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French Open

Rising Dawg: Ethan Quinn’s Breakout Year — The 2025 Season

December 29, 2025 by tennisbloggers Leave a Comment

by Bob Stockton

When Ethan Quinn first picked up a racket, he probably didn’t imagine how fast his life would change. By 2023, he was already an NCAA champion at Georgia — and by 2025, he was writing a new chapter on the ATP Tour. This season has been as much about grit and growth as it has been about results.

From Georgia Glory to the Pro Circuit

Quinn’s road to the pros wasn’t traditional — after winning the 2023 NCAA Singles Championship for the University of Georgia, he turned pro, forgoing the rest of his college eligibility.  He left Athens carrying not just a national title, but belief – and with it, the weight of expectations.

He started his pro journey on the Challenger circuit.  His transition was supported by the ATP / ITA Accelerator Program, which gave him access to main-draw Challenger spots — a springboard many promising U.S. college players don’t always have. 

2025: The Breakthrough

Climbing the Rankings

Quinn began 2025 hovering around world No. 202 in the PIF ATP Rankings.  But by June, after a strong spring, he cracked the Top 100 for the first time.  That alone marked a huge milestone — it meant more access to ATP-level tournaments, and a real shot at establishing himself.

A Statement Win in Houston

In April, at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, he stunned Jordan Thompson, then ranked No. 35, with a 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 comeback.  It wasn’t just his first big clay-court win — it was his highest-ranked victory to date. For a player still relatively new on tour, beating someone inside the top 40 showed that his game could compete at a high level.

Making Waves at Roland Garros

Perhaps the defining stretch of his season came at the French Open. As a qualifier, he made an impressive run to the third round, navigating his way through the draw.  His first-round match was especially dramatic: Grigor Dimitrov retired injured, but not before Quinn had battled to stay in the match.  In the second round, he survived a grueling five-setter against Alexander Shevchenko to seal his spot in the third round. 

That run at Roland Garros pushed him into the Top 100 — a breakthrough achievement. 

A Win at Wimbledon, Too

Quinn didn’t just rely on clay. When Wimbledon came around, he carried momentum into England. He beat Henry Searle (the 2023 junior Wimbledon champion) in the first round — another confident performance under big-stage pressure. 

Tough Grind, Little Margin

But the season wasn’t all triumphs. His overall 2025 win-loss record stood at 12–18, per ESPN.  That points to some inconsistency — as is often the case for young players balancing Challenger events, ATP events, and trying to climb the rankings. Still, the fact that he was mixing it up on the big stage, often as a qualifier or wildcard, speaks to his ambition.

What Makes 2025 Special for Quinn

  1. Fearless Qualifier Mentality: Time and again, Quinn came through qualifying draws to get into big tournaments. That willingness to grind — and gamble — paid off.
  2. Mental Resilience: Whether in long five-setters or when facing larger hurdles, he showed he wasn’t intimidated by pressure. His run at Roland Garros, in particular, was a mental test, and he passed.
  3. Growth on Multiple Surfaces: He’s not just a hard-court player. Wins on clay (Houston) and at Wimbledon show adaptability — a key trait for long-term pro success.
  4. Steady Climb: Breaking the Top 100 is massive. It’s a threshold that opens doors — for bigger tournaments, direct entries, and tougher matchups.

The Challenges Ahead

Looking forward, Quinn will need to work on consistency. His losing record suggests he’s still finding his footing in Tour-level play. As he plays more ATP-level events, maintaining his ranking and going deeper in draws will be crucial.

He’ll also need to continue sharpening his game — especially against top-tier players. While he picked up a very big win in Houston, becoming a regular threat to top-30 or top-20 players will require growth, especially in serve, return, and shot variety.

Why Fans Are Excited

For tennis fans — especially American tennis fans — Ethan Quinn is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players on tour. He has the pedigree (NCAA champion), the tools (explosive forehand, solid serve), and the mindset. The fact that he’s already challenging experienced pros and making deep runs as a qualifier gives a preview of his potential.

