Andy Murray has revealed that he backs himself against ‘a lot’ of the top ranked players on grass, as he began his most successful season with a victory in Surbiton yesterday.

Murray decided to miss Roland Garros to focus on the grass court season, and the former No.1 revealed earlier on in the year that he still has ‘ambitions’ to win the Wimbledon title again.

After beating 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Chung Hyeon, 6-3 6-2, in his first match at the Surbiton Challenger, Murray was asked if he considers himself to be one of the top 10 grass court players on the tour, “Yes, I think so. It is hard to put numbers on it, but yes, I would fancy myself against a lot of them [the top 10].”

He continued, “Last year I won against [Nick] Kyrgios who made the final of Wimbledon, I won against [Stefanos] Tsitsipas – it is probably not his favourite surface but he is one of the best players in the world.”

“I was a set all with [Matteo] Berrettini – who is quite clearly in the top few grass-court players – in the final of Stuttgart before I hurt my abs.”

"Finishing with a flourish"@andy_murray's grass court season is up and running with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Hyeon Chung at the Lexus Surbiton Trophy pic.twitter.com/hh3yInfIqw

— LTA (@the_LTA) June 5, 2023

Murray revealed his aim is to be seeded at Wimbledon, however after reaching the final of Stuttgart and the semi-final of Surbiton last year he has nearly 200 points falling from his current ranking of No.43 in the world.

“I’ve got up to 41 in the world and believe I can go higher than that,” claimed Murray. “Obviously I did well here [Surbiton] and in Stuttgart last year and I think I need about 300 points [to be seeded at Wimbledon] so I will have to do well the next few weeks if I want to do that.”

“If I have a good tournament at Queen’s, if you make the final or win the tournament there then I would be seeded, but I need to just concentrate on the performances.”

The 36-year-old added, “If you start just thinking about points it is not necessarily the best way to look at things. I will just try and win as many matches as possible and see if I can get in there.”

After winning his first round match in Surbiton, Murray awaits a qualifier in the second round in either Bu Yunchaokete or fellow Brit Harry Wendelken.

Andy Murray at Wimbledon

Murray famously ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a home men’s singles champion in 2013, and went onto win the title again in 2016.

Despite his ambitions to challenge once again in 2023, Murray fell to his worst performance at The Championships last year when he lost in the second round to John Isner.

Here is Murray’s record at Wimbledon over the years:

Win-loss record: 60-12 (83%)

2005 – Third Round

2006 – Fourth Round

2008 – Quarter-final

2009 – Semi-final

2010 – Semi-final

2011 – Semi-final

2012 – Final

2013 – Champion

2014 – Quarter-final

2015 – Semi-final

2016 – Champion

2017 – Quarter-final

2021 – Third Round

2022 – Second Round

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Global smart device brand OPPO is delivering a ‘Shot of the Day’ to fans via the Roland-Garros digital channels to help promote their Find N2 Flip camera phone

Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been a leader in smart technologies and their brand proposition of ‘Inspiration Ahead’ fits seamlessly within the competitive tennis world.

This year at Roland-Garros OPPO will “bring more passion and inspiration to tennis through its world-leading devices and technologies while empowering global fans to better enjoy and participate in this year’s tournament.”

OPPO also help support the future stars of the game with their latest protégée from Mexico, Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez, competing in the junior boys singles for the 2nd year. Tennishead gained access for an exclusive interview with the player just before he started his campaign in Paris.

“As the world’s most prestigious clay-court event, Roland-Garros is filled with inspirational moments and spirit that inspires generations of tennis fans to follow their passion with more positivity and confidence. OPPO’s own professionalism and the ability to create products with advanced technology perfectly match the professional performances seen day-in, day-out on the courts. Together with Roland-Garros, OPPO looks forward to empowering fans to better witness, experience, and share precious moments throughout the tournament and bringing the charm of the game to the world at Roland-Garros 2023.”

During the tournament Tennishead’s own photographer has been capturing inspirational images with his OPPO Find N2 Flip phone and posting them on our social media channels at Twitter and Facebook.

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Novak Djokovic has broken another record after beating Juan Pablo Varillas in comfortable fashion to reach the Roland Garros quarter-final. 

Djokovic beat Varillas, 6-3 6-2 6-2, to end the Peruvian’s incredible streak of only playing five-set matches at major tournaments.

By reaching the quarter-final for a 17th time, Djokovic becomes the only player to do so at the Paris major, as he overtakes the 14-time champion Rafael Nadal who has just undergone psoas surgery.

The Serb was full of well wishes for his great rival, “It was his birthday yesterday, and he announced that he got his surgery. I got one surgery in my career on the elbow, and I know how hard it is to get back.”

He continued, “It’s just one of those things that you don’t want any athlete to go through. Sometimes I guess it’s necessary. For him it’s been several times now throughout his career.”

“I don’t know what the severity of or the nature of his injury is, but, you know, if he got on a surgery table, it means there was no other solution. So, you know, I really hope that, yeah, his rehabilitation process can go well and that we can see him next season.”

Wishing a speedy recovery to @RafaelNadal!

The Spaniard is undergoing arthroscopic surgery tonight to examine the left psoas muscle.

Update coming tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/tgEGeJsO4V

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 2, 2023

Nadal revealed the usual recovery time for psoas surgery is five months, and Djokovic spoke of how he hoped to see ‘one of the greatest legends of tennis’ return healthy for a potential last season in 2024.

“I think that he’s so important for our game on and off the court, one of the greatest legends of tennis in the history of the game,” claimed Djokovic.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion added, “We want to see healthy Rafa, no question about it, playing for what he has announced his last season. You know, hopefully he’s gonna be able to do that.”

