Djokovic still chasing that 25th Slam as big names clash in Melbourne; Serbian star, 1987 birth, No.1 for a record 428 weeks.
Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he has withdrawn from the clay-court season including the Italian Open and Roland Garros after tests on his right wrist confirmed injury. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since hurting the wrist at Barcelona, has missed Madrid and is pausing competition to prioritise recovery ahead of a return date to be evaluated.
Top players have pressed for a larger share of Grand Slam revenues, citing pay gaps and welfare needs. Aryna Sabalenka has warned a boycott could occur if negotiations stall; players emphasize respect and governance changes alongside prize money increases.
The World No. 3 faces Czech upstart Tomas Machac on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Machac has been a dangerous, under-the-radar threat at the French Open, with late-season wins and a history of strong clay-court form. Zverev is the favourite, but Machac’s fitness and attack could produce a surprise under lights.
Howard Fendrich, a veteran AP tennis writer who has covered Grand Slams and Olympics since 2002, has died at Johns Hopkins Hospital after a cancer diagnosis this year. Colleagues, players and friends have paid tribute, noting his kindness, deep reporting and influence on tennis journalism.
Emma Raducanu has crashed to a first-round defeat at Roland Garros, failing to win a game in the opening set against Solana Sierra before fighting back to force a tiebreak. She ultimately loses 6-0 7-6 (4). Frontrunner Fran Jones has celebrated her French Open debut win after injuries but Raducanu’s struggles dominate the day’s British stories.