His story also resonates: a college champion who didn’t take the easy route but jumped fully into the pro grind and in just over a year made serious strides.

Final Serve

Ethan Quinn’s 2025 season was a coming-of-age year. He went from being a promising college star to a legitimate Tour contender. There were ups and downs, but the high moments — the clay-court upset in Houston, the major breakthrough at Roland Garros, the Wimbledon win — all point to a player on the rise.

If he continues on this trajectory, 2026 could be even bigger. But for now, 2025 will be remembered as the season when Quinn announced himself to the broader tennis world: ready, committed, and definitely dangerous.

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: ATP, Ethan Quinn, French Open, University of Georgia, Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Roland Garros Classic – Jim Courier, Patrick & John McEnroe, Sam Querrey Discuss On TNT

June 9, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The Carlos Alcaraz victory over Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller was one of the greatest tennis matches of all time and capped the first of 10 years of coverage of Roland Garros to American audiences by TNT Sports. Read about some of the specifics and the history that was made here: https://worldtennismagazine.com/heres-the-history-carlos-alcaraz-and-jannik-sinner-made-in-their-epic-roland-garros-final/25069

The following is the commentary that TNT host Adam Lefkoe had immediately after the final, then followed by the post-match panel comments from John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Patrick McEnroe and Sam Querrey on the instant classic.

Adam Lefkoe

An absolute marathon thriller. Gladiators in the Cathedral of Clay. The longest championship match in the history of Roland-Garros. Every shot, the greatest you’ve seen until the next one. White-knuckle exhaustion while maintaining hall of Fame skill. An epic first final between the two brightest stars in tennis. He was down two sets. A deficit he has never overcome. Three championship points. The defending champion didn’t just survive, he ascended. Carlos Alcaraz retains his crown as the king of the Roland-Garros play. His fifth major title final at just 22 years old. If this is a sign of what’s to come, we are blessed beyond belief.

John McEnroe

I can’t think of a better Roland Garros final than what we just witnessed. And you’re after all the talk over the course of the last couple years. Where’s tennis going to go from here? Because we’re losing Federer, we lost Nadal and Djokovic. What’s going to happen with him? It seems like we’re in pretty good hands with these two guys. So many things happen. We always talk about the French Open being a roller coaster, but I mean in two sets of break early in the third you’re like, okay, it’s like it’s going to be Sinner’s days going to win in three. He doesn’t capitalize. He goes to a four set. You’re thinking, okay, he hasn’t played a four or five set match since Australia and he didn’t play too many long ones there either five-three-forty Love or three-five Love forty on serve. You’re like, okay, you know this is a reality is set in somehow. I mean, he tightens up a little bit, but nonetheless, he forces,- And then Jannik he gets to serve for it after he lost that.

Adam Lefkoe

What we were marveling at here was they were so tired, yet the level of their play never decreased. Not once.

Jim Courier

I mean that level from Carlos in that tiebreaker was as close to heavenly tennis as I can possibly imagine. I cannot, still cannot rack my head around the shots that he was able to come up with at that moment. The pressure, the moment, the fatigue, all of it, and Jannik, I mean, to come back from all of that disappointment and nearly two hours later he’s still fighting and grinding and scraping. He’s down the entire fifth set and somehow gets back and into a tiebreaker. It was just an absolute pleasure to be able to see this in any way, shape or form. And I got to tell you, people talk about the future to us. The future is already happening people we just may not have realized it. This is a sixth straight major one by one of these two guys. This is their, we’re living in their time right now. It happened a year and a half ago. It started. The clock is already moving forward, but they’re so young. We might have another decade if we’re lucky of all these guys. I mean, this is the very first time they’ve met in the major final. And it did not disappoint quite the contrary.

Adam Lefkoe

Jim, before the match, you urge us to enjoy the present because you don’t know how many of these you’re going to get. If it is an appetizer I can’t wait for the meal. If it’s the meal, feed me dessert. But at five hours and twenty-nine minutes, it is the second-longest slam that we’ve ever seen. And every single second is action packed.

