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Showing posts with label french open. Show all posts
Showing posts with label french open. Show all posts

Jul 16, 2020

Novak Djokovic reportedly ready to play at the US Open but wants exemption to quarantine

Source: Adam Hunger/AP

World no.1 Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to take part in the US Open, but only if the officials agree to waive off the quarantine requirement upon returning to Europe.

Meanwhile players around the world are still in doubt whether to take part in the upcoming US Open after the organisers announced the Grand Slam would go ahead despite an ongoing pandemic. Officials decided to go ahead with the major tournament from 31 August to 13 September, with the Rome and Madrid Masters planned between the French Open a few weeks later. The issue with some players is missing the Madrid and Rome Masters could impact their ranking points more than missing the Grand Slam in New York. 

Players such as Australian Nick Kyrgios have also expressed concerns about holding the tournament in the current climate. Rafael Nadal is set to miss defending his US Open title to prepare for a 13th Roland Garros.

Source: Adria Tour

Serbian Djokovic has been seen practicing on hard courts after cleared of coronavirus. He was recently forced to apologise after the Adria Tour he organised was forced to be cancelled due to safety concerns around the virus. Staged in his hometown Serbia, as well as neighbouring Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event was cancelled after Grigor Dimitrov confirmed he had tested positive for the virus. Since then, Viktor Troicki, Borna Coric, Djokovic and his wife Jelena and coach Goran Ivanisevic have also revealed positive COVID-19 tests. Dimitrov, Coric and Jelena announced they too recovered from COVID-19.

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Jun 12, 2017

Twitter reacts to Rafael Nadal’s La Decima at Roland Garros


Rafael Nadal became the first man in tennis history to win 10 championships at the same major on Sunday in Paris. Nadal beat Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 to win a record-setting 10th French Open title. In total, he has now accumulated 15 Grand Slam titles in his career and surpasses Pete Sampras to become the second on the men's singles list behind Roger Federer's 18 titles.

It is a huge milestone in the tennis and sporting achievement because there is no other men’s tennis player who has won more than seven singles titles at the same Grand Slam event. A month ago, Nadal also won a record of 10th singles title on clay in Monte Carlo and again in Barcelona.



We've compiled some of the best reactions from his peers, friends, partners and supporters on Twitter:



































































Did we miss out anyone?

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May 28, 2017

Aussie Open vs French Open: Battle of the Grand Slams using Google's new Data GIF Maker

Each of the Grand Slam majors claim they offer the best tournament in tennis, offering fans with the best of tennis from live experience to social media presence. There's no doubt the intense competition between them from the number of tickets sold and prize money to players engagements on courts and off-courts and multiple offerings from sponsors at the venues.

To get us warmed up to the Grand Slam tournament in Roland Garros, here are some fun numbers about the French Open compared to the Australian Open, which already took place earlier this year.

Total staff in 2016:




Attendance in 2016:




Revenue (in USD) in 2015:




Prize money (in USD) in 2017:




Followers on Twitter (as of May 2017):



The winner is obvious, isn't it? Not quite. 

Both Majors are special and a winner of its own. The Australian Open is known as the Happy Slam because everyone from the fans to the players and even the press always have an enjoyable time at the tournament. Players always look forward to this tournament because the players who get the titles here will have the mental advantage over the other players. Roger Federer who won this year's Grand Slam continued to win several titles including in Miami and Indian Wells after that and becoming the oldest champion in those tournaments.

Meanwhile, the French Open is well known for its red clay. This year will be extra special for the Major because nine times champion Rafael Nadal will be campaigning for his 'La Decima' (10th in Spanish) after having a good run this clay season compared to two years ago. Fans and the world will be watching this tournament very closely to witness one of the most historical events ever happened in tennis history.  

Reference: Forbes.com

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Dec 8, 2016

Murray second favourite for French Open

Andy Murray
(Image source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Britain’s World number 1 Andy Murray is only second favourite to win the French Open in 2017. Murray ended the season with 6 consecutive tournament wins including the end of season ATP World Tour Finals where he defeated long time rival and former World number 1 Novak Djokovic.

