Roland Garros

Spanish teenage tennis sensation Rafael Jodar has earned high praise from World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who described him as "What a player" after their Madrid Masters quarter-final match. Although Sinner won the match, he acknowledged Jodar's exceptional talent and raw power, including a 175km/h forehand winner. Jodar, a 19-year-old idol of Rafael Nadal, has experienced a meteoric rise in rankings, moving from outside the top 100 in March to the top 40 ahead of the French Open. His recent achievements include winning the Marrakech ATP 250 title, reaching the semi-finals in Barcelona, and defeating Australian star Alex de Minaur in straight sets. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, Jodar is now seeded for Roland Garros, positioning himself as a potential contender. The article highlights Jodar's powerful serve, versatility on both wings, and his budding rivalry with Brazilian prodigy Joao Fonseca. Sinner advised the young Spaniard to manage off-court pressure as he continues his breakthrough season on the professional tour.

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Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti has announced he will miss the remainder of the clay court season due to a thigh injury sustained during the Italian Open. Consequently, he will withdraw from both the Hamburg Open and the prestigious Roland Garros tournament. Currently ranked 10th in the world, Musetti faces the loss of 800 ranking points from his semi-final appearance at last year's French Open. Despite this setback, the 24-year-old is shifting his focus to the grass court season, aiming for a strong comeback at the Queen’s Club Championships. Musetti expressed high motivation for returning to grass, a surface he believes suits his varied playing style, particularly his effective use of the slice and net approaches. He recalled his successful 2024 grass season, where he reached the final at Queen’s and the Wimbledon semi-finals. With a respectable 62% win rate on grass across 29 matches, Musetti views the surface as a strategic advantage where his tactical variety can disrupt opponents. He aims to replicate his previous success and leverage the unique conditions of the Queen's Club to regain form ahead of Wimbledon.

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Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner experienced significant physical distress during his semifinal match against Daniil Medvedev at the Masters Rome tournament on May 15, 2026. In the second set, Sinner suffered from vomiting, severe stomach pain, and noticeable hand tremors, forcing him to sit in the changeover chair. Observers also noted that he was limping during certain movements on the court. This incident marks another episode of health issues for the four-time major champion, who previously exhibited similar hand tremors during the 2025 Australian Open due to a virus. Reports indicate that Sinner is currently physically exhausted after committing to play all three clay-court Masters 1000 tournaments leading up to the French Open. Despite being the favorite for Roland Garros following Carlos Alcaraz's absence, Sinner's condition appears critical as he pushes his body to the limit. The article highlights the severity of his symptoms, including fatigue and gastrointestinal problems, raising concerns about his fitness for upcoming major competitions.

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Belgian tennis player Alexander Blockx, currently ranked 36th in the world, expressed ambitious goals including reaching the number one spot, following a significant rise in rankings after strong performances in Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Madrid. In a press conference in Wilrijk, the 21-year-old discussed his rapid evolution, admitting surprise at achieving his top-50 goal so quickly. Guided by coach Ruben Bemelmans since early 2025, Blockx attributed his success to tactical refinements, such as improved point-building intention and physical endurance enhancements in his serve and backhand. Despite his recent surge, he maintains a realistic outlook for the upcoming Roland Garros tournament. He aims to win his first match rather than setting overly high expectations like reaching the quarterfinals immediately. Blockx emphasized the importance of staying grounded and continuing to refine technical details that allow him to compete effectively against top-tier opponents. His journey includes overcoming an ankle injury and adapting his game on various surfaces, leading to his current status as the Belgian number one player.

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German tennis star Alexander Zverev has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Hamburg Open, citing persistent back problems that have plagued him throughout the clay-court season. As the world number four and top seed, Zverev was expected to headline the tournament in his hometown. However, following medical advice to rest and recover, he decided to skip the event to ensure full fitness for the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros. Zverev expressed disappointment in an Instagram statement, noting the special significance of playing before a home crowd but emphasizing the necessity of listening to his body. This decision follows hints dropped after his recent defeat to Luciano Darderi in Rome, where he suggested that resting might be a blessing in disguise. Despite the injury setbacks, Zverev has maintained strong performance levels this season, reaching finals in Madrid and other events. The withdrawal allows him a crucial window to recharge physically, aiming to peak for the second Grand Slam of the year. The Hamburg Open will proceed without its highest-ranked participant, altering the dynamics of the draw as other players vie for the title on the clay courts.

