Thiem, the 2018 runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros, has defeated the Spaniard four times on clay. "There is a new wave coming through with the one-handed backhand that can counter some of Rafa's spins and lefty play," said Federer.

Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal threaten Djokovic bid for historic Slam

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown.

The 37-year-old Williams is still waiting for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam triumph, with her last victory coming at the 2017 Australian Open shortly before taking a break from the sport due to pregnancy.

She impressed initially after returning, but last year twice fell just short of drawing level with Margaret Court's mark, losing in the Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber before her infamous meltdown en route to another final defeat by Osaka at Flushing Meadows.

Williams' 2019 campaign has not gone to plan so far, with a series of injuries seeing her manage just four matches since her Australian Open quarter-final exit to Karolina Pliskova.

But she is confident her work off the court can help her find her best game in the biggest tournaments.

"I actually haven't been able to train or practise a lot. I was out much longer than I expected," admitted the three-time French Open champion last week in Rome, before pulling out of the tournament ahead of a second-round tie with sister Venus.

"But I did everything I could to stay fit. I knew that I love the clay season and I wanted to be a part of it.

"It's not about today or tomorrow. For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments... Obviously the Slams, etc, just getting ready for those events."

Williams will face Russian world number 82 Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round, with the draw also throwing up a mouthwatering potential quarter-final against Osaka.

Osaka full of confidence

World number one Osaka has not been overly struggling since surprisingly splitting with coach Sascha Bajin in the wake of her Australian Open title.

But the Japanese star has not won a title since, and like Williams, withdrew from the Italian Open through injury before her quarter-final against Kiki Bertens.

It has still been the 21-year-old's best-ever clay-court campaign, having also reached the last eight in Madrid and the semi-finals in Stuttgart, and she feels her big-hitting game is now ready to dominate on all surfaces.

"Roland Garros, that's what I'm dreaming about right now," Osaka, who has never reached the second week in Paris, said.

"If you're talking about longer goals, of course I haven't won Wimbledon yet and it would be really cool to win everything in one year."

She also does not feel that her lack of a title since Melbourne will have a large bearing on her Roland Garros prospects ahead of her opening match against Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

"I can't necessarily say it's been ups and downs because if I think about it, it's definitely been going up," she said.

Halep the favourite

Reigning champion Simona Halep will enter the tournament somewhat under the radar with much of the focus on Williams and Osaka, but the Romanian remains the world's most consistent player on clay.

The three-time French Open finalist is the bookmakers' favourite for the title, despite having lost both her finals so far this year and being knocked out in her first match in Rome by Czech youngster Marketa Vondrousova.

But she is the third seed in Paris and a name everyone will want to avoid later in the tournament, although she opens her title defence against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who reached the last 16 in 2014.

"(It's) much better and much easier, because I have the title already," said Halep, who won her maiden major trophy 12 months ago in her fourth final.

The women's game remains far more open than the men's, with a host of other players holding serious hopes of coming out on top, like Italian Open champion and second seed Pliskova and the in-form Petra Kvitova.

Anything can happen in the French capital, as shown by unheralded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko's shock victory only two years ago.

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown.