Djokovic also reflected on his latest achievement, admitting that he was focussing on his next match against Karen Khachanov as he attempts to become the first 23-time males singles Grand Slam champion.

“I’m proud of it but my attention is already on the next match,” explained Djokovic. “Obviously quarter-finals, Khachanov, I know what my goal is here. I’m trying to stay mentally the course and of course not look too far.”

“Obviously, the performance of today gives me a great deal of confidence about how I felt, about how I played. So, I’m looking forward to the next match.”

Novak Djokovic makes history with 17th Roland Garros Quarter-final

Many people are surprised that Djokovic has reached more quarter-finals of Roland Garros, where Nadal has been so dominant.

But, what also came out in all of this is that Nadal has reached more quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where Djokovic has been champion 10 times.

Here is the incredible statistic in numbers:

Australian Open

Number of titles: Djokovic (10) – Nadal (2)

Number of Quarter-finals: Djokovic (13) – Nadal (14)

Roland Garros

Number of titles: Djokovic (2) – Nadal (14)

Number of Quarter-finals: Djokovic (17) – Nadal (16)

Stats that don't sound real but are:

Djokovic has reached more French Open quarter-finals than Nadal (17)

Nadal has reached more Australian Open quarter-finals than Djokovic (14) pic.twitter.com/1RJUU4nxlu

— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 4, 2023

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Iga Swiatek is a two-time Roland Garros champion, and with her ‘double bagel’ victory over Xinyu Wang the Pole kept up her 100% record of making the fourth round at the Paris major.

With the help of Craig O’Shannessy of Brain Game Tennis, we at Tennishead wanted to investigate what makes the world No.1 so dominant at the tournament.

Swiatek’s superpower is her return of serve. The defending champion has won her first three matches in straight sets, with four of those sets being 6-0.

Her fourth round match is against Lesia Tsurenko – an opponent she holds a 2-0 record against, with two of the four sets also sporting a 6-0 scoreline.

Here are six things you need to know about Swiatek’s return prowess at Roland Garros through the first three rounds:

1) Iga Swiatek owns her opponent’s 1st Serve

Typically, players don’t get to enjoy a winning percentage against their opponent’s first serve. The tournament average for women is only winning 39% against first serves, it’s even lower at 32% for men.

But Swiatek is devouring her opponent’s first serve, winning a jaw-dropping 60% (45/75) of these points. It’s an incredible stat that makes you double-check the numbers. Incredibly, she is not in first place in this statistical category. Her upcoming opponent, Tsurenko, has won 61% (57/93) of first serve return points.

2) Iga Swiatek also owns her opponent’s 2nd Serve

When her opponents miss their first serve, Swiatek dines on the 2nd serve, winning almost three out of four. Swiatek is in second place in this category leading into the Round of 16, winning a dominant 71% (39/55) of 2nd serve points.

The tournament leader is Sara Sorribes Tormo, who has won 73% (29/40). Those stats are well above the tournament average of 57% 2nd serve return points won.

3) Lack of Opponent Aces & Double Faults

Opponents have only hit two aces against Swiatek in six sets of tennis. They have also double faulted six times, which is not a lot, but it certainly starts the ball rolling in the wrong direction.

4) Iga Swiatek Return Winners & Errors

Swiatek has hit nine return winners in six sets. It’s a solid total and certainly signals her intention that she is coming after your service game beginning with the first shot. Swiatek has only committed 18 return errors in six sets of tennis, so right at three a set. That’s extremely efficient tennis.

5) Lack of Opponent Serve +1 Winners & Errors

This is an interesting match metric squarely focused on the first shot after the serve (Serve +1) for her opponent. The three opponents have combined to hit three Serve +1 winners, but have committed 24 Serve +1 errors. Swiatek is clearly bringing pressure with the return that forces immediate errors.

Iga Swiatek in #RolandGarros so far:

RD1: 6-4 𝟲-𝟬
RD2: 6-4 𝟲-𝟬
RD3: 𝟲-𝟬 𝟲-𝟬@iga_swiatek, 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 pic.twitter.com/sP9xoG7CSv

— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 3, 2023

6) Iga Swiatek Return +1 Shot Winners & Errors

Once Swiatek has her return back in play, the next shot she is going to hit is a Return +1 groundstroke. The Pole has struck nine winners at this specific moment of the rally while only yielding 10 errors. Swiatek gives you absolutely no time to get into the rally.

Swiatek is the prohibitive favorite to win Roland Garros again this year. She has broken her opponent’s serve 18 of 22 times (82%). She has held 18 of 22 times herself. At the end of the first week, it’s her tournament to lose.

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Craig O’Shannessy is the creator of Brain Game Tennis. For 20 years he’s been involved in tennis as a coach to players like Kevin Anderson and even Dustin Brown when he famously beat Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon. More recently Craig’s been working as a match analyst at Wimbledon and for the ATP Tour. He has also used the unique insights from his match analysis software dartfish to guide players such as Novak Djokovic with analysis of opponents and performances.

Visit BrainGameTennis.com to read the latest and best selling course ‘Getting Tight’ where Craig teams up with Jeff Greenwald to combine their specific skill sets to help you with the universal problem all players struggle with in matches.

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Rafael Nadal has updated fans on his wellbeing after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his ‘left psoas tendon’, the injury that has prevented him from competing at Roland Garros for the first time since 2004.

Nadal has been away from the match court since losing in the second round of the Australian Open, where he picked up the grade two tear to his iliopsoas muscle that was supposed to only have a recovery time of six to eight weeks.

However, it has appeared that the injury was more serious than first thought and the 14-time Roland Garros champion announced that he would be missing the second major of the year, as well as hinting that 2024 would be his last on the ATP tour.

