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2014 FRENCH OPEN MEN'S FINAL: YESSSSSS!! Congratulations Raphael Nadal!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Spaniard Raphael Nadal 2014 French Open champion, 3-6,7-5,6-2,6-4 over Serbia's Novak Djokovic.



source: www.rolandgarros.com


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TWITTER FILES: Fab 2014 French Open Selfie - Taylor Townsend And Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Thursday, June 5, 2014


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TWITTER FILES: Post-Match Activities of Canadian Francoise Abanda

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FRENCH OPEN DAY 11: Andy Murray Douses French Hope With A Fifth-Set Bagel Over Gael Monfils

Frenchman Gael Monfils waves goodbye to the 2014 French Open crowd after being defeated by Britain's Andy Murray.


Huge cheers greeted the entrance of Gael Monfils onto Philippe Chatrier Court. The crowd barely registered Andy Murray’s arrival, save for a smattering of jeers.

Murray smirked as he walked onto the court, clearly accepting of his fate of having to enter a cauldron of vociferous Parisian support for a home-grown player. Perhaps he even relished the challenge. It seemed that way judging by his level of play, both early in the match and at its bizarre and dramatic end; he completed a 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-0 victory that sends him into a blockbuster semi-final against top seed Rafael Nadal.

Despite the somewhat hostile environment Murray immediately got to work, hitting crisply and consistently and always giving Monfils a look at an extra ball. The Frenchman could not match this level of steadiness – gesticulating and looking generally uncomfortable out there in the process – and Murray promptly broke service en route to a 3-0 lead.

The mercurial Monfils did settle, and despite the strong winds found his range. Cranking up the power on his forehand, 0-3 became 3-3, and now we had a contest. Games progressed on service until the tenth game, where Murray was able to extract some errors from Monfils’ racquet and score set points. On the second, they junk-balled their way through a mind-numbing 34-shot rally, ending only when Murray finally pulled the trigger on a backhand and played an inside-out forehand winner off the short reply.

Patiently working the ball around, Murray skipped out to a 2-0 in the second set. Monfils slapped a limp backhand halfway up the net to make it 4-0, and by 5-0 it was shades of the Frenchman’s fourth set fadeout against Fabio Fognini in the third round. His feet were not moving, his effort was suspect and he was simply rushing to the line to deliver services without preparing.

Down 5-1, Monfils at least made the contest a little more interesting in a dramatic seventh game. A ball fell out of Murray’s pocket mid-rally which drew whistles from the crowd and protests from Monfils, crescendo-ing to a level at which Murray conceded the point rather than playing a let. The seventh seed required five set points to finally subdue the more animated Monfils.

This new version of the Frenchman persisted into the third set. He was alive in all of the games, keeping his nose in front as the set progressed on service until 5-4. In that tenth game, Monfils’ relentless power extracted an error to give him two set points, and when Murray netted a backhand a few points later, Monfils was back in the match.

Monfils had all the momentum in the world following a service break in the fourth game of the fourth set. The Chatrier crowd was in full voice and he played to them, lapping up their energy and confidently hitting out. The lead was soon 4-1; Monfils had won 12 of the past 15 points. Murray, woefully despondent, now could not seem to clear the net, and soon the Frenchman had levelled at two-sets-all.

By this time it was 9:20pm, and in the fading light Murray requested the match be suspended. Amid the incensed whistles of the crowd his request was denied, and they played on.

Cue an outrageous momentum swing. Murray’s crucial hold – and subsequent celebration – in the first game seemed to completely take the wind out of Monfils’ sails. His forehand began flying as Murray found his range again; soon the Scot had a break, and consolidated it with the help of a blazing passing shot winner to move up 3-0.

So complete was Monfils’ capitulation that he would finish the set not even attempting to play Murray’s shots, and by winning just seven points to 24. The rollicking Chatrier crowd of just 20 minutes earlier now sat in stunned silence.

Monfils’ 61st unforced error saw the final stanza over in just 24 minutes.


Source:  www.rolandgarros.com

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AROUND THE NET (PHOTOS): Jamaican Dustin Brown in 2014 Australian and French Open Play

Monday, June 2, 2014

2014 French Open Day 3 Dustin Brown vs Australian Marinko Matosevic.

2014 French Open Day 3 Dustin Brown vs Australian Marinko Matosevic.

2014 Australian Open Player Party

2014 Australian Open Player Party

2014 Australian Open Day 5 Men's Doubles with Frenchman Gael Monfils.

2014 Australian Open Day 5 Men's Doubles with Frenchman Gael Monfils.


Photos by Zimbio

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2014 FRENCH OPEN DAY 9: What!... What!... What!... The Frenchman Takes Out Garcia-Lopez, Sets Up Murray Quarterfinal

Frenchman Gael Monfils celebrates his 4th-round win over Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez at the 2014 French Open.


