Roland Garros, Men's French Open 2026 - Grand Slam

[britbox]

Joao Fonseca Press Conference (d. Luka Pavlovic 7/6 6/4 6/2)



LeoAi Transcript
Here’s a plain English bulleted summary of the video transcript:

• Fonseca expresses mixed feelings about his performance: not fully satisfied with his technical level, but proud of his mental toughness and effort throughout the match.
• He faced a tough opponent in the first round who had already played three qualifying matches, adding extra pressure.
• In the first set, his opponent, Luka, used a variety of tactics like drop shots, serve-and-volley, and aggressive backhands, making it hard for Joe to find rhythm early on.
• Joao managed to break early, stayed positive, and fought back to win the tiebreak, which shifted momentum in his favor.
• He skipped the Hamburg tournament due to wrist discomfort but felt fully ready and pain-free by the time he reached the current event.
• Injury prevention is a major focus for Joao and his team. He emphasizes daily mobility work and making smart decisions about rest to stay healthy long-term.
• Clay courts suit his game style because they encourage patience, longer rallies, and the use of topspin, which he enjoys.
• He played on the main Court for the first time, describing it as beautiful with a great atmosphere.
• Joao mentioned working on his golf as a way to relax, though he admits he’s not good at it.
• He finds golf relaxing and often goes alone or with his mom, despite not being a favorite among his coaches.

 

[britbox]

Novak Djokovic On-Court Interview (d. Giovanni Perricard 5/7 7/5 6/1 6/4)



LeoAI Summary

• Match Overview: Djokovic celebrates his victory and congratulates his opponent, Giovanni Perricard. He notes this was their first meeting.
• Challenge of Opponent's Serve: Djokovic highlights the difficulty of facing an opponent with such incredible natural power and height, comparing the serve speed to legends like Ivo Karlovic and Reilly Opelka. He admitted that for the first set, he had almost no chance to return effectively.
• Turning Point: He explains that his strategy shifted in the second set, specifically around the 12th game, where he began to find his rhythm. He emphasizes that against such powerful servers, one must be precise with their own serve and wait patiently for the right moment to capitalize on opportunities.
• Mentorship: When asked if younger players seek his advice, Djokovic confirms they do. He describes it as a privilege to share his experiences, both positive and negative, with the next generation, though he avoids giving tactical advice to opponents right before a match.
• Joy and Pressure: Djokovic reflects on the importance of finding joy and passion in the sport after so many years. He mentions that smiling on court helps him manage the heavy emotions and pressure, especially when playing in front of a passionate French crowd, allowing him to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Roland Garros.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Gael Monfils will take on Hugo Gaston night session on Chatrier, Monday 25th May,
Will be emotional scenes no matter how this goes, either Monfils is going to get assumingly one last chance Chatrier memory or he'll leave for the final time. He hasnt played great this year but I expect he'll bring a high level in Paris!

Stan the Man has officially arrived for his last 21st and final Roland Garros campaign. Wawrinka will take on Dutch LL Jesper de Jong in his first match, de Jong replaced the injured Arthur Fils.
"I feel good" Wawrinka said, "I'm happy to have an opportunity to play one last time here.Of course, its not going to be easy at the end, but so far I'm happy. Always special to be here at Roland Garros:".

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

American Patrick Kypson is a late withdrawal due to abdominal pain replaced by LL Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas

 

[Murat B.]

Watching Stan's tribute . Always liked him. The guy managed to squeeze out 3 slams in an era where it was awfully tough to win any slams with the competition.
I have always wondered where his place in the tennis hierarchy would have been if by a miracle he won Wimbledon and completed the career slam.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Watching Stan's tribute . Always liked him. The guy managed to squeeze out 3 slams in an era where it was awfully tough to win any slams with the competition.
I have always wondered where his place in the tennis hierarchy would have been if by a miracle he won Wimbledon and completed the career slam.

If you think about it, What Stan accomplished during this era is like winning 1 mil on the scratch off lottery ticket.. not a pure miracle but in the same zip code IMO

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

All heart from Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has had soo many injuries and illness to date in his career,
Thanasi had shoulder surgery last year and said if it isnt successful if may have to retire
Toughs out a 67(5) 62 46 63 75 win over Atmane, after trailing the Frenchman 2-5 in the decider
A 4 hour battle in the heat!

 

[El Dude]

I saw the first set of Fonseca's match and, despite some good highlights reel points, a very poor set of tennis (for his ranking and his hype). This whole year I am kind of expecting him to have a big slump, drop out of the top 100 maybe, and then come back. Maybe it is those small injuries, maybe it is part of the plan. I still think he will eventually do great things, but I guess he will need to overcome an early slump.

On the other hand, I saw Prizmic first set as well. Firing on all cylinders. I expect him to roll over Fonseca in three. If Fonseca can raise his level to the occasion, I will be impressed and pleasantly surprised.