Murray is a generous 4/1 at best with Free Bets to win his first French Open title. History has shown that its probably Murray’s least preferred Grand Slam tournaments as he has only ever made the final once, however he did make the final in 2016 and that level of improvement may demonstrate his improved performance on clay.

Novak Djokovic is overwhelming favourite to retain his French Open title at 5/4 with most bookmakers on betfreebets.uk. Djokovic’s form dipped towards the end of the 2016 season and he will surely be looking to get his place back as the World Number 1 and a win at Roland Garros may just be the event that allows him do achieve that status.

9 time winner and the most successful French open tennis player ever Rafael Nadal os 7/1 to reach a staggering tally of 10 Roland Garros titles, an achievement never likely to be seen again. The Spaniard has suffered with injuries in the last few years and this may be his final chance to end his career.

After an incredible action packed 2015/16 season, all eyes will be on the first major Grand Slam of the year in Paris and we may just see one of the up and coming stars of the tennis world gain a place amongst the tennis elite.

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May 23, 2016

A birthday cake for Novak Djokovic


World no. 1 Novak Djokovic was presented with an impressive multi-tiered tennis-themed birthday cake that came with edible tennis balls and a miniature racquet on the first day of the French Open tournament on Sunday. He also received a towel embroidered with his name by France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget as his birthday present.


Djokovic who was upset by Stan Wawrinka in last year's French Open final, will begin his campaign against Taiwanese qualifier Rendy Lu Yen-hsun today. Overall, the Serb has a comfortable draw until the semifinals where he is scheduled to play nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Nevertheless, pressure is mounting on Djokovic to win the only major that has eluded him. While, Nadal is still finding his best form on clay surface, Andy Murray has risen and poses serious threat after defeated Djokovic at the Italian Open two weeks ago.

"Of course I anticipate myself, as everybody else (does), to try to get my hands on this title this year," Djokovic said.

"Even if my career was done tomorrow, I made some achievements that I must be proud of. So that's how I approach things. I don't try to approach them from a point of view of being obsessed with this tournament or with any other tournament, for that matter."

Should he win the French Open, Djokovic will become only the eighth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam of Australian, French, Wimbledon and US titles.

(Via ESPN, Images via Daily Mail Online)

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Jun 3, 2014

Andy Murray Passes a Tough Test


Reigning Wimbledon champion Andy Murray came through an epic match with Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber on Sunday to make it through to the fourth round of the 2014 French Open. The two players began their match the previous day but play was suspended at 7-7 in the fifth and final set due to bad light. Murray had to save a break point at a crucial stage before coming through 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 12-10. The Scot had been suffering with a leg injury during the first session of play and Kohlschreiber was able to take the first set with relative ease before Murray came fighting back, taking the next two sets by the same scoreline of 6-3. Having led by a break in both the fourth and fifth set, this should really have been a straightforward victory for the former world number two but Philipp Kohlschreiber dug in and although he was ultimately defeated, he should take a lot of confidence from this impressive performance.

This epic battle is almost as huge as football teams fighting to be the leading world cup bet. Just like an epic match between two dominant teams in the World Cup, the match between Phillip Kohlschreiber and Andy Murray is by far the most exciting game in the 2014 French Open.

While Andy Murray is currently not working with a coach, the rumour mill has been in overdrive throughout this tournament with speculation rife regarding who will take up the position following the departure of Ivan Lendl. When questioned on the matter, Murray would not dismiss the option of a female coach, with former Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo being strongly linked with the vacant position. Andy Murray has already achieved a huge amount of success with two Grand Slam tournaments to his credit already, but he has the potential to be challenging Nadal and Djokovic for the number one spot and a new coach might give him that extra edge required. Having been coached by his mother Judy for the early part of his career, Murray should have no problems working with a female coach such as Mauresmo.