Following his surgery, Nadal posted to Twitter to give fans an update, “Hello everyone. As you know last night I had surgery. Everything went well and the arthroscopy was on the left psoas tendon that has kept me out of competition since January.”

He continued, “An old injury to the labrum of my left hip was also regularized, which will surely help the better evolution of the tendon. I want to thank doctors Marc Philippon, Jaume Vilaró and Angel Ruiz-Cotorro for their work.”

“I will start progressive functional rehabilitation immediately and the normal recovery process they tell me is 5 months, if all goes well.”

Hola a todos. Como sabéis anoche tuve una intervención quirúrgica. Todo ha ido bien y la artroscopia fue en el tendón del psoas izquierdo que me ha tenido apartado de la competición desde enero.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 3, 2023

This recovery period rules out any possibility of Nadal competing at Wimbledon or the US Open this year, however there is still a possibility that the Mallorcan could participate at his target of the Davis Cup, if Spain progress to the finals that take place in November.

Nadal was waking up in his hospital bed on his 37th birthday, and wanted to thank fans for all the messages and well wishes, “Once again thank you for all the support you have shown me and that you show me every day. Today also on my birthday. Not in the desired or dreamed place, although thank you anyway.”

Rafael Nadal Career Achievements at 37

As Nadal begins his 38th year, we at Tennishead wanted to look back on the tennis legends incredible career so far.

Here is what the Mallorcan has achieved over the past 20 years:

• 22 Grand Slam singles titles – including 14 Roland Garros titles
• Career Golden Slam (Won all four majors and Olympic gold medal in singles in Beijing)
• Olympic Gold medal in doubles (Rio Olympics)
• 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles (Including 11 Monte Carlo Masters victories)
• 92 Career ATP titles
• Five Davis Cup crowns
• And many more great achievements along the way!

Feliz cumpleaños Rafa

We can’t wait to celebrate your next birthday together #RolandGarros @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/Hsprefu9tk

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2023

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The post Rafael Nadal reveals how long he will be out for after psoas surgery appeared first on Tennishead.

Novak Djokovic has reached the fourth round of Roland Garros for the 14th year in a row, and claimed that some members of the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier were ‘disrespectful’ in his win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Djokovic beat the Spaniard, 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2, and was particularly riled up when winning the second set tie-break after saving a set point.

"They shouldn't boo him because that helps him!"

Mats Wilander on 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 Novak Djokovic celebration. #RolandGarros | @Babsschett pic.twitter.com/AXDjo8MxOX

— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 2, 2023

In his post-match press conference, Djokovic commented on the Parisian crowd, “I think the majority of the people come to enjoy tennis or support one or the other player. But there are people that love to boo every single thing you do.”

He continued, “That’s something that I find disrespectful and I frankly don’t understand that. But it’s their right. They paid the ticket. They can do whatever they want. Actually 99% of the time I will stay quiet. Sometimes I will oppose that, because I feel when somebody is disrespectful, he or she deserves to have an answer to that.”

Djokovic was also booed when taking a medical timeout after that second set, and the Serb commented on his injury status at the moment.

“Look, we don’t have much time to start to name the many injuries I have, and the list is quite long,” revealed the 22-time Grand Slam champion. “So, I mean, you know, I don’t want to sit here and talk about these things that are not preventing me from playing. I still kept on playing.”

“These are the circumstances that you, as a professional athlete, have to deal with. Accept it. You know, I have to adjust to this new reality, so to say.”

The Serb added, “But at the end of the day, I managed to finish the match, as I said. And, you know, on the court you try to do your best, everything possible, so you can finish the match and win. That’s what happened in the end.”

Djokovic now moves onto play Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas, who has played three consecutive five set matches in Paris, in a first time meeting in the fourth round on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros

While Roland Garros is Djokovic’s weakest major in terms of titles, he is the only person to beat 14-time champion Rafael Nadal more than once at the event.

Here are all of Djokovic’s 18 previous years at the Paris major:

2005 – Lost in the second round to Guillermo Coria (8), 6-4 2-6 2-3 (retired)

2006 – Lost in the quarter-final to Rafael Nadal (2), 4-6 4-6 (retired)

2007 – Lost in the semi-final to Rafael Nadal (2), 5-7 4-6 2-6

2008 – Lost in the semi-final to Rafael Nadal (2), 4-6 2-6 6(3)-7

2009 – Lost in the third round to Philipp Kohlschreiber (29), 4-6 4-6 4-6

2010 – Lost in the quarter-final to Jurgen Melzer (22), 6-3 6-2 2-6 6(3)-7 4-6

2011 – Lost in the semi-final to Roger Federer (3), 6(5)-7 3-6 6-3 6(5)-7

2012 – Lost in the final to Rafael Nadal (2), 4-6 3-6 6-2 5-7

2013 – Lost in the semi-final to Rafael Nadal (3), 4-6 6-3 1-6 7-6(3) 7-9

2014 – Lost in the final to Rafael Nadal (1), 6-3 5-7 2-6 4-6

2015 – Lost in the final to Stan Wawrinka (8), 6-4 4-6 3-6 4-6

2016 – Beat Andy Murray (2) in the final, 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4

2017 – Lost in the quarter-final to Dominic Thiem (6), 6(5)-7 3-6 0-6

2018 – Lost in the quarter-final to Marco Cecchinato, 3-6 6(4)-7 6-1 6(11)-7

2019 – Lost in the semi-final to Dominic Thiem (4), 2-6 6-3 5-7 7-5 5-7

2020 – Lost in the final to Rafael Nadal (2), 0-6 2-6 5-7

2021 – Beat Stefanos Tsitsipas (5) in the final, 6(6)-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4

2022 – Lost in the quarter-final to Rafael Nadal (5), 2-6 6-4 2-6 6(4)-7

Watch every match of Roland-Garros LIVE and exclusive on discovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport App.

