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☆ All hail Alcaraz as he ends Djokovic's long Wimbledon reign in thriller
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Pritha Sarkar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

It's great to win ... making history in this beautiful tournament," Alcaraz said as he cradled the trophy during the presentation ceremony. [1/7]Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. At 3-3, Djokovic was left rolling on the turf after he stumbled over while chasing down one such effort. The chants of "Carlos, Carlos, Carlos" rose to a crescendo when, at 3-1 up in the third set, Alcaraz stretched Djokovic to 13 deuces before finally breaking on his seventh break point in a mental and physical battle that dragged on for 26 minutes. "You played maybe once or twice before this year's Wimbledon on grass and it's amazing just what you did."

Persons: Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic's, Boris Becker, Alcaraz, Novak, James Bond, Daniel Craig, Margaret Court's, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Toby Melville, Alcaraz volleyed, Fergus Murphy, Carlos, I'd, Pritha Sarkar, Toby Davis, Ken Ferris Organizations: Wimbledon, England, Court, REUTERS, Serbian, U.S, Thomson Locations: Serbian, hurtling

☆ I've never faced a player like Alcaraz, says beaten Djokovic
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic has experienced everything possible on a tennis court during his trophy-laden 23-year career but said he has never faced a player quite like Carlos Alcaraz. "I didn't expect him to play so well this year on grass, but he's proven he's the best player in the world," Djokovic said after his 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 defeat. I think he's got some nice sliding backhands, some similarities with my backhands. After outplaying Alcaraz in a one-sided first set, Djokovic then slugged out an 85-minute second and had a point for a two-set lead in the tiebreak but dumped a backhand into the net. "Set point, I missed the backhand.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alcaraz, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Margaret Court's, Casper Ruud, cramp, Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger, Rafa, He's, we've, he's, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Dylan Martinez Djokovic, outplaying, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Court, Wimbledon, Djokovic, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Thomson Locations: U.S, London, Britain

☆ Alcaraz seizes the throne as Djokovic finally meets his match
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Of course, he did, because you do not have 23 Grand Slam titles in the bank by ducking a fight in moments of crisis. Young pretenders have repeatedly tried and failed to take Djokovic down at Wimbledon -- Matteo Berrettini in the 2021 final and Nick Kyrgios last year. That he did it with Djokovic still at the peak of his powers and halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam, made it feel like a seismic moment in men's tennis. "I've won some epic finals that I was close to losing so it's fair and square," Djokovic, who saved match points when beating Roger Federer in 2019, told reporters. The bull-like Spaniard, playing only his second Grand Slam final compared to Djokovic's record 35, might have folded after being schooled by the master in a 34-minute opening set.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Young, Matteo Berrettini, Nick Kyrgios, Boris Becker, Manuel Santana, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, I've, Roger Federer, Carlos, Federer, Serena Williams, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Andrew Couldridge, Novak, King Felipe, Carlos Carlos, Margaret Court's, Alcaraz, Djokovic's, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Wimbledon, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS, Thomson Locations: ducking, Wimbledon, tennis, London, Britain

☆ Deadly Djokovic repels Rublev to reach Wimbledon semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Inspired seventh seed Rublev snatched the opening set but it was akin to poking a sleeping grizzly bear as Djokovic exacted painful punishment to stay on track for a fifth straight title. Rublev played brilliant tennis that would have accounted for pretty much any other player in the world. But it was not enough to stop the 36-year-old Djokovic reaching his 46th Grand Slam semi-final, equalling the record of eight-time champion Roger Federer. But before Rublev had even had time to process his lead he was 5-0 down in the second set as Djokovic bounced back. The second seed was in control as he broke serve early in the third set but Rublev was not done.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Russia's Andrey Rublev, Andrew Couldridge, Novak, Andrey Rublev, Rublev, Roger Federer, Roman, Federer, Serena Williams, I've, Djokovic, he's Novak, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Russia's Andrey Rublev REUTERS, Wimbledon, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Italian, Russian, Serbian