Yeah, I'd give a strong edge to Prizmic. Fonzie doesn't seem to have improved from last year. I am totally speculating, but he seems to be having a hard time adjusting from being the hot prospect with flashy skills to consistent player. On the other hand, players tend to improve in jumps. Sometimes things just "click." Meaning, at some point he'll probably adjust and jump a level into the top 10 range. I was expecting/hoping that to happen around now, but still not seeing signs of it.

One thing to keep in mind. The vast majority of eventual greats reach the top 20 by their 20th birthday. Even late-blooming Roger Federer was #14 on his 20th.

As I've pointed out before, one factor--in terms of developmental curve--that sets the true greats apart is that they don't really stall out for long and/or have a relatively steep curve from the top 100 to the top 10-20. The lesser greats and second tier types tend to stall out more, or get stuck somewhere in the 20-100 range. Nothing is set in stone, but to equal historical precedents, winning a big title this year is far less important than reaching the top 20 by his 20th birthday, which is 2 1/2 months away.

Again, nothing is set in stone - but historical precedents do provide good indicators. I'm in the midst of revising some old research and will probably start a thread in the next day or three.

 

[Fiero425]

Yeah, I'd give a strong edge to Prizmic. Fonzie doesn't seem to have improved from last year. I am totally speculating, but he seems to be having a hard time adjusting from being the hot prospect with flashy skills to consistent player. On the other hand, players tend to improve in jumps. Sometimes things just "click." Meaning, at some point he'll probably adjust and jump a level into the top 10 range. I was expecting/hoping that to happen around now, but still not seeing signs of it.

One thing to keep in mind. The vast majority of eventual greats reach the top 20 by their 20th birthday. Even late-blooming Roger Federer was #14 on his 20th.

As I've pointed out before, one factor--in terms of developmental curve--that sets the true greats apart is that they don't really stall out for long and/or have a relatively steep curve from the top 100 to the top 10-20. The lesser greats and second tier types tend to stall out more, or get stuck somewhere in the 20-100 range. Nothing is set in stone, but to equal historical precedents, winning a big title this year is far less important than reaching the top 20 by his 20th birthday, which is 2 1/2 months away.

Again, nothing is set in stone - but historical precedents do provide good indicators. I'm in the midst of revising some old research and will probably start a thread in the next day or three.

Y'all loaded this kid down w/ expectations which is why I was making fun of his lack of results the past several months! There was injury time along the way, but I surmise pressure has been heaped on him that he's not making any strides to back up that confidence by him & his fans! I could be wrong! I'm sure someone will make sure to express the sentiment!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Crazy Scenes,
Ruud was leading 62 75 62 and had 5MPs, now he is struggling physically and had to see the doctor
Currently down 0-4 in the 4th set to Q Safiullin
Now it is Safiullin turn to seek medical help getting treatment on his upper left leg, while Ruud wipes ice cubes over his face and pours water over his head!

 

[the AntiPusher]

Crazy Scenes,
Ruud was leading 62 75 62 and had 5MPs, now he is struggling physically and had to see the doctor
Currently down 0-4 in the 4th set to Q Safiullin

Looking at the numbers it appears Raud won in straight sets or is it a misprint

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Looking at the numbers it appears Raud won in straight sets or is it a misprint

Going 5 sets now AP
Ruud won 62 76(5) Safiullin wins the 3rd set 75 and the 4th set 60
The weather in Paris has been very hot in May, I have been in Paris in May at RG and always had to take a jacket, it can be cool, windy and rainy at times

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Ruud wins the 5th set 62 over Q Safiullin, over coming the heat he does have a day off to recover

 

[the AntiPusher]

Going 5 sets now AP
Ruud won 62 76(5) Safiullin wins the 3rd set 75 and the 4th set 60
The weather in Paris has been very hot in May, I have been in Paris in May at RG and always had to take a jacket, it can be cool, windy and rainy at times

sounds like Raud got gassed and needs to rehydrate.. he may find his way back

 

[the AntiPusher]

Ruud wins the 5th set 62 over Q Safiullin, over coming the heat he does have a day off to recover

he survived.. he is gonna be in a world full of Pain trying to recover..

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

he survived.. he is gonna be in a world full of Pain trying to recover..

Ruud has also been playing clay tournaments with hardly any rest in between, his best surface, he is young and should be able to recover, lets see

 

[don_fabio]

They called very high temps for the whole week, up to 31 degC. That's too hot for this time of the year. I assume that more players will be suffering due to weather conditions.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

They called very high temps for the whole week, up to 31 degC. That's too hot for this time of the year. I assume that more players will be suffering due to weather conditions.

I agree Don, usually in May in Paris it is cool,windy and rainy with some sunny days, I always take a jacket and wet weather gear when going to RG

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

BTW,

I forgot to post this after Stan's last match, apparently his opponent LL De Jong, said he was a ball boy at one of Stan's matches