Women's Tennis Blog https://womenstennisblog.com Current tennis events and matches, interesting stories about female tennis players, players' interviews and amusing tennis videos. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:03:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-logo_-_reket_-_belo_2_512x512-32x32.png Women's Tennis Blog https://womenstennisblog.com 32 32 Andreeva wins first Grand Slam title, cruises past Chwalinska in Roland Garros final https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/06/andreeva-wins-roland-garros/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/06/andreeva-wins-roland-garros/#respond Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:03:14 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81829 Nineteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva swept nine straight games in the Roland Garros final, weathered a brief late surge, and dismantled qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3 6-2 to claim her first Grand Slam title.

Mirra Andreeva

Facing surprise finalist Chwalinska—ranked No. 114 and the lowest-ranked woman to reach the Roland Garros final since the WTA Rankings were introduced in November 1975—Andreeva met early resistance. The Polish qualifier fought back from breaks down and even held serve for a lead in the opening set, but the eighth seed soon took control.

From 2–3 in the first set, Andreeva reeled off a dominant run to move ahead 6–3 5–0 and stand just one game away from the title. The 24-year-old Chwalinska briefly delayed the finish by getting on the board and breaking once more, but the Russian teenager responded immediately, holding serve in the next game before sealing victory on her first match point.

Before defeating Chwalinska in their first career meeting, Andreeva enjoyed a strong run at Roland Garros, registering victories over Fiona Ferro, Marina Bassols Ribera, Marie Bouzkova, Jil Teichmann, Sorana Cirstea, and Marta Kostyuk.

Andreeva has won 36 matches so far this season, leading the WTA Tour in match victories in 2026.

Currently ranked No. 8, Andreeva is projected to rise to No. 6, which is one spot shy of her career high. Chwalinska sits one place below her career-best of No. 113, achieved last month, and is set to break new ground after Roland Garros, projected to climb to No. 21 following a runner-up finish.

Andreeva’s winning apparel: Nike Paris Slam Dress, Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1.5 shoes, and Wilson Blade Pro 100 v10 racquet.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/06/andreeva-wins-roland-garros/feed/ 0 Roland Garros fashion recap: From Osaka and Sabalenka’s glam to Chwalinska’s underdog wardrobe story https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/05/roland-garros-fashion-recap-from-osaka-and-sabalenkas-glam-to-chwalinskas-underdog-wardrobe-story/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/05/roland-garros-fashion-recap-from-osaka-and-sabalenkas-glam-to-chwalinskas-underdog-wardrobe-story/#respond Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:06:49 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81811 When it comes to tennis fashion, Roland Garros 2026 was a spectacle largely dominated by Naomi Osaka’s and Aryna Sabalenka’s extravagant Nike looks. On the other hand, the tournament’s surprise finalist, Maja Chwalinska, sported a variety of outfits simply because she doesn’t have an apparel sponsor. Let’s see all the details in our latest Grand Slam fashion overview.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka debuted Nike’s Summer Slam Dress, a sexy design featuring a black mesh overlay layered over a red leotard, and elevated the look further with a custom diamond-and-garnet jewelry set by Material Good.

Undoubtedly, the fashion queen of Roland Garros 2026 was Naomi Osaka. While many fans praised her for bringing high-fashion flair to the tennis court, others felt her bold looks were over the top and out of sync with her recent results.

The Japanese star opened her campaign in Paris in a dramatic layered ensemble featuring a glittering black corset and a flowing pleated skirt that swept gracefully across the clay. Beneath the outer layer, she revealed a shimmering gold Nike dress accented with sparkling sequined stripes that caught the sunlight.

After the first round, Osaka continued to surprise with different floor-length skirts and dramatic trains.

Surprise finalist Maja Chwalinska rotated through several outfits during the tournament, a reflection of her current lack of an apparel sponsor. In her semifinal, she appeared in a lime green Lacoste sleeveless polo, while earlier rounds saw her in a black Nike tank. Addressing the topic in her press conference, the Polish qualifier was direct, saying: “There’s no story really. I’m not sponsored.”

Adidas embraced a timeless white-and-navy color palette for this year’s French Open. Elina Svitolina opted for the brand’s cropped polo tank, pairing it with a solid navy skirt featuring a subtle striped sheen woven into the fabric.

2008 Roland Garros champion Ana Ivanovic returned to the tournament for the first time in a decade, competing in the Legends event while wearing the Adidas Paris WOW Pro Dress.

Last year’s champion Coco Gauff sported a greyish-purple New Balance pleated dress combined with soft light pink tones.

Elena Rybakina promoted the silver-grey version of the Yonex Paris Dress, featuring printed mesh gussets on the skirt and a mesh fabric insert at the upper back.

