Welcome back to the Monday Tennis Briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories from the past week on-court.
This week, the French Open in Paris drew to a close, with the second Grand Slam of the season playing out at Roland Garros. Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz won the singles titles, in a fortnight of five-setters, Hawk-Eye drama, raucous crowds, and much more.
For a special edition of the Tennis Briefing, the writers at The Athletic look back on the tournament and ahead to the coming grass-court season.
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How many kinds of five-set thriller are there?
The 2024 French Open was a tournament for the five-set advocates and the skeptics.
There was high drama in Carlos Alcaraz’s semi-final win over Jannik Sinner and his Sunday defeat of Alexander Zverev in the final, both of which went to five sets and were electric, jittery, at times uncomfortable matches. Novak Djokovic’s grueling win over Francisco Cerundolo and Zverev’s close match with Tallon Griekspoor also showcased the unique tension and endurance of five-set matches. While some may argue that these matches were long on time and low on quality, it’s possible to experience bad, indifferent, and brilliant five-set matches in a tournament like the French Open.
Lorenzo Musetti strikes a backhand during his remarkable match with Djokovic (Clive Brunskill / Getty Images)
We saw a variety of thrilling matches at this French Open, including late-night nail-biters and epic battles, showcasing the unique drama and tension of five-set matches.
GO DEEPER
What’s the one thing you would change about tennis?
Is Coco Gauff a multiple Grand Slam doubles champion in waiting?
It wasn’t the title Coco Gauff came to Paris for, but it was one she really wanted.
Unexpectedly paired with Katerina Siniakova due to injuries, Gauff embarked on a surprising journey to the doubles title at the French Open. Despite some challenges and mishaps, their talent and chemistry led them to victory in the final.
Gauff and Siniakova had never played together before this year’s French Open (Mateo Villalba/Getty Images)
Despite the challenges, Gauff sees a bigger lesson in their victory and acknowledges the unexpected nature of their success.
GO DEEPER
Why Coco Gauff is so tough to face – told by those who have
Can the wisdom of crowds prevail?
The first week of the French Open was marred by bad crowd behaviour, prompting concerns about how to manage passionate fans.
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo implemented a ban on drinking in the stands following instances of misbehavior. However, she later acknowledged that the ban may not have been the best solution and that having passionate fans is not necessarily a bad thing.
Raucous crowds have brought passion to the tournament. (Emmanuel Dunand / AFP via Getty Images)
Mauresmo emphasized the importance of finding a balance between controlling misbehavior and fostering a lively atmosphere at tennis events.
GO DEEPER
The wisdom of crowds: Tricolores, trumpets, and truculence at Roland Garros
What will it take for the French Open to accept Hawk-Eye?
Despite advancements in technology, the French Open has yet to fully embrace Hawk-Eye electronic line calling.
Recent incidents of incorrect line calls, including one in the men’s final, have highlighted the need for more accurate and reliable officiating tools. Pascal Maria, the assistant referee, mentioned that officials are hesitant to move entirely to electronic line calling, citing concerns about the effectiveness of the technology on clay.
However, supporters of Hawk-Eye argue that the system has improved and is more accurate than human judgment. Embracing this technology can help prevent controversial calls and protect players from potentially game-changing errors.
GO DEEPER
Welcome to ‘Ump-Head’: The tiny camera thrilling fans and embarrassing players in Paris
Can Iga Swiatek emulate Rafael Nadal in yet another way?
Iga Swiatek, a fan of Rafael Nadal, is drawing parallels with the legendary tennis player, especially in their career trajectories.
As Swiatek aims to transition to grass courts, she acknowledges the differences in playing style and surface challenges but remains focused on improving and adapting to the unique characteristics of grass tennis.
Iga Swiatek will return to Wimbledon as world No 1, but not necessarily a favourite. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)
Swiatek’s progress and adaptability on different surfaces will be a key storyline as she looks ahead to Wimbledon and continues to mold her career.
GO DEEPER
‘I get better every match’: How Iga Swiatek learned to be inevitable
Will the grass provide a soft landing for stars on the comeback trail?
The French Open showcased several players on the comeback trail, including Denis Shapovalov, Bianca Andreescu, and Naomi Osaka.
Despite facing challenges and injuries, Shapovalov and Andreescu performed well at Roland Garros and are now looking to transition to the grass courts for Wimbledon.
As these players continue their journeys, the grass court season presents new opportunities and challenges, providing an optimistic outlook for their comebacks.
GO DEEPER
Naomi Osaka, The Comeback Interview: A tale of pregnancy, fear and a ballerina
Shot of the week
This was CINEMA pic.twitter.com/s7NY23uR6c
— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) June 9, 2024
Passing shot de esquerda a uma mão. Carlos Alcaraz.pic.twitter.com/AqM0NRPE65
— B24 (@B24PT) June 9, 2024
Recommended reading:
🏆 The winners of the week
🎾 ATP:
🏆 Carlos Alcaraz def. Alexander Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 to win the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. It is Alcaraz’s first French Open title.
🏆 Lloyd Harris def. Leandro Riedi 7-6(8), 7-5 to win the Lexus Surbiton Trophy (Challenger 125) in Surbiton, England. It is Harris’ first ATP title.
🎾 WTA:
🏆 Iga Swiatek def. Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-1 to win the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. It is her fifth Grand Slam title and third French Open in a row.
🏆 Anca Todoni def. Panna Udvardy 6-4, 6-0 to win the Puglia Open (125) in Bari, Italy. It is Todoni’s first WTA title.
🏆 Katie Volynets def. Mayar Sherif 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 to win the Makarska Open (125) in Makarska, Croatia. It is Volynets’ first WTA title.
📈📉 On the rise / Down the line
📈 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both move up one place, to No 1 and No 2 respectively. It is Sinner’s first time at world No 1.
📈 Coco Gauff ascends one spot from No 3 to No 2. It is her highest career ranking to date.
📈 Jasmine Paolini moves up eight positions from No 15 to No 7. It is her highest career ranking to date.
📉 Novak Djokovic falls two places from No 1 to No 3. It is