Following his third round victory, Betfair have cut the Scot to odds of 14/1 to win his first clay court Grand Slam by capturing the French Open title. He is now the joint third favourite alongside Spaniard David Ferrer. Betfair are struggling to split the front two in the market, with Novak Djokovic just edging things slightly at Even money, while Rafael Nadal can be backed at 5/4. I’d fully expect these two to flip flop in the market over the coming days and they look likely to meet in Sunday’s final. Nadal has an incredible record where the French Open is concerned and is the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament on eight separate occasions. Nadal’s only defeat at Roland Garros came in 2009 when he was beaten in the fourth round by Sweden’s Robin Soderling. I’m slightly surprised that Betfair make Djokovic favourite to take the 2014 French Open on that basis but the Serb has showed incredible form since losing to Andy Murray at Wimbledon last year. It will be extremely interesting to see if Andy Murray can make it to the semi final stage an upset either of the aforementioned tennis gods on this surface.

In the latest development, Andy Murray defeated Fernando Verdasco to move into the last eight at the French Open.

Image by Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images
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May 22, 2014

Novak Djokovic donates Rome prize money to serbia flood relief


I may not be the biggest fan of Novak Djokovic but what he had done recently to support his fellow Serbians back home deserves our respect. After defeating Rafael Nadal to win the Internazionali BNL d'Italia title in Rome, he donated the cheque from the tournament to relief efforts. So far, at least 43 people are reported dead in the massive flood in the Balkans. 

Djokovic's winnings are reported to be worth $749,934. Check out this year's Wimbledon betting odds or even the upcoming French Open if you're thinking of winning some money for yourself too.

Immediately after his victory in Rome, Djokovic drew a heart with his racket on the clay surface.

"This heart on the court is for you. It's also a special dedication to my country, which is suffering a lot right now. My heart is with them."


French Open will kick off next week and there is no doubt that Djokovic will come in as favourite to stop Nadal dominance in this Grand Slam tournament. As a Nadal fan, I can only say "may the best man win'.

Images via ESPN and internazionalibnlditalia.com


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Jun 18, 2013

Rafael Nadal does not need to prove himself by winning Wimbledon

Sports betting has been around for thousands of years. Some claimed that the credit should go to Greece, home of the Olympic Games, for popularizing the social activity. Now, thanks to the advent of the Internet and online sportsbooks, the legacy of Greece has come full circle.

In recent years (or better known as the 'golden years'), we have seen the rise of tennis betting thanks to amazing players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray who have produced some of the most epic matches and notable rivalries in history. Tennis fans have frequently used betting sites , not only to bet on their favourite players but also a source for them to get information such as scores, head to head and other resources.

With the upcoming Wimbledon Championships drawing near, fans will be asking: Will Rafael Nadal continue his winning form on grass after a successful season on clay this year? Is he back at his best? These questions are often posted by the media lately.

Nadal with his second Wimbledon trophy in 2010

Many tennis fans may have forgotten that Nadal has also won on hard court in Indian Wells after his first title on clay at Acapulco despite a seven-month break from tennis since Wimbledon.

Not only that. Nadal made a historic victory at Roland Garros recently making him the first man to win a Grand Slam singles tournament for a record of eight times. That win completes his first half of the year with a total of 6 titles - 2 Masters 1000 titles and 1 Grand Slam.

According to Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni, he is very confident that his fifth-ranked nephew is sitting in a good position to make a run at the no. 1 ranking. Nadal only trails world no. 1 Novak Djokovic by about 5,000 points, with only 90 points to defend the rest of the year. Remember last year when Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon? With an impressive run so far, I can only forsee that Nadal will do better at Wimbledon this year. He doesn't need to win at Wimbledon and yet has a good opportunity to rake up more points and climb a few ranks up to be among the 'Big Four' again.

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May 26, 2013

Roland Garros 2013 - Who are the Contenders?



With the draw for the 2013 French Open released today, the potential semi final permutations have begun. The most interesting fact out of the draw is that defending champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic are in the same half. If they can negotiate against their other opponents, they will meet each other in the semi final stage. This sets up an enticing encounter, and one that many felt would turn out to be the final. One person who wins from this draw is Roger Federer, as he does not have to worry about facing the absent Andy Murray.