Sam Querrey

I mean, I don’t know how you watch that match and not think to yourself, tennis isn’t the hardest sport in the world. There’s no end cost for you to know that the end is coming up. There’s no, there’s no timeouts. There’s no substitution. And these guys just played for five hours and twenty-nine minutes. And as Jim just said, the fifth set tiebreaker from Alcaraz was borderline perfect and credit to Jannik Sinner as well. Looked like he was down and out in the fifth set. He found a second gear and brought it back. It was just such a pleasure.

John McEnroe

You know what’s also nice that they didn’t leave the court and they stayed on the entire time. In like five and a half hours. Maybe these bathroom breaks are a bit overrated. What do you think, Bro?

Patrick McEnroe:

No medical time timeouts, no physios visited the court. This is an old-fashioned street fight, but played with incredible sportsmanship from both players. Incredible grace from Jannik Sinner and his comments on court after the match and the only match in major in the open era, and the major final that has been longer was the Australian Open final when Djokovic beat Nadal when both guys were cramping during the ceremony, and you see he’s not cramping, I don’t think, but he’s pretty exhausted. But it was, I said it was going to be an epic five set of win for Alcaraz. I didn’t realize it was going to be this epic.

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Fan Watch, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: Adam Lefkoe, Carlos Alcaraz, French Open, Jannik Sinner, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Roland Garros, Sam Querrey, TNT

John McEnroe Pays Homage To Respected Tennis Physical Therapist Gary Kitchell On French Open TV Broadcast

June 3, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

While commentating on the French Open on television network TruTV, John McEnroe paid homage to Gary Kitchell, the beloved tennis personality known around the world of tennis as one of the best physical therapists in the sport. Kitchell passed away in Vero Beach, Florida on Sunday, May 18 after a long illness.

McEnroe, commentating alongside younger brother Patrick McEnroe, took the opportunity to acknowledge Kitchell, with whom he worked with for many years, when discussing an ankle tape job that Ben Shelton received in his first round match at Roland Garros.

“(Ben) was having his ankle work done, and I talked to him about how it was jammed and it reminded me of my late great friend Gary Kitchell,” said McEnroe, the four-time U.S. Open champion. “He just passed away recently, because he literally did that exact move to me and a bunch of other players. He worked with Ivan (Lendl). He worked with Michael Chang, Jim Courier. You can go down the list. Great man. So I want to just say, Gary, you’re up there, man. We love you, and thanks for everything you did for the sport of tennis all these years.”

Added Patrick McEnroe of Kitchell, “(He was) one of the unsung heroes of the sport, working behind the scenes with a lot of players.”

John then continued, in discussing the situation with Shelton and how important physios like Kitchell are such an important part of the sports, “When the trainer came out at the end of the fourth set, and Ben was looking like he was struggling. Then suddenly, the guy worked on him for a few minutes, and then he comes out. And there was no signs of any problems. So, these guys play an important role in our sport, and Gary’s one of the main men there. So, rest in peace my friend.”

In addition to working with players like McEnroe, Lendl, Chang and Courier, Kitchell also worked with current pros such as Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka. In 2021, Kitchell hosted Paul and Opelka for a special exhibition match at The Boulevard that you can read about here: https://worldtennismagazine.com/an-entertaining-qa-with-reilly-opelka-tommy-paul-from-vero-beach-florida/20458

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, Gary Kitchell, John McEnroe, Roland Garros, TNT, Vero Beach

Rod Laver: When You Play On Clay, Bring Your Lunch

June 1, 2025 by tennisbloggers Leave a Comment

Rod Laver won the French Championships on two occasions in 1962 as an amateur and again in 1969 as a pro – both titles being the second leg of one of his Grand Slam sweeps of all four major titles. In this excerpt from his newly re-released memoir THE EDUCATION OF A TENNIS PLAYER ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com for sale and download here: https://a.co/d/dXPSFzB), Laver discussed how players, like the pros playing at the French Open at Roland Garros the next two weeks, need to play on clay.

