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Iga Swiatek snubbed by French Open after Emma Raducanu win as Pole out of comfort zone

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Iga Swiatek dropped just three games to Emma Raducanu when they met in the second round.

Iga Swiatek has been relegated away from her favourite court at the French Open. The Pole is the Queen of Court Philippe-Chatrier, winning four titles here – the last three in a row – and thrives on the main stage in Paris. But organisers have sent her to the second stadium, Court Suzanne-Lenglen, for the first time in two years at this tournament.

The No. 5 seed made a statement when she thrashed Emma Raducanu 6-1 6-2 on Wednesday, and the Brit later explained how tricky it was to play Swiatek on Chatrier. But Swiatek’s next opponent, Jaqueline Cristian, won’t have to deal with that in round three.

Four-time champion Swiatek got top billing on Chatrier for all seven of her matches on her way to the title in 2024. But she will return to Lenglen to face the world No. 60 on Friday afternoon.

Swiatek’s last appearance on the second court here was a short-lived one. She led Lesia Tsurenko 5-1 in the first set of their fourth-round match in 2023 when the Ukrainian retired.

Before that, the Pole had an outing on Lenglen for the second round in 2022, beating Alison Riske 6-0 6-2.

Swiatek has made it no secret that she loves playing in the 15,000-strong stadium at Roland Garros in the daytime – not in the night session, however – and Raducanu felt the full wrath of the former No. 1 on the main showcourt.

Ahead of Raducanu’s second-round meeting with Swiatek, she complained that lower-ranked players didn’t get opportunities to practice on Chatrier and came into those big matches feeling underprepared.

And she felt the weight of the occasion when they met on Wednesday. “It was the first time playing a match on that court,” the Brit said.

“And it’s also different when it’s filled and it’s got everything around. You do feel like it is a big court. And it’s different and it’s new for me. It’s a surrounding that she’s obviously very comfortable with and she’s played in it a lot of times.

“I think that did emphasise me feeling a bit uncomfortable. But it’s a good experience for if I ever play on that court again.”

However, when she faces Cristian for the first time, Swiatek will be the one adjusting to a court on which she is less comfortable.

The world No. 5 came into the French Open less prepared than in recent years. She hasn’t reached a final at any tournament since claiming the crown here 12 months ago, and she suffered a shock third-round exit in Rome earlier this month.

After demolishing Raducanu, Swiatek claimed that she still couldn’t get too comfortable despite taking extra confidence from being back at her favourite tournament.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence

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Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.

The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.

Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.

In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:

“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”

That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”

Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟

Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾

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Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide

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Tennis fans across the globe are rallying behind Holger Rune, after the Danish star shared an emotional but determined message following his devastating Achilles injury that abruptly ended his 2025 season.

The 22-year-old, known for his fierce competitiveness and electric energy on court, was forced to retire during the Stockholm Open semifinals after collapsing in pain mid-match against Ugo Humbert. Moments later, Rune confirmed what fans feared — a torn Achilles tendon, one of the toughest injuries any athlete can face.

But instead of silence or despair, Rune chose to face the challenge head-on. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, he wrote:

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again… It’s tough. I had so much joy out there, and it’s unbearable to think I won’t feel that energy for some time. But I’ll be back — stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever.”

His words, filled with pain yet overflowing with resilience, immediately resonated with millions. Fellow players, coaches, and fans flooded his post with encouragement, calling him a “fighter”, a “true champion in spirit”, and the embodiment of perseverance.

Rune has already undergone successful surgery and, in a move that stunned many, shared photos of himself training from a seated position — refusing to let recovery stop his momentum. The images showed a young man focused not on what he’s lost, but on what he can rebuild.

Even as he faces months of rehabilitation, Rune’s story has become a symbol of mental toughness and grace under pressure. His family and team remain by his side, reminding the tennis world that this setback doesn’t define his career — it refines it.

As one fan beautifully wrote:

“He may be off the court, but his spirit is still winning matches.”

For Holger Rune, this isn’t the end of a season — it’s the start of a comeback story that could inspire a generation. 💥🔥

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