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Rafael Nadal has undergone minor surgery ahead of his 37th birthday today, that was confirmed by his representative Friday evening.

Nadal has been out of action since the Australian Open, and confirmed in a recent press conference that he would be missing Roland Garros for the first time since 2004.

The Spaniard also implied that next year is likely to be his last on the ATP tour, with the potential of him returning before the end of this year to represent Spain at the Davis Cup.

Nadal has been on the injury sidelines for the past four and a half months with a tear to his iliopsoas muscle, which appears to have been worse than the first thought six to eight week recovery time.

His representative, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, revealed that his client had undergone the surgery, “Rafael Nadal has undergone minor arthroscopic surgery to review the left psoas lesion that has kept him out of competition. This intervention has been carried out in Barcelona.”

Wishing a speedy recovery to @RafaelNadal!

The Spaniard is undergoing arthroscopic surgery tonight to examine the left psoas muscle.

Update coming tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/tgEGeJsO4V

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 2, 2023

It is expected that the results of that surgery will be known at some point today, but whether that will be made public is unclear at this moment.

Rafael Nadal Career Achievements at 37

As Nadal begins his 38th year, we at Tennishead wanted to look back on the tennis legends incredible career so far.

Here is what the Mallorcan has achieved over the past 20 years:

• 22 Grand Slam singles titles – including 14 Roland Garros titles
• Career Golden Slam (Won all four majors and Olympic gold medal in singles in Beijing)
• Olympic Gold medal in doubles (Rio Olympics)
• 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles (Including 11 Monte Carlo Masters victories)
• 92 Career ATP titles
• And many more great achievements along the way!

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The post Rafael Nadal undergoes arthroscopic surgery ‘to review left psoas’ appeared first on Tennishead.

Elena Rybakina has pulled out from her third round match at Roland Garros against Sara Sorribes Tormo, with the WTA citing the withdrawal due to an ‘upper respiratory illness’ .

Rybakina was on an eight-match winning streak, stemming from her Italian Open triumph and opening two wins in Paris, however the Kazakh will take no further part in the clay major despite practicing earlier on today.

“I didn’t sleep two nights and had some fever,” Rybakina said in a statement to Roland Garros. “Today I really tried on the warm up, but I feel that the right decision is to withdraw…I’m really upset not to be able to play, but I guess that’s life.”

The Wimbledon champion is still likely to rise to a new career-high of No.3, but would have been hoping for a better outcome after winning her biggest title on the dirt.

Rybakina’s withdrawal means that Sorribes Tormo moves into the second week of a major for the first time in her career, and either the Spaniard, Ekaterina Alexandrova or Beatriz Haddad Maia will become a first time Grand Slam quarter-finalist.

While WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek is unlikely to be pleased about Rybakina feeling unwell, it does open up her half of the draw even more, with 2022 Roland Garros runner-up Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur the Pole’s biggest threats in terms of ranking.

Your order of play for Philippe-Chatrier today.

Unfortunately, Elena Rybakina has had to withdraw from her match #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/CXVrpbwxbr

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2023

Rybakina will now move onto the grass, as she attempts to defend her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

Elena Rybakina winning streak before withdrawal

Before Rybakina pulled out from the Roland Garros draw, the 23-year-old was one of the favourites for the title alongside Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.

Her form in general in 2023 has been very strong, but a recent breakthrough on the clay had also got people talking.

Here are the women she beat to produce this eight-match winning streak:
Rome

First Round – Received a bye

Second Round – Beat Jasmine Paolini, 7-6(4) 6-1

Third Round – Beat Anna Kalinskaya, 4-3 (Kalinskaya retired)

Fourth Round – Beat Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3 6-3

Quarter-final – Beat Iga Swiatek, 2-6 7-6(3) 2-2 (Swiatek retired)

Semi-final – Beat Jelena Ostapenko, 6-2 6-4

Final – Beat Anhelina Kalinina, 6-4 1-0 (Kalinina retired)

Roland Garros 

First Round – Beat Brenda Fruhvirtova, 6-4 6-2

Second Round – Beat Linda Noskova, 6-3 6-3

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It is often said that your first serve is a weapon and your second serve is a coin flip, and the French Open is full proof of that this year.

Second serve performance at Roland Garros through the first two rounds is underperforming for men and women compared to the past five years, despite hot, lively conditions in Paris that should favor the server.

With the help of Craig O’Shannessy of Brain Game Tennis, we at Tennishead wanted to dig into the numbers to learn all we can about the second serve:

French Open Men

Second Serve Win Percentages

• 2018 = 50.08%
• 2019 = 50.37%
• 2020 = 49.44%
• 2021 = 50.00%
• 2022 = 50.22%
• 2023 1st Two Rounds = 49.60%

It’s incredible to think that the best servers on the planet can only play even on average with their 2nd serves.

Lorenzo Musetti is top of the 2nd serve points won leaderboard, winning 72% (41/57). He has done it by mixing the direction of his second serve around the service box in his first two rounds.

Lorenzo Musetti 2nd Serve Direction

Round 1 vs. M. Ymer

• Wide = 5
• Body = 18
• Center = 8

Round 2 vs. A. Shevchenko

• Wide = 10
• Body = 4
• Center = 11

When analyzing the 31 completed matches from the second round, you uncover a sizeable difference between match winners and match losers.

2nd Round Men: Average 2nd Serve Points Won

• Match Winners = 57%
• Match Losers = 47%

That’s a substantial 10 percentage-point gap between the winners and losers. Only seven match winners were able to lose the second serve battle to their opponent and still walk away with a victory.