Patience and legs. You’ll go a long way with those assets on clay. The stronger the longer. This was always impressed on me when I played in Europe, especially Paris, where the slow clay courts dictate an entirely different game from the grass of Australia, Wimbledon and Forest Hills, or the pavement of other areas.

If there is a universal surface it is clay, found almost everywhere, and won on by those players who can control the ball and their impulses to overhit. The defensive player has an edge because of the slower, higher bounce of the ball, giving him more time and a better chance to reach a forcing shot and make a good return. Clay blunts the force of a powerful serve and favors those who can play steadily and accurately from the backcourt.

In their perceptive analysis of singles, Bill Talbert and Bruce Old discovered in charting matches between two big hitters, Lew Hoad and Pancho Gonzalez, that Lew and Pancho won 75 percent of their points at the net on grass and 40 percent at the net on clay. Yes, they are different games.

Ability to keep the ball in play, move it around with changes of speed and spin, will pay dividends on clay. This doesn’t mean that you should forget about attacking. Far from it. Against a persistent and sure baseliner whom you can’t out-rally you have to get up to the net and break up his pattern with angled volleys. But you can’t be impatient in going up there; your way must be well paved with a strong deep approach shot.

Most baseliners like it back there, and you’ve got to draw them up with soft shots and angles, make them play a few shots near the net where they’re uncomfortable. Since the huskiest serve in the business isn’t going to be overly oppressive on clay, you’d better forget about blasting your serve and concentrate on placing the ball and getting the first one in. Naturally you’ll let fly with a hard one just to keep the foe honest if he creeps closer on you.

Doubles on clay is about the same as doubles anywhere else—an attacking game. There will be more retrieving, longer points, but you have to get up to the net fast. But in singles you may as well face the fact that you have to be fit and favorably inclined toward running. You’re going to be on the court a while, most likely.

Bring your lunch.

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, Rod Laver, Roland Garros, The Education of a Tennis Player

Why Is The French Open Called Roland Garros?

May 28, 2025 by tennisbloggers Leave a Comment

The French Open, one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournaments, is known for its rich history, clay courts, and vibrant atmosphere. But did you know that the tournament is commonly referred to as Roland Garros? Let’s dive into the origins of this name and what it signifies.

A Brief History of the French Open

The French Open has its roots dating back to 1891, originally established as a national competition for men. It wasn’t until 1925 that the tournament opened its doors to international players, and it gradually evolved into the Grand Slam event we recognize today. The tournament takes place annually at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, typically from late May to early June.

Who Was Roland Garros?

The tournament was renamed in 1986 to honor Roland Garros, a French aviator and World War I hero. Garros was notable not only for his contributions to aviation but also for his adventurous spirit and bravery during the war. He became the first pilot to fly over the Mediterranean Sea in 1913, showcasing his daring nature and pioneering efforts in aviation.

Garros was tragically killed in combat in 1918, and his legacy has endured in various forms, including the naming of the stadium that hosts the French Open. The Stade Roland Garros was constructed in 1928 and has since become synonymous with the tournament, making it only fitting that the event carries his name.

The Significance of the Name

Renaming the tournament to Roland Garros serves several purposes:

1. **Honoring a National Icon**: By adopting the name of a national hero, the tournament pays tribute to French history and culture, connecting the sport to a sense of national pride.

2. **Creating a Unique Identity**: While many tennis tournaments have straightforward names, the title “Roland Garros” adds a distinct flair and character to the event, differentiating it from its counterparts like Wimbledon and the US Open.

3. **Drawing Attention to the Venue**: The name emphasizes the importance of the Stade Roland Garros as the venue for the tournament. This iconic location, with its clay courts, has become a symbol of tennis excellence.

