Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
Paris, France: Rafael Nadal’s retirement leaves the French Open without its 14-time champion for the first time in two decades. Fans and rivals alike feel the void on Roland Garros’ clay. Novak Djokovic, now 38, is defending champion but also facing age and injury. Younger contenders like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Casper Ruud see a wide-open chance to claim the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Organizers plan tributes to Nadal, whose absence underscores a generational shift in men’s tennis. Bookmakers highlight unpredictability—someone new will lift the trophy.
Puglia, Italy: Once a niche cheese known primarily in its birthplace, burrata exploded into a $2.2 billion global phenomenon. Fueled by viral social media posts, it soared in popularity—becoming a staple on high-end restaurant menus worldwide. Yet overuse and repetitive presentations led critics to label it “a blob of boring.” Demand remains robust despite fatigue among trendsetters, highlighting burrata’s enduring appeal. Chefs are challenged to find fresh, inventive uses to sustain consumer interest.