☆ Wimbledon day eight
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 9, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Poland's Hubert Hurkacz pack their equipment up as play is interrupted during their fourth round match REUTERS/Dylan MartinezJuly 10 (Reuters) - Highlights of the eighth day at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Monday (times GMT):1209 KEYS SEALS COMEBACK WIN OVER ANDREEVAAmerican 25th seed Madison Keys reached the quarter-finals with a 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 victory over 16-year-old qualifier Mirra Andreeva of Russia. Keys will play in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for the first time since 2015. READ MOREDark horse Berrettini prepared for 'great fight' with AlcarazOrder of play on MondaySwiatek survives scare to set up Svitolina clashDjokovic leads despite Hurkacz ace barrageTop seed Swiatek fights back from the brink to beat BencicPegula produces dazzling display to reach first Wimbledon quartersRublev flying high after learning to diveSvitolina comes out on top in blockbuster battle with AzarenkaAzarenka booed off court for failing to offer Svitolina obligatory handshakeSinner not saintly but reaches Wimbledon quarter-finalsRublev tames Bublik fightback to reach Wimbledon quartersRussian teenager Andreeva uses Nadal as role modelSafiullin knocks out Shapovalov to reach maiden major quarter-finals at Wimbledon1006 PLAY UNDERWAYPlay began under cloudy skies, with the temperature hovering around 21 degrees Celsius. Reporting by Hritika Sharma and Aadi Nair; editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, Dylan Martinez, Madison Keys, Mirra Andreeva, Keys, Berrettini, Swiatek, Bencic, Svitolina, Azarenka Azarenka, Andreeva, Nadal, Shapovalov, Hritika Sharma, Aadi Nair, Clare Fallon Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Wimbledon, Madison, Alcaraz, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Russia

☆ Holders Djokovic, Rybakina move into Wimbledon quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Second seed Djokovic will hope his 101st match at Wimbledon - against seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev in the last eight - will mark a return to vintage form. Rybakina, meanwhile, had an easier route into the quarter-finals after her Brazilian opponent retired with a back injury while trailing the third seed 4-1 in the first set. "It was really unlucky for Beatriz and I hope she gets better," added Rybakina. It was also a day to rejoice for fellow American Eubanks, who got past Tsitsipas 3-6 7-6(4) 3-6 6-4 6-4 to make the quarter-finals on his Wimbledon debut. "I feel like I'm living a dream right now, this is absolutely insane," said Eubanks, who meets Medvedev next.

Persons: Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Hannah Mckay, Djokovic, Rybakina, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Eubanks, Novak Djokovic, Pole Hubert Hurkacz, Elena Rybakina, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Daniil Medvedev, Czech Jiri Lehecka, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Christopher Eubanks, Holder Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Beatriz, Jabeur, Petra Kvitova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, I'm, Sabalenka, Andreeva, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Ken Ferris Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS, Wimbledon, Court, Madison Keys, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Czech, Moscow, Kazakh, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic leads despite Hurkacz ace barrage
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Hurkacz rocketed down 23 aces including one clocked at 141mph -- the fastest serve of the tournament so far. Djokovic will sleep a lot easier than he might have done if the 17th seed Hurkacz had taken the opening set after two aces saw him to 6-3 in the tiebreak. Djokovic won both his points on serve to close the gap and then returned a Hurkacz howitzer and the Pole could only roll a forehand into the net. This time Hurkacz's spinning volley crept over and Djokovic almost fell over the net as he missed the put-away. Another tiebreak arrived and Hurkacz won a stunning baseline rally to save a set point but two points later he sent a forehand out to hand Djokovic a two-set lead.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Poland's Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS, Dylan Martinez, Novak Djokovic, Hubert Hurkacz, Hurkacz, Djokovic, deuce, Andrey Rublev, Martyn Herman, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Dylan Martinez LONDON, Wimbledon, Djokovic, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Russian