The French Open, now widely recognized as Roland Garros, is a tournament steeped in history and tradition. By honoring Roland Garros, the event not only commemorates a remarkable individual but also enriches the narrative of tennis itself. As players and fans gather each year to compete and celebrate, the legacy of Garros serves as a reminder of the courage and determination that defines both the sport and its participants. So, the next time you watch a match at Roland Garros, remember the story behind the name and the incredible history it represents.

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, Paris, Roland Garros

The History of the Hamburg Open: A Tennis Tradition and Its New Chapter

May 21, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The Hamburg Open, officially known as the Hamburg European Open, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1892. As one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, it has witnessed countless memorable moments, legendary players, and significant changes in the tennis landscape. Nestled in the picturesque city of Hamburg, Germany, the tournament has evolved through the decades, adapting to the sport’s growing global appeal.

A Glorious Past

The tournament has seen the participation of some of the sport’s greatest names. Legends such as Björn Borg, Michael Stich, and more recently, Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev, have graced the courts of Hamburg. Their contributions have not only elevated the tournament’s status but have also created cherished memories for fans and players alike.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Hamburg Open has continued to flourish, attracting top talent and boosting its profile within the ATP Tour. However, the tournament has faced challenges, particularly in scheduling. When held in July, it often clashed with other significant tournaments, leading to varying player participation.

In a strategic move to enhance its relevance and appeal, tournament organizers announced a significant change: starting in 2025, the Hamburg Open will be rescheduled to take place the week before the French Open. This decision aligns the tournament more closely with the clay-court season, allowing players to fine-tune their skills on clay right before the Grand Slam.

The Impact of the Date Change

This new scheduling presents a myriad of opportunities for players and fans alike. For players, the Hamburg Open will serve as an essential platform to adjust their game and strategies on clay, making it a critical part of their preparation for Roland Garros. The proximity to the French Open means that top-ranked players are more likely to participate, providing fans with a chance to see their favorites in action just days before one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

For the tournament itself, this change could lead to increased media attention and fan engagement. The excitement of watching top-tier tennis in the lead-up to a Grand Slam is bound to draw larger crowds, enhancing the atmosphere in Hamburg and reaffirming the city’s status as a hub for tennis excellence.

The Hamburg Open has a storied legacy, and its evolution reflects the broader changes in the sport of tennis. With the new date change in 2025, the tournament is poised to enter an exciting new chapter, reinforcing its significance in the tennis calendar. As fans look forward to witnessing thrilling matches and the emergence of new champions, the Hamburg Open stands ready to embrace the future while honoring its rich past.

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, German Open, Hamburg, Roland Garros

TNT Sports To Provide Most Comprehensive U.S. Coverage For Roland Garros – Here Are The Broadcast Times

May 19, 2025 by Randy Walker 1 Comment

TNT Sports, the exclusive home of live Roland-Garros coverage in the U.S., will provide the most comprehensive coverage in the history of the Parisian Grand Slam, beginning Sunday, May 25, at 5 a.m. ET on TNT, truTV and Max. TNT Sports will deliver nearly 300 hours of programming across TNT and truTV — all originating live from Paris — along with unprecedented streaming coverage on Max and extensive original content available via Bleacher Report and House of Highlights.   

TNT’s coverage will include multiple featured matches each day and Live at Roland-Garros, presented by Stella Artois, a daily studio show with analysis from a deep roster of esteemed tennis commentators. TNT Sports will also bring fans closer to the game with live in-match player interviews and mic’d coaches at times during matches. 

truTV’s The Rally at Roland-Garros will offer fans whiparound coverage including a blend of studio analysis and live match commentary capturing the best moments from multiple courts each day.  

Additionally, Max will be the exclusive home to every match from Roland-Garros — more than 900 matches across all competitions, including Boys, Girls, Men, Women, Legends and Wheelchair — beginning with the Qualifying Rounds today, May 19. Max will also feature Multiview, a streaming option displaying up to four matches at once, beginning with Round 1. Max users can also quickly catch up with Key Moments, featuring a timestamp of highlights and the best plays during each match through the current live action.  

