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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
French Open: How Iga Swiatek roared back from a nightmare start to keep her Roland Garros streak alive
It was a tense exchange on Friday in a press conference with Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director of the French Open that opened a debate about whether Roland Garros had been unfair in their showcasing of women's tennis. No women's matches have been scheduled for the single-match night-session on the showpiece Court Philippe-Chatrier since 2023. Mauresmo defended the tournament's position resolutely, claiming it was not a case of discrimination but merely an attempt to give the spectators their money's worth with a longer match: with the men playing best-of-five sets as opposed to the women's best-of-three. It can be left to the opinions of a discerning French crowd, who have watched Grand Slam tennis for generations, over which is the superior entertainment product – Novak Djokovic's processional straight-sets win over Austria's Filip Misolic, played in the night session on Saturday, or the high-stakes, high-wire victory of three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek over 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, played on Sunday afternoon in front of a slow-filling crowd, that lasted longer and went to the wire. At any rate, the Parisian crowds that did make it into Chatrier early on Sunday were treated to two thrillers – Elina Svitolina beating last year's finalist Jasmine Paolini after saving two match points in the first match – and Swiatek's comeback triumph of 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 over Rybakina in the second. Not on my court! 🙅♀️🟠 Four-time champion Iga Swiatek survives a three-set thriller 🆚 Rybakina. Watch the best moments in our highlights, presented by @Emirates ✈️#RolandGarros #FlyBetter #Emirates — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2025 Nearly two-and-a-half hours of captivating tennis full of momentum shifts, Swiatek and Rybakina took turns to produce moments of sensational shotmaking as well as nervy errors. The two former Major champions played out a match worthy of a stage later than the fourth round, such has been their slide down the rankings despite their high ceiling levels. The intense contest was indicative of quite a few things in the larger context of this tournament and the rest of the season. Rybakina's steady level, big serve-and-return combination and clean groundstrokes can threaten the very best in the game, but her inability to get a hold of her nerves in tight moments may explain why her trophy cabinet contains only one Major so far. For Swiatek, the muscle memory of a champion who is now on an 18-match winning streak at the French Open and has won four titles in the last five years in Paris, did not fail. In faltering form and without confidence heading into this tournament, this match represented the kind of banana skin that a player with lesser resolve may have slipped on. But the Pole rode through and raised her level in the tough moments. Rybakina and Swiatek are producing some AMAZING tennis in this 3rd set 🧱#RolandGarros — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2025 Rybakina was in total control in the first set, racing into a 4-0 lead and seeing it out at 6-1. The Kazakh was in fine form, exploiting Swiatek's familiar weakness – the slightly longer switch she makes from serve to her extreme Western grip forehand – by rushing her returns and rattling her. She found the right moments to test Swiatek's resolve, throwing in the odd moonball. 0-2 down in the second set, with her crown at risk of slipping and the ignominy of a potential beatdown at a tournament in which she has not lost a match in four years, Swiatek rose to the challenge. Having struggled with her footwork, she made a few adjustments. With Rybakina veering towards her weaker backhand, she began taking bigger cuts of it and hitting gutsier shots. Most crucially, she stayed tough when Rybakina showed signs of cracking. The Kazakh netted an easy overhead to give her back a break, after which Swiatek was forced to save as many as seven break points to hold on in the second set, before she rolled with it and equalled scores. The momentum swung dramatically but Rybakina's level did not fall. A cat-and-mouse chase began in the high-intensity third set, with each player saving break points and then trading breaks. A potentially decisive momentum shift threatened at 4-4, when, up 15-40, Rybakina ostensibly hit a double fault to give Swiatek the advantage before the chair umpire overruled it. Rybakina returned with a few service bombs and held. But Swiatek had gotten too far for a moment such as this to allow her focus to waver. Not in her house. She held with force and rained down big returns to force a break and eventually served out the match; her superiority in the important moments making the decisive impact in this closely-fought contest, as is often the case with the very best players. This may be the kind of match that turns the four-time French Open champion's form around. A quarterfinal against Svitolina, and a potential semifinal against Zheng Qinwen, who beat her at Roland Garros at the Paris Olympics, or top seed Aryna Sabalenka lie in waiting too. But with performances such as this, she has given the rest of the field more reason to worry than how much they will worry her.