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Iga Swiatek was eliminated from the Italian Open in the semi-finals after a tight defeat to Elina Svitolina, but she leaves Rome with renewed confidence and improved form. Before losing to Svitolina, Swiatek secured notable victories against top players Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, signaling a return to her previous high standards. Following the match, Swiatek expressed satisfaction with her progress, noting that the tournament represented a significant step forward compared to her recent performances in the United States. She emphasized the enjoyment she found in playing and thanked fans for their support. Although the final set scoreline appeared one-sided, Swiatek saved 16 break points, demonstrating competitive resilience. The article suggests that this strong showing on clay positions Swiatek as a leading favorite for the upcoming Roland Garros, especially given fitness concerns surrounding rival Aryna Sabalenka and inconsistencies from other top contenders like Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, Svitolina advances to face Gauff in the final.

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Luis Horna, former professional tennis player and current captain of the Peruvian Davis Cup team, declared that Peru is currently experiencing the best moment in its tennis history. This assessment is driven by the recent strong performances of young talents Ignacio Buse and Gonzalo Bueno, along with other national players. Horna highlighted that Buse, ranked 62nd in the ATP world rankings, possesses exceptional adaptability across different court surfaces. Notably, Buse recently secured his first Masters 1000 victory in Madrid and pushed Novak Djokovic during training at the Rome Open. Looking ahead, Buse, Bueno, and Nicolás Baena are scheduled to compete in the upcoming Roland Garros 2026 Grand Slam tournament. Additionally, Horna expressed hope for a home-court advantage in the upcoming Davis Cup playoffs against Paraguay, aiming to maximize their chances in the series. The article underscores the rising prominence of Peruvian tennis on the international stage, citing specific achievements and future opportunities for the national team.

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Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has officially opened his new museum in Manacor, Mallorca, offering visitors an immersive journey through his illustrious career and personal life. The exhibition goes beyond displaying his 22 Grand Slam titles and record-breaking 14 Roland Garros victories by highlighting his childhood memories, early rackets, and personal values. Through trophies, kits, and interactive rooms, the museum emphasizes Nadal's philosophy that character and values outweigh athletic achievements. It also pays tribute to his famous rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal stated that he wishes to be remembered not just for his numbers, but as a good person from a small town. The space serves as a testament to his legacy off the court, showcasing the human side of one of sport's greatest icons. This opening marks a significant cultural addition to his hometown, allowing fans to experience the story behind the athlete in a comprehensive and emotional narrative.

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Kazakh tennis star Alexander Bublik, currently ranked 11th in the world, has sparked controversy with sharp comments directed at doubles and padel players. In an interview with The Guardian, the 28-year-old described doubles as "half tennis" and suggested that players who cannot compete in singles resort to doubles, while those who fail at doubles play padel. Bublik, known for his eccentric personality, ironically noted that he reached the Roland Garros doubles final "as a joke." Beyond his provocative statements, Bublik discussed his career trajectory, highlighting a difficult period in early 2025 when his ranking fell to 82nd. This slump served as a turning point, leading to a reinvention that propelled him into the Top 10 for the first time in 2026. He also spoke candidly about the financial motivations of professional tennis and criticized the artificial nature of social media, arguing that it encourages people to pretend to be someone they are not. His remarks reflect his reputation as a charismatic but blunt figure on the ATP circuit.

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Tennis legend Venus Williams is set to make a historic return to the French Open in 2026 at the age of 45, nearly three decades after her debut at the tournament. After a five-year absence from Roland Garros, the seven-time Grand Slam winner will compete in the doubles event alongside American partner Hailey Baptiste. The pair secured a spot in the main draw based on their combined world rankings. This marks Williams' first appearance on the clay courts of Paris since 2021. Although she will not participate in singles, her return has generated significant attention, highlighting her extraordinary longevity in professional sports. Williams previously won the French Open doubles title twice, in 1999 and 2010, both times with her sister Serena. Earlier in the year, she made history at the Australian Open as the oldest player ever to reach the main draw. In addition to competing, Williams will serve as a tennis analyst for TNT Sports during the tournament, which begins on May 24th. Fans hope her experience combined with Baptiste's form may lead to a surprising performance.

