• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

French Open Underway Without One of Its Biggest Draws

  • Defending champ Rafael Nadal is out this year with a lingering injury.
  • Tournament looking for new storylines without its most decorated winner.
Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

The second Grand Slam on the tennis calendar is underway as the French Open looks to find a new identity this year without defending champion Rafael Nadal.

Men’s favorites Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz each won their first-round matches in straight sets at Roland Garros, while American Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed and daughter of Bills and Sabres owners Kim and Terry Pegula, easily advanced to the second round in the women’s draw.

But Nadal’s absence has been the biggest story as the Spaniard is missing the tournament because of a lingering hip issue after he won last year’s event for the 14th time.

“I always want to watch Rafa playing,” Alcaraz, the No. 1-ranked men’s player, said in the event’s lead-up. “Hopefully, we’ll see him next year that he’s 100%.”

“Him and Roland Garros is something special,” added American player Coco Gauff.

Nadal has said he is likely to retire in 2024 but is hopeful for one more run at the French Open and winning his 15th trophy in Paris.

Money Talks

Prize money for this year’s event has increased by more than 12% to $54.6 million. 

Former top-ranked men’s player and two-time French Open champion Jim Courier recently explained on the Front Office Sports Today podcast how pro tennis is striving for a healthier existence with top players helping lower-ranked competitors get paid more.

“Players like Federer and Djokovic and Nadal and Venus Williams [said] ‘We don’t need a check that’s $3 million this year to be $3.5 million next year.’ If it goes up to $3.1 million … and then first round prize money goes from $25,000 to $40,000, that’s a better use of that money,” Courier said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Liverpool to Pay Diogo Jota’s $20M Contract to His Widow

Jota had two years remaining on his contract.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.