Author: Trisha Ghosal

In a shocking turn of events at Roland Garros, defending champion Novak Djokovic withdrew from the French Open just before his quarter-final match against Casper Ruud. The 37-year-old Serbian cited a knee injury, diagnosed as a torn medial meniscus in his right leg, following a scan on Tuesday. Djokovic had been vocal about the slippery conditions of the Roland Garros clay courts, attributing his aggravated knee problem to these challenging surfaces during his gruelling fourth-round victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo. Despite playing through visible discomfort and repeatedly calling for medical assistance, Djokovic secured a hard-fought 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3…

For the first time since 2013, the top four women’s seeds have all made it to the Round 4 at Roland Garros. This rare occurrence highlights the extraordinary talent and consistency of these players in what is arguably the most challenging Grand Slam. Defending champion, Iga Swiatek, Australian Open winner, Aryna Sabalenka, 2022 French Open runner-up Coco Gauff, and 2022 Wimbledon winner, Elena Rybakina have all advanced, setting up an exciting second week at the French Open. Round 4 Matches of the Top Four Seeds Iga Swiatek vs. Anastasia Potapova, today at 2:30 pm on Court Philippe-Chatrier Aryna Sabalenka vs.…

In the thrilling world of professional tennis, where rivalries are intense as well as legendary, there exists a unique dynamic between certain players—a balance between fierce competition on the court and genuine camaraderie off it. These players, often referred to as ‘frenemies,’ redefine the traditional notions of sportsmanship and friendship. As Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa gear up to face each other in the third round of the French Open, their matchup serves as a poignant reminder of tennis frenemies—individuals who embody the essence of being great friends off the field and fierce rivals on it. Aryna Sabalenka and Paula…

Three years ago, Naomi Osaka’s world turned upside down at the French Open. Her decision to speak openly about her mental health struggles sparked a maelstrom of controversy. The backlash she faced for prioritising her well-being over obligatory press conferences was both harsh and unsparing. Today, after she nearly toppled IgaSwiatek, the World No. 1, in a thrilling second-round match on May 29, her journey to this point feels like poetic justice—a story of resilience, courage, and redemption. In May 2021, amidst the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, Osaka made a bold stand for mental health. Declaring that she would…

In a match that will be remembered for its intensity and drama, Iga Swiatek, the World No. 1, faced off against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round of the French Open. After maternity leave, Osaka was making her highly anticipated comeback, and she did not disappoint, pushing Swiatek to the brink in a thrilling contest. The Pole finally prevailed 7-6, 1-6, 7-5. Osaka, who had joked in a pre-match press conference about the potential for a great rivalry with Swiatek, made good on her promise, delivering a performance that left fans in awe. The match began…

Iga Swiatek, the defending French Open champion, began her campaign at Roland Garros with a resounding victory in her first-round match. Following her win, Swiatek was asked if she could be considered the “Queen of Clay,” a title akin to Rafael Nadal’s moniker, the “King of Clay.” Swiatek, known for her humility and respect for the game, responded thoughtfully, saying, “It’s too early to call me the Queen of Clay. Yes, this is a surface I love to play on, and I feel great when I play on clay. I enjoy it the most, but to reach his level, I…

We’ve often heard sportspersons talk about how media criticism and negative fan reactions affect their mental health, especially when their performance dips. They describe how such negativity can make their lives insufferable. But where is this narrative against a particular sportsperson set? Has anyone ever considered this perspective? Before blaming the media and so-called “toxic” fans, perhaps it’s time for athletes to introspect and examine their own community. Ever since RCB defeated CSK in the IPL 2024 and qualified for the Playoffs, Ambati Rayudu has been relentlessly criticising RCB on the host broadcaster’s shows, attacking their passion, aggression, and celebrations.…

In the wake of India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement, the spotlight has shone brightly on the exclusion of Rinku Singh and the inclusion of Shivam Dube. While Dube’s IPL performances initially justified his selection due to his dual role as a power-hitter and a bowler, recent matches have brought his bowling prowess into question. Despite being part of the playing XI in the last four matches, Dube has only bowled one over, raising doubts about his all-round utility. This begs the question: if Dube’s bowling isn’t trusted in the IPL, how can he be relied upon in the international…

Manchester United’s hopes of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League were dashed following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burnley, leaving them with the daunting task of fighting for Europa League qualification. As they brace themselves for a crucial clash against Crystal Palace, injury concerns loom large over the Red Devils. Star midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has been a pillar of consistency for United, is now a doubt for the upcoming match after encountering an issue during the Burnley fixture. Manager Erik Ten Hag remains hopeful for Fernandes’s swift recovery, emphasising his determination to reclaim his spot on the…

As a sports journalist and ardent Rafael Nadal fan, witnessing the conclusion of his journey at the Madrid Open evoked a flood of emotions. The two-set loss that marked the end of his campaign felt like the turning of a poignant page in the annals of tennis history. Yet, amidst the bittersweet farewells, Nadal’s unwavering assurance of “not finished yet” reverberated, encapsulating the essence of his indomitable spirit that has defined a legendary career spanning over two decades. For me, and countless other fans, Nadal’s story transcends the boundaries of tennis; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, determination,…