TNT Sports’ award-winning digital platforms, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, will serve up on-site original content and Roland-Garros-inspired editions of existing series and shows. Throughout the event, the two platforms will showcase reactions from mic’d up celebrity Clayside Correspondents seated near the action, Never Been Asked interviews with participating Roland-Garros athletes, new episodes of The Reel and more.  

Stella Artois will present each TNT Sports Roland-Garros studio show; Vanda Pharmaceuticals will present the first three matches shown each day on TNT during Rounds 1-4; AT&T Business will present the daily final featured match on TNT during Rounds 1-4; and Raymond James will present matches on TNT and truTV from the Quarterfinals through the Finals. 

This year marks the first of a new 10-year agreement for TNT Sports to present Roland-Garros in the U.S. TNT Sports will also continue to be the home of Roland-Garros outside the U.S. with distribution in nearly 50 European markets. Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT Sports, is the largest global rightsholder of Roland-Garros.  

TNT Sports’ 2025 Roland-Garros U.S. Broadcast Schedule    

(All Times Eastern) 

Date Time (ET) Program Platform 
Sunday, May 25 – Saturday, May 31 5 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Rounds 1, 2, 3 Men’s & Women’s Singles  TNT 
5 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Rally at Roland-Garros  truTV 
5 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Courts Max 
Sunday, June 1 & Monday, June 2 5 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Featured Round 4 Men’s & Women’s Singles on Court Philippe-Chatrier TNT 
5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Featured Round 4 Men’s & Women’s Singles on Court Suzanne-Lenglen truTV 
5 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Courts Max 
Tuesday, June 3 & Wednesday, June 4 5 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Men’s or Women’s Singles Quarterfinals TNT 
5 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Men’s & Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles truTV 
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Men’s or Women’s Singles Quarterfinals  
5 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Courts Max 
Thursday, June 5 6 a.m. Mixed Doubles Final TNT 
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Women’s Singles Semifinals 
5 a.m. – 10 a.m. Men’s Doubles Semifinals truTV 
5 a.m. – 2 p.m. All Courts Max 
Friday, June 6 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Men’s Singles Semifinals TNT 
5 a.m. – 10 a.m. Women’s Doubles Semifinals truTV 
5 a.m. – 4 p.m. All Courts Max 
Saturday, June 7 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Women’s Singles Final & Men’s Double Final TNT & truTV 
5 a.m. – 2 p.m. All Courts Max 
Sunday, June 8 5 a.m. – 1 p.m. Women’s Doubles Final & Men’s Singles Final TNT & truTV 
5 a.m. – 1 p.m. All Courts Max 

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: Broadcast Times, French Open, Roland Garros, TNT, TV

Iva Jovic, Emilio Nava Earn USTA’s French Open Main Draw Wild Cards

May 6, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

American rising stars Iva Jovic and Emilio Nava have earned singles main draw wild cards into the upcoming French Open by winning the USTA’s Roland Garros Wild Card Challenge. The USTA and FFT have a reciprocal agreement in which main draw wild cards for the 2025 French Open and US Open are exchanged.

The 17-year-old Jovic finished the five-week Challenge with 142 points, earned by winning the USTA Pro Circuit W100 in Charlottesville, Va., (100 pts.) and reaching the second round at both the WTA 250 in Bogota (30 pts.) and the USTA Pro Circuit W100 in Bonita Springs, Fla. (12 pts.). Jovic’s point total was enough to outlast a final-week push by former Roland Garros girls’ singles champion Whitney Osuigwe, who could have won the Challenge on its final day by winning the Bonita Springs title.

The Torrance, Calif., native Jovic has now earned wild cards into the last three Grand Slam singles main draws, after winning the USTA Girls’ 18s national championship to enter the 2024 US Open and the USTA’s Australian Open Wild Card Playoff to get into the 2025 Australian Open. She reached the second round in both of those events.