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Gauff finds groove after forgetting rackets, Medvedev exits French Open
Coco Gauff forgot to take her rackets to the court but reminded her rivals of her French Open title ambitions with a commanding first-round win, while Daniil Medvedev was unable to string out his journey beyond the first round on a wet and windy Tuesday. Three-time champion Novak Djokovic overcame the difficult conditions to begin his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a victory after last year's finalist Alexander Zverev got off to a flyer in his hunt for an elusive maiden major trophy. Former Roland Garros runner-up Gauff provided some early comic relief as the second seed grinned sheepishly and showed her empty bag to her entourage, who scampered to reunite her with her equipment before she beat Olivia Gadecki 6-2 6-2. 'The most important thing is to play with a racket,' said Gauff, who jokingly posted a photo on X later of a to-do list that had 'put tennis rackets in bag' unchecked. 'It probably relaxed me going into the match, because it was such a funny thing. I'm just happy to get through. I'll remember my rackets next time.' Coco forgot her rackets… but once she got them? Pure 🔥 Watch Gauff's best moments 🆚 Gadecki as she books her spot in the #RolandGarros second round. — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2025 The Madrid and Rome finalist made up for a slightly delayed start to her match on Court Philippe Chatrier by easing through the first three games and wrapped up the opening set with a brave hold after dropping serve earlier. There was no looking back from there as Gauff tightened her grip on the contest and booked a clash with Tereza Valentova. On the men's side, third seed Zverev sealed a comprehensive 6-3 6-3 6-4 victory over Learner Tien, avenging a defeat by the 19-year-old American in Acapulco earlier this year. Medvedev was not as efficient, losing eight consecutive games after taking a 3-1 lead in the opening set against Cameron Norrie and his frustrations boiled over in a series of animated gestures towards his team during a 7-5 6-3 4-6 1-6 7-5 loss. Norrie enjoyed every bit of the Russian's meltdown. 'Every time I played Daniil, he's never snapped. He's never said anything. He's just completely locked in and chops me every time,' Norrie said. Novak Djokovic is off and running! 💥 Our three-time champ begins his quest for a fourth #RolandGarros crown. Check out our highlights, presented by @Emirates ✈️ #RolandGarros #Emirates #FlyBetter — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2025 'It was quite nice in the first set to see him freaking out and talking to his box and trying to look for answers.' Fellow Briton Jack Draper found all the answers after dropping the opening set against Mattia Bellucci, as the world number five prevailed 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 after 17th seed Andrey Rublev kept his cool to beat Lloyd Harris 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-1. Earlier, Dusan Lajovic crashed out 6-2 6-4 7-6(4) to Kazakh lucky loser Alexander Shevchenko while Laslo Djere fell 6-3 6-4 7-6(6) to Australian ninth seed Alex De Minaur, much to the disappointment of the Serbian fans. Sixth seed Djokovic lifted their spirits, though, as the 38-year-old wrestled Mackenzie McDonald into submission with a dominant 6-3 6-3 6-3 win on the same court where he captured singles gold at the Paris Olympics last year. 'It's great to return here a year later. I don't know how many Grand Slams I have left but this is special,' he said. 'I feel good and here even better because I can relive the Olympics. Today it was a solid match throughout all three sets. Zverev took care of his chances today and made a statement on the clay 👏 #RolandGarros — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2025 'I know I can play at a better level than today but I'm satisfied. There's the chance to make further history and that is the biggest motivation to work, improve and be here.' It was the end of the road for Bulgarian veteran Grigor Dimitrov after the 16th seed pulled up with a left thigh injury during his match against Ethan Quinn to exit a fourth straight Grand Slam due to retirement. In the women's draw, former runner-up Sofia Kenin advanced to the second round after a 6-3 6-1 win over French number one Varvara Gracheva while Hailey Baptiste beat 2023 semifinalist Beatriz Haddad Maia 4-6 6-3 6-1. Former world number one Victoria Azarenka became the oldest woman in the professional era since 1968 to win a singles Grand Slam main-draw match with a 6-0 6-0 scoreline, after the 35-year-old dished out a double bagel to Yanina Wickmayer. Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, breezed past Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-4 6-4 while sixth seed Mirra Andreeva beat Cristina Bucsa 6-4 6-3 to underline her title credentials after a run to last year's semifinals. Andreeva's idol Ons Jabeur suffered a shock first round defeat by Magdalena Frech on Court Simonne Mathieu, as the twice quarterfinalist went down 7-6(4) 6-0.