The black variant of that Yonex dress we saw on Diana Schnaider.

On chose a beautiful purple tone for Roland Garros, continuing to play with ombré effects, this time also incorporating subtle horizontal stripes into Iga Swiatek’s look.

Marta Kostyuk advanced to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal, looking as polished as ever in Wilson apparel. The Ukrainian wore the Winning Tennis Dress, a tight-fitting design with a zip-up front and side mesh panels paired with a pleated skirt.

Mirra Andreeva reached her first major final wearing the Nike Summer Slam Dress, a light pink design inspired by ballet aesthetics. The outfit features an attached leotard and built-in mesh shortie for ball storage.

Amanda Anisimova wore a green version of the same dress.

Emma Raducanu played her first Grand Slam as a Uniqlo brand ambassador after switching from Nike in February. The Briton opted for a sporty red dress featuring a pleated skirt. Speaking to Uniqlo France on Instagram, Raducanu revealed that red is one of her favorite colors and praised the collaborative design process behind the outfit. “This is like a piece of art. It was an amazing process designing it with Clare and the Uniqlo team. I think the attention to detail…” she said.

Fiona Ferro represented Lacoste in a vibrant yellow-green dress featuring a ribbed bomber-style collar with a zippered placket, bonded armholes, and a pleated skirt.

Taylor Townsend attracted attention in pieces from her own apparel line, instantly recognizable by its distinctive interlocked TT logo.

Belinda Bencic promoted the new Asics collection, pairing her blue dress with the Solution Speed FF 4 shoes.

What do you think of this year’s WTA fashion at Roland Garros? Is Osaka going too far with her looks? Is Sabalenka going too far with her diamond-heavy styling? Who should sign Maja Chwalinska? And who was your best-dressed player?

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/05/roland-garros-fashion-recap-from-osaka-and-sabalenkas-glam-to-chwalinskas-underdog-wardrobe-story/feed/ 0 Maja Chwalinska becomes the first qualifier to reach Roland Garros final https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/04/maja-chwalinska-roland-garros-final/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/04/maja-chwalinska-roland-garros-final/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:01:17 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81814 When Maja Chwalinska arrived in Paris three weeks ago, simply earning a place in the main draw would have been considered a successful tournament. Now, she is one victory away from becoming a Grand Slam champion.

The 24-year-old Pole continued one of the most astonishing runs in recent tennis history on Thursday, defeating No. 25 seed Diana Shnaider 7-6(4) 6-4 to secure a place in the Roland Garros final. The result places Chwalinska in a category all her own: she is the first qualifier ever to reach the women’s singles final in Paris. Actually, Chwalinska is just the second qualifier to reach a major final in the Open Era, matching the extraordinary achievement of Emma Raducanu, who famously captured the 2021 US Open title after coming through qualifying.

Not only is this Chwalinska’s first appearance in the Roland Garros main draw after falling in qualifying on three previous occasions, but before this tournament she had managed just two tour-level victories on clay throughout her entire career.

“It’s like a dream, honestly,” she said moments after securing the biggest victory of her career. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know what to say. I’m just very happy.”

Entering the tournament ranked No. 114 in the world, Chwalinska is now projected to soar up the rankings and is within touching distance of a Top 20 debut.

The Polish star has also joined an exclusive club in tournament history. She is only the third woman in the Open Era to reach the Roland Garros final during her first main-draw appearance at the event, following tennis legends Evonne Goolagong in 1971 and Chris Evert in 1973.

Saturday’s final will feature two first-time Grand Slam finalists, with Chwalinska taking on world No. 8 and eighth seed Mirra Andreeva. Earlier on Thursday, Andreeva booked her place in the championship match with a 6-1 6-3 victory over No. 15 seed Marta Kostyuk, ending the Ukrainian’s 17-match winning streak.

The title match will be the first career meeting between Andreeva and Chwalinska, who will face a Top 10 opponent for the first time in her career.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/04/maja-chwalinska-roland-garros-final/feed/ 0 Shock exit: Sabalenka crashes out to Schnaider, says she “wants to quit tennis” after mental collapse https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/03/shock-exit-sabalenka-crashes-out-to-schnaider-says-she-wants-to-quit-tennis-after-mental-collapse/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/03/shock-exit-sabalenka-crashes-out-to-schnaider-says-she-wants-to-quit-tennis-after-mental-collapse/#respond Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:02:43 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81805 World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka committed 57 unforced errors and lost the final 10 games of her Roland Garros quarterfinal as she was upset by Diana Schnaider 3-6 7-5 6-0. Reflecting on the tough loss, the Belarusian admitted she had fallen into a “very deep, dark hole” mentally.

Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka appeared firmly in control of the contest after taking the opening set and building a commanding 4-1 lead in the second. However, the match turned dramatically from that point onward, with Schnaider seizing the initiative and never looking back.

Competing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, the 25th-seeded Russian produced a remarkable turnaround, storming to victory by winning 12 of the final 13 games.

After the defeat, Sabalenka acknowledged how difficult it was to halt the slide once it began.

“I don’t know when was the last time that I lost 10 games in a row,” she said. “Mentally I got into very deep, deep, dark hole over there, and I just couldn’t get back on track.”

The defeat sent shockwaves through the tournament. As the only remaining Grand Slam singles champion in the women’s draw, Sabalenka had been widely regarded as the overwhelming favorite for the title.

The manner of the loss also echoed her painful defeat in last year’s Roland Garros final, when she let a one-set lead slip against Coco Gauff while amassing 67 unforced errors. Asked how she felt in the immediate aftermath of the latest setback, the Belarusian replied: “No thoughts, no emotions. Just want to quit tennis right now. We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.”

Schnaider will next face qualifier Maja Chwalinska for a place in the final after the Pole upset Anna Kalinskaya earlier on Wednesday. In the other semifinal on Thursday, Schnaider’s doubles partner Mirra Andreeva, now the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw, will take on the in-form Marta Kostyuk.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/03/shock-exit-sabalenka-crashes-out-to-schnaider-says-she-wants-to-quit-tennis-after-mental-collapse/feed/ 0 It’s official: Serena Williams returns to competitive tennis at 44 https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/01/its-official-serena-williams-returns-to-competitive-tennis-at-44/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/01/its-official-serena-williams-returns-to-competitive-tennis-at-44/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:04:39 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81797 After an almost four-year break that included the birth of her second child, Serena Williams returns to competitive tennis at the age of 44. Her first tournament back will be next week’s HSBC Championships, a WTA 500 grass-court event held at Queen’s Club in London, where she will play doubles.

Serena Williams

While tournament organizers have yet to officially announce her doubles partner, multiple reports indicate that young Canadian star Victoria Mboko will join her on court. The prospect of the sport’s most decorated modern champion teaming up with one of its brightest young talents has already generated considerable excitement ahead of the grass-court season.

Speculation surrounding Williams’ return has been building for months. Although she previously dismissed suggestions that she was planning a comeback, attention intensified after her name resurfaced in tennis’ anti-doping testing program and later appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s list of reinstated players earlier this year.

On Monday, Williams posted a short video of herself walking onto a tennis court, accompanied by the message: “Guess everybody heard the news,” while her caption teased: “Good news travels fast.”

Mboko stopped short of confirming the reported doubles partnership with Williams, saying any announcement should come from the 23-time Grand Slam champion herself. “I feel like it’s up to her to announce that,” Mboko said when asked about the reports a few days ago. “Serena and I have stayed in touch, which is really nice because I really look up to her. The fact that she even knows me is very exciting.”

Williams’ return will undoubtedly be one of the biggest storylines of the summer, with fans eager to see whether the legendary American can once again make her presence felt on the game’s biggest stages. (source: BBC)

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/06/01/its-official-serena-williams-returns-to-competitive-tennis-at-44/feed/ 1 Talk of Serena Williams return gathers pace for 2026 grass swing https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/28/talk-of-serena-williams-return-gathers-pace-for-2026-grass-swing/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/28/talk-of-serena-williams-return-gathers-pace-for-2026-grass-swing/#respond Thu, 28 May 2026 20:40:43 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81792 Word is circulating that Serena Williams is planning a return to professional tennis during the grass-court season, potentially beginning with the HSBC Championships in London. The information was first revealed on Any Roddick’s Served podcast, claiming the 44-year-old may return in doubles alongside Canadian star Victoria Mboko before potentially competing in singles again as well.

Serena Williams

Williams has not confirmed the reports, but she became eligible to return to competition on February 22 after completing six months back in the anti-doping testing pool. Roddick suggested that this is definitely a strong indication that the 23-time Grand Slam champion is seriously considering another comeback. “If you enter doping protocols, you’re looking to come back,” Roddick said on the podcast.

Earlier this year, a similar view was also expressed by Sascha Bajin, Serena’s former hitting partner and coach, who indicated he believed a return to competition remained a realistic possibility.

Although many believed Williams played the final match of her career at the 2022 US Open, the American has never officially embraced the word “retirement.” After losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round in New York, she instead described herself as “evolving away” from tennis.

Meanwhile, older sister Venus Williams has continued making occasional appearances on the WTA Tour over the last few seasons. Venus, who is 15 months older than Serena, has already played seven tournaments this year. Her most recent singles victory came in Washington last July, shortly after celebrating her 45th birthday.

