PARIS (Reuters) – Old foe Novak Djokovic and damp weather conditions are the most likely obstacles to claycourt machine Rafael Nadal’s bid for a record-extending eighth French Open title over the next two weeks.

Nadal, who last year beat Bjorn Borg’s record of six Roland Garros crowns, has lost only one match on the Paris clay and has already won five titles on the slow surface this year.

PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) – Old foe Novak Djokovic and damp weather conditions are the most likely obstacles to claycourt machine Rafael Nadal’s bid for a record-extending eighth French Open title over the next two weeks.

Nadal, who last year beat Bjorn Borg’s record of six Roland Garros crowns, has lost only one match on the Paris clay and has already won five titles on the slow surface this year.

PARIS (Reuters) – Despite the popularity of social media and the widespread presence of traditional media, Novak Djokovic appeared to believe he could be spared the unbearable truth of discovering who his second-round opponent at the French Open might be.

Just before his pre-tournament conference at Roland Garros on Friday, the moderator announced: “Novak has requested he would like to answer only questions about his first‑round opponent, nothing else to do with the draw at all, top half, bottom half, and he’s asked his team not to mention anything about the draw, either.

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) – Despite the popularity of social media and the widespread presence of traditional media, Novak Djokovic appeared to believe he could be spared the unbearable truth of discovering who his second-round opponent at the French Open might be.

Just before his pre-tournament conference at Roland Garros on Friday, the moderator announced: “Novak has requested he would like to answer only questions about his first-round opponent, nothing else to do with the draw at all, top half, bottom half, and he’s asked his team not to mention anything about the draw, either.

PARIS (Reuters) – Defending French Open champion Rafael Nadal was drawn in the same half as world number one Novak Djokovic on Friday as the Spanish claycourt machine chases a record eighth title at Roland Garros.

Third seed Nadal, who beat Djokovic in last year’s final, could face the Serbian in the semis.

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) – Defending French Open champion Rafael Nadal was drawn in the same half as world number one Novak Djokovic on Friday as the Spanish claycourt machine chases a record eighth title at Roland Garros.

Third seed Nadal, who beat Djokovic in last year’s final, could face the Serbian in the semis.

PARIS (Reuters) – Carlo Ancelotti informed Paris St Germain officials on Sunday that he wants to leave at the end of the season after leading the team to their first French league title in 19 years but the club turned down his request.

“I have asked the club to leave and I am waiting for their answer because I am under contract,” Ancelotti said at the Ligue 1 awards ceremony after being named coach of the season along with St Etienne’s Christophe Galtier.

PARIS (Reuters) – Carlo Ancelotti informed Paris St Germain officials on Sunday that he wants to leave at the end of the season after leading the club to their first French league title in 19 years.

“I have asked the club to leave and I am waiting for their answer because I am under contract,” Ancelotti said at the Ligue 1 awards ceremony after being named coach of the season along with St Etienne’s Christophe Galtier.

PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) – Carlo Ancelotti informed Paris St Germain officials on Sunday that he wants to leave at the end of the season after leading the club to their first French league title in 19 years.

“I have asked the club to leave and I am waiting for their answer because I am under contract,” Ancelotti said at the Ligue 1 awards ceremony after being named coach of the season along with St Etienne’s Christophe Galtier.

PARIS (Reuters) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice while David Beckham produced an emotional Parc des Princes farewell as Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain beat bottom club Stade Brest 3-1 on a memorable night on Saturday.

Sweden striker Ibrahimovic took his league tally this season to 29 goals, a personal best.