Arabian Business
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Emirates unveils luxury First Class upgrades, designer amenities and revamped DXB lounge
Emirates has announced enhancements to refine the 'Fly Better' experience across the First Class category. This includes updates to the lounge, menu and the First Class cabin. From engraved caviar bowls to Bulgari perfumes, the Dubai-based airline is reinforcing its leadership in luxury air travel, offering more than 26,800 First Class seats per week all configured as private suites across its global network. Emirates' First Class customers will now receive a redesigned, keepsake menu telling the story behind the airline's curated wine selection, complete with full tasting profiles and pairing suggestions. Elevating First Class Excellence The caviar service will now be presented in bespoke, Robert Welch-designed bowls, complementing the existing range. Cheeseboards got an upgrade to rustic slate presentations with artisan garnishes, and cabin crew are now delivering on board service with gloves. Private suites will feature lie-flat beds, 'zero gravity' recline settings, vanity mirrors, and even a video call function to order 'room service' on select aircraft. Travellers in Emirates First Class receive exclusive amenity kits created with luxury Italian brand Bulgari, available on select long-haul routes. The kits include Bulgari's Le Gemme fragrances, skincare products, and a range of travel essentials. In addition, Hydra Active pyjamas infused with moisturising microcapsules and plush faux sheepskin blankets will be offered to First Class passengers. The wine programme, one of the most extensive in the industry, includes vintages sourced directly from prestigious estates, with some bottles not set for service until 2037. The in-flight menu offers à la carte dining on demand, including gourmet vegan dishes and a Movie Snacks Menu featuring Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, and more. Each First Class suite features a 32-inch Full HD screen connected to Emirates' award-winning ice entertainment system, offering more than 6,500 channels in over 40 languages. Bowers & Wilkins noise-cancelling headphones crafted from sheepskin leather are now standard, ensuring immersive sound. On Airbus A380, First Class customers will also enjoy access to two exclusive Shower Spas and the iconic Onboard Lounge, complete with a 55-inch screen, fully stocked bar, and lounge seating. In Dubai, the First Class check-in area at Terminal 3 is undergoing a major refurbishment, soon to reopen with a design inspired by luxury hotel lounges. The new space will offer personalised service in an exclusive setting. Emirates also provides access to 43 luxury lounges worldwide and chauffeur drive services across most destinations. According to Emirates, these enhancements are part of a continued investment into redefining premium air travel.
Gulf Business
14-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Private suites and showers: Here's what Emirates' new First Class looks like
Credit for images: emirates/Instagram Emirates, the world's largest operator of international First Class travel, continues to refine its industry-leading 'Fly Better' experience with a suite of premium enhancements. The airline currently offers 26,800 international First Class seats per week—the largest in the industry—exclusively in private suites. From gloved onboard service and redesigned menus to luxury check-in lounges and unlimited caviar, Emirates is doubling down on high-end service as demand for premium travel remains robust. View this post on Instagram Curated comfort and personalisation in the sky New onboard enhancements include a keepsake menu, elegantly designed to showcase Emirates' world-class selection of drinks and culinary inspirations. Read- Unlimited caviar is now presented in Robert Welch–designed engraved bowls, and Emirates' enhanced cheeseboard features artisan cheeses served on rustic slate with specialty accompaniments. Cabin crew continue to deliver meticulous gloved service, while private suites provide the ultimate in privacy and space, featuring lie-flat beds, customizable lighting, and electronically controlled doors on select aircraft. On the A380, Emirates offers 14 flat-bed private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, and on its Boeing 777 'Game Changer' aircraft, six floor-to-ceiling suites in a 1-1-1 layout with zero-gravity seats, video-call room service, and virtual windows. View this post on Instagram Exclusive ground services and global lounge access The First Class check-in area at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), is undergoing a full refurbishment. The new space will feature a personalized check-in service and lounge-style design, enhancing the customer journey from the moment of arrival. Globally, First Class travelers enjoy complimentary access to 43 luxury airport lounges and chauffeur-driven transfers in most destinations, offering a seamless, door-to-door premium experience. Restorative amenities and designer products A bespoke range of skincare products by Byredo and luxury amenity kits by Bulgari, featuring the latest Le Gemme fragrances, enhance the pampering experience. Leather-trimmed amenity bags are updated seasonally and are available in exclusive designs for men and women. World-class dining and beverage offerings First Class dining is available on demand, with à la carte meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Menus include vegan gourmet options and signature items such as Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, and a movie snack selection. Industry-leading inflight entertainment The Emirates First Class experience includes a 32-inch Full HD LCD screen and Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones with advanced noise-cancellation. The airline's ice entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels, including new releases from platforms like HBO Max, Paramount+, and BBC. Signature A380 onboard features The A380's exclusive Shower Spa allows First Class passengers to refresh mid-flight, featuring organic products by Irish brand Voya and a full suite of high-end amenities. Additionally, the aircraft's Onboard Lounge provides a social space with drinks, snacks, and a 55-inch LCD screen.