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German tennis star Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the upcoming Hamburg Open 500, a tournament held in his hometown, citing persistent back problems. The announcement was made by the tournament organizers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Zverev recently suffered a round of 16 defeat to Italian Luciano Darderi at the Rome Masters 1000, where he first alleged back discomfort. His primary objective now is to recover fully in time for the French Open (Roland Garros), scheduled from May 24 to June 7, where he is set to compete as the second seed following the withdrawal of current champion Carlos Alcaraz due to a wrist injury. Despite Zverev's absence, the Hamburg Open retains a strong field, featuring three top-10 players: Alex de Miñaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Ben Shelton. This marks the first time since 2008, when the event was a Masters 1000, that seven of the top 20 ATP-ranked players are participating in the tournament.

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Jannik Sinner has established himself as the dominant force in men's tennis, remaining unbeaten since February and capturing four consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles. The Italian star recently surpassed Novak Djokovic’s record for consecutive match wins at Masters events, achieving 32 straight victories. Sinner reclaimed the world number one ranking from rival Carlos Alcaraz after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters in April. His position at the top of the ATP rankings is now secure until after Wimbledon, as he holds a lead of over 2,000 points. This gap widened significantly after Alcaraz withdrew from the Italian Open, forfeiting 1,000 defending champion points, and announced his absence from Roland Garros, which will cost him an additional 2,000 points. Even if Alcaraz wins upcoming tournaments while Sinner performs poorly, Sinner will retain the top spot. However, Sinner faces pressure to defend 1,300 points at Roland Garros, where he reached the final last year. Currently, he is positioned in the semifinals of the Italian Open, aiming to complete the Career Golden Masters, a feat previously achieved only by Djokovic.

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Top tennis players, led by world number one Aryna Sabalenka, are considering boycotting Grand Slam tournaments due to disputes over prize money distribution. Although overall prize pools have increased, athletes argue that their share of tournament revenue has decreased, leaving many lower-ranked players struggling financially. Coco Gauff supports the potential boycott, highlighting that while top stars earn significant sponsorship income, players ranked between 50 and 200 often live paycheck to paycheck. Coach Patrick Mouratoglou praised Gauff’s transparency, urging players to clearly state that any additional revenue should primarily support lower-ranked competitors who struggle to make a living. The players’ demands focus on three main issues: a fairer distribution of prize money to assist those outside the top tier, improved welfare provisions including pensions and healthcare, and greater consultation rights regarding scheduling and late-night matches. Currently, only Wimbledon enforces a late-night curfew. This collective action aims to address systemic financial inequalities within professional tennis and ensure the sport remains viable for athletes beyond the elite few.

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Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, is currently ranked outside the top 100 following several years plagued by injuries. Despite a disappointing first-round exit at the Italian Open, Berrettini remains optimistic about his comeback. He has recently appointed former world number four Thomas Enqvist as his new coach to help regain his competitive edge. In a recent interview, Berrettini adjusted his expectations, stating that while returning to the top 10 was a past goal, breaking into the top 20 is now a significant and acceptable challenge given the current competitiveness of the ATP Tour. He emphasized the importance of enjoying his career and maintaining physical health, which he reports is good. Currently holding an 8-8 record for the 2026 season, Berrettini is competing in a Challenger event in Valencia to prepare for the upcoming Roland Garros tournament. He acknowledges the need to rebuild confidence but believes he can still win matches against top-tier opponents.

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Coco Gauff has advanced to the final of the Italian Open after defeating Sorana Cirstea in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, at the Foro Italico in Rome. This victory positions the American tennis star as a top contender heading into the upcoming Roland Garros tournament. In the final, Gauff will face either Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina. Her achievement places her in elite company, as she becomes only the third American woman since 2000 to reach multiple clay-court finals before turning 21, joining Venus and Serena Williams. Additionally, Gauff is the third American woman to reach consecutive finals in Rome since the Tier I format began in 1990, mirroring the accomplishments of the Williams sisters in previous decades. This appearance follows her defeat in the 2025 final against Jasmine Paolini. The article highlights Gauff's resilience during the tournament, noting she was nearly eliminated in the fourth round before recovering to reach the championship match. The piece also reflects on Paolini's previous victory and Gauff's determination to improve her performance in this year's title match.