French Open Women

• 2018 = 45.39%
• 2019 = 45.10%
• 2020 = 44.55%
• 2021 = 44.90%
• 2022 = 45.05%
• 2023 1st Two Rounds = 42.95%

It’s interesting that second serve performance is not as good so far this year as other years, dropping to just under 43%. The average for first serves won for both men and women is 61%. Making your first serve is definitely a strategic advantage.

More than half (17) of the match winners in the second round won under 50% of their second serve points.

Qualifier, Mirra Andreeva (WTA  No.143), is making the most of her main draw opportunities, winning 78% (29/37) of her second serve points through the first two rounds. Like the men, there is a 10 percentage-point gap between match winners and match losers.

There is just something special about her #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/MAvjXwkxKv

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2023

2nd Round Women: Average 2nd Serve Points Won

• Match Winners = 48%
• Match Losers = 38%

It’s incredible to think that even the match winners are not averaging winning more than 50% on second serve points in the second round.

SUMMARY

A contributing factor knocking second serve performance around are double faults. The men have served 871 through the first two rounds, while the women are at 745.

Here are five takeaways to improve second serve performance at every level of our sport:

• The number one place both men and women double fault is into the net (versus long or wide). That’s mainly due to a low toss and low contact. Get your toss up and reach as much as possible.
• Mix 2nd serves around the service box. Don’t be afraid to surprise to the forehand return.
• Make sure the 1st serve is protecting the 2nd serve. Both men and women are making 61% first serves at the French Open this year. Don’t be at 50% or lower.
• Play defensively on your Serve +1 shot. When facing a strong return, you need to block more with the first shot after the serve to keep it in play.
• Mix spins. Have slice as well as kick. Use the wind and also stand in different spots on the baseline to serve. Don’t give the returner what they want. Keep them on edge.

For free access to Craig O’Shannessy’s complete courses on ‘25 Golden Rules of Singles‘ and ‘25 Golden Rules of Doubles‘, join thousands of other keen amateur tennis players and become a member of the Tennishead Club. Once you join we’ll immediately send you ground breaking coaching advice, a welcome pack including a full ASICS head to toe outfit including shoes, plus loads more. And it costs as little as £65/$97 to join with membership benefits worth over £600/$700 per year!

Craig O’Shannessy is the creator of Brain Game Tennis. For 20 years he’s been involved in tennis as a coach to players like Kevin Anderson and even Dustin Brown when he famously beat Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon. More recently Craig’s been working as a match analyst at Wimbledon and for the ATP Tour. He has also used the unique insights from his match analysis software dartfish to guide players such as Novak Djokovic with analysis of opponents and performances.

Visit BrainGameTennis.com to read the latest and best selling course ‘Getting Tight’ where Craig teams up with Jeff Greenwald to combine their specific skill sets to help you with the universal problem all players struggle with in matches.

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Taylor Fritz was described as ‘brave’ following his decision to ‘shush’ the French crowd, after eliminating their last singles player in the draw, Arthur Rinderknech. 

Fritz lost the first set before fighting back to beat the ATP No.78, 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-4, in front of a hostile crowd on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

The American reacted by putting his finger to his lips at the end of the match, which was met by a rapture of boos from the Parisian’s who had hoped for a home singles player in the third round.

Former British tennis player Barry Cowan described Fritz as ‘brave’ on Eurosport commentary, “Well, you’ve got to be brave to do that and the French might not forget that.”

TAYLOR SAYS: @Taylor_Fritz97 takes out home favourite Arthur Rinderknech 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to reach the third round in Paris!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Iqe9Vl0zSa

— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 1, 2023

Fritz also had to take part in a post-match interview on court with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, to which he responded to the only question in a sarcastic manner.

“I came out and the crowd was so great honestly. Like, the crowd was just so great,” Fritz remarked. “They cheered so well for me, I wanted to make sure that I won. Thanks, guys.”

"I love you guys"

The French crowd 'loves' @Taylor_Fritz97 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/UU1wj7qVs3

— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 1, 2023

Following the match Rinderknech defended the French crowd in his press conference, “In the U.S. the public even interacts in between the points. You can imagine here (at Roland Garros) if this had been the case, the match would have been crazy.”

He added, “Maybe in the U.S., the sound was a bit less. As long as people don’t shout during the points and things that have nothing to do with encouragement, then I’m in favour of it. It just makes the game even better.”

Fritz will be hoping that the French crowd forgets his ‘shushing’ when he takes on Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday, as he attempts to reach the fourth round of Roland Garros for the first time.

Taylor Fritz eliminating the final French player

Fritz beating Rinderknech meant that all 28 French singles players from the men’s and women’s draws were out before the third round, including fifth seed Caroline Garcia.

Knocked out in the first round:

ATP

Benoit Paire

Hugo Grenier

Arthur Fils

Constant Lestienne

Adrian Mannarino

Arthur Cazaux

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Richard Gasquet

Alexandre Muller

Gregoire Barrere

Hugo Gaston

Quentin Halys

WTA

Fiona Ferro

Kristina Mladenovic

Clara Burel

Selena Janicijevic

Jessika Ponchet

Alize Cornet

Knocked out in the second round:

ATP

Lucas Pouille

Luca van Assche

Ugo Humbert

Corentin Moutet

Gael Monfils

Arthur Rinderknech

WTA

Diane Parry

Oceane Dodin

Leolia Jeanjean

Caroline Garcia

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Emma Raducanu has announced her split from coach Sebastian Sachs, with the British No.1 implying that her current injury status makes it ‘unfeasible’ for the partnership to continue.

