Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, an unrivalled phenomenon

23rd of May 2005, does anyone remember what they were doing in 2005? Prince Charles married Camilla, Liverpool recovered from 3-0 down in the Champions League Final to AC Milan, Doctor Who returned to British television and Rafael Nadal won his first match at Roland Garros. 6-1 7-6 6-1 vs Lars Burgsmuller of Germany. Looking...

Casper Ruud’s performances in Paris deserve praise but also provide a useful platform to learn from

The first time I watched Casper Ruud must've been in 2018/2019 and I remember his time at the Next Gen Finals in 2019 well, the Norwegian impressed but I felt that he was a bit behind the others. Ruud lost to De Minaur and Kecmanovic going out in the round robin and his game felt...

At 18, Coco Gauff’s consistency doesn’t get the praise it deserves, her Roland Garros run is another chapter in her story with a return to Wimbledon on the horizon

I don't think I will ever forget Coco Gauff's breakthrough on Centre Court at Wimbledon defeating Venus Williams in straight sets at the age of 15. It was a truly wonderful performance, the one that stood out for me was her comeback vs Polona Hercog in the third round having saved two match points. It...

Two words for Roland Garros in 2023, do better.

Last year Roland Garros sent out a message, “men and women enjoy an equal footing at Roland Garros” but we know that not to be true. After releasing a statement of assurances last year that men and women “enjoy an equal footing” at Roland Garros the facts continue tell a different story. Why aren’t women...

Match Point from Roland Garros

Andrey Rublev's performance in defeat to Marin Cilic a realism of his current level but does he have that next level in him? For a while I've had doubts and then opportunity knocked for Andrey Rublev, Medvedev was out and in what had turned into his half he was the highest seed left. The performance...

6-3 6-3 6-0, Rafael Nadal wins a 14th Roland Garros title!

In 2013, Casper Ruud watched his idol Rafael Nadal win his 8th Roland Garros title, the Norwegian who would go onto train at the Spaniard's academy in Manacor would then play him for the first time in a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros. As with any major final nerves were expected with Ruud taking...

6-1 6-3, Iga Świątek wins her second Roland Garros title

A fascinating finale to two weeks of high quality tennis at Roland Garros, a historic final with the youngest player since Maria Sharapova (Wimbledon 2004) making a major final in Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, the world number one in a league of her own. Both had wonderful tournaments, Gauff hadn't dropped a set but...

Iga Świątek vs Coco Gauff – who will be crowned champion in Paris?

A recently turned 21 year old Iga Swiatek on a sensational 34 match winning streak up against an in-form 18 year old Coco Gauff who recently graduated. It is a fascinating match-up with two of the stars of the game for the next decade or more, Iga is looking for her second major having won...

After releasing a statement of assurances last year that men and women “enjoy an equal footing” at Roland Garros the facts continue tell a different story. Why aren’t women treated equally at Roland Garros? Amelie Mauresmo answers that…

I have to say I am not surprised but disappointed with Roland Garros and I extend my disappointment to Amelie Mauresmo who took on the role of tournament director this year. 12 months ago Roland Garros were quick to shut down rumours that the “match of the day” would be predominantly mens matches. On the...

Chapter 59 – Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal for the 17th consecutive year

17 years ago in 2006 these two player each other for the very first time and it was at Roland Garros. It was only Nadal's 12th match and 12th consecutive win at Roland Garros, now the Spaniard is looking for No. 110 in the French capital. His record is phenomenal, 109 wins, 3 defeats and...