Two types of court

Good morning. The climax of the clay court season, Roland Garros, is upon us. Storylines to follow: will Rafael Nadal make one last run, will Novak Djokovic find his form, and can anyone stop Iga?

— Daniel

ATP

Winner winner trial for dinner

Get you a partner that looks at you like Alexander Zverev looks at his trophy. But maybe don’t slide into Zverev’s DMs. Let me explain. While the 27 year old German giant might be feeling good about how he’s playing just two days away from Roland Garros, his focus is likely elsewhere. In late 2023, Zverev’s former partner Brenda Patea accused him of domestic abuse, specifically about one moment where she says he pushed her into a wall and choked her in 2020. Contesting the allegations, Zverev has a trial in Berlin scheduled to start on May 31st, right in the middle of Roland Garros. While Zverev doesn’t have to be present in court during his trial (because that makes total sense), he could be looking at major fines or up to 5 years in prison if found guilty.

While it’s unknown what the court will decide, Zverev likely has a tough road ahead of him. In October 2023, another one of Zverev’s former partners, Olya Sharypova (not to be mistaken with Maria Sharapova), publicly came forward on Instagram with allegations of abuse. Sharypova described multiple instances of violence, including Zverev allegedly punching her in the face, as well as smothering her with a pillow as she struggled to breathe.

Zverev will play Roland Garros, so if you see him on his phone during a change over, it’s probably his lawyers, not his coach. More details on this story over at ESPN.

Trivia

This French tennis legend was the inaugural World No. 1 from 1921 to 1926, winning eight Grand Slam titles in singles and twenty-one in total. She won six Wimbledon singles titles, including five in a row from 1919 to 1923.

Who is this player?

Find out at the bottom!

WTA

Sabalenka right about now

Think of a colleague that drives you nuts. It’s like whatever you do, you just can’t seem to win, constantly. That’s what World No 2. Aryna Sabalenka is dealing with. The 26 year old Belarussian lost to Iga Swiatek for the second time in two weeks, both in the finals of tournaments (Madrid and Rome). While making two consecutive finals would mean drinks for the whole bar for pretty much anyone else in the field, Sabalenka might not be super jazzed after dropping to a 3 - 8 record against the World No. 1. That said, towards the end of her award ceremony speech she said, “Lastly I want to thank my team for helping me lose another final,” in good spirits. Sabalenka heads to Roland Garros this week in great form and as the two seed (far away from Iga).

Flick of the Week

Bear Grylls but tennis

Let’s set the scene. Roger and Rafa are lost in the snowy Swiss Alps. Equipped with determination and tenacity, Rafa’s the one hunting for their food. Calm under pressure and a problem-solver, Roger is building shelter and fire. My guess - survival would be a breeze, and moral would be high given Novak’s recent struggles.

Fortunately for the world, Roger and Rafa don’t actually have to compromise on the last bite of wild rabbit leg. Nadal, however, did have to leave his sunny Mallorca island life momentarily for a joint Louis Vuitton photoshoot in Switzerland.

Quote: “I don’t feel my ears but I’m enjoying a lot” - Rafa

Check out the campaign video, which includes a Q&A with the legendary pair.

Thanks for reading!

DP 🤠

Answer: The legendary Suzanne Lenglen, whom the second largest stadium at Roland Garros is named after