Raducanu began working with the German at the end of last year, but has faced a disrupted 2023 with injuries bringing her season to a halt after undergoing surgeries to both of her wrists and her left ankle.

opa. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/YbXQS5PZtX

— Emma Raducanu (@EmmaRaducanu) May 15, 2023

The 20-year-old announced that her fifth coaching relationship since arriving on the WTA tour would be coming to an end with a statement on social media.

“I have really enjoyed Seb’s coaching and working with him, it’s unfortunate that circumstances made it unfeasible for both of us to continue right now and we have decided to part ways. I wish Seb all the best moving forwards,” Raducanu said on Twitter.

I have really enjoyed Seb’s coaching and working with him, it’s unfortunate that circumstances made it unfeasible for both of us to continue right now and we have decided to part ways. I wish Seb all the best moving forwards. pic.twitter.com/wrewLWVDVS

— Emma Raducanu (@EmmaRaducanu) June 1, 2023

While Raducanu and Sachs only worked together for five tournaments, it did produce the 2021 US Open champion’s best ranked win since her shock triumph in New York when she beat 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, to reach the fourth round of Indian Wells.

However, with the No.107 unavailable to compete at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and potentially the US Open, it is understandable that the two had decided to part ways.

Emma Raducanu and her coaching changes

Since bursting onto the scene at Wimbledon two years ago, Raducanu has had five different permanent coaches and her partnership with Sachs is the longest of those.

Here are Raducanu’s five coaches and the time period she spent with each of them:

• Nigel Sears (June – July 2021)
• Andrew Richardson (July – September 2021)
• Torben Beltz (November 2021 – April 2022)
• Dmitry Tursunov (August 2022 – October 2022)
• Sebastian Sachs (December 2022 – June 2023)

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Novak Djokovic has compared his second round match on the Phillipe Chatrier court to a famous Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer exhibition contest, as he booked his place into the Roland Garros third round with a straight sets victory over Marton Fucsovics.

Djokovic continued his flawless record against the Hungarian by picking up a fifth consecutive victory in comfortable fashion, 7-6(2) 6-0 6-3.

However, the Serb admitted that he struggled in the windy conditions and compared it to a famous exhibition match between Nadal and Federer that was played back in 2007.

“I actually thought of Nadal and Federer’s exhibition match in Spain when they played half of the court grass, half clay. That was how I felt today. Like ‘Bambi on ice’ on one end,” claimed Djokovic.

He continued, “It’s quite windy these days but normally once the sun comes down the intensity of the wind also comes down but it wasn’t the case tonight. It’s tough for the timing and to find a right distance to the ball.”

Half grass, half clay #OnThisDay in 2007, @rogerfederer and @RafaelNadal met in 'The battle of the surfaces'

Nadal won 75 46 76(10)

@WeAreTennis pic.twitter.com/4TUn9esZ7Y

— ITF (@ITFTennis) May 2, 2019

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also gave credit to Fucsovics, who Djokovic claims to know very well, “He [Fucsovics] was playing well, I was up the entire first set, should have closed it out. Credit it to him for fighting and playing a high level.”

He added, “There was a lot of intensity in set one. I found my best game again in the second & the third, and I’m finally happy of my game. I know Fucsovics very well, he can be very good on each surface.”

Djokovic will now turn his attention to his third round opponent of 29th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who the Serb will play tomorrow.

Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina head-to-head

While Djokovic has the upper hand in his head-to-head with the Spaniard, the former Roland Garros quarter-finalist does have the most recent victory that came on the dirt.

Djokovic vs Davidovich Fokina: 2-1

1. Djokovic beat Davidovich Fokina, 6-2 6-1 (Italian Open 2021)
2. Djokovic beat Davidovich Fokina, 6-3 6-1 (Tokyo Olympics 2021)
3. Davidovich Fokina beat Djokovic, 6-3 6(5)-7 6-1 (Monte Carlo 2022)

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Gael Monfils has announced his withdrawal from Roland Garros, after picking up a wrist injury in his emotional five-set victory over Sebastian Baez.

Monfils recovered from 0-4 30-40 down in the deciding set to pick up his first win of the year above ATP Challenger level, and only his second win at all.

However, it appears that in the almost four hour battle the charismatic Frenchman caused more harm than good, and therefore a press conference was called to confirm his exit from the tournament.

“There’s a problem with my wrist that I cannot solve, felt it during the match,” explained Monfils. “Unfortunately the doctor said it’s not good to play with that type of injury.”

He continued, “I’m not really sure what I feel, but it’s more than being disappointed. How many [more] Roland-Garros’ will I play? That’s the question. I don’t know what the answer is. How many will I play? For the time being I’m trying to digest this.”

Monfils has had many struggles with injuries over the past year, including having to undergo heel surgery that has dropped his ranking to No.394.

Fans were obviously disappointed to hear the announcement, especially with the confirmation that the highly anticipated night match between Monfils and Holger Rune on Court Philippe Chatrier would no longer be going ahead.

Rune has now booked his slot into the third round and wished Monfils well on Twitter, with their night session match being replaced by Alexander Zverev taking on Alex Molcan.

I wish you a speedy recovery and look forward seeing you back in action soon again @Gael_Monfils https://t.co/wFncVUieVs

— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) May 31, 2023

Gael Monfils at Roland Garros

Monfils is a very popular figure at Roland Garros, being a home favourite and having that fun style of play that could get any crowd going and the 36-year-old’s, 3-6 6-3 7-5 1-6 7-5, victory over Baez optimised just that.