Al Bawaba
14-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Elevating Luxury: Emirates unveils more enhancements to First Class
Emirates is the world's largest operator of international First Class travel - offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, entirely comprised of private suites. Emirates continues to refine its First Class 'Fly Better' experience, with an array of new enhancements for First Class customers; from keepsake menus to gloved service, luxurious lounge-inspired check in areas in Dubai, to the memorable ritual of unlimited caviar onboard. Finessing the finer details of hospitality and service, the latest enhancements onboard Emirates' First Class include a newly designed keepsake menu which tells an explorative story of Emirates' wine selection and culinary inspirations. Customers can discover the heritage of rare bottles handpicked from renowned châteaux, with full tasting profiles and suggested pairings for an elevated dining experience. First Class customers are now invited to savour their unlimited caviar in elegant new Emirates engraved bowls, designed by Robert Welch to complement Emirates' existing range. Emirates First Class cheeseboard has also been enhanced, presented on a rustic slate, with accompanying bowls and a wooden honey dipper, in addition to its array of artisan cheeses and chutneys. Emirates First Class cabin crew provide a gloved service for exceptional hospitality onboard. Enhancing the on-ground experience for First Class customers, the First Class Check In area in Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) is also being refurbished to provide an exclusive atmosphere, featuring dedicated, personalised check-in services and a relaxing lounge design set to open in the coming weeks. Across the world, the journey for Emirates First Class customers is curated from start to finish, with complimentary access to 43 world class, luxury lounges across the globe, and complimentary chauffeur drive for seamless door-to-door transfers across most destinations. In addition to regular enhancements in service and hospitality, here are some of the most celebrated aspects of flying Emirates' First Class; An abundance of personal space and privacy Described as a 'hotel room in the sky,' Emirates offers First Class customers spacious, private suites above the clouds. Innovative technologies in Emirates First Class suites include electronically controlled privacy doors on some aircraft, with personal temperature controls and adjustable mood lighting on others. In the First Class Suites onboard the Emirates A380 for example, there are 14 flat-bed Private Suites, set in a 1-2-1 configuration, located on the upper deck. The suite offers a seat that reclines from upright position to a lie-flat bed, with an automatic door for full privacy. Inside there is ample space for work, reading, or dining, with a work desk and pull-out dining table. Similarly, in the First Class Game Changer Suite onboard the Emirates B777, there are 6 luxurious private suites with floor to ceiling doors, set in a 1-1-1 configuration. The suites offer seats that can convert to 'zero gravity' setting for a comfortable sleep, and thoughtfully designed privacy so customers can comfortably relax or work. A video call feature is available on Game Changer aircraft so that customers can order 'room service' from their suite. The private suites in the middle row have virtual windows, while window seat passengers are provided with bespoke binoculars to enjoy the views. Across Emirates' fleet, customers can check the configuration of the First Class suites on each aircraft, by exploring the seating charts available Emirates First Class customers get a generous 50kg luggage allowance, and for hand luggage items in the cabin, there is ample storage including a full-length wardrobe, overhead stowage, baggage storage and extra space for bags or shoes. Restorative rest and pampering products in Emirates' First Class To transform seats into comfortable lie-flat beds, Emirates First Class customers are offered soft mattresses and pillows, cotton-lined duvets, including a plush, faux sheep-skin blanket on the Game Changer aircraft to support a good night's sleep. First Class customers are also offered Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas to enhance their onboard comfort where the microcapsule technology keeps skin hydrated during the flight. The patented technology uses billions of capsules applied to the fabric to gently release naturally moisturising Vitamin C and olive oil. The pyjamas also include matching slippers and eye mask. A curated array of skin and bodycare products are offered to First Class customers – from Byredo skincare to Bulgari perfumes and body lotions. Each First Class suite features a Byredo skincare collection designed exclusively for Emirates by the Swedish luxury brand. The Emirates First Class collection includes a towelette to cleanse and refresh the face, facial toner, eye cream, sleep oil and a pillow mist. Suites also feature a built-in illuminated vanity mirror. Emirates also collaborates with luxury Italian brand Bulgari to create exclusive designer amenity kits for long haul passengers on select routes in First Class. The kits include essential items such as a sustainable hairbrush, hair tie, mirror and toothbrush, shaving kit and dental kit, alongside signature Bulgari Le Gemme fragrances and lotions. The latest fragrances now onboard are Le Gemme Orom for women, an intense wood and amber fragrance crafted around the finest vanilla