Venus had also been scheduled to compete in women’s doubles at this year’s French Open alongside Hailey Baptiste, but the pair withdrew from the tournament on Thursday. Organizers did not provide an official reason for the withdrawal, although Baptiste had been forced to retire from her second-round singles match against Wang Xiyu after appearing to injure her left leg late in the opening set.

The WTA returned to Queen’s Club in 2025 for the first time since 1973, bringing women’s tennis back to the historic London venue after more than five decades. The 2026 edition of the WTA 500 HSBC Championships is scheduled to take place June 8-14. The American great would need a wildcard, but there are two available for the grass court event.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/28/talk-of-serena-williams-return-gathers-pace-for-2026-grass-swing/feed/ 0 Siegemund “couldn’t care less” about Osaka’s Roland Garros fashion show https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/siegemund-couldnt-care-less-about-osakas-roland-garros-fashion-show/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/siegemund-couldnt-care-less-about-osakas-roland-garros-fashion-show/#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 19:42:06 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81783 The entire tennis world has been paying close attention to Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam outfits, which have continued to spark mixed reactions. However, Laura Siegemund, Osaka’s previous opponent at Roland Garros, made it clear she was largely indifferent to the spectacle. Rather than focusing on fashion, the German player emphasized her priorities on court, saying she is more concerned with respecting the rules and fair play.

Laura Siegemund

All eyes were on the start of the Osaka vs. Siegemund first-round match on Tuesday at Roland Garros, but quite frankly, the focus was less on tennis and more on the anticipated fashion extravaganza set to be served by the Japanese star. And she delivered once again, stepping onto court in a glittering black corset paired with a floor-length pleated skirt, alongside a sequined gold Nike tennis dress reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower at night.

While the world buzzed about Osaka’s catwalk-like entrance, Siegemund was absolutely unimpressed.

”I couldn’t care less,” she told TNT Sports after losing the match 6-3 7-6(3). ”I come here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show. And if others want to put on a fashion show, then they should go ahead and do it. That’s totally fine with me.”

She added that her issue lies elsewhere in the sport’s regulations, arguing that “bigger names are treated differently”: “I find something else problematic. In our sport, at every tournament they count every second, right up until you’ve unpacked your water bottle. But she can have a minute and a half to change. I have a problem with that, because these rules simply exist and they are what they are – every second is now being watched so closely for us.”

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/siegemund-couldnt-care-less-about-osakas-roland-garros-fashion-show/feed/ 4 Why does Coco Gauff store her racquets in the fridge? Tennis pro explains the science https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/coco-gauff-racquets-in-the-fridge/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/coco-gauff-racquets-in-the-fridge/#respond Wed, 27 May 2026 15:53:10 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81779 Coco Gauff began her Roland Garros title defense in dominant fashion, defeating fellow American Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-0, but it was an unusual courtside detail that sparked conversation among tennis fans. During the match, the world No. 4 was seen storing her racquets in a refrigerator on the court. So what was the science behind the tactic?

Coco Gauff

On a hot spring day in Paris, Gauff took extra measures to keep the feel of her Head racquets consistent by cooling them between use. Former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki later explained the reasoning behind the move in response to an Instagram post shared by an Australian tennis content creator.

“String tension changes with different weather,” Lisicki wrote. “When it’s hot, tension tends to drop quicker than usual. The racquet bags are always in direct sun, so she wanted to be extra safe and put them in the fridge… I wonder how it feels when you take it out and play with it right away. I never tried it.”

Higher temperatures can soften racquet strings and reduce tension more quickly, which may slightly alter control and ball response. By keeping the racquets cool, players can help maintain more consistent string performance during matches played in the heat.

Gauff, seeded fourth at Roland Garros this year, also revealed after the match that she had been involved in a minor car accident on her way to the stadium after her vehicle bumped into a pole, causing her juice to spill inside the car. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and the incident did not affect her performance on court.

The 2025 Roland Garros champion will next face Egypt’s Mayar Sherif in the second round on Thursday.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/27/coco-gauff-racquets-in-the-fridge/feed/ 0 Naomi Osaka debuts another unforgettable Grand Slam look and backs it up with a win https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/naomi-osaka-paris-2026-outfit/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/naomi-osaka-paris-2026-outfit/#comments Tue, 26 May 2026 18:22:07 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81774 Naomi Osaka promised another unforgettable fashion moment for Roland Garros after her viral Australian Open “jellyfish” ensemble, and she delivered the instant she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen.

For her opening-round clash against Laura Siegemund, the Japanese star arrived in a dramatic layered look featuring a glittering black corset and a flowing pleated skirt that swept gracefully across the Paris clay. Underneath, she revealed a shimmering gold Nike dress accented with sparkling sequined stripes that caught the afternoon sunlight from every angle.

