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Rafael Nadal's father Sebastian was captured admiring his son's iconic French Open statue ahead of the Spaniard's clay-court campaign. In other news, Coco Gauff joined forces with Katerina Siniakova for the French Open doubles event following Jessica Pegula's withdrawal due to injury.
Meanwhile, French Open director Amelie Mauresmo defended her decision to keep Alexander Zverev in the main draw amid German's upcoming domestic abuse court trial. Naomi Osaka expressed admiration for her dragon and floral-themed custom Nike shoes at the French Open.
Also, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka shared a warm embrace following the Brit's first-round loss in Paris.
On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:
Rafael Nadal's father Sebastian looks on in awe at his son’s iconic French Open statue
Rafael Nadal's father Sebastian was seen filled with admiration as he gazed upon his son's iconic statue at the French Open, ahead of the Spaniard's clay-court Grand Slam season.
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Nadal's statue was unveiled in May 2021 and positioned adjacent to the Jardin des Mousquetaires and the main entrance gate for the public. Tennis broadcaster Blair Henley captured and shared the touching scene on social media.
"Papa Nadal is just like us. Watching him come out to admire his son’s statue - that I assume he’s seen many times before - hit me in the feels. What a legacy," Henley wrote on Instagram.
14-time champion Rafael Nadal will be facing fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the first round on May 27.
Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova pair up for French Open doubles following Jessica Pegula's withdrawal
Coco Gauff has teamed up with Katerina Siniakova, who is a two-time former doubles champion at the clay-court Grand Slam, to compete in the doubles event at the 2024 French Open. Jessica Pegula, her usual doubles partner, pulled out of the tournament due to a neck injury.
The fifth-seeded pair will face Anna Danilina and Xu Yifan in the first round on May 29.
In the singles event, the third-seeded American will face Julia Avdeeva in the first round. Siniakova, on the other hand, defeated Dalma Galfi 7-5, 7-6(3) to reach the second round where she will face Chloe Paquet.
French Open director defends Alexander Zverev’s inclusion in main draw amid German's domestic abuse trial
French Open director Amelie Mauresmo defended her decision to keep Alexander Zverev in the tournament despite his upcoming domestic violence trial. Zverev, who will be facing Rafael Nadal in the first round, was accused by ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea of domestic violence and took him to criminal court. The trial will start on May 31 in Berlin.
In an interview with The Guardian, Mauresmo stated that she considers Zverev innocent until proven otherwise by the court verdict.
"So far, our policy is that, as long as the trial isn't finished and there isn't a decision, he's considered innocent and so that's why he's allowed to be part of the draw. And as far as the trial is concerned, we're not gonna comment on anything because the trial is happening so we're going to respect that," Mauresmo stated.
Naomi Osaka hails her custom Nike sneakers at French Open
Naomi Osaka praised her custom Nike sneakers from her latest Spring/Summer '24 collection during her French Open campaign.
After defeating Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in the first round, Osaka spoke about her shoes' dragon and floral theme. The Japanese called them the "most beautiful tennis shoes ever" and credited their unique design for giving her strength.
"The most beautiful tennis shoes ever. They have dragons and flowers on them, and they are two different colors and I feel like it gives me a lot of strength, which is a really good thing," Osaka said in her on-court interview.
Naomi Osaka will now take on either World No. 1 Iga Swiatek or French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean in the second round.
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka share a warm hug following the former's 1R loss in Paris
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka shared a friendly hug and exchanged a few words at the net after the Brit's 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 loss in the first-round match at the 2024 French Open.
Watch the video below:
Stan Wawrinka will now face either 32nd seed Cameron Norrie or Pavel Kotov in the second round.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