PARIS (Reuters) - Home favorite Gael Monfils reached the quarter-finals of the French Open for the fourth time when he ended the run of unseeded Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez with a 6-0 6-2 7-5 win on Monday.

The 23rd seed, who also made it to the last eight in 2008, 2009 and 2011, blazed through the first two sets and held off the world number 41 in the third, ending the contest on a sun-drenched court Philippe Chatrier with an ace.

Monfils will face British seventh seed Andy Murray for a place in the last four, a stage he reached in 2008 when he was defeated by Roger Federer.

"In the third set, when I broke him he started to go for his shots and played more freely," Monfils, whose preparations have been hampered by an ankle injury he sustained in early April, said courtside.

"I became too defensive so I had to accelerate again."

No French man has won their home slam since Yannick Noah in 1983.

During the first two sets, Garcia-Lopez was a pale shadow of the player who knocked out world No.3 Stan Wawrinka in the first round.

The Spaniard peppered the court with unforced errors, most of them from his forehand, the very shot that helped him progress to the last 16.

He went 2-0 down in the third before regaining his composure as Monfils, the last French player left in the singles, played too conservatively.

The Frenchman, who had advanced to this round after beating Italian Fabio Fognini in an unforced errors-fest, turned the situation around thanks to some fine returns and, spurred on by the crowd, broke decisively in the 11th game.

Next up is Wimbledon champion Murray, who fought hard to beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco in straight sets.

"He's such an entertainer," Murray said after his match.

"He is one of my favorite players to watch. There's going to be some fun points."



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2014 FRENCH OPEN DAY 9: American Sloane Stephens Heavily Out Matched Against Romanian Simona Halep



Romania’s Simona Halep, the highest seed left in the women’s singles, outwitted the American 15th seed, Sloane Stephens, to reach the quarter-finals at the French Open with a 6-4, 6-3 victory on Monday.

Stephens made too many unforced errors as Halep, the fourth seed, won through to meet either the 27th-seeded former champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, or the Czech 23rd seed, Lucie Safarova.
With Romania’s tennis legend Ilie Nastase watching from the stands, Halep worked the angles to unsettle Stephens, who struggled behind her serve throughout.

Halep, who made her only previous grand slam quarter-final appearance at this year’s Australian Open, prevailed on the first match point when Stephens, the last American in the singles, sent a forehand long.

Halep’s game was far from perfect but she seized her chances, converting all six break points she had.

“I think I managed very well the match,” said Halep, who won the juniors’ title at Roland Garros in 2008. “I opened the angles. I wanted to make her run a lot on court. I think I played aggressive. I dominated the match, I think. I didn’t serve very well but I tried to return better and I did.”
Stephens was often on the back foot and sometimes went for unlikely winners in attempts to regain the advantage during long rallies.

“It was a tough match obviously but she has played pretty consistent over the last, say, nine months,” said Stephens, who has reached the last 16 in her last six grand slam appearances.

“It’s always tough playing someone who is really consistent and has a lot of confidence and just plays a solid game.”



 AP Photo/Michel Spingler
Source:  The Guardian

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2014 FRENCH OPEN DAY 9: Nadal's Match Brings Out Royalty... Well, Kinda - The Prince of Purple Rain Makes An Appearance


PARIS (AP) — So "King of Clay" Rafael Nadal's record 32nd consecutive French Open victory was fit for a prince. Well, actually, Prince.

The American musician known for hits such as "Purple Rain" and "1999" was nearly hidden in the stands Monday, sitting in the very back row of the presidential box in the main stadium at Roland Garros and clutching a shiny cane.
Stayed till the last note of Nadal's easy win, too.


When the match ended, Prince rose to leave. As he walked toward the exit, though, he paused and paid his respects by applauding.



PHOTOS:  MICHEL SPINGLER

 

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2014 FRENCH OPEN DAY 8: Match Schedule

Sunday, June 1, 2014



 Men's Singles - Round 4

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [13]
vs.
Novak Djokovic (SRB) [2]


Women's Doubles - Round 3

Madison Keys (USA)
Alison Riske (USA)
vs.
Lucie Hradecka (CZE)
Michaella Krajicek (NED)



Mixed Doubles - Round 2

Raquel Kops-Jones (USA)
Raven Klaasen
(RSA)
vs.
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) [5]
Daniel Nestor (CAN) [5]




SOURCE:  WWW.ROLANDGARROS.COM

 

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FRENCH OPEN DAY 7: "Air Monfils" Takes Flight And Takes Out Fognini

In his usual high-flying style of tennis, Frenchman Gael Monfils gets plenty of air as he hits a backhand to Italy's Fabio Fognini.


PARIS — No. 23 Gael Monfils beat No. 14 Fabio Fognini 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the French Open and, oh, what a spectacle it was.