Nava won the men’s Challenge with 119 points, thanks to his performance at consecutive USTA Pro Circuit ATP Challenger events, winning the title in Sarasota, Fla., (75 pts.) and reaching the final in Tallahassee, Fla., (44 pts.) amid a 19-match win streak.

Nava previously qualified for the French Open in 2023 and competed in the US Open main draw in 2022-23, pushing Casper Ruud to four sets in the first round after qualifying the latter year.

The Challenge was contested over the last five weeks, with each player’s top three points-earning results counting toward their final Challenge point total. Only clay-court events at the M25 and W35 level and above counted toward the Challenge.

Final Women’s Standings:
(Player’s current ranking in parentheses)

  1. Iva Jovic (120) — 142
  2. Whitney Osuigwe (158) — 121
  3. Julieta Pareja (328) — 116
  4. Caty McNally (283) — 102
  5. Varvara Lepchenko (119) — 85

Final Men’s Standings:
(Player’s current ranking in parentheses)

  1. Emilio Nava (137) — 119
  2. Ethan Quinn (114) — 100
  3. Colton Smith (162) — 63
  4. Chris Eubanks (110) — 50
  5. Eliot Spizzirri (121) — 44

The USTA utilizes this Challenge format to award wild cards into the Australian, French and US Opens. Previous Americans to earn wild cards into the French Open via the Challenge and how far they advanced at Roland Garros are below, including Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Emma Navarro, who won the women’s Challenge in 2023 to make her Grand Slam debut outside of the U.S.

Roland Garros Wild Card Challenge Winners:

2024: Sachia Vickery (1R); Nicolas Moreno de Alboran (1R)
2023: Emma Navarro (2R); Patrick Kypson (1R)
2022: Katie Volynets (2R); Michael Mmoh (1R)
2019: Lauren Davis (2R); Tommy Paul (1R)
2018: Taylor Townsend (2R); Noah Rubin (1R)
2017: Amanda Anisimova (1R); Tennys Sandgren (1R)
2016: Taylor Townsend (2R); Bjorn Fratangelo (2R)
2015: Louisa Chirico (1R); Frances Tiafoe (1R)
2014: Taylor Townsend (3R); Robby Ginepri (1R)
2013: Shelby Rogers (2R); Alex Kuznetsov (1R)
2012: Melanie Oudin (2R); Brian Baker (2R)

Filed Under: Archives, Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: Emilio Nava, French Open, Iva Jovic, Roland Garros, USTA, wild card

TNT Officially Announces 10-Year Deal To Broadcast Roland Garros

June 11, 2024 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

TNT Sports, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, has reached a groundbreaking 10-year agreement with the French Tennis Federation to add Roland-Garros to its portfolio of premium sports rights in the U.S. beginning in 2025. This new expansive deal – building on Eurosport’s 35-year relationship with Roland-Garros — will make Warner Bros. Discovery the largest global broadcast partner to Roland-Garros and it will bring fans the most comprehensive coverage of the prestigious event ever in the United States.

Per the agreement, TNT Sports will exclusively present all live action from the Parisian Grand Slam in the U.S. including:

  • Featured live matches on TNT, with additional live coverage across TBS and truTV;
  • truTV with all-day studio, match and whiparound coverage;
  • All live matches available on Max – nearly 900 matches across all competitions — including simulcasts of matches airing on TNT, TBS and truTV;
  • In-depth highlights, behind-the-scenes and ancillary content airing across all platforms (TNT, TBS, truTV, Max, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and HighlightHER).

“TNT Sports is thrilled to partner with the French Tennis Federation and exclusively present unprecedented coverage of Roland-Garros — one of the most prestigious sports events every year — across our full array of platforms,” said Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports. “Roland-Garros perfectly aligns with our global sports strategy and our commitment to adding premium live sports content to our TNT Sports portfolio. We look forward to serving fans with a best-in-class content experience and providing them with direct access to more live Roland-Garros coverage than ever before.”