☆ Djokovic beats Wawrinka just before closing time
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 7, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his third round match against Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka REUTERS/Andrew CouldridgeLONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - Stan Wawrinka said he stood no chance of beating Novak Djokovic in their Wimbledon third-round clash on Friday and the Swiss's prediction proved spot on as he was outplayed on Centre Court. His 31st consecutive match win at Wimbledon sent him into the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 61st time in which he will face Poland's 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz. "He was two points away from extending the match for another day," Djokovic said on court. With the Centre Court roof closed and the lights on, Djokovic took the second set in half an hour. With the clock ticking towards cut-off point, the same one that had snagged Andy Murray's charge against Stefanos Tsitsipas the previous evening, Djokovic finally looked less invincible.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, Andrew Couldridge, Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, Djokovic, Hubert Hurkacz, Wawrinka, Margaret Court's, Roger Federer's, Andy Murray's, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Wimbledon, Court, Thomson Locations: London, Britain

That's the role he played (in my career), beating me in two Grand Slam finals," a smiling Djokovic said ahead of their third round encounter on Centre Court. Wawrinka sensationally won three Grand Slam titles, beating Djokovic at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. "After several knee surgeries, he keeps going strong and trying to create some more history for himself and tennis," Djokovic said. "We cannot forget that he's a three-time Grand Slam champion, Davis Cup winner and also (won) Olympic gold (in doubles). With Wimbledon still clearing the backlog of matches postponed due to rain, world number one Carlos Alcaraz will be playing his second round match on Friday when he takes on Frenchman Alexandre Muller.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Dylan Martinez, Novak, Stan Wawrinka, Djokovic, Wawrinka, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Wawrinka sensationally, Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz, Frenchman Alexandre Muller, Iga Swiatek, Croatian Petra Martic, Rohith Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Australia's Jordan Thompson REUTERS, Wimbledon, Davis, French, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Serbian, Flushing Meadows, Croatian, Bengaluru

☆ Wawrinka sets up Djokovic clash as Wimbledon clears backlog
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The 38-year-old Wawrinka, winner of three Grand Slam titles and twice a Wimbledon quarter-finalist, knocked out 29th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2. His reward was a first meeting on grass with Djokovic who has beaten him in 20 of their 26 clashes. "I was missing that in my career to play him in the Grand Slam in Wimbledon. It was a memorable day for Andrey Rublev who overcame fellow Russian Aslan Karatsev 6-7(4) 6-3 6-4 7-5 to bag his 50th Grand Slam match victory and move into the third round. She set up an intriguing clash with American Sofia Kenin after the former major champion eased past China's Wang Xinyu 6-4 6-3.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Dylan Martinez, Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, It's, Novak, Wawrinka, Gijs Brouwer, Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Sonego, Andrey Rublev, Aslan Karatsev, Elina Svitolina, Elise Mertens, Sofia Kenin, China's Wang Xinyu, Barbora Krejcikova, Kontaveit, Marie Bouzkova, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Ed Osmond Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Australia's Jordan Thompson REUTERS, Wimbledon, Dutch, England Club, Ukraine, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Swiss, Madrid, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic, Swiatek advance as climate protesters disrupt rain-hit Wimbledon
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Earlier, Kostyuk battled from a set down and overcame three rain interruptions to beat eighth seed Sakkari 0-6 7-5 6-2. She became only the third women's player to beat a top-10 seed at Wimbledon in the Open Era after losing the first set 6-0. American world number 10 Frances Tiafoe saw off China's Wimbledon debutant Wu Yibing 7-6(4) 6-3 6-4 before compatriot Taylor Fritz completed a 6-4 2-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 victory over Yannick Hanfmann. Sixth seed Holger Rune sailed through to the second round for the first time with a 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2 victory over British wildcard George Loffhagen. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond and Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Serbia's Novak, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Dylan Martinez, Medvedev, Fritz, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo, Daria Kasatkina, Jodie Burrage, Daniil Medvedev, Arthur Fery, Marta Kostyuk, Maria Sakkari, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, Japan's Sho Shimabukuro, Katie Boulter, Australian Daria Saville, Dimitrov, Briton Fery, Arthur, Kostyuk, Frances Tiafoe, Wu Yibing, Taylor Fritz, Yannick Hanfmann, Holger Rune, George Loffhagen, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Ed Osmond, Toby Davis Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Wimbledon, All England Club, Stop Oil, Bulgarian, Security, Briton, British, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Australian, Belarusian, British, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic reaches round three and another milestone
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Playing with his usual clinical accuracy he eventually subdued Thompson who offered up some thing rare at Wimbledon these days -- some serve and volley tennis. It certainly kept Djokovic honest but the second seeded Serb, bidding to win a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon and fifth in a row, always looked in control. "He was a bit unlucky in the second set. He had some chances but yeah, he played a great match and deserves a big round of applause for sure," Djokovic said. While Djokovic certainly does not need any help as he aims for a 24th Grand Slam title to match the all-time record of Margaret Court, things are certainly falling his way.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Australia's Jordan Thompson, Dylan Martinez, Novak Djokovic, Thompson, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Margaret Court, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Etcheverry, Etcheverry, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Australia's Jordan Thompson REUTERS, Dylan Martinez LONDON, Wimbledon, Court, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Swiss