If you can get your hands on French Open tennis tickets, you will get the chance to see some of the best players in the world compete for the year's second grand slam title.

Before the draw, Djokovic and Nadal were the favourites to contest the French Open title on the last Sunday of the event. However, Roger Federer has got to be the man to beat now, as he will have a relatively easy passage to the final. Federer will have to be wary of a potential semi final clash against David Ferrer or Thomas Beyrdich. However, these are two players who he has not had a problem beating in the past. Federer would have to be seriously off his game for him to not make the final at the Philippe Chatrier Court.

For Nadal and Djokovic, the draw represents a real chance to face each other sooner than they expected. Nadal has only lost one match at Roland Garros in his career, to Robin Soderling two years ago. However, he has lost eight out of his last eleven games against Djokovic, including a final on clay in Monte Carlo. This will pray on Nadal's mind, especially as he lost two grand slam finals to Djokovic recently: at Wimbledon and the US Open. However, Roland Garros is another ball game. Just like Roger Federer seems to gain super powers at Wimbledon, the French Open is Nadal's back yard. He has been next to invincible on this court, often leaving his opponents with no chance. There was a final a few years back where he beat Roger Federer in three sets, winning one of the sets 6-0.

From Federer's point of view, just getting to the final will be an accomplishment. He is the third ranked player in the world, but that is only because Nadal has been absent through injury. If Nadal continues his stunning form for another six months, Federer would surely drop to fourth in the world. He still has that magic touch in certain games, but no longer has the fitness levels to sustain success in various tournaments. Long clay court matches will certainly test him physically, but the draw will play to his advantage.

There are many available tickets for this year's French Open. There are tickets for the early stages, where you can visit all the courts and experience the atmosphere of a grand slam.

While Nadal and Djokovic will have a gruelling semi final to look forward to, Federer's matches will be a lot shorter. This should leave him with plenty of energy in the tank for the final, should he make it that far. It would not be unreasonable to think that Roger Federer is now the favourite to win this year's French Open title.

(Image via French Open Facebook page)

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Jun 14, 2012

Maria Sharapova celebrates victory at Juan Carlos Ferrero's Equelite tennis academy in Villena



Instead of moving on straight to the grass court after her triumph at the French Open, Maria Sharapova spent some time at Juan Carlos Ferrero's Equelite tennis academy in Villena and stayed at Ferrero's luxury hotel in Bocairente.

The academy organised a dinner specially for her. Juan Carlos Ferrero and Nicolas Almagro also attended the event.




According to the academy's website, Sharapova has been training there since young and last year has trained under the guidance of Antonio Martรญnez Cascales, Juan Carlos Ferrero's coach.



In case you want to know, there was a rumour between Sharapova and Ferrero dated back in 2005 but it didn't get anywhere because Ferrero had a girlfriend back then.

Sharapova is heading to London to prepare for the next Grand Slam, the Wimbledon.

In another news, Sharapova has been chosen to be Russia's flag bearer at the opening of next month's London Olympics, she announced on Facebook.

(Via Equelite.com)


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Jun 13, 2012

Rafael Nadal’s $370,000 watch goes missing in Paris

Updates: The watch was found in the surbubs of Paris today. The thief (hotel employee) has been arrested.

Rafael Nadal's luxury Richard Mille watch worth $370,000 has disappeared from the hotel room in Paris sometime on Monday night or early Tuesday, according to Reuters report.

The watch was last seen during the winner photo session

Nadal was seen wearing the Richard Mille watch after the rain-delayed French Open men’s final and winner photo session but couldn’t find it when he woke up on Tuesday, Nadal’s family told police.

Nadal was spotted wearing a different watch in Halle yesterday

“Nobody broke into the hotel room,” a police source told Reuters.

The watch is a special, limited edition. Richard Mille had lent Nadal the watch for the tournament.

However the good news is Nadal can afford a replacement as Nadal pocketed $1.6 million in prize money on Monday.