Here is how he has performed at his home major over the years:

Win-loss record: 37-15 (71%)

Best Result: Semi-final (2008) – Lost to Roger Federer, 2-6 7-5 3-6 5-7

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Carlos Alcaraz has been labelled ‘the greatest player ever at 20’ by 16-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe, who is ‘hoping’ for a rivalry between the Spaniard and Holger Rune.

Alcaraz made a winning start to his Roland Garros campaign, where he is the top seed at a major for the first time in his career, beating qualifier Flavio Cobolli in straight sets.

The US Open champion was waxed lyrical about by former singles and doubles No.1 McEnroe after the match, “Look at Alcaraz, the guy’s the best 20-year-old I’ve ever seen and at this point, I’d put him above [Rafael] Nadal, [Novak] Djokovic, [Roger] Federer and [Pete] Sampras as the greatest player I’ve ever seen at 20.”

Fellow 20-year-old and top 10 player Rune also won his opening match at the Paris major, and McEnroe revealed his desire for a rivalry between Alcaraz and the Dane.

“I believe you need rivalries,” McEnroe said on Eurosport. “We haven’t seen a lot, particularly on the women’s side.”

He continued, “You think about how much better the men have got because they’ve played each other so often. It’s insane. They were forced to get better.”

“Now, you’re hoping, as Djokovic and Nadal wind down, you’re hoping Alcaraz and Rune in particular step up and have a great rivalry because all sports need it. It makes it much more fun and much more interesting. People generally pay more attention.”

If Alcaraz and Rune were to begin their rivalry at Roland Garros it would have to be in the final, as they are in opposite halves of the draw.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Holger Rune head-to-head

Alcaraz and Rune have known each other for a long time, and even played doubles together as 13-year-old’s.

However, they have only played two matches against each other on the main ATP tour so far:

Alcaraz vs Rune: 1-1

1. Alcaraz beat Rune, 4-3 4-2 4-0 (Next Gen ATP Finals Round-Robin 2021)
2. Rune beat Alcaraz, 6-3 6-6(3-1) (Alcaraz retired) (Paris Masters Quarter-final 2022)

Pair of prodigies: Alcaraz and Rune together in doubles at "Les Petits As" in 2017

( @LesPetitsAs)pic.twitter.com/ghvI0Cx0bg

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) October 22, 2022

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Venus Williams has been announced to be playing at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, with the seven-time major winner showing her intention to return to the Wimbledon singles draw.

Williams has not played many tournaments in recent years, competing at only four events in 2022, which is reflected by her singles ranking of No.701.

The 42-year-old had intended to play the Australian Open this year, and despite picking up her first singles win since 2021 in Auckland was forced to return her wildcard after picking up a hamstring injury.

“That’s the point when I withdrew from the Australian Open,” said Williams back in February. “I had a wildcard and it was so awesome, but it wasn’t for me and I wanted someone else to have that opportunity because I knew I wouldn’t have a chance to play. I knew that it was going to be a bad injury.”

However, after four months away from the WTA tour, Williams has been announced to make her debut appearance at the grass court event in the Netherlands that takes place from the 12th June.

The tournament announced the news on social media, “A legend arrives… We proudly present Venus Williams as a participant in our WTA tournament! The American receives a wildcard and will debut on the ‘s-Hertogenbosch grass courts.”

𝘼 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…

We proudly present Venus Williams as a participant in our WTA tournament! The American receives a wildcard and will debut on the 's-Hertogenbosch grass courts.

Get your tickets now via https://t.co/JtWe6TQZFu#LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/HK1qLhOJ9S

— Libéma Open (@LibemaOpen) May 30, 2023

Venus Williams at Wimbledon

Wimbledon is Williams’ most successful Grand Slam tournament, with five singles titles and six doubles crowns alongside her sister, Serena, to her name.

Here are the five finals where the American claimed singles glory:

2000 – V.Williams beat Lindsay Davenport, 6-3 7-6(3)

2001 – V.Williams beat Justine Henin, 6-1 3-6 6-0

2005 – V.Williams beat Lindsay Davenport, 4-6 7-6(4) 9-7

2007 – V.Williams beat Marion Bartoli, 6-4 6-1

2008 – V.Williams beat Serena Williams, 7-5 6-4

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Novak Djokovic has been fired back at by Cameron Norrie, after he criticised the British No.1 following their heated match at the Italian Open.

Djokovic beat Norrie two weeks ago in the fourth round of the Italian Open, and had a few words to say about the 27-year-old following a cold handshake after the match.

“From the very beginning, he was doing all the things that were allowed,” said Djokovic. “He’s allowed to take a medical timeout. He’s allowed to hit a player.”

“He’s allowed to say C’mon in the face more or less every single point from basically [the] first game. Those are the things that we players know in the locker room it’s not fair play, it’s not how we treat each other. But, again, it’s allowed, so…”

Norrie has since responded to those accusations, while also making an accusation about the 22-time Grand Slam champion of his own.

“He wanted some more time on the physio bed and the match was scheduled for 11am,” claimed Norrie. “And we walked out maybe 11.12am, 11.13am. I don’t think he saw any problem with that. He never said anything to me. And he never apologised.”

Norrie continued, “I asked: ‘Was that OK to do that?’ They [the officials] said: ‘Yeah, it is within the rules.’ After 15 minutes, he gets defaulted. I said: ‘OK,’ and I continued warming up.”

“I’ve never seen that before from any player. Regardless if it’s a tennis match or not, you turn up on time for whatever it is.”

The No.13 then went onto respond to the suggestions that he was getting in the face of Djokovic, and also using a medical timeout for strategic reasons.

“I wanted to win, it was one of those matches where he’s one of the best players in the world and I wanted to play my best and compete as hard as I could,” explained Norrie.

“I didn’t think I was in his face at all. I think, if anyone knows me, I’m pretty vocal in some matches. It was a regular tennis match for me.”