☆ Djokovic centre stage again as Wimbledon gets under way
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The 36-year-old Djokovic, who has only lost twice at Wimbledon in a decade, tops the bill on Monday when he begins the Centre Court programme against Argentina's Pedro Cachin. Following Djokovic on to the hallowed turf, five-times women's champion Venus Williams, aged 43, will try and roll back the years as her 24th Wimbledon appearance begins against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. Rain showers are expected throughout the opening days although that will not impact those with tickets for Centre Court and Court One, both of which boast retractable roofs. Political slogans of any sort are banned around the grounds with Wimbledon organisers determined the focus should remain firmly on the tennis. All 17 players from those two countries, including men's third seed Daniil Medvedev, are competing as neutrals.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Hannah Mckay LONDON, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic, Federer, Bjorn Borg's, Argentina's Pedro Cachin, Venus Williams, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, Williams, Iga, Swiatek, China's Zhu Lin, Suncream, Putin's, Daniil Medvedev, Martyn Herman, Ed Osmond Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Wimbledon REUTERS, Wimbledon, Court, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, England, Serbian, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Russian

☆ Djokovic to face Cachin in Wimbledon opener, Rybakina up against Rogers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Friday's draw at the All England Club pitched women's top seed Iga Swiatek against China's 33rd-ranked Zhu Lin, a potentially tricky first hurdle for the Pole. Murray could face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two although first Tsitsipas must get passed former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem who has tumbled down the rankings. Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, a potential semi-final opponent for Alcaraz, returns to Wimbledon with a first round against British wildcard Arthur Fery. The projected women's quarter-finals based on seedings would see Swiatek meet seventh seed Coco Gauff while third seed Rybakina could face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur. Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, will face Cachin on Monday while Rybakina plays the traditional Tuesday Centre Court opener for women's defending champions.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe, John Sibley, Elena Rybakina, Shelby Rogers, Novak Djokovic, Pedro Cachin, Zhu Lin, Aryna Sabalenka, Hungarian Panna Udvardy, Venus Williams, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, Andy Murray, Ryan Peniston, Murray, Stefanos, Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, Djokovic, Roger Federer's, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Alcaraz, Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, Nick Kyrgios, David Goffin, Daniil Medvedev, Arthur Fery, Jessica Pegula, Holger Rune, Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Cachin, Rybakina, Martyn Herman, Christian Radnedge Organizations: U.S, John Sibley LONDON, Wimbledon, Argentina's, All England, China's, Queen's, Belgian, British, Denmark's, Tsitsipas, women's, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Belarusian, Ukraine, Hungarian, Russian

☆ Wimbledon prize money increased to record 44.7 million pounds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, June 14 (Reuters) - The total prize money on offer at Wimbledon has risen to a record 44.7 million pounds ($56.52 million) for the Championships this year, a 11.2% increase on 2022, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said on Wednesday. Winners and runners-up of the men's and women's singles finals will also see their prize money rising to previous levels in 2019, where they received 2.35 million pounds and 1.175 million pounds, respectively. The prize money for winners fell to 1.7 million pounds in 2021 before it was increased to 2 million pounds last year. "Our ambition with this distribution is to return the singles champions and runners-up prize money to the levels in 2019 prior to the (COVID-19) pandemic whilst... providing deserved support for players in the early rounds of the event." ($1 = 0.7908 pounds)Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Italy's Matteo Berrettini, Steven Paston, Ian Hewitt, Rohith Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: Wimbledon, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Bengaluru