In their last meeting at Roland Garros, in 2010, Fognini won 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 9-7 in a controversial match that was suspended for darkness at 5-5 in the fifth set amid jeers. This time, there was no threat of darkness, and the highly anticipated rematch sizzled when it came to drama, but fizzled when it came to high-quality tennis.

After a nervous start in which he dropped the first set, Monfils rolled through the next two in entertaining fashion. The Frenchman began to suffer from fatigue, however, and completely gave away the fourth set, winning only six points. But Monfils came out firing in the final set, inspired by the constant cheers of “GA-EL, GA-EL” from the crowd. Showing off his trademark athleticism and shot making, he opened a 3-0 lead and avoided a late collapse.

During his post-match interview Monfils discussed coming back in the fifth set,  I was pretty tired after the third [set], and I took my time. I was suffering with the long rallies. When I arrive in the fourth, he break me like straight away. I tried to break back, but I couldn’t. The first two points were too tough for me, and then it’s easy. I wanted to serve first in the fifth, so the only option I had is to take six‑Love. Why should I make any effort [when trailing that much]?”

Monfils was asked whether he could win a Grand Slam amid the ups and downs of his career, "For me, it’s not about ups and downs. It’s more about saving my ass every day [laughter].”



SOURCE: SI.COM




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FRENCH OPEN DAY 6: Tsonga Sets Up Fourth-Round Battle With Djokovic

Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrating 3rd-round win setting up fourth round clash with Serbian Novak Djokovic.


Jo-Wilfried Tsonga set up a last 16 meeting with Novak Djokovic as he dismissed last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz in front of a roaring Suzanne Lenglen crowd. What he lacked in perfect accuracy, the Frenchman more than made up for with bravura – it was the kind of day he relishes, galloping about the court in front of the home faithful. He beat the No.22 seed 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.


The two traded breaks at the start of the third as Tsonga’s concentration wandered a little. But halfway through the set the Frenchman breached Janowicz’s defences again – and this time it stuck. He closed out the match with a smash, to leave the crowd recalling memories of his epic quarter-final with Novak Djokovic two years ago when Tsonga somehow saw four match points go by. His ranking now is not as high as it was then, and the Serb is hungrier than ever for the title – but their fourth-round match this coming Sunday is an intriguing prospect, just the same.




SOURCE:  WWW.ROLANDGARROS.COM


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FRENCH OPEN DAY 7: Sloane Stephens Makes Sixth Straight Appearance In Round 4

American Sloane Stephens in third-round match at 2014 French Open.


Sloane Stephens is through to her sixth straight fourth-round appearance at a major after handily accounting for dangerous Russian lefty Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-4.

In a more evenly-matched showdown than the scoreline would suggest, it was Stephens who converted when it mattered, winning three of four break points as opposed to Marakova’s one from four.

The American’s half-dozen fourth-round berths in a row is the most among any of her rivals on the Tour but the weight of expectation continues to mount. She is the highest-ranked player never to have won a title - and has yet to reach a final.

“Yeah, it's a great thing [the last 16 streak]. If I knew [why she plays better at Slams than in WTA events], I would capitalise on it. I would do it every week. But I guess it's all just a learning experience,” Stephens said. “I just peak at four tournaments a year. Every other tournament just gets me ready for these.”

Still a long way from the business end of the tournament, but Stephens is well-pitted to make the breakthrough on what she says is her favourite surface.




SOURCE: WWW.ROLANDGARROS.COM


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FRENCH OPEN DAY 6: American Donald Young Fights Back To Fifth Set, But Not Able To Prevail Over Spaniard Garcia-Lopez



Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain thwarted a comeback attempt by Donald Young of the United States and beat him 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4 Saturday at the French Open, making John Isner the only American man in the fourth round.

The 41st-ranked Garcia-Lopez, who surprised No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in the first round, is in the final 16 at a major tournament for the first time.

Young, who is from Chicago, was trying to pull off his first victory in a match after dropping the first two sets, but Garcia-Lopez closed it out after more than 3½ hours.



SOURCE:  AP

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FRENCH OPEN DAY 6: Taylor Townsend's Momentum Not Able To Carry Into 4th Round - Loses To Navarro

Friday, May 30, 2014

American Taylor Townsend Out of 2014 French Open in Round 3.

American Taylor Townsend's valiant effort to gain as much depth as possible into the 2014 French Open has come to an end.  Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro, the women's 14th seed, proved to be more competition on clay than Townsend could handle.

After the brief twenty-four minute first set, Townsend appeared to gather herself and put forth greater offense than she had in the first set, but even with her adjustments, Townsend was still no match for Navarro who began to steamroll the talented teen into a 6-2, 6-2 defeat.

