Grass-court season begins with value in Ugo Humbert and Ben Shelton after Roland Garros epic
After witnessing arguably the greatest-ever Grand Slam final on Sunday, June 8, there is a slightly more sedate pace to the ATP Tour this week as the action moves to the grass courts with a couple of ATP 250 events.
The Libema Open, on the outskirts of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, is always a decent watch.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be resting and refuelling after their titanic battle that lasted for five hours and 29 minutes at Roland Garros, but there are still some big names in action in Europe this week.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Bookie Basher breaks down the key contenders and value picks at both the Libema Open and the Boss Open as the grass-court season gets underway.
French Open news: Coco Gauff is a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros - five years in a row
Coco Gauff is set to go up against fellow American, Madison Keys in her fifth quarterfinal in five years.
The current second seed reached her first Grand Slam singles final back in the 2022 French Open, where she lost the title to Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
Sports News Blitz writer Vanely Barumire comments on the intriguing stories coming out of the WTA French Open.
French Open betting tips: 11/4 Elina Svitolina looks worth rowing in with to stun reigning champ
From its sun-dappled quays along the Seine to its riotous neighbourhoods, Paris has always been a city apart.
PSG are the champions of Europe for the first time but while Les Parisiens are basking in the glory of that thumping 5-0 win over Inter, things are ramping up at Roland Garros.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Bookie Basher shares his predictions and betting tips ahead of the action.
French Open news: Stars are aligning for Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka to light up Roland Garros
The French Open, quite simply one of the most iconic and visually stunning tournaments on the international sporting calendar, kicks off on Sunday and the bookies feel the men’s event is a two-horse race.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Bookie Basher trades football tips for tennis this fine weekend.
Tennis news: Jasmine Paolini’s Italian Open win improves French Open hopes
Jasmine Paolini became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years when she beat American star Coco Gauff - with the victory improving her position for the French Open.
Paolini secured her win at the Foro Italico in Rome, cheered on by Italian president Sergio Mattarella as she defeated Gauff 6-4, 6-2, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shameeka Voyiya.
Women’s Tennis Association introduces paid maternity leave for players
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on a groundbreaking shift in women’s tennis, as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) unveils a paid maternity leave initiative in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This move addresses a long-standing gap in professional sports, ensuring female players receive essential family planning support.
Tennis news: Novak Djokovic nearly forfeited during medical timeout in win over Carlos Alcaraz
Ten-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic defied the critics to defeat world number three Carlos Alcaraz in four sets on Tuesday.
The Serbian also overcame early knee trouble in a performance that further cemented his status as one of tennis's all-time greats.
Sports News Blitz’s Joe Matthews reflects on Djokovic’s difficult, yet victorious day.
Tennis news: Coco Gauff – one of the leading athletes in 2024 women’s sports
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya takes a look at American tennis star Coco Gauff, who at just 20 years old has established herself as one of this year’s household names in women’s sports.
‘Never even liked tennis anyway’. A look at Andy Murray's greatest moments
Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy takes a look at some of British great Andy Murray's defining moments throughout his long and illustrious career following his retirement from tennis.
Wimbledon 2024 news: Andy Murray out of singles - but will play in doubles
Andy Murray admits he is ‘extremely disappointed’ after pulling out of the men’s singles at Wimbledon 2024 - but he will take part in the men’s doubles.
Wimbledon 2024 news: Wildcard Emma Raducanu’s love for tennis ‘rekindled’
Emma Raducanu says her love for tennis has been ‘rekindled’ - and admits all British players ‘push ourselves more’ during the grass-court season.
Wimbledon news: Return of the two-time king in doubt due to Andy Murray fitness fears
Andy Murray admits he is unsure whether he will be able to play at Wimbledon 2024, which runs from July 1-14.
Tennis news: Andy Murray odds-on to hang up tennis racket before Rafael Nadal
Andy Murray is odds-on with William Hill to retire before long-time rival Rafael Nadal, following their respective first-round exits at the French Open.
French Open news: Roland Garros king Rafa Nadal not ready to close door on career
The French Open kicks off a huge summer of sport for France, with the Olympics taking place in Paris, and Rafael Nadal has given an update on his future plans.