The outer black creations were designed by Kevin Germanier, the avant-garde couturier celebrated for transforming recycled materials into high-fashion statement pieces. The shimmering gold dress underneath, reminiscent of a glamorous figure skating costume, was custom made by Nike.

Commenting on the look, Osaka compared herself to Paris’ most famous landmark: “It’s very couture and also funny enough, I feel like I’m, you know, the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly? I kind of think I look like that a little bit.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion backed up her eye-catching entrance with a solid performance on court, overcoming Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3 7-6(3) to move into the second round. Next up, she will meet Donna Vekic, as she targets a return to the Roland Garros third round for the first time since 2019.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/naomi-osaka-paris-2026-outfit/feed/ 3 Sabalenka wins Roland Garros opener wearing standout Nike dress and 23-carat necklace https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/sabalenka-paris-dress-jewelry/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/sabalenka-paris-dress-jewelry/#respond Tue, 26 May 2026 14:10:01 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81766 World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her 2026 Roland Garros campaign with a dominant victory, but it wasn’t only her tennis that drew attention in Paris. The Belarusian star arrived on Court Philippe-Chatrier serving a full luxury fashion moment, pairing her seductive Nike Summer Slam Dress with a custom diamond-and-garnet jewelry set that instantly became one of the tournament’s biggest style highlights.

Sabalenka defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4 6-2 to extend her remarkable streak of first-round Grand Slam victories to 22 in a row. The top seed dictated play from the opening games, surging to dominant leads in both sets (4-0 in the first and 5-0 in the second). Yet alongside the tennis, fans couldn’t stop talking about the glamorous details of her Roland Garros look.

Aryna Sabalenka's Nike Summer Slam Dress is available for purchase at Tennis Warehouse.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Nike Summer Slam Dress is available for purchase at Tennis Warehouse.

The conversation surrounding Russian player Oksana Selekhmeteva debuting the same “exclusive” Nike dress earlier in the tournament quickly faded once Sabalenka stepped onto the court dripping in diamonds and commanding the spotlight. The centerpiece of Sabalenka’s outfit was a layered necklace suite created by Material Good, the New York luxury jeweler she has collaborated with since the 2026 Australian Open.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aryna Sabalenka (@arynasabalenka)

According to details surrounding the piece, the jewelry included an extraordinary 23 carats of diamonds alongside 200 carats of rich crimson garnets chosen specifically as a tribute to the famous Paris clay courts. This latest fashion statement continues a growing trend of luxury jewelry moments in Sabalenka’s life. Earlier this year, after getting engaged to Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, the Belarusian star unveiled a striking 12-carat oval-cut engagement ring designed by ISA Grutman Jewelry, with estimates placing its value at at least $500,000.

Sabalenka herself admitted after Tuesday’s win at Roland Garros that opening rounds at Grand Slams are always tricky, regardless of the scoreline. She typically becomes more relaxed and dangerous as the event progresses, even if there are no truly easy matches at the highest level.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/26/sabalenka-paris-dress-jewelry/feed/ 0 Zheng Qinwen handed first opening-round loss at Roland Garros by qualifier https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/25/zheng-chwalinska-upset-roland-garros/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/25/zheng-chwalinska-upset-roland-garros/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 20:00:06 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81755 Former world No. 4 Zheng Qinwen lost the final eight games of her match against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, falling 6-4 6-0 to suffer the first Roland Garros opening-round exit of her career. The early defeat is set to send the Chinese star, currently ranked No. 56, out of the Top 100.

Zheng Qinwen

Before Monday’s upset, the 23-year-old Zheng held a perfect 4-0 record at Roland Garros, highlighted by a fourth-round breakthrough on her 2022 debut and a quarterfinal run last season. In fact, outside of Wimbledon, where she suffered three first-round exits, she had never previously lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam.

World No. 114 Chwalinska arrived at Roland Garros riding strong momentum after capturing the WTA 125 title in Oeiras last month, and the qualifier carried that form into Paris by defeating Zheng for just the second Grand Slam main-draw victory of her career.

Wearing a light pink Nike tank-and-skirt combination that evoked a ballet-inspired look, Zheng found herself quickly on the back foot, falling 4-1 behind in the opening set. She briefly recovered to draw level at 4-4, but momentum shifted again as Chwalinska closed out the match by taking every remaining game.

Zheng has been working her way back after elbow surgery last July, briefly attempting a return two months later before not competing again until February 2026. This season, she has posted a 7-6 win-loss record as she continues to regain rhythm on tour.