bourbon absolute and precious oud assam essence. For men, the Le Gemme Tygar perfume contrasts woody and citrussy fragrances crafted from accords of fresh bursting grapefruit and deep sophisticated ambergris. The Bulgari bags themselves come in four elegant leather designs, featuring a rich chocolate colour for men and Champagne for women. Fine dining on demand and world class drinks selection First Class customers can dine on their own schedule, as the menu is available on demand. Orders can be placed at any time during the flight on long haul routes including à la carte multi-course meals with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Gourmet vegan dishes are available to First Class passengers on select routes, as well as a Movie Snacks Menu, featuring delicious options like Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn, and edamame. First Class customers may indulge in unlimited caviar served with seven accompaniments, including melba toast, blinis, egg, chives, white onions, sour cream, and lemon, all served with a mother-of-pearl spoon. First Class customers are offered a selection of luxury chocolates, pralines, dates, and sweets and can take away their favourites in a mini box if desired. Premium sweet and savoury snacks are also featured in each suite, with still and sparkling water. As part of an outstanding beverage collection, Emirates is the only airline in the world to offer Dom Pérignon champagne to First Class customers, served in First Class across all global routes. A complete range of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is also available on a complimentary basis to First Class customers including the most premium spirits like Stoli Elit 18 Vodka from Latvia, The Botanist Hebridean Strength Gin from Scotland, Eminente Reserva 7 Year Old Rum from Cuba and Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Scotland and Hennessy Paradis Cognac from France. Every wine, spirit and beer onboard has been hand selected by Emirates as a best-in-class preferred beverage for customers. For wine enthusiasts, Emirates world-class programme procures the finest wines from the most prestigious regions around the globe, offering the most extensive wine cellar of any airline. Emirates' dedicated facilities in France house around 6 million bottles of fine wine, some of which won't be served until 2037. Emirates currently offers a selection of the finest white Burgundy wines including prestigious Premier and Grand Crus wines such as Montrachet 2011, Chevalier-Montrachet 2013, and Corton-Charlemagne 2014, as well as some exceptional red Burgundy wines, primarily Grand Crus like Échezeaux, Clos Vougeot, and Chambertin. Emirates is also planning to introduce several First Growths from Bordeaux in the coming years, from the renowned estates of Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château d'Yquem. Emirates also offers premium Port wines, including vintage Tawny Ports such as the 1979 Graham's and the 1981 from Dow's. First Class customers can order from an extensive Lavazza Italian coffee menu and premium, handpicked Sri Lankan teas from acclaimed artisan teamakers – Dilmah. Elevated entertainment in the sky For an outstanding viewing experience - First Class customers enjoy a 32-inch FULL HD LCD screen featuring ultra-wide viewing angles, touch screen, and LED backlight linked to Emirates' award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. Customers also experience superior quality sound onboard using premium Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, exclusively created for Emirates using noise‑cancelling technology to block out ambient cabin sounds and deliver the cleanest output. The headphones are designed to be lightweight and made of the finest materials, including sheepskin leather for a comfortable fit. Emirates' ice offers more than 6,500 channels of on demand entertainment in more than 40 languages. It includes more than 4,000 hours of movies and TV channels, up to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts, more than 2,000 Hollywood and internationally acclaimed movies, 250 dedicated kids and family channels and hundreds of TV series and full box sets including the latest shows from Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals and Shahid. First Class on the Emirates A380 - Luxurious Shower Spa and A380 Onboard Lounge Emirates is the first airline in the world to have introduced showers in First Class cabins and there are two Shower Spas in First Class, for the exclusive use of First Class customers travelling on an A380. The shower cubicle has water temperature control, a vanity unit, wash basin, changing area and toilet, a hairdryer, full-length mirror, heated flooring, leather seating and exotic flowers to create a relaxed ambience. Cosmetics provided include sustainable shower products from Irish luxury organic brand Voya, featuring shampoo, conditioner, body moisturiser, a soap bar and shower gel - where First Class customers can choose from two ranges; Revitalise and Tranquillity. First Class and Business Class customers have exclusive access to the Onboard Lounge situated at the rear of the upper deck of the A380. In addition to a fully stocked bar containing premium branded liqueurs and spirits, champagne and classic cocktails, and a selection of hot and cold snacks, there is comfortable, open booth seating and a 55-inch LCD screen showing the aircraft's position and views from its external cameras – for a uniquely social experience at 40,000 feet. Read more about Emirates First Class