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The 2026 Roland Garros tennis tournament is set to be the most globally broadcast edition in its history, with coverage available on over 170 television channels across 220 countries. Building on last year's record of 324 million viewers, the French Open aims to captivate a worldwide audience for 15 days starting with qualifiers on May 18 and the main draw on May 24. In Europe, Eurosport will distribute the signal to more than 50 nations, while Prime Video holds exclusive rights in France for eleven nights of sessions, including two quarterfinal matches. A significant development affecting the competition is the withdrawal of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz due to a right wrist injury, preventing fans at the Bois de Boulogne from seeing him compete. Consequently, Jannik Sinner has emerged as the primary favorite to win the title. This extensive media reach underscores the tournament's growing international prominence and commercial success within the Grand Slam circuit.

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Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are finding stability on clay courts after a year of inconsistency, positioning themselves well ahead of the French Open. At the 2026 Italian Open, defending French Open champion Coco Gauff advanced to the women's final, demonstrating improved confidence and consistency, particularly in her serve. In contrast, four-time Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek was eliminated in the semifinals by Elina Svitolina in a tight three-set match. Despite the loss, Swiatek showed signs of returning to her best form under new coach Francisco Roig. Both players recently overcame coaching changes and illness-related setbacks during the Madrid Open. Svitolina, who also defeated Elena Rybakina earlier, will face Gauff in the final, marking a rematch of their intense Dubai Championships encounter earlier this season. The article highlights how both tennis stars are rounding into peak physical condition and mental focus at the crucial start of the clay-court swing, with Gauff citing increased stability in her game and Swiatek refining her aggressive topspin style.

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Tennis legend Venus Williams, aged 45, is set to make her return to the French Open for the first time in five years, marking a significant milestone in her comeback following a debilitating health struggle. She will compete in the doubles competition alongside 24-year-old partner Hailey Baptiste, having previously teamed up with her at the 2025 DC Open. Williams will not participate in the singles event. This announcement follows her historic appearance at the Australian Open in January 2026, where she became the oldest woman to play in the main draw. Her return comes after undergoing surgery in 2024 to remove uterine fibroids, a condition that affected her health and career for nearly three decades with symptoms including intense pain and anemia. Williams has spoken openly about her lack of awareness regarding fibroid symptoms and the severity of her condition, which notably led to a collapse at Wimbledon in 2016. Despite losing her opening match in Australia, she expressed gratitude for the crowd's support and joy in returning to the court, highlighting her resilience and inspiring journey back to professional tennis.

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Spanish tennis player Martín Landaluce was eliminated from the Rome Masters 1000 quarterfinals by former world number one Daniil Medvedev. The match, lasting two hours and 23 minutes, ended with a scoreline of 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 in favor of the Russian veteran. Although Landaluce dominated the first set, Medvedev intensified pressure in subsequent sets, utilizing his backhand and movement to secure the victory. Despite the loss, the 20-year-old Spaniard delivered a commendable performance that earned applause from his opponent. As a result of reaching the quarterfinals, Landaluce has climbed significantly in the ATP rankings, moving from 94th to 65th place. This achievement ensures he will enter the main draw of the upcoming Roland Garros tournament without needing to play qualifying rounds. The article highlights Landaluce's growing competitiveness against elite players and notes his historical rivalry with fellow Spanish player Rafa Jódar, who also competed in Rome. Medvedev is set to face Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

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Top tennis players, including Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the prize money distribution at major Grand Slam tournaments, particularly Roland Garros. A joint statement highlighted that while Roland Garros generated €395 million in revenue in 2025, player prize money increased by only 5.4%, reducing their share of revenue to 14.3%. Players are demanding a 22% share, aligning with ATP and WTA tour standards, along with greater consultation rights. Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open winner, indicated that a boycott is a viable option if organizers continue to ignore player welfare and financial concerns. She emphasized the need for players to have a voice in major decisions affecting their careers. While some veterans like Andy Roddick criticize the timing of such threats as impractical, younger stars like Coco Gauff support collective action. The dispute underscores growing tensions between elite athletes and tournament organizers regarding fair compensation and structural reforms within professional tennis.