Serena Williams heads into this year's French Open as an outsider for a Grand Slam title for possibly the first time in 20 years, with questions surrounding her fitness after a poor start to the season, while Naomi Osaka looks to solidify her position at the top of the women's game with a third straight major crown. The 37-year-old Williams is still waiting for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam triumph, with her last victory coming at the 2017 Australian Open shortly before taking a break from the sport due to pregnancy. She impressed initially after returning, but last year twice fell just short of drawing level with Margaret Court's mark, losing in the Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber before her infamous meltdown en route to another final defeat by Osaka at Flushing Meadows. Williams' 2019 campaign has not gone to plan so far, with a series of injuries seeing her manage just four matches since her Australian Open quarter-final exit to Karolina Pliskova. But she is confident her work off the court can help her find her best game in the biggest tournaments. "I actually haven't been able to train or practise a lot. I was out much longer than I expected," admitted the three-time French Open champion last week in Rome, before pulling out of the tournament ahead of a second-round tie with sister Venus. "But I did everything I could to stay fit. I knew that I love the clay season and I wanted to be a part of it. "It's not about today or tomorrow. For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments... Obviously the Slams, etc, just getting ready for those events." Williams will face Russian world number 82 Vitalia Diatchenko in the first round, with the draw also throwing up a mouthwatering potential quarter-final against Osaka. Osaka full of confidence World number one Osaka has not been overly struggling since surprisingly splitting with coach Sascha Bajin in the wake of her Australian Open title. But the Japanese star has not won a title since, and like Williams, withdrew from the Italian Open through injury before her quarter-final against Kiki Bertens. It has still been the 21-year-old's best-ever clay-court campaign, having also reached the last eight in Madrid and the semi-finals in Stuttgart, and she feels her big-hitting game is now ready to dominate on all surfaces. "Roland Garros, that's what I'm dreaming about right now," Osaka, who has never reached the second week in Paris, said. "If you're talking about longer goals, of course I haven't won Wimbledon yet and it would be really cool to win everything in one year." She also does not feel that her lack of a title since Melbourne will have a large bearing on her Roland Garros prospects ahead of her opening match against Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. "I can't necessarily say it's been ups and downs because if I think about it, it's definitely been going up," she said. Halep the favourite Reigning champion Simona Halep will enter the tournament somewhat under the radar with much of the focus on Williams and Osaka, but the Romanian remains the world's most consistent player on clay. The three-time French Open finalist is the bookmakers' favourite for the title, despite having lost both her finals so far this year and being knocked out in her first match in Rome by Czech youngster Marketa Vondrousova. But she is the third seed in Paris and a name everyone will want to avoid later in the tournament, although she opens her title defence against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who reached the last 16 in 2014. "(It's) much better and much easier, because I have the title already," said Halep, who won her maiden major trophy 12 months ago in her fourth final. The women's game remains far more open than the men's, with a host of other players holding serious hopes of coming out on top, like Italian Open champion and second seed Pliskova and the in-form Petra Kvitova. Anything can happen in the French capital, as shown by unheralded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko's shock victory only two years ago.

Preview: Uncertainty over Serena fitness, Osaka form at Roland Garros

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=roger+federer">Roger Federer</a> was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus.

The third-seeded Swiss will open his quest for a second Musketeers Cup against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, the world number 73, but faces a potentially tricky quarter-final against young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat him at this year's Australian Open.

Former world number one Federer, 37, is in the same half of the draw as claycourt master Rafa Nadal and could meet the Spaniard in the semis.

Defending champion Nadal, seeded second, will open up against a qualifier as he aims for a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros.

"I had my first training today and I had good sensations," said Nadal, who was given a tour of the renovated stadium by tournament director Guy Forget after winning his first claycourt title of the season at the Italian Open.

"It was very important for me to play well in Rome, I hope it's a good sign for Roland Garros," the Spaniard, who could face Japanese Kei Nishikori in the last eight, added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Les tableaux de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> sont sortis ! 
&gt; Simple dames : <a href="https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ">https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ</a> 
&gt; Simple messieurs : <a href="https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV">https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1131624630454816769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

World number one Novak Djokovic, who is looking to hold all four majors for the second time in his career, will take on Hubert Hurkacz with a possible quarter-final against German Alexander Zverev.

In the women's draw, world number one Naomi Osaka will kick off her bid for a maiden French Open title against Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

Defending champion Simona Halep of Romania, the third seed, will take on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic after being drawn in the same half as Osaka.

Serena Williams will face Vitalia Diatchenko in only her second match on clay this season after she retired from the Italian Open ahead of a second-round match against her sister Venus due to a knee injury.

With 23 singles Grand Slam titles to her name, the 10th-seeded American, on a quarter-final collision course with Osaka, is one short of the all-time record of Margaret Court.

One of the first-round clashes to watch is 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko against two-times Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, with the winner likely to take on Osaka in the second round.

