Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud has revealed that a stomach parasite, contracted from potentially contaminated food, hampered his French Open campaign and left him bedridden for a week. Despite the setback, Ruud managed to recover in time for Wimbledon and is now looking to reach the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first French Open title, showcasing his resilience and talent in a thrilling five-set final against Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek continued her dominance on clay, securing her fifth Roland Garros title with a dominant performance against Jasmine Paolini.
Fresh off his historic French Open win, Carlos Alcaraz has shifted his focus to conquering the grass-court season, eyeing a repeat of his 2022 Queen’s Club and Wimbledon double. He also expressed excitement about partnering with Rafael Nadal in the upcoming Olympics, aiming to learn from the 14-time Roland Garros champion.
Naomi Osaka, unseeded and ranked 134th, gave the world number one and three-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek a run for her money in a thrilling match that ended with Swiatek prevailing 7-6, 1-6, 7-5. Despite her loss, Osaka showcased her resilience and determination, proving that she is still capable of beating the best in the world.
Rafael Nadal’s opening-round loss to Alexander Zverev at the Roland-Garros was a bittersweet affair, showcasing both his enduring brilliance and the challenges he faces moving forward. Despite valiant efforts, occasional brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome Zverev’s focus and the unfortunate draw that had Nadal facing the tournament’s fourth seed in the first round. Speculation lingers about Nadal’s future at Roland-Garros, given his age and recent injury struggles. While the loss may mark the end of an era, Nadal’s comments left open the possibility of a return, fueled by the unwavering love and support of the Parisian crowd.
In what could be his final French Open appearance, 14-time champion Rafael Nadal will face Alexander Zverev in the first round. Nadal has hinted at retirement in 2024, but will look to make the most of his return to Roland Garros. Standing in his way is Zverev, who reached the semifinals in 2022 and is looking for his first Grand Slam title. The match is set to bring back contrasting memories for both players, as Zverev had to retire in their last encounter due to an ankle injury. Zverev, who has made a strong return from injury, will face the legendary Nadal, who has struggled for form in his recent comeback. Other notable matches on Day 2 include world No. 2 Jannik Sinner’s return to court and defending champion Iga Swiatek’s title defense.
The best tennis players in the world will head to Paris for the 2024 French Open, the year’s second major championship. The tournament will be played on the clay courts at Stade Roland Garros, which will also host the 2024 Summer Olympics. Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek are the defending champions and enter this year’s tournament as the top seeds.
India’s top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal made a first-round exit from the Geneva Open after going down fighting against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, a clay court specialist. Despite starting brightly with an early lead, Nagal was unable to overcome the world no. 19, who won two clay court titles this season.
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has made the strategic decision to withdraw from the French Open qualifying event, opting instead to prioritize training and preparation for the upcoming grass and hard-court seasons. This move comes as a surprise to many who expected Raducanu to attempt to qualify for the main draw at Roland Garros, similar to her impressive run at the 2021 US Open. Raducanu’s decision stems from her desire to lay a solid foundation and minimize the risk of injuries. She intends to use this time to enhance her fitness and durability for the demanding tournaments ahead. Despite entering the French Open with a protected ranking of 103, Raducanu remained outside the main draw cutoff and was not granted a wild card. Despite a promising start to the clay-court season, Raducanu’s recent performances, including an early exit at the Madrid Open, have raised concerns about her physical and mental readiness. This latest withdrawal highlights Raducanu’s focus on long-term success and her unwavering commitment to reaching her full potential.
Alexander Zverev clinched his second Italian Open title on Sunday, showcasing an impressive serving performance in a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Nicolas Jarry. The German player secured 20 of his 21 service points in the first set, maintaining his momentum throughout the match. Zverev’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his recovery from a severe ankle injury sustained two years ago. The recent struggles of top-ranked Novak Djokovic and 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal have positioned Zverev as a formidable contender in the upcoming French Open, commencing next Sunday. Despite facing a trial for alleged bodily harm allegations during Roland Garros, Zverev remains confident in his performance. The German player also acknowledged his ongoing injury concerns, including a bandaged pinky on his left hand, but emphasized his determination to defend his gold medal at the Paris Olympics tennis tournament later this year.
