The 2024 French Open has seen its usual share of upsets and drama, with plenty of snaps capturing the emotion and action from the famous clay courts. ESPN takes a look at some of the most memorable photographs from Roland Garros.
Is the end in sight for Rafael Nadal?
Rafael Nadal is the undisputed king of Roland Garros, with a record 14 singles titles to his name. But even he is not immune to the passing of time. Having battled injury in the last few months, Nadal was knocked out by Alexander Zverev in the first round this year. How much longer he will go on remains to be seen, but his name will always be synonymous with the French Open.
Family emotion
Knowing he is heading towards the end of his career, Nadal’s wife, Xisca Perello, and son Rafael Junior, watch on from the stands, visibly emotional as the Spaniard is ousted from the tournament.
Eye on the ball
Aryna Sabalenka is dialled in during her third round match against Spain’s Paula Badosa. Sabalenka won 7-5, 6-1 but was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Mirra Andreeva.
Rain delay strikes again
Spectators brave the rain which has stopped play. The delay didn’t help the tournament’s tight schedule which has been under the spotlight this year, with matches forced to go long into the night on more than one occasion.
The teenage sensation
There’s often a young player who takes the tournament by storm (think Emma Raducanu at the U.S. Open in 2021.) This year in Paris, it has been 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Out of nowhere, Andreeva reached the semifinals, beating Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka along the way, visibly enjoying every moment.
That’s out!
Andrey Rublev argues with an umpire about whether a ball was in or out in his match against his match against Matteo Arnald. The iconic clay at Roland Garros often makes it clear where a ball has landed and where it has not, but that doesn’t mean it’s always clear cut!
Stretch it out
Novak Djokovic stretches every muscle in his body reaching for a ball against Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round. Djokovic won the match three sets to two, but his tournament wouldn’t last for much longer.
Djokovic is forced to withdraw
In the biggest story of the French Open this year, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the tournament before his quarterfinal due to a knee injury. He has since had surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, which he has labelled a success. There is no time frame for his return, with Wimbledon and the Olympics fast approaching.
Gauff goes for glory
At just 20-years-old, Coco Gauff has already made a massive impact on tennis as she chases a maiden French Open title. She beat Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals but was made to work for the victory, coming from a set down to reach the semifinals.
Escape for Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz came from behind twice against Jannik Sinner to reach the men’s singles final in a gruelling battle. The relief for the Spanish star was clear, who said after the match: “You have to find the joy in suffering, that’s the key.”
