In the French Open final, 19-year-old Markéta Vondroušová, who dazzles with drop shots, will face off with Ashleigh Barty, 23, who is crafty and quick with a ton of energy. Amanda Anisimova, 17, reached the semis by hitting smooth strokes and bullets all day long. And world No. 1 Naomi Osaka lost early in Paris […]
When you think of Rafael Nadal, you might think of a player who hits balls with hellacious topspin and grinds out points on clay. His RPMs and his sweat grab the glory. But the 11-time French Open champion uses a few insidious tricks that go beyond the obvious strokes and traditional tactics. All of Rafa’s […]
Rafael Nadal is likely more dominant at clay-court tennis than any other athlete is at any one thing. Winning a set, let alone a match, against Nadal on clay can seem almost hopeless. As he nears 32 years old, he’s already won 56 clay-court titles and a record 10 French Open championships — with a […]
Who is going to win the women’s singles title at the French Open? Maybe Simona Halep, who is ranked No. 1 but has yet to win a major. Or Garbiñe Muguruza, who won the title in 2016. Or 36-year-old Serena Williams, who had played just four singles matches since she won the Australian Open last […]
When Rafael Nadal arrives in Paris this season with a chance to win his 11th French Open title, he could be there in a way no one expected: better than ever on clay. Nadal, who will be 32 years old in June, should have been finished by now, especially on clay. It’s rare for players […]