Welcome to this week's edition of "Hot Shots," a USOpen.org-curated look at what you may have missed on social media over the past week. Roland Garros (the French Open) begins this weekend, and the world’s biggest tennis stars prepare to compete in Paris.
Wholesome content alert: Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal meet on practice court
Caution: The following content may warm your heart.
Two of this year’s Roland Garros favorites – 13-time tournament winner, world No. 4 Rafael Nadal of Spain, and 2020 winner, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland – met on a Parisian practice court and shook hands. Swiatek has previously admitted she is a huge fan of Nadal, but for the record, he approached her before engaging in a quick chat.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but what’s the French translation for “mixed doubles”?
Carlos Alcaraz trains with Diego Schwartzman
Spain’s rising superstar Carlos Alcaraz has skyrocketed to the top of the rankings in 2022. A year ago, the 19-year-old stood as the world No. 114 tennis player. He’s now No. 6, having scored titles at this year’s Rio Open, Miami Open, the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, and the Mutua Madrid Open.
As he prepares for a potentially deep run at this year’s French Open, Alcaraz posted a photo on Instagram in which he wrapped an arm around world No. 16, Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman – a 2020 French Open semifinalist – during their first training together.
Novak Djokovic goes for history
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic could make history at this year’s Roland Garros: Should he win the singles championship, the current world No. 1 will tie Rafael Nadal for the most-ever men’s major titles at 21.
But before he competes on Paris clay, the 34-year-old took a moment to celebrate his latest victory at the Internazionali di Roma.
Other favorites prepare for Paris
Many other beloved tennis players will compete in Roland Garros this year. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are how notable names spent the week preparing for the 2022’s second major.
Naomi Osaka shares peace sign
Ons Jabeur remembers to smile