Roger Federer was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus.

Roger Federer was handed a comfortable-looking start in the French Open draw on Thursday as the 20-times Grand Slam champion makes his return to the tournament after a three-year hiatus. The third-seeded Swiss will open his quest for a second Musketeers Cup against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, the world number 73, but faces a potentially tricky quarter-final against young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat him at this year's Australian Open. Former world number one Federer, 37, is in the same half of the draw as claycourt master Rafa Nadal and could meet the Spaniard in the semis. Defending champion Nadal, seeded second, will open up against a qualifier as he aims for a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros. "I had my first training today and I had good sensations," said Nadal, who was given a tour of the renovated stadium by tournament director Guy Forget after winning his first claycourt title of the season at the Italian Open. "It was very important for me to play well in Rome, I hope it's a good sign for Roland Garros," the Spaniard, who could face Japanese Kei Nishikori in the last eight, added. Les tableaux de #RG19 sont sortis ! > Simple dames : https://t.co/GVLqthJxMQ > Simple messieurs : https://t.co/XYJXS0XSMV — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2019 × World number one Novak Djokovic, who is looking to hold all four majors for the second time in his career, will take on Hubert Hurkacz with a possible quarter-final against German Alexander Zverev. In the women's draw, world number one Naomi Osaka will kick off her bid for a maiden French Open title against Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Defending champion Simona Halep of Romania, the third seed, will take on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic after being drawn in the same half as Osaka. Serena Williams will face Vitalia Diatchenko in only her second match on clay this season after she retired from the Italian Open ahead of a second-round match against her sister Venus due to a knee injury. With 23 singles Grand Slam titles to her name, the 10th-seeded American, on a quarter-final collision course with Osaka, is one short of the all-time record of Margaret Court. One of the first-round clashes to watch is 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko against two-times Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, with the winner likely to take on Osaka in the second round.

Draw hands Roger Federer smooth start on French Open return

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;"sucks".

Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.

The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round.

Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon.

"I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts.

"Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad.

"The&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks."

Kyrgios also withdrew from the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying.

Firebrand Nick Kyrgios pulled out of Roland Garros on Friday, just days after saying the French Open "sucks". Organisers confirmed the Australian's withdrawal from the second Grand Slam tournament of the season and he will be replaced by a lucky loser from qualifying. The 24-year-old was due to have faced Britain's Cameron Norrie in the first round. Last week, Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open in Rome and headed straight to London to practice with Andy Murray at Wimbledon. "I think this is the best tournament in the world, look at this perfect green surface," Kyrgios wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of him sitting on the grass courts. "Get rid of the clay, man. Who likes the clay, it is so bad. "The French Open sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolute sucks." Kyrgios also withdrew from the French Open last year and has never reached the second week in Paris.

Australian Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open: Organisers

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/draw-hands-roger-federer-smooth-start-on-french-open-return-221215">12th French Open</a> title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy.

The world number two holds an incredible French Open win-loss record of 86-2, and hit top form by winning his ninth Italian Open last week with a final victory over old rival Novak Djokovic.

Nadal could move to within two titles of Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam trophies if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9.

"I don't care if I'm the favourite," he said. "I care about feeling well and playing well.

"I appreciate that you (the media) see me like that, but (Dominic) Thiem, Novak (Djokovic), Federer, Tsitsipas who has been playing well, (Juan Martin) del Potro, (Kei) Nishikori -- all those that are the best in the world will be favourites.

"The only thing that worries me is being well and being competitive.

"The only favourite that matters is the one who has the cup at home in two weeks' time."

Before his triumph in Rome, it had been far from a trademark clay-court season for Nadal.

The Spaniard failed in his bids for 12th titles in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, where he lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini and Thiem respectively.

Another last-four exit followed on home soil in Madrid against Greek rising star Tsitsipas.

Nadal admits it took him time to rediscover his top form after a one-month absence with the right knee injury which forced him to withdraw from Indian Wells before a scheduled semi-final against Federer.