☆ No rush to start clock at changeover, Djokovic argues with umpire
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 11, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic speaks to the umpire during his final match against Norway's Casper Ruud REUTERS/Clodagh KilcoyneJune 11 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic complained to the French Open final umpire that he was too quick to start the clock at changeovers in the first set on Sunday. The Serbian, chasing a record-breaking 23rd men's singles Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, expressed his frustration with Benoit Dumusois after losing a game that put his opponent Casper Ruud 6-5 up. "You start (the clock), I've not even come to the bench, why are you rushing?" "You can wait for us to sit down and call the score (and then start the clock). We're playing one hour and 10 minutes, it's a (possible) five setter in Grand Slam on clay."

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Norway's Casper Ruud, Clodagh, Novak Djokovic, Benoit Dumusois, Casper Ruud, I've, Djokovic, Dumusois, We're, Julien Pretot, David Holmes Organizations: French, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, changeovers

☆ French Open men's final to start under closed roof
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/2] Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 11, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic walks out ahead of the men's singles final against Norway's Casper Ruud REUTERS/Clodagh KilcoynePARIS, June 11 (Reuters) - The French Open men's final between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Norway's Casper Ruud will start under a closed roof with rain showers forecast in Paris on Sunday. The retractable roof was first used in the 2020 edition of Roland Garros and that year, as the tournament was played in September and October amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the final was effectively played indoors. Djokovic was thrashed in that final 6-0 6-2 7-5 by Spain's Rafael Nadal. The Serbian is looking to win a record-breaking 23rd men's singles Grand Slam title on Sunday. Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Norway's Casper Ruud, Spain's Rafael Nadal, Julien Pretot, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Djokovic, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, PARIS

☆ Djokovic, Alcaraz stay on track for French Open semi-final showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Djokovic, who is chasing a men's record 23rd Grand Slam to leapfrog Spaniard Rafa Nadal in the injured champion's absence, blazed past Peruvian marathon man Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 6-2 in a lopsided last-eight clash. World number one and top seed Alcaraz, another tenacious Spaniard who is backed to take the mantle of 14-times champion Nadal, bulldozed his way to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Pavlyuchenkova, who has slipped to world number 333 after being forced to stop playing for five months last year, is the lowest-ranked French Open quarter-finalist in the Open Era. She (Kato) didn't do it on purpose, she (the ball girl) didn't get injured," Juge said. She's crying," Sorribes Tormo said, pointing to the ball girl.

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas, Lisi Niesner PARIS, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz inched, Elina Svitolina, Djokovic, Spaniard Rafa Nadal, Juan Pablo Varillas, Nadal, Lorenzo Musetti, Daria Kasatkina, Skai, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Karen Khachanov, Pavlyuchenkova, Czech Barbora Krejcikova, Elise Mertens, Lorenzo Sonego, Khachanov, Miyu Kato, Aldila Sutjiadi, Kato, Alexandre Juge, Czech Marie Bouzkova, Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo, didn't, Juge, Sorribes Tormo, Bouzkova, disqualifying Kato, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Clare Fallon, Pritha Organizations: Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas REUTERS, Russian, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, Czech, New York, Melbourne

☆ Creaking Djokovic adjusting to new reality at French Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Djokovic's run to the Australian Open title in January came despite a problematic left thigh injury and he also missed the Madrid Open in the build-up to Roland Garros with a niggling elbow issue. "We don't have much time to start to name the many injuries I have, and the list is quite long," Djokovic told reporters. Sometimes you need pills," Djokovic said. Reality for me nowadays is that my body is responding differently than it did a few years ago. And on the court you try to do your best, everything possible, so you can finish the match and win."

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Novak Djokovic, Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, Hubert Hurkacz, Juan Pablo Varillas, I've, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Ken Ferris Organizations: Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina REUTERS, Serbian, Madrid, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, PARIS

☆ No drama as Djokovic sails into French Open third round
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 31, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachPARIS, May 31 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic briefly struggled before bulldozing past Hungarian journeyman Marton Fucsovics 7-6(2) 6-0 6-3 on Wednesday to reach the French Open third round. I hope you had fun tonight especially in the first set - me, a bit less," Djokovic said on court. Djokovic raced into a 3-0 lead before his opponent found his rhythm to set up three break points at 4-2. Djokovic broke his opponent's serve in the opening game of the second set and he did not look back, cruising to victory despite being broken twice more. "Drama-free Grand Slam, I don't think it can happen for me.

