🎾 Rafa Immortalized in Paris

Happy Tuesday! As Djokovic wins his 100th title and Nadal is honored on Philippe-Chatrier, the tennis world turns to Roland-Garros as the French Open gets underway.

In this week's newsletter:

• 😢 Rafa Bids Farewell to his Sacred Court

• 🧱 French Open CXXIV Begins

• 💯 Djokovic Reaches Century Mark

🧠 Tennis Trivia Challenge 🧠

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😢 Rafa Bids Farewell to his Sacred Court 😢

Tears and thunderous ovations filled Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday as Rafael Nadal was honored with a French Open retirement ceremony, exactly 20 years after his tournament debut. The King of Clay stepped onto the court that witnessed 14 of his Grand Slam titles to a standing ovation from 15,000 spectators wearing "Merci Rafa" t-shirts. Nadal's composure crumbled within seconds of the first cheers as tears flowed, and he delivered heartfelt speeches in French, English, and Spanish, calling Philippe-Chatrier "the most important court of [his] tennis career."

The Big Four reunited as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined him on court in a touching show of mutual respect, celebrating the legacy of their historic rivalries. Though Nadal consoled the three along with the tearful crowd by ensuring his “memories will always be linked to this magical place,” the ceremony’s conclusion ensured he would remain physically linked as well. As the final gesture, organizers revealed a permanent plaque bearing his footprint near the net post, guaranteeing his mark on the court.

🧱 French Open CXXIV Begins 🧱

The post-Nadal era begins with his protégé Carlos Alcaraz leading the hunt for a new clay king as defending champion, entering with a sizzling 15-1 record on clay this season, including victories at Monte Carlo and Rome where he defeated rival Jannik Sinner. World No. 1 Sinner, fresh off a three-month doping suspension, showed his class with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 quarterfinal demolition of Casper Ruud in Rome. Alcaraz benefited from a favorable draw with Sinner, Djokovic, and Jack Draper on the opposite side, while 38-year-old Djokovic faces a potential quarterfinal clash with Alexander Zverev after struggling for form on clay.

Świątek's clay crown faces threat as the four-time champion arrives in her most vulnerable state. She has a brutal draw, featuring potential early clashes with Elena Rybakina or nemesis Jelena Ostapenko. If she wants to reach Nadal-like levels of legend at the French Open, she must overcome her shakiest form in years and navigate her challenging route to the quarterfinals. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka leads the charge with six finals in eight tournaments this season, while second-ranked Coco Gauff benefits from a weaker section as she brings momentum from Madrid and Rome finals.

A few early surprises have already shaken the draw. No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz fell in four sets to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, while No. 9 seed Emma Navarro was dismantled 6–1, 6–0 by Spain’s Jessica Bouzas in one of the most lopsided losses of the tournament so far. No. 18 Francisco Cerúndolo, a popular dark horse pick, also went out in straight sets, losing to Canada’s Gabriel Diallo.

💯 Djokovic Reaches Century Mark 💯

Novak Djokovic rallied from a set down to narrowly defeat Hubert Hurkacz 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) and capture his 100th career singles title at the Geneva Open. The 38-year-old Serbian becomes only the third man in the Open Era to reach the century milestone, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

By securing the milestone just days before the French Open, Djokovic ends a difficult spell that saw him struggle on clay and lose two previous finals since his 99th title at the Paris Olympics. The victory provides crucial momentum and match practice as he attempts to add onto his record-breaking 24 grand slam titles.

🎥 Reel of the Week 🎥

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