Norrie added, “I was feeling my hip a little bit and I took the medical time-out. It is within the rules. And for him also it’s in the rules to start the match on his time – being late.”

There was also a situation where Norrie smashed the ball at Djokovic’s feet after he had turned away, to which the Brit revealed he had not seen the Serb.

“I apologised straight away and I didn’t see him. I looked up and hit the ball down low. I didn’t see him turn and concede the point,” claimed Norrie.

Both Norrie and Djokovic will continue their Roland Garros campaigns later today, with the pair only able to face other if they both reach the semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie head-to-head

It is fair to say that there will be a few extra eyes when Djokovic and Norrie next play each other, however the Serb is likely to be the more confident of the two from their previous encounters:

Djokovic vs Norrie: 3-0

1. Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-2 6-1 (ATP Finals Round-Robin 2021)
2. Djokovic beat Norrie, 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 (Wimbledon Semi-Final 2022)
3. Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-3 6-4 (Italian Open Fourth Round 2023)

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Daniil Medvedev appears to have gone back to ‘hating’ clay, following his shock first round Roland Garros defeat to qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild.

Medvedev was coming into the clay major with the most success he had ever had on the surface, having won the Italian Open, but could not back that up and lost to No.172 Seyboth Wild in five-sets.

The tournament’s second seed spoke to press after the match, revealing all the different things he did not like about the dirt, “Today, because [of the] wind, dry court, I had a mouthful of clay since probably the third game of the match, and I don’t like it.”

He continued, “I don’t know if people like to eat clay, to have clay in their bags, their shoes, the socks, white socks; you can throw them into [the] garbage after clay season. Maybe some people like it. I don’t.”

“I am happy to have it finished. I’m going to have to have a good time off. Have to find positives. A lot of, yeah, a lot of relaxing next days. Happy to go to the next challenges even if, for sure, I wanted to stay longer in Paris, even if it’s clay.”

Seyboth Wild had never previously won a main draw match at a Grand Slam tournament, and the Brazilian labelled his shock triumph over Medvedev as a ‘dream come true’.

“I watched Daniil play since I was junior and beating him on such a court is a dream come true,’ Seyboth Wild said. “I tried to use my forehand against his and it worked pretty well. I started cramping at the start of the second set but I used my mental strength to play my best tennis.”

Medvedev suggested that he would be taking some time off before heading into the grass court season, with the No.2 able to play Wimbledon this year due to The Championships overturning their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.

Daniil Medvedev at Roland Garros

Medvedev’s first round exit is his earliest defeat at the tournament since 2020, with the 27-year-old reaching as far as the quarter-finals in 2021.

Here is his full history at Roland Garros:

Win-loss record: 7-7 (50%)

2017: Lost in the first round to Benjamin Bonzi (wildcard), 7-5 4-6 1-6 1-3 (retired)

2018: Lost in the first round to Lucas Pouille (15), 2-6 3-6 4-6

2019: Lost in the first round to Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 6-4 6-4 3-6 2-6 5-7

2020: Lost in the first round to Marton Fucsovics, 4-6 6(3)-7 6-2 1-6

2021: Lost in the quarter-final to Stefanos Tsitsipas (5), 3-6 6(3)-7 5-7

2022: Lost in the fourth round to Marin Cilic (20), 2-6 3-6 2-6

2023: Lost in the first round to Thiago Seyboth Wild (Q), 6(5)-7 7-6(6) 6-2 3-6 4-6.

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Novak Djokovic has been labelled as ‘the favourite’ for the Roland Garros title over No.1 Carlos Alcaraz by seven-time major winner Mats Wilander, who suggested the Serb could ‘play until he’s 40 years old’.

Djokovic made a winning start to his Roland Garros campaign with a straight sets victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic, 6-3 6-2 7-6(1), moving the No.3 one step closer to a potential clash with Alcaraz who also won his opening match in comfortable fashion.

Let’s go ! Idemo ! #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/FE9mmMIGt3

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 29, 2023

Before his first round match Djokovic had claimed that Alcaraz was the ‘biggest favourite’ for the Coupe des Mousquetaires this year, but Wilander has argued that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would have enough match time before meeting the Spaniard in the semi-final.

“I think if Alcaraz plays his best tennis, I think that it would be very difficult for anyone to beat him,” Wilander said. “But you have to make him play worse, and I think Novak Djokovic is one of the few guys that can actually, somehow, make Alcaraz doubt himself, make Alcaraz come up with unforced errors which he doesn’t do against other players.”

The former No.1 continued, “He [Djokovic] is going to get five matches before he runs into Alcaraz – that’s enough practice for Djokovic.”

“Yes, it’s uncomfortable because you can be blown off the court by Alcaraz – that’s just the name of the game, that’s being 36 years old against a 20-year-old. That’s always been the case but Novak – I think he is the favourite in my eyes.”

Wilander also spoke about how Djokovic’s attitude has helped and will continue to help him play for many years to come, “When you talk to Novak, he’s so humble these days. I actually think that is the main reason why he is able to keep going, because he does take it day by day.”

He added, “I think he can play until he’s 40 years old, he looks so young and is so fresh. He’s keen, he’s motivated – even in interviews with me!”

Djokovic will play his second round match tomorrow against Marton Fucsovics, who he has beaten in all four previous meetings, with Alcaraz coming up against Taro Daniel.

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head

Despite Djokovic and Alcaraz both holding Grand Slam titles, the pair have only played on one previous occasion and the result does not support Wilander’s claims.

Here is their only meeting to date:

Madrid Open Semi-final (2022): Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic, 6(5)-7 7-5 7-6(5) 

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