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Hungary's Marton Fucsovics, Kai Pfaffenbach PARIS, Novak Djokovic, Marton Fucsovics, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Djokovic, Philippe Chatrier, Fucsovics, Julien Pretot, Toby Davis, Ed Osmond Organizations: Hungary's Marton Fucsovics REUTERS, Musketeers, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, Kosovo, Serbia, Spanish, Serbian, Ukraine

☆ Kosovo Olympic Committee seeks IOC disciplinary action against Djokovic
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The violence erupted after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in northern Kosovo's Serb-majority area following elections that were boycotted by the Serbs. "Novak Djokovic has yet again promoted the Serbian nationalists' propaganda and used the sport platform to do so," Ismet Krasniqi, president of Kosovo's Olympic Committee (KOK), said in a statement. France's Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, whose country will host the summer Olympics in Paris next year, said Djokovic's message was "not appropriate, clearly". Djokovic, chasing a record 23rd Grand Slam title, has said he was not holding back and would do it again. On Tuesday, Kosovo's tennis federation said Djokovic's comments were "regrettable", accusing him of using his status as a well-known personality to stir tensions.

Persons: Roland Garros, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Aleksandar Kovacevic, Novak Djokovic, Djokovic, Ismet Krasniqi, Amelie Oudea, shouldn't, Hungary's Marton Fucsovics, Rohith Nair, Karolos Grohmann, Julien Pretot, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Helen Popper, Christian Organizations: U.S, REUTERS, Kosovo Olympic, International Olympic Committee, NATO, Serbs, Kosovo's Olympic, IOC, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, PARIS, Serbian, Kosovo, Serbia, Zvecan, Kosovo's, Bengaluru, Karolos

☆ Djokovic canters into French Open round two as Stephens lays down marker
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The twice Roland Garros champion breezed through the first two sets before encountering resistance from the 24-year-old American whose lack of experience then showed in the tiebreak on the world's biggest clay court. Djokovic ended the contest with a sizzling service return on his first match point and will face Hungarian journeyman Marton Fucsovics for a place in the third round. "It's always a pleasure to come back here, one of the best tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who made his Roland Garros debut in 2005. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova celebrated her return to Roland Garros with a dominant win over Czech Linda Fruhvirtova after fearing for her career a year ago due to a knee problem. Sloane Stephens, runner-up at Roland Garros in 2018, dismantled former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-4.

"Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," 22-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic wrote on a camera lens in Serbian. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that 52 Serbs were injured on Monday, three of them seriously, while Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused his Serbian counterpart of destabilising Kosovo. There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera," RFI radio quoted the 36-year-old Djokovic as saying to Serbian media. The French tennis federation (FFT), which organises the event, told Reuters that there were "no official Grand Slam rules on what players can or cannot say.

☆ Djokovic owes growth of his career to 'biggest rival' Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Both players are tied on a record 22 Grand Slam titles but Djokovic can inch ahead at Roland Garros where he had managed to beat Nadal only twice in 10 meetings. I don't like seeing him in the draw of Roland Garros," Djokovic told reporters with a laugh. "I have had not so much success against him in our head-to-head record in Roland Garros. "Definitely a great motivational factor for me to keep playing and keep competing and keep pushing each other - who's going achieve more, who's going to do better." "It made me wonder, it made me think about my career and how long I'm going to play," Djokovic said.

☆ Rune repeats Djokovic upset to storm into Rome semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

For the first time since 2004, neither Djokovic nor the injured Rafa Nadal will be in the Rome final. Rune outlasted Djokovic in three sets in last year's Paris Masters final and the 20-year-old made the perfect start in search of another upset by breaking the world number one in the opening game of the match. "Obviously, I did it last year in Paris, but every match is a huge challenge when I play Novak. "He's one of the greatest to ever play the game so I knew I had to be at my best. Rune said he hoped to stay humble after another statement win on the ATP Tour.

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