"When you're recovering from an injury it's also difficult to recover mentally," he said. "I had not had that for a long time.

"Losing in the semi-finals is considered bad... Without playing especially well at the start of the clay season.

"You have to have the humility to value small improvements. For me, one very positive thing was that before I started Rome, it was not a disaster -- I'd made three semi-finals.

"It's not incredible, but it's not a total disaster either."

Warm-up on the fairways

Nadal, who faces a qualifier in the first round but could meet Federer or Tsitsipas in a potential semi-final clash, was pleased to get away from the court after his Rome success.

"I have been at home, one day of golf, one day of family, and came back here.

"(I've) already had two practices here. Good practices. (I'm) just trying to continue the preparation and just hold the level."

But Nadal will not be over-confident in the first week, pointing to his famous shock early Wimbledon defeats by Steve Darcis and Dustin Brown.

"The problem with Dustin Brown is that if I play badly, I lose to anyone," he said. "In 2015, I was playing badly, it was normal to lose to a dangerous player on grass.

"I also lost to Darcis in 2013. It's part of the sport. When one plays badly he usually loses."

But Nadal has only lost to two men at Roland Garros since his triumphant debut in 2005 -- against the now-retired Robin Soderling and this year's top seed Djokovic, who he could face in the final as the Serbian chases a fourth consecutive Grand Slam crown.

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending 12th French Open title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy.

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he "doesn't care" if he is the red-hot favourite to lift a record-extending 12th French Open title at Roland Garros, insisting that there are a host of players in contention for the trophy. The world number two holds an incredible French Open win-loss record of 86-2, and hit top form by winning his ninth Italian Open last week with a final victory over old rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal could move to within two titles of Roger Federer's all-time men's record of 20 Grand Slam trophies if he lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9. "I don't care if I'm the favourite," he said. "I care about feeling well and playing well. "I appreciate that you (the media) see me like that, but (Dominic) Thiem, Novak (Djokovic), Federer, Tsitsipas who has been playing well, (Juan Martin) del Potro, (Kei) Nishikori -- all those that are the best in the world will be favourites. "The only thing that worries me is being well and being competitive. "The only favourite that matters is the one who has the cup at home in two weeks' time." Before his triumph in Rome, it had been far from a trademark clay-court season for Nadal. The Spaniard failed in his bids for 12th titles in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, where he lost in the semi-finals to Fabio Fognini and Thiem respectively. Another last-four exit followed on home soil in Madrid against Greek rising star Tsitsipas. Nadal admits it took him time to rediscover his top form after a one-month absence with the right knee injury which forced him to withdraw from Indian Wells before a scheduled semi-final against Federer. "When you're recovering from an injury it's also difficult to recover mentally," he said. "I had not had that for a long time. "Losing in the semi-finals is considered bad... Without playing especially well at the start of the clay season. "You have to have the humility to value small improvements. For me, one very positive thing was that before I started Rome, it was not a disaster -- I'd made three semi-finals. "It's not incredible, but it's not a total disaster either." Warm-up on the fairways Nadal, who faces a qualifier in the first round but could meet Federer or Tsitsipas in a potential semi-final clash, was pleased to get away from the court after his Rome success. "I have been at home, one day of golf, one day of family, and came back here. "(I've) already had two practices here. Good practices. (I'm) just trying to continue the preparation and just hold the level." But Nadal will not be over-confident in the first week, pointing to his famous shock early Wimbledon defeats by Steve Darcis and Dustin Brown. "The problem with Dustin Brown is that if I play badly, I lose to anyone," he said. "In 2015, I was playing badly, it was normal to lose to a dangerous player on grass. "I also lost to Darcis in 2013. It's part of the sport. When one plays badly he usually loses." But Nadal has only lost to two men at Roland Garros since his triumphant debut in 2005 -- against the now-retired Robin Soderling and this year's top seed Djokovic, who he could face in the final as the Serbian chases a fourth consecutive Grand Slam crown.

