BIG NEWS
French Open: Who could win it?
The world’s premier clay court event gets underway at Roland Garros this weekend.
Let’s look at some of the potential winners in the men’s singles this year.
Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
World ranking: 1
Age: 34
Grand Slam titles: 18 (Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021); French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019; U.S. Open (2011, 2015, 2018)
Best Roland Garros performance: Winner – 1 title
ATP career titles: 82
Djokovic is a relative under-performer at Roland Garros.
He has won the French Open just once and has lost in the finals on four occasions.
Though he has won 10 Masters titles on clay, he will be keen to double his tally of French Open titles this year.
Djokovic has 18 Grand Slam titles following his Australian Open victory and the opportunity to catch up with the joint record of 20 held by Roger Federer and Nadal could be the motivation he needs.
But for that, he will have to overcome the challenge of Rafa Nadal who defeated him in the Rome Open just a week ago.
Rafa Nadal (Spain)
World ranking: 3
Age: 34
Grand Slam titles: 20 (Australian Open 2009; French Open 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020; Wimbledon 2008, 2010; U.S. Open 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)
Best Roland Garros performance: Winner – 13 titles
ATP career titles: 88
Nadal is arriving at the French Open in terrific form.
On May 26, he served up the perfect appetiser for the French Open by eliminating Djokovic 7-5 1-6 6-3 on clay in Rome.
However, admittedly, his season has been patchy.
Nadal lost to Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of Monte Carlo and Madrid respectively.
But as past decade has shown, Nadal reserves his best for the French Open and will be our No. 1 bet to lift the trophy.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)
World ranking: 5
Age: 22
Grand Slam titles: 0
Best Roland Garros performance: Semi-final (2020)
ATP career titles: 7
Tsitsipas is one of the best exponents of clay court tennis as his triumphs at Monte Carlo and Lyon have shown.
In 2020, he reached the semi-finals of the French Open and will be keen to go beyond and lift the coveted crown.
He has won 33 matches this year, more than any other player.
He almost defeated Nadal in the Barcelona Open too, holding match point before blowing up his chances.
This shows that he has the potential to go the distance at Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev (Germany)
World ranking: 6
Age: 24
Grand Slam titles: 0
Best Roland Garros performance: Quarter-finals (2018, 2019)
ATP career titles: 15
Zverev is a tennis prodigy who is good at hard courts as well as clay.
Though he lost to Dominic Thiem narrowly in five sets at the U.S. Open last year, this year he has made huge strides in clay.
Till now, he has never gone beyond the quarter-finals at the French Open but stunned the world by defeating Nadal in the Madrid Open and that too, on his favourite surface – clay!
Though Zverev is prone to inconsistency, his ability to upset the big guns is not in doubt.
The other player who can create a splash is the Russian, Andrey Rublev.
Rublev made it to the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters final where he lost to Tsitsipas and also reached the quarter-finals at Rome and Barcelona.
Rublev is our dark horse for the French Open as he is unfazed by the reputation of the big players and has a reputation of knocking them out, in the major tournaments.
BIG NEWS
Pushpa 2 Continues Strong Box Office Performance on Day 2
Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has witnessed a strong box office performance on its second day, continuing the momentum from the highly anticipated release. The film’s gripping action, intense drama, and engaging story have captivated audiences, leading to an increase in viewership. The movie’s fanbase and strong word-of-mouth promotion contributed significantly to its success. Industry experts believe that Pushpa 2 is on track to surpass its day 1 collections, setting the stage for an even stronger run in the coming weeks.
The film’s success can also be attributed to the compelling performances by the cast and director Sukumar’s distinctive style of filmmaking. Pushpa 2 has been widely praised for its rich cinematic experience, offering a perfect mix of action and emotion. The chemistry between Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna adds to the film’s appeal.
With its promising start, Pushpa 2 is expected to continue attracting large crowds, reinforcing the film’s potential to achieve significant milestones at the box office. Fans eagerly await the unfolding journey of Pushpa Raj, with expectations rising for the film’s long-term success.
BIG NEWS
Siraj’s Frustration Boils Over as Labuschagne Pulls Out Late
In a heated moment during the first day of the pink-ball Test between India and Australia, Mohammed Siraj expressed visible frustration when Marnus Labuschagne stepped away from the crease at the last moment during his delivery. Siraj, already in his bowling stride, hurled the ball in anger and was seen shouting expletives. The incident highlighted the high stakes and pressure of the match as India battled to contain Australia’s batting lineup.
Labuschagne’s decision to pull out late, citing distraction, added tension to the intense contest. Such interruptions are not uncommon in cricket, but they often provoke strong reactions, especially in a competitive atmosphere. Siraj’s animated response underlined his commitment and the charged nature of the ongoing Test.
The situation cooled down quickly, with the umpire intervening and players refocusing on the game. Both teams demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, contributing to an exciting day of Test cricket. Such fiery exchanges reflect the emotional and mental challenges faced by players at the highest level.
BIG NEWS
Why are Australian cricketers wearing black armbands on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against India?
Australian cricketers paid a heartfelt tribute to John Watkins on the first day of the pink-ball Test against India by wearing black armbands. Watkins, who passed away at 98, was a distinguished former cricketer and a pivotal figure in Australian cricket history. His career was marked by resilience, outstanding performances, and a deep passion for the game, making him a respected name in the cricketing fraternity.
The decision to wear black armbands during the match reflected the players’ acknowledgment of Watkins’ legacy and contributions. Known for his all-round skills, Watkins left an indelible mark on Australian cricket, inspiring generations of players. His passing has deeply saddened fans, fellow players, and cricketing authorities, with many lauding his commitment and impact on the sport.
Cricket, often described as a gentleman’s game, is known for its strong traditions and respect for history. Tributes like these highlight the sport’s emphasis on honoring past legends who have paved the way for future players. The black armbands symbolize mourning and unity, reminding the cricketing world of its shared heritage and the importance of preserving the memories of those who have significantly influenced the game.
This gesture also underlines the camaraderie among cricketers and their sense of belonging to a larger community. By acknowledging Watkins’ contributions, the Australian team demonstrated their respect for cricket’s values and spirit. The display moved Fans watching the match, serving as a poignant reminder of the sport’s rich legacy.
As the pink-ball Test progressed, the tribute added a layer of emotion to the game, with players and spectators reflecting on Watkins’ illustrious career. Such remembrance ensures that cricket’s history and legends remain alive, inspiring future generations to uphold the game’s spirit and values.
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