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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is facing potential challenges heading into the upcoming Wimbledon tournament due to a lingering lower back injury. The Belarusian tennis star has experienced an underwhelming clay court season, failing to reach the semifinals in both Madrid and Rome. She recently admitted to dealing with back pain following her defeat to Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open. Former Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs expressed significant concerns on her podcast, noting that Sabalenka is no longer her favorite for the French Open. Stubbs highlighted that back issues are particularly problematic on grass courts, where players must stay low and handle unpredictable bounces, potentially exacerbating physical strain. With only days remaining before Roland Garros, Sabalenka still enters as the top seed despite her recent form. She has yet to win titles at either the French Open or Wimbledon, having reached the final in Paris last year and three semifinals at Wimbledon. This analysis suggests her physical condition could hinder her performance in the upcoming major tournaments on clay and grass surfaces.

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Rafael Nadal has shared his perspective on Carlos Alcaraz's recent injury and subsequent withdrawal from the 2026 Roland Garros tournament, describing it as a significant blow to men's tennis. With Alcaraz sidelined, Jannik Sinner has established overwhelming dominance in the sport, creating a noticeable gap between him and other competitors. Speaking at the opening of his new museum during the Italian Open, Nadal emphasized that while the setback is tough, especially during the clay court season where Alcaraz excels, it is unlikely to become a chronic issue. Nadal praised Alcaraz for making the right decisions by prioritizing his long-term health over immediate competition, noting his youth and extensive career ahead. The article contrasts Alcaraz's cautious approach to injury management with Nadal's own history of playing through physical pain. Alcaraz has previously stated his intention to avoid being consumed by the sport, aiming for sustainability rather than risking burnout. This strategic pause means tennis fans may not see a strong challenger to Sinner's dominance until at least the grass court season.

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Tennis legend Rafa Nadal has inaugurated a new museum at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca, offering an immersive journey through his illustrious career and personal life. The exhibition features 92 trophies, historic rackets including his first childhood Prince Junior racket, and memorabilia from iconic rivals and athletes like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Diego Maradona. Notably, the museum includes unpublished video testimonials from Federer and Djokovic, paying tribute to the legendary 'Big Three' rivalry. Beyond professional achievements, the space highlights Nadal's intimate side, displaying personal items such as his favorite movie 'Gladiator,' signed shirts from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, and messages from sports icons. Nadal admitted initial reluctance to share personal details due to his introverted nature but ultimately embraced a format that balances athletic triumphs with his human story. He expressed contentment with his retirement, stating he reached his physical limits and is enjoying this new life stage. The museum opens to the public shortly, aiming to portray not just the champion but the man who remained rooted in his hometown throughout his career.

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Filipino tennis player Alexandra Eala has confirmed her participation in the qualifying rounds of the Strasbourg Open as her final preparation event before the Roland Garros Grand Slam. Despite an uneven clay court season marked by early exits, Eala remains optimistic, noting that most defeats occurred against top-ranked opponents like Elena Rybakina in Rome. Currently ranked just outside the direct entry threshold for the Strasbourg main draw, the 20-year-old aims to secure match time and gain valuable experience on clay. By choosing Strasbourg over the Parma Ladies Open, Eala has finalized her pre-French Open schedule, which includes previous stops in Linz, Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome. The Strasbourg tournament features notable players such as Emma Raducanu, who received a wildcard, alongside Hailey Baptiste and Leylah Fernandez. Eala’s decision highlights her strategic approach to building consistency and confidence ahead of the second major tournament of the year, seeking to translate recent competitive performances into a strong showing at Roland Garros.

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French tennis star Gael Monfils is currently in his final season on the professional tour at age 39, marking the end of a two-decade career known for its entertainment value and memorable highlights. His wife, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina, recently disclosed his future plans during an appearance on the Big T podcast. Svitolina confirmed that Monfils is eager to transition into the finance sector after retiring, noting that he has been preparing for this change and thinking several steps ahead. While acknowledging the emotional weight of his final tournaments, particularly the upcoming Roland Garros, she emphasized his readiness for this new journey. The article also highlights the changing guard in French tennis, with young talent Arthur Fils emerging as a potential successor. Fils, who recently matched a record held by Monfils, credited the veteran player for his mentorship and kindness. This transition signifies not just the end of Monfils' playing days but also a shift in leadership within French tennis, as the next generation prepares to challenge top global players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

