Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
French players looking to ride 'Kiki' wave at Roland Garros
After Kristina "Kiki" Mladenovic took the home crowd by storm during an epic battle on Friday, French players will be looking to join the new darling of Roland Garros in the French Open fourth round on Saturday. Richard Gasquet plays compatriot Gael Monfils in an all- French third-round match on Court Philippe Chatrier, both men having eased through the draw despite lacking match practice on clay because of injuries.
Exclusive: Sated Serb a kindred sprit, says wistful Wilander
Triple French Open champion Mats Wilander identified a kindred spirit at Roland Garros on Friday, as Novak Djokovic labored his way into the last 16. Djokovic looked neither convincing nor happy and Wilander, who scaled the heights of celebrity and tennis superstardom 35 years ago, spotted an all-too familiar malady gnawing at the man on center court.
Djokovic escapes Schwartzman's clutches in five sets
Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived his first stern test at the French Open on Friday, as he came from two sets to one down to overcome world number 41 Diego Schwartzman 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-1 and move into the last 16. The second seed, now joint third on the all-time list for most wins at Roland Garros with 58, was on the back foot for much of the match, allowing the Argentine to dictate the pace from the baseline.
Cavs' Love eager to avenge loss but sees benefit of extra rest
Cleveland Cavaliers' forward Kevin Love said he is eager to avenge his team's blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the NBA Finals but also sees the upside of having two days off prior to the next meeting on Sunday. The Warriors took a 1-0 games lead in the best-of-seven series on Thursday after cruising to a 113-91 win in Oakland.
Penguins stress need for fast start to pivotal Game Three of Stanley Cup Finals
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in control of the Stanley Cup Final but are aware of the challenge that awaits when the series shifts to Nashville where the Predators have been near perfect during the NHL playoffs. The Predators' Bridgestone Arena is one of the NHL's loudest venues and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said his team fully expects a raucous crowd to help Nashville get off to a flying start in Saturday's pivotal Game Three.
Incredible Nadal smashes Georgian to smithereens
Nikoloz Basilashvili had a plan when he turned up to play Rafa Nadal on Friday but, like Mike Tyson said, everybody has a plan until they're punched in the face. And that's what happened -- in tennis terms -- to the Georgian in the French Open third round.
Two-time defending champ Nordqvist takes first-round LPGA lead
Swede Anna Nordqvist made a flying start in her quest for a three-peat as she surged into the first-round lead at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey on Friday. The two-time defending champion birdied her first three holes en route to a seven-under-par 64 and a one-shot advantage over South Koreans Jenny Shin and Lee Jeong-eun, American Jennifer Song and Thai Moriya Jutanugarn at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway.
Stuttering Murray faces Del Potro test in Paris
Andy Murray faces a serious test of his French Open credentials when the world number one takes on Juan Martin del Potro in the third round on Saturday -- if the Argentine's body holds up. Briton Murray has dropped a set in each of his first two rounds while Del Potro, who he beat in the Olympics final last year, has been playing through the pain after being doubtful because of back and shoulder injuries.
Guatemalan judge pleads guilty in FIFA bribery scandal
A Guatemalan judge who once served as general secretary of Guatemala's soccer federation pleaded guilty on Friday to wire fraud and conspiracy charges in the worldwide scandal engulfing the sport. Hector Trujillo, 63, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, New York, in connection with the U.S. probe into bribery involving the world soccer governing body FIFA.
LeBron says stopping Warriors' Durant will be tough
The Cleveland Cavaliers methodically planned for the Golden State Warriors' high-octane attack but after suffering a crushing loss in Game One of the NBA Finals LeBron James said simulating their offense is impossible. The Cavaliers, playing their first game in nearly a week, denied rust was a factor in Thursday's 113-91 loss and simply tipped their cap to a talent-rich Warriors team that have won all 13 of their playoff games this year.