(Via Reuters UK; Images via Yahoo! Sports)

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Jun 12, 2012

Rafael Nadal: Photo session in Paris, no Disneyland this year


After capturing his seventh French Open and 11th Grand Slam title, Rafael Nadal celebrated his historical win in a simple yet classy way - with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.




Last year celebrated his win at Disneyland Paris.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)


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Jun 11, 2012

Rafael Nadal clinches 7th French Open title


Vamos to all Rafael Nadal fans!

After the match was halted the night before because of rain, Nadal didn't want to delay the match further. He defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 when the Serbian and world no.1 double-faulted.



Nadal now goes into the history books by becoming the first man ever to win seven French Open titles, surpasses Bjorn Borg's record.



Nadal also moved level with Borg and Rod Laver on 11 Grand Slam titles.

"It's an honour but the most important thing is this tournament. It's unforgettable, one of the most special moments in my career," he said of overtaking the great Swede.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)


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LA Lakers' Pau Gasol shows up to support Rafael Nadal


Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol is one of Rafael Nadal's good friends who always shows up at important tennis tournaments.

While Nadal's other Spanish friends were playing the Euro cup against the Italians last night, Gasol was at the French Open final to give his support. Both of them met up after the match was suspended due to heavy rain. 

(Image via Rafael Nadal's Facebook fan page)


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Rain god delays French Open final


After three hours of brutal tennis combined with bad weather, heavy balls and slow decision making by the tournament officials, Rafael Nadal has plentiful of reasons to be angry as he walked out of Court Philippe Chatrier.


The French Open men's singles final was suspended due to heavy rain which Nadal said should have been stopped an hour earlier. Nadal holds the last game at 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 1-2.

The match will resume today on Monday at 7.00PM (GMT+8).

Carlos Moya and his girlfriend Carolina Cerezuela

Serena Williams who lost in the first round at the French Open this year also spotted watching the final


(Images via Yahoo! Sports)




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Jun 10, 2012

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic not missing the Euro Cup despite crucial French Open final


The French Open men's final is just hours away but it doesn't mean the finalists Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are not allowed to catch up on the Euro cup matches.


Nadal is just one victory away from becoming the only man to win seven titles at Roland Garros. Meanwhile Djokovic will be chasing for a career Grand Slam.

The final match will kick off at 9PM (GMT +8) tonight.

(Images via Rafael Nadal's and Novak Djokovic's Facebook fan pages)


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Maria Sharapova: Post-match celebration, photo session in Paris


Every one was waiting for Maria Sharapova at the players' lounge for celebration after she won the French Open women's final match against Sara Errani.

As soon she has created a personal history for achieving a career Grand Slam, Sharapova was scheduled for a winner photo session, with the Eiffel Tower and Seine river in the background.




(Images via Yahoo! Sports)


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Maria Sharapova wins French Open, completes career Grand Slam


Newly crowned world no.1 Maria Sharapova defeated Sara Errani 6-3, 6-2 to win her first French Open title and become the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam. 

She won the Wimbledon title in 2004, the US Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008.



(Images via Yahoo! Sports)
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Jun 8, 2012

Victoria Azarenka puts French Open loss behind her with a new haircut


Victoria Azarenka quickly puts her shocking French Open fourth round loss behind her with a new haircut.

I don't think she will pull a Sharapova and announce that it's a wig later.

Updated: It was a fake one!

(Image via Victoria Azarenka's Facebook fan page)


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Maria Sharapova bounces back to no.1, one step away from the French Open title


Maria Sharapova is back at the no.1 spot in the WTA rankings following her victory in the women's semi final match against Petra Kvitova at Roland Garros.

She first captured the top rank in 2005.


''It's a long road back; it's a long process. It's a lot of days of frustration and uncertainty, not knowing if you'll ever get there, not knowing how much you want it, not knowing whether (there) would be a moment like that for you again,'' Sharapova said at the press conference with the WTA's glass vase signifying her no. 1 status sitting inches away.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

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