Before Roland Garros, the 2024 Australian Open finalist expressed clear excitement about returning to the tournament, describing it as a “dream place” for her:

“I feel coming back here is like coming back to my dream place. Because I had the best experience so far in 2024, and really good experience as well last year. Like I said, I’m trying to keep my concentration as long as I can in practice, and I’m also curious to see what I’m going to do this year after coming back from injury. Because I really love to play here in Roland Garros, and as I always say, I want to stay as long as I can.”

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/25/zheng-chwalinska-upset-roland-garros/feed/ 0 Sabalenka’s ‘custom’ Nike dress worn by Selekhmeteva in Roland Garros shock https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/sabalenkas-custom-nike-dress-selekhmeteva/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/sabalenkas-custom-nike-dress-selekhmeteva/#comments Sun, 24 May 2026 12:34:58 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81748 In the first round of Roland Garros, world No. 88 Oksana Selekhmeteva turned out to be the first WTA player to wear the new seductive Nike Summer Slam Dress from the Paris collection, even though the design was intended to be exclusively for world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Facing Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk on Day 1 of the French Open, Selekhmeteva raised eyebrows by taking the grand dress debut from Sabalenka. The dress, which brings the fluid lines of ballet costumes onto tennis courts, was believed to be reserved only for the top seed. At least, that’s what everyone thought.

The moment quickly went viral on X, where fans reacted strongly to the unexpected kit debut. “Nike has to stop making Aryna dirty like that…” one user wrote, while another posted in disbelief: “Why did they give Sabalenka’s ‘custom’ kit to Oksana Selekhmeteva????”

Interestingly, this is not the first time Selekhmeteva has done something like this. It also happened at the 2025 US Open, when she ended up unveiling Sabalenka’s dress during qualifying. I don’t remember the Belarusian complained or commented on it.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/sabalenkas-custom-nike-dress-selekhmeteva/feed/ 3 Naomi Osaka has another fashion extravaganza planned for Roland Garros https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/naomi-osaka-has-another-fashion-extravaganza-planned-for-roland-garros/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/naomi-osaka-has-another-fashion-extravaganza-planned-for-roland-garros/#respond Sun, 24 May 2026 12:02:58 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81740 At the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season, the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka stunned fans when she stepped onto the court in a dramatic jellyfish-inspired outfit complete with long flowing layers, a wide white hat with a butterfly detail, and even an asymmetrical sun umbrella. It was one of the WTA’s most talked-about fashion moments ever. But Osaka is clearly not done making statements through style, as she already has another extravagant look prepared for the French Open.

Naomi Osaka at Rome 2026
Naomi Osaka at Rome, her last tournament before Roland Garros, wearing the Nike Women’s NO Jacket

Speaking ahead of the French Open, Osaka, who has often described herself as shy and introverted, opened up about why fashion has become such an important form of self-expression for her. She addressed the question many people find puzzling: how someone who considers themselves reserved can still enjoy wearing bold, attention-grabbing outfits.

“I feel like fashion, for me, I don’t talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes. That means I can be as loud with colours or patterns or fabric as I want,” the former world No. 1 said in Paris.

“I definitely would say I’m doing something here too. But I think that’s the fun part. I feel like we lost that a little in tennis. I always tell people I grew up with [about] Serena’s and Venus’ grand reveals. I literally can look at a picture and probably tell you what year that outfit came from.

“I know there are some kids or some people that are similar to me that hopefully feel that same way about my outfits. I am a little dramatic when it comes to my fashion sense.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion begins her French Open campaign on Tuesday against world No. 47 Laura Siegemund in the first round, which is when fans will get to see her latest fashion spectacle unveiled on the Paris clay.

Osaka’s Nike apparel is available for purchase at Tennis Warehouse.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/naomi-osaka-has-another-fashion-extravaganza-planned-for-roland-garros/feed/ 0 Zheng Qinwen reveals fresh Nike Paris kit in self-shot photos https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/zheng-qinwen-nike-paris-kit/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/zheng-qinwen-nike-paris-kit/#respond Sun, 24 May 2026 08:48:03 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81732 Ahead of her Roland Garros opener, Zheng Qinwen treated fans to a casual self-shot photoshoot, offering a closer look at her new Nike match kit and tournament accessories.

 

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The Chinese star, who will face Poland’s Maja Chwalinska in the first round on Monday, is set to debut the light magenta version of the Nike Summer Slam Tank and matching Summer Slam Woven Skirt in Paris. The look draws subtle inspiration from ballet costumes, featuring lightweight fabrics, body-skimming silhouettes, and a wrap-style skirt that enhances its graceful movement.