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Stan Wawrinka has secured direct entry into the 2026 French Open men's singles draw, rendering his previously awarded wildcard unnecessary. The former Roland Garros champion, who plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season, gained automatic access following Lorenzo Musetti's withdrawal from the tournament due to injury. Consequently, tournament organizers have reallocated Wawrinka's wildcard spot to 26-year-old French player Clement Tabur. Tabur, who recently achieved a career-high ranking of 167, enters the main draw without needing to qualify. Although he is a former junior Australian Open doubles champion, he is still seeking his first senior-level singles victory. He joins other wildcard recipients including Gael Monfils and Hugo Gaston. Meanwhile, Musetti's absence marks a difficult period for the Italian player, who recently lost in the semifinals to Carlos Alcaraz and has dropped out of the top 10 rankings. He is expected to be sidelined until the start of the grass court season, potentially falling outside the top 15 as he loses points from the previous year's clay campaign.

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has achieved a historic milestone in men's tennis by breaking Novak Djokovic's record for consecutive wins in ATP Masters 1000 events. On May 14, 2026, Sinner defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets during the Italian Open quarterfinals, marking his 31st consecutive victory in this tournament tier. This impressive streak, which began at the 2025 Paris Masters and includes titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid, surpasses the previous benchmark set by Djokovic since the system's introduction in 1990. With rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to a wrist injury ahead of the French Open, Sinner is positioned as the overwhelming favorite for upcoming major titles. He currently stands on the verge of two additional significant achievements: securing a sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title and completing a career sweep of all nine distinct Masters tournaments, a feat previously accomplished only by Djokovic. At just 24 years old, Sinner's dominant form, characterized by winning 30 of his last 32 matches in straight sets, highlights his status as the premier player in the sport heading into the Roland-Garros season.

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Former world number four Greg Rusedski has identified specific environmental factors contributing to Aryna Sabalenka's disappointing performance during the recent clay court season. Following early exits in Madrid and Rome, concerns have arisen regarding the world number one's form ahead of the 2026 Roland Garros tournament. Rusedski argues that slow playing conditions in Rome and unpredictable bounces in Madrid disrupted Sabalenka's rhythm. He specifically criticized the Dunlop tennis balls used in these tournaments, contrasting them unfavorably with the Wilson balls used in Bordeaux. Despite Sabalenka's modest 4-2 record on clay this year, Rusedski maintains that she remains a serious contender for the French Open title if she can regain momentum. He highlighted that the women's draw is wide open, listing Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff alongside Sabalenka as top favorites. The analysis suggests that while current conditions have hindered her aggressive style, her inherent firepower allows her to peak at the right time. The 2026 French Open is scheduled to begin on May 24, leaving a short window for adjustments.

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British tennis player Emma Raducanu is set to make her competitive return to the WTA Tour after a two-month absence due to a post-viral infection. The 21-year-old has been awarded a wildcard entry into the Strasbourg Open, scheduled to take place from May 17 to 23 on clay courts. This tournament serves as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the French Open. Raducanu last competed in March at Indian Wells and subsequently withdrew from the Italian Open and Linz Open due to ongoing health issues. Her ranking has dropped to No. 297 during this period. The Strasbourg field features notable players such as Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Raducanu aims to regain match fitness and consistency, having struggled with injuries throughout her career despite her 2021 US Open victory. This appearance marks her first attempt to build momentum before Roland Garros, where she previously exited in the second round in both 2022 and 2025. The move signals positive progress in her recovery and offers a final opportunity to tune up for the upcoming Grand Slam.

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Jannik Sinner secured his place in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Italian qualifier Andrea Pellegrino. The four-time Grand Slam champion displayed strong form on the clay courts, handling tricky windy conditions effectively to extend his undefeated streak on the surface this season. Following the match, Sinner praised Pellegrino’s performance and expressed hope that the experience would boost his compatriot's confidence for the remainder of the year. Sinner also highlighted the positive state of Italian tennis, noting the strong local support and the depth of talent currently emerging from the country. Looking ahead, Sinner is set to face Andrey Rublev in the next round. Although Sinner holds a 7-3 lead in their head-to-head record, Rublev previously defeated him on clay at the 2022 French Open. This upcoming match is viewed as a crucial test for Sinner as he prepares for the Roland Garros tournament, aiming to maintain his momentum after not losing a match since February.

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