Rafa Nadal 'doesn't care' if he's French Open favourite

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/draw-hands-roger-federer-smooth-start-on-french-open-return-221215">French Open campaign</a> knowing that she's 'done it already'.

The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals.

"It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament.

"Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again."

Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova.

"I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year.

"Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that."

On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week.

"I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

"And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high.

"I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'.

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'. The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals. "It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament. "Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again." Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova. "I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year. "Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that." On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week. "I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said. "And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high. "I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Simona Halep to start French Open title defence with no extra pressure

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Andy+Murray">Andy Murray</a> is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, 32, in January, announced plans to retire after this year's Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club.

The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men's doubles.

The former world number one told Tuesday Times there was "very little chance" he would play singles during the grass-court season.

"Potentially doubles, but I'm not trying to get ready for singles just now," he said.

"The thing I said before was that, if I wasn't feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon.

"Whereas if it's feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it's as good as possible before I try to play singles on it."

Murray, whose ranking has plummeted to 218 due to his time away from the court, said he was pain-free as he spoke about the example set by Bryan.

"I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done (he had similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely fine. I will need to see from there how it would work singles-wise.

"It has been really good so far. I'm playing lots of golf. I don't have any pain walking round the course and swinging clubs. When I'm on the court hitting, it has been perfect.&nbsp;

"If I continue to feel good, then I will obviously give it a shot in singles and see what happens. Whereas in doubles I am pretty certain I will be able to play, just based on having an example to look at.

"I can look at Bob Bryan and say, this is what he has done, he is playing top three or four in the world-level doubles. He's also nine years older than me, so why would I not be able to do the same and hopefully a bit more?"

Murray has an official deadline of June 18 to apply for a wildcard for this year's Wimbledon, where he was the champion in 2013 and 2016, and could also use his protected ranking to enter.

Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery.

Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery. The two-time Wimbledon champion, 32, in January, announced plans to retire after this year's Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club. The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men's doubles. The former world number one told Tuesday Times there was "very little chance" he would play singles during the grass-court season. "Potentially doubles, but I'm not trying to get ready for singles just now," he said. "The thing I said before was that, if I wasn't feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon. "Whereas if it's feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it's as good as possible before I try to play singles on it." Murray, whose ranking has plummeted to 218 due to his time away from the court, said he was pain-free as he spoke about the example set by Bryan. "I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done (he had similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely fine. I will need to see from there how it would work singles-wise. "It has been really good so far. I'm playing lots of golf. I don't have any pain walking round the course and swinging clubs. When I'm on the court hitting, it has been perfect. "If I continue to feel good, then I will obviously give it a shot in singles and see what happens. Whereas in doubles I am pretty certain I will be able to play, just based on having an example to look at. "I can look at Bob Bryan and say, this is what he has done, he is playing top three or four in the world-level doubles. He's also nine years older than me, so why would I not be able to do the same and hopefully a bit more?" Murray has an official deadline of June 18 to apply for a wildcard for this year's Wimbledon, where he was the champion in 2013 and 2016, and could also use his protected ranking to enter.

Pain-free Andy Murray optimistic about return to tennis

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-ultimate-challenge-novak-djokovic-to-meet-rafa-nadal-in-italian-open-final-219785">Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic</a> in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals.

Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
🇪🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1130251795584839680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year.

However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9.

The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just look at the smile on him 😀 
 
Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 
 
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> <a href="https://t.co/uhxmwBCl8m">pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1130188556096479232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26.

“To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.”

The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes.

The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4.

But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear.

"I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said.

"Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side.

"He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title. The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title. Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals. Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set. 🇪🇸 @rafaelnadal will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.#ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year. However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9. The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final. Just look at the smile on him 😀 Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 🎥: @RafaelNadal | #ibi19 pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × “For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26. “To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.” The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes. The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4. But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear. "I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said. "Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side. "He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal blows away Novak Djokovic to land ninth Rome title

tennis

Tennis, News on Tennis, stories on Tennis, articles on Tennis, Tennis stories at Wion, Tennis news, Tennis latest news