The tank features a breathable mesh overlay and an open back panel for added ventilation, while the skirt is designed with an overlapping front panel and a flouncy cut that adds fluidity on court. The same design also comes in a mint colorway.

In her photo carousel, Zheng also gives a closer look at her coordinated accessories, including a pink bow, pearl details, and a white “ballet shoe” pendant on her tennis bag. A glimpse of her Nike Vapor shoes completes the set.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/24/zheng-qinwen-nike-paris-kit/feed/ 0 Hailey Baptiste lands Nike deal as career reaches new level https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/hailey-baptiste-nike/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/hailey-baptiste-nike/#respond Sun, 24 May 2026 05:44:43 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81725 Nike has quietly made one of its most exciting tennis moves of the season by signing American standout Hailey Baptiste to a full head-to-toe sponsorship deal, according to Jessica Schiffer of Hard Court. It’s a major step forward for the 24-year-old, who previously held only an in-kind arrangement with the brand, meaning she received apparel but was not officially paid as a sponsored athlete.

Hailey Baptiste

In 2025, Baptiste reached her first WTA Tour quarterfinal in Auckland and her maiden Grand Slam Round of 16 at Roland Garros, breaking into the Top 50. This season, she sent shockwaves through Madrid as she saved six match points to stun world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on clay to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal. Before this career-defining moment, Baptiste also scored a statement win over 2025 Roland Garros champion Jasmine Paolini in the third round of the Madrid tournament. Her rapid rise is reflected in her current ranking of world No. 26.

The 24-year-old opens her Roland Garros campaign today against former champion Barbora Krejcikova, a proven force in both singles and doubles. Baptiste is part of a strong American contingent in Paris, with 37 players in the singles draw, the most since 1995.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/hailey-baptiste-nike/feed/ 0 Paris glam: Alexandra Eala celebrates 21st birthday in style https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/alexandra-eala-21st-birthday/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/alexandra-eala-21st-birthday/#respond Sat, 23 May 2026 21:19:21 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81719 Alexandra Eala has just turned 21 and has already achieved so much in her career, something that was reflected in her glamorous Paris birthday celebration ahead of Roland Garros.

@alex.eala

I’m 21.🥹

♬ original sound – Lucas 🦇

While in town for the French Open, Eala shared a TikTok on Saturday showing the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background, captioned simply “I’m 21.”

 

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Eala’s rise on the WTA Tour has been rapid. In 2025 she produced a breakout season highlighted by a Miami Open semifinal run, a WTA 125 title at Guadalajara, a maiden WTA final at Eastbourne, and a historic US Open victory where she became the first Filipino player to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match.

At Roland Garros, the world No. 38 is still gaining experience on clay, having recorded a first-round singles exit and a second-round doubles appearance in 2025 as she continues to develop consistency on the surface. This year in Paris she opens her campaign against American teenager Iva Jovic, the 17th seed in the draw.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/alexandra-eala-21st-birthday/feed/ 0 Original Penguin unveils Paris 2026 apparel for Ajla Tomljanovic https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/original-penguin-paris-2026-ajla-tomljanovic/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/original-penguin-paris-2026-ajla-tomljanovic/#respond Sat, 23 May 2026 20:17:07 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81715 White with purple accents defines Original Penguin’s latest designs for Ajla Tomljanovic, who will debut the new separates in Paris, as she opens her campaign on Sunday against American Caty McNally in the first round.

Ajla Tomljanovic Paris 2026 kit

The brand’s latest promo image shows the Australian athlete in the Penguin Summer Racer Tank Polo and Penguin Summer Asymmetrical Pleat Skirt. The top updates a classic silhouette with a sporty V-neck design, ribbed striped collar, piping accents, a modest racerback cut, contrast armhole binding, and printed side panels. The matching skirt features a pleated stripe panel at the front, an elastic waistband, and built-in shorts with side pockets.

 

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Predominantly white with subtle purple accents, the look stands out as an unconventional choice for Roland Garros, a tournament typically associated with navy palettes or tones that echo the red clay courts.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/original-penguin-paris-2026-ajla-tomljanovic/feed/ 0 Emma Navarro captures maiden clay title in Strasbourg https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/emma-navarro-captures-maiden-clay-title-in-strasbourg/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/emma-navarro-captures-maiden-clay-title-in-strasbourg/#respond Sat, 23 May 2026 19:08:10 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81710 Emma Navarro stunned top seed Victoria Mboko 6-0 5-7 6-2 to win the Internationaux de Strasbourg title, capturing her third career WTA Tour trophy and first on clay.

Emma Navarro

Navarro remains unbeaten in WTA singles finals with a perfect 3-0 record, having previously lifted titles at 2024 Hobart International and 2025 Merida Open.

