In a disappointing turn of events for English tennis fans, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Roland Garros. Her decision is part of a strategic move to focus on the upcoming grass and hard court, forcing her to opt out of the Roland Garros this year.
The Brit originally made it to the qualifying draw with her ranking of 212. Unfortunately, her special ranking of 103, which she received owing to injury, was not enough to get her to the main draw.
Speaking to the media, she added that she has opted to withdraw to focus on the next few Grand Slams.
‘I’ve decided to withdraw from Roland Garros to focus on building a strong foundation,’ Raducanu explained. ‘This break will allow me to prepare for the upcoming grass and hard-court seasons, ensuring I maintain my fitness for the rest of the year.’
Raducanu started her clay-court swing on a positive note, winning both her rubbers in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers in April before reaching the Stuttgart quarterfinals.
But ever since her loss in the first round at the Madrid, the Brit has been absent.
She also added that she is exhausted and will need a short break to make a comeback.
This situation isn’t reassuring for regular fans at trusted ticketing platforms like Seatsnet.com. But there’s always a good sentiment as they will wait for her at the All-England Club to appear at Wimbledon.
Zverev Wants Roland Garros Silverware
Germany’s Alexander Zverev prepared for the French Open in ideal fashion by claiming his second Rome Masters title with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry on the clay on Sunday.
With his Rome win, Zverev adds that he can go the full distance at the Roland Garros this year.
Zverev is the reigning Olympic Men’s Singles champion, winning gold in Tokyo. Unfortunately, he has yet to win a Grand Slam title.
In the last few years, he’s reached the semifinals of the Roland Garros thrice but missed out on the final dance.
Zverev won his first Masters title in Rome in 2017 and is back in top form after a severe ankle injury in 2022.
For tennis fans, it is always a disappointment to see talented players like Zverev fail to make the full distance. He is one of the most talented individuals right now in the tennis world, but luck has not been on his side.
However, platforms like Seatsnet.com are now showing heightened interest in matches involving Zverev as there is momentum with him now.
In the Madrid Open, he showed a lot of promise.
Despite some missed opportunities, he dominated with his first serve and strong returns, sealing the first set with one of three break points. Jarry, the 21st seed, was playing in his first Masters final and struggled to keep up.
The German saved two crucial match points at 5-4 in the second set he played and eventually took home the title.
The Madrid Open was his 22nd ATP title.
With French Open legend Rafa Nadal likely in his final season and Novak Djokovic appearing vulnerable, Zverev’s prospects for a first major title in Paris look promising.
The 27-year-old has had his troubles off the court, with Zverev revealing that he will not attend the trial for alleged abuse charges against ex-girlfriend Olga Sharapova, with a court case scheduled for May 31.
Now, Zverev will have a public hearing in Berlin; his physical presence in court is not required.
The trial dates are set for May 31 and run through 7, 11, 18, and 21 June, with additional dates on 5, 12, and 19 July. Depending on the outcome, he could also miss Wimbledon, which runs from July 1 until July 14.
Allegations against Zverev
In October 2020, Sharapova came forward with a series of alarming allegations, claiming she had endured physical and psychological abuse. Amid the shock of these revelations, another ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, added to the controversy by making her accusations against the Germans.
Earlier this year, the 27-year-old tennis player garnered attention when he was appointed to the ATP’s Player Advisory Council. His fellow peers selected him as one of nine players on the tour. However, concerns were raised about the suitability of his position on the council in light of the domestic violence allegations against him.
When asked about the appropriateness of his continued role, Zverev confidently stated, “Why would it not be?” Before adding, “Nobody has said anything to me. I don’t have a reason not to believe that.”
Zverev vehemently opposed suggestions that he should pause his professional tennis career while the legal matter is ongoing, emphasising his determination to persevere despite the challenges he faces.
Lehecka Withdraws from Roland Garros
Jiri Lehecka has withdrawn from the Roland Garros tournament due to a back injury he sustained during the Madrid Open. This injury forced him to retire during his semifinal match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Lehecka was having a successful tournament in Madrid, where he defeated Rafael Nadal in the last 16 before his unfortunate exit due to a back injury. His withdrawal from Roland Garros, the season’s second Grand Slam, was announced on May 19, 2024.
Ranked world no.24, Lehecka played his last match on May 3 when he had to retire when playing against world no.21 Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinal and the scoreline was 3-3 .
Nadal to Play or Not Play?
While interest in Zverev has been gaining momentum on ticketing platform Seatsnet.com, the bigger announcement and the spike in interest for this year’s Roland Garros have a lot to do with Rafael Nadal.
This week, Rafa Nadal is expected to step on the Philippe-Chatrier center court at Roland Garros for the first time in 715 days. The Spanish tennis player and 14-time champion of the Parisian Grand Slam begins the final stretch of preparation ahead of the French tournament today.
Nadal, reluctant to guarantee his presence at Roland Garros after the Rome Open, will train with his coaching staff this Monday at 5:00 p.m. (local time) in the main stadium of the Parisian complex. The tournament itself will commence on 26 May.
It won’t be an easy task for the Spaniard as he comes up against top talent and has been out of the court for quite a long time, but the fanfare and the momentum are with the King of Clay to conclude his last visit to the Roaldn Garros on a high.