Townsend used her brief run to bring a great deal of excitement to this year's French Open, especially in light of the Williams sisters being eliminated so early. She can certainly return home knowing that she put her best foot forward and that all of her hard work has been worth the effort.

Great Job Taylor!!



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FRENCH OPEN DAY 5: Two Frenchmen And An American Work It Out In Paris - Tsonga, Monfils And Young Sail Into Third Round

Thursday, May 29, 2014

American Donald Young sets his site on the 2014 French Open's 3rd round after defeating Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.


In his post-match interview American Donald Young said, "I have actually never won a match outside of the U.S. on red clay.  So to win two here at the French Open, it means a lot."

Young advanced to the third round today after a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win over Spain's Feliciano Lopez.  This represents only the third occasion that he has been able to get this far at a grand slam tournament.

When asked whether he believes he's doing well because of the big stage and the greater challenge, Young responded, "Yeah, actually, I like the big stage a little more than the challengers and everywhere else.  I feel like I play better against higher level players.

"But, yeah, I just feel like I put the work in and I'm playing well.  I'm just letting my game flow and do what it does."

Awaiting Donald in the third round is yet another Spaniard, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.


Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will meet Poland's Jerzy Janowicz in round 3 of the 2014 French Open.


Tsonga The First Of The Frenchman To Charge Into Round 3

Austrian Jürgen Melzer fell to the mighty swings of France's own Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Wednesday. The No. 13 seed took the match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

Post-match Tsonga stated that, "Jerzy is a difficult player. You never know exactly what to expect on court. I'm not really talking about his behavior but rather his game. He's rather unpredictable. He's very tall, he strikes hard. He can have a very high first ball, first-serve percentage, striking really hard ... so you have to find a way to neutralize him, and it's not always that easy."

Up next for Tsonga is the No. 22 seed Jerzy Janowicz of Poland.


Frenchman Gael Monfils in second round action against German Jan-Lennard Struff.


Gael Monfils Flies Through Yet Another Round

The consistently acrobatic Frenchman Gael Monfils also moved through the second round in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1, eliminating Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.  Struff put up quite a defense in the first set, but was not able to overcome the game of the 23rd seed.

Italian Fabio Fognini, the tournament's 14th seed, awaits Monfils in the 3rd round.



PHOTOS:  WWW.ROLANDGARROS.ORG




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FRENCH OPEN DAY 4: Taylor Advances To Third Round, Venus and Serena Out In Second

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

American teen Taylor Townsend celebrating her round 2 win over France's Alize Cornet.


WAY TO GO TAYLOR!!

In the breath of fresh air that eighteen-year-old American Taylor Townsend brings to the courts, she convincingly advanced to the third round of Roland Garros today after taking out the 20th seed, France's own Alize Cornet.

She is now the youngest American woman to advance to the third round at Roland Garros since 2003.

Up next for Taylor is Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain.

Matching Exits for the Williams Sisters
Now she's the youngest U.S. woman in the third round at Roland Garros since 2003. Next is a match against No. 14 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain - See more at: http://www.coastreporter.net/american-teen-taylor-townsend-beats-20th-seeded-alize-cornet-at-french-open-to-reach-3rd-round-1.1078570#sthash.f6h2OPbs.dpuf

In what has to be one of the most unlikely unexpected combination of exits, both of the Williams sisters, World No. 1 Serena and 29th-seed-big-sister Venus both fell to their respective round two opponents.


Venus began her match well and it appeared that she would be able to contend well with nineteen-year-old Slovakian Anna Schmiedlova - not so.  As the American's game slowly dismantled, Schmiedlova picked up the pace, and control of the match as well, eventually winning 2-6 6-3 6-4.


Of  significantly greater shock was seeing the World No. 1 make her exit to Spaniard Garbine Muguruza - although her gameplay did not suggest that she was up for any task.  For whatever reason, Serena struggled throughout the match and committed a laundry list of 28 unforced errors. In a little over an hour, Muguruza had the win of her career under her belt.

Oh well...
Now she's the youngest U.S. woman in the third round at Roland Garros since 2003. Next is a match against No. 14 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain - See more at: http://www.coastreporter.net/american-teen-taylor-townsend-beats-20th-seeded-alize-cornet-at-french-open-to-reach-3rd-round-1.1078570#sthash.f6h2OPbs.dpuf

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PHOTOS: Gael Monfils, Venus And Serena Williams and More On Days One And Two Of The 2014 French Open

Gael Monfils, France

Serena Williams, USA

Heather Watson, United Kingdom

Sloane Stephens, USA

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France

Venus Williams, USA

PHOTOS: WWW.ROLANDGARROS.ORG
© FFT

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VIDEO: BUST A MOVE! Gael Monfils And Fellow Frenchman Laurent Lokoli Challenge Dance Moves During The French Open Kid's Day


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