After an unexpectedly difficult start to the season, marked by illness and multiple withdrawals over recent months, Navarro rediscovered her form in Strasbourg. The tournament marked her first-ever run beyond the quarterfinals at a tour-level clay-court event, and she capitalized fully by storming to the WTA 500 crown. Along the way, she earned the 100th tour-level win of her career with a second-round victory over third seed Iva Jovic.

Promoting FP Movement apparel, the world No. 39 Navarro dominated the opening set with aggressive shot placement and near-error-free tennis before weathering a strong response from wildcard Mboko, who used effective drop shots to force a deciding set after saving a championship point in the second. Navarro regained control in the third behind dominant serving and composure under pressure, capitalizing on Mboko’s growing unforced errors to secure the title in her best form of the season.

With the title run, Navarro is projected to climb 14 spots to No. 25 in the WTA rankings. (source: WTA)

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/emma-navarro-captures-maiden-clay-title-in-strasbourg/feed/ 0 Bencic attends Asics Paris “Get the Glow” event, reveals new gear https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/bencic-attends-asics-paris-get-the-glow-event-reveals-new-gear/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/bencic-attends-asics-paris-get-the-glow-event-reveals-new-gear/#respond Sat, 23 May 2026 18:26:45 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81701 Ahead of Roland Garros, Belinda Bencic attended Asics’ “Get the Glow” in Paris, wearing pieces from the new Asics Paris collection. While sharing snapshots from the event, she also unveiled fresh photoshoot images in an elegant navy dress.

 

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A post shared by Belinda Bencic (@belindabencic)

The “Get the Glow” campaign encourages a shift away from purchasing beauty products and toward investing in physical and emotional well-being through fitness, redefining “glow” as something achieved from the inside out.

As players prepare for Roland Garros, Bencic attended Asics’ gathering in Paris, wearing the Summer Match Tank and Summer Match Woven Short, styled with a matching navy jacket. Turkish WTA player Zeynep Sonmez was also there.

 

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Besides sharing behind-the-scenes photos from Asics’ Paris get-together on Instagram, world No. 11 Bencic also posted new photoshoot images featuring a fresh navy tennis dress, distinct from her previously revealed Paris look — the Summer Match Pleat Dress. In addition, she showcased the Asics Solution Speed FF 4, highlighting the latest footwear from her on-court setup.

]]> https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/23/bencic-attends-asics-paris-get-the-glow-event-reveals-new-gear/feed/ 0 Reebok returns to tennis after almost 20 years, signs Magdalena Frech https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/22/magdalena-frech-reebok/ https://womenstennisblog.com/2026/05/22/magdalena-frech-reebok/#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 20:47:31 +0000 https://womenstennisblog.com/?p=81693 Reebok, once one of the most recognizable names in tennis thanks to its early partnership with Venus Williams, is making a determined return to the sport after nearly two decades away. The American brand has signed Poland’s Magdalena Frech as a head-to-toe ambassador, with the partnership centered around the launch of the new Phase Evo tennis shoe.

Magdalena Frech wearing Reebok head-to-toe at the recent Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome
Magdalena Frech wearing Reebok head-to-toe at the recent Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome

“It felt natural to return to a sport that’s so deeply rooted in our DNA,” Greg Korbas, Reebok’s director of product marketing for performance footwear, told Forbes. “This wasn’t about entering something new, it was about re-engaging with a space we helped shape, with a more modern point of view.”

Reebok famously became the first brand to outfit Venus Williams professionally when it signed the future tennis legend to a reported $12 million deal in 1995. Williams was just 15 years old at the time, and the groundbreaking agreement marked the first eight-figure endorsement deal for a Black female athlete. Jelena Jankovic and Amelie Mauresmo, both former WTA world No. 1 players, were among the last top-tier athletes to compete in Reebok apparel on tour, still wearing the brand in the late 2000s.

 

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The brand’s long-awaited tennis comeback officially began earlier this year when world No. 49 Magdalena Frech debuted Reebok apparel and footwear on court in late February, introducing the Phase Evo in competition for the first time. Reebok has now formally unveiled the partnership across social media, while also confirming that the Phase Evo will launch on July 10.

According to Korbas, the shoe is designed to support real match play and athletes of all levels. Drawing from the company’s experience across other athletic categories, the brand refined its technology specifically for tennis while still honoring the sport’s heritage.

Poland's Magdalena Frech, new Reebok brand ambassador
Poland’s Magdalena Frech, new Reebok brand ambassador

“Having an athlete at the center of this return ensures the product is grounded in real insight and credibility, not assumption,” Korbas said. “It also signals intent, that we’re not just participating in tennis, we’re committed to it and ensuring top performance innovation is at the heart of everything we do.”

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