“We’re very proud to sign this agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the world’s leading media groups. It will enable the Federation to ensure maximum exposure for Roland-Garros in the USA and help further promote the tournament. With this long-term agreement, we aim to win over new fans in this key territory for the FFT,” said Gilles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation.

This agreement with TNT Sports in the U.S. now makes WBD the largest global broadcast partner or Roland Garros — known for its famous red clay — building on a long-standing relationship with Eurosport (dating back to 1989), which distributes the event to 55 countries outside the U.S.

TNT Sports, with an emphasis on adopting the latest technology, innovation, and creative storytelling to elevate its coverage of the event, will have an on-site presence, including studio and announcing teams from multiple positions inside Roland-Garros throughout the competition. Additional details on TNT Sports’ Roland-Garros coverage in the U.S. will be announced in the lead up to the inaugural campaign.

About TNT Sports

TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation and, starting in 2025, NASCAR. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.

About Roland-Garros

Roland-Garros is a must-see event for sports lovers and the general public alike. In 2024, Roland-Garros opened its doors to 675,080 spectators and was broadcast in 220 territories around the world, making it a major global sporting event. Organised by the French Tennis Federation, Roland-Garros is the only Grand Slam tournament to be played on clay, one of the oldest and noblest surfaces in the history of tennis.

About the French Tennis Federation (FFT)

The French Tennis Federation is an association governed by the law of 1901 and party to a ministerial delegation. It is dedicated to the promotion, development and success of tennis, para-tennis, padel, beach tennis and courte paume in France. The FFT brings together, supports and coordinates its affiliated clubs. With 4 million players and one million members in nearly 7,500 clubs, tennis is France’s leading individual sport. The FFT also ensures France is represented internationally, by entering teams into international competitions including the Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Olympic Games, as well as organising some of the world’s biggest sporting events: Roland-Garros and the Rolex Paris Masters. Since its creation in 1920, the FFT’s identity has been founded on combining the development of amateur tennis across the country for people from all walks of life with the organisation of major international events.

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured Columns, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, Roland Garros, TNT

Sabalenka Breezes Into Second Round of Roland Garros, But No Handshake

May 28, 2023 by tennisbloggers Leave a Comment

Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has breezed into the 2nd round of Roland Garros. The 25-year-old number 2 of the world won against Ukranian Marta Kostiyuk in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. 

Kostiyuk, number 39 on the WTA Tour, reached the 1/8 finale in 2021 in Paris.  That’s something the Belarussian Sabalenka can’t say, she never got past the 3rd round. 

Kostiyuk started off strong and impressed with attacking returns. She even won a break but started to lose 6 games in a row after the 3-2, which effectively ended the match. 

After the match, the crowd booed Kostiyuk because she didn’t shake Sabalenka’s hand because of the war in Ukraine.  Sabalenka thought for a second that the boo’s were meant for her and she bowed cynically to the attending audience but when they explained to her that the boo’s were aimed at Kostiyuk, she thanked the audience for real this time. 

The post-match Sabalenka – Kostyuk stuff https://t.co/9AxQ9wWWXT

— Talking Tennis (@TalkingTennisTT) May 28, 2023

No handshakes for Marta Kostiyuk

Ever since the invasion of Russian into Ukraine, Marta Kostiyuk has stopped shaking hands when she plays against a Russian or a Belarussian player. She demands from players from both countries that they convict the Russian invasion. 

Sabalenka understands the no handshake of Kostiyuk

A day before the match Sabalenka understands and empathizes with Marta Kostiyuk partially and said that if Kostiyuk feels better about not shaking hands, then so be it. 

But added to it that while understanding, that a photo or a video with the two shaking hands would cause controversy in Ukraine, she also added that sports and politics should be separated. But if she hates her for it then there is nothing I can do about that. 

Contrary to other sports, tennis allows players from Russia and Belarus to participate but only under a neutral banner. Wimbledon allows that for the year 2023. Last year Russians and Belarussians were banned from that tournament. 

Filed Under: Lead Story Tagged With: French Open, Roland Garros

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