Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev advanced to the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday, staging a furious rally to fend off Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in a five-set marathon.
The German need 4hr 13min to eliminate Griekspoor 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3) on the clay courts at Roland Garros in Paris. And he came back from a fifth-set deficit, down a double break in a match littered with break opportunities.
Griekspoor broke Zverev to open the fifth set and again in the fifth game to take a 4-1 lead. But Zverev evened the set at 4-4, breaking his opponent in Griekspoor’s next two service games, aided by three double faults. In the tiebreaker Griekspoor failed to win a point on five of his six serves.
The Dutchman was looking for his third top-10 win and his first appearance in the fourth round of a grand slam. He was forced to play defensively throughout, fighting off 13 of 18 break points.
Also advancing Saturday were fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Australia’s Alex de Minaur, the 11th seed. They will meet in the fourth round.
Medvedev knocked out the Czech Tomas Machac 7-6 (4), 7-5, 1-6, 6-4. De Minaur was a winner over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
Saturday’s play started with the continuation of two matches suspended Friday due to rain. No. 21 Félix Auger-Aliassime of Canada took out No 15 Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to move on to a fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, the third seed.
“For me today, the things that were in my control I did really well,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I am pleased with how I handled the match and gave him difficulty. I was able to put a lot of returns in and force his targets on first serve.
“He was not getting as many free points on that serve that he usually gets, so we had to engage in a rally every time and I think that paid off as the match went on.”
In the other suspended match, eighth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz of Poland topped Denis Shapovalov of Canada 6-3, 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-1 to earn his 200th tour-level career victory. (Reuters)
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A super comeback there, Zverev resurrecting himself from the depths of 1-4 down in the fifth set to reach the last 16 in Paris for the seventh consecutive time.
That’s all from us today, we’ll be back tomorrow. Have a lovely evening.
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Zverev BEATS Griekspoor 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3)
Zverev WINS 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor
The crowd can’t quite settle on their sweetheart in this final chapter. Zverev takes an early 3-1 lead in the tie-break, and holds on. Serving at 5-2, he is suddenly all power and angles, a backhand, off-balance, down the line takes it to 7-2. A bit of luck, a slight hesitation and suddenly there are seven match points for Zverev. Griekspoor saves the first but Zverev takes the second with an ace! They have a fond embrace at the net to huge applause. A smashing game.
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*Zverev 6-6, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
An unforced error makes Griekspoor smile, and pulls the point back immediately with a double handed backhand down the line. Nerveless play and he draws level again. Tiebreak!
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Zverev 6-5, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
Zverev pulls out an ace on his second serve to make it 40-15. Another winning drop shot from Griekspoor but a crunching forehand from Zverev wins the game. Once again, Griekspoor must serve to stay in the match.
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*Zverev 5-5, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor(*denotes next server)
An ace at 15-0 gives Griekspoor a cushion, volleys nonchalantly to make it 40-0, then double faults (number 6). But a drop shot clinches the game.
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Zverev 5-4, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor(*denotes next server)
A back hand down the line winner for Zverev, then he sews up two banging rallies, his forehand suddenly finding new life.. Goes 5-4 up, sniffs the fourth round. Griekspoor suddenly serving to stay in the match.
*Zverev 4-4, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor(*denotes next server)
The umpire, who has had plenty to do with disputed line calls, especially from Zverev, asks for the crowd to be quiet. Griekspoor is 0-15 down on his serve but pulls back with a delightful drop shot that Zverev is too far back to reach. Double faults at 30-40 to hand Zverev a break point. His coaches stand up and fold their arms in unison. Then Griekspoor nets. Pressure talks. Zverev draws level.
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Zverev 3-4, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
The forehand suddenly starting to work for Zverev, as Griekspoor falters. The crowd full engaged with this match – as Zverev pulls back with a service win.
*Zverev 2-4, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
At 0-40 down, Griekspoor brings it back to 30-40 but Zverev takes the game – though without confidence
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Zverev 1-4, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
Zverev’s forehand again fallible. He re-chews his necklace at 15-40 down on his own serve but it holds no magic and Griekspoor goes a double break up in the final set.
*Zverev 1-3, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
A couple of huge returns from Zverev – his forehand, say the commentators, is better the less time he has to think about it. But Griekspoor, clever with his serve and volley, holds on.
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Zverev 1-2, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
An enraged Zverev powers to a service win to love.
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*Zverev 0-2, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
Griekspoor goes 0-30 down in his serve, but comes back to win with a final ball just kissing the line. Zverev is not happy, disputes it, throws his racket, but goes 0-2 down.
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Zverev 0-1, 4-6, 6-2 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
A passive Zverev allows the hardworking Griekspoor to break in the first game of the deciding set.
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Right, now that’s done, let’s mosey over to Philippe-Chartrier, where it is two sets each in the Zverev v Griekspoor game. The fifth set about to start.
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Medvedev beats Machac 7-6, 7-5, 1-6, 6-4
Machac 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev
A loose return from Machac levels things at 15-all, but a peachy forehand into the corner takes him 30-15 up. Machac nets for 30-30 and Medvedev somehow returns a magical smash that Machac nets. Medvedev takes the game, the set and a thrilling match.
Medvedev gives Machac a respectful hug. What an energetic, skilful, calm performance by Machac, who took his chances and on another day would have knocked out the number 5 seed .
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*Machac 4-5, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
After the previous eight-minute thriller, an easy service win for Medvedev – Machac must serve to stay in the match.
Machac 4-4, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
We wait while the umpires rescues an injured pigeon from the court with a towel. The towel swirling has infected the whole crowd as Machac unveils a number of winners to hold serve.
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*Machac 4-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Another screaming backhand down the line from Machac, as Medvedev is unsure of his first serve again. A break point for Machac roared on by the crowd and a member of his entourage (?) who repeatedly swirls a white towel over his head energetically. A brilliant knobbly-kneed overhead from Medvedev but it’s not enough. Break point for Machac again – Medvedev retorts with an ace. But another break point for Machac when a Medvedev drop shot goes wrong. Medvedev finally wins the game after a sixth deuce and eight minutes. The players chew on their gels like kids on a tube of Colgate.
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Machac 3-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
A savage backhand down the line is followed by an ace, as Machac holds serve and we approach the business end of this fourth set.
Play restarts on the outside courts
The courts are sufficiently dry for things to get underway on court Simonne Mathieu where Qinwen Zheng (7) plays Elina Avanesyan and on Court 14 for Alex de Minaur (11) v Jan-Lennard Struff.
*Machac 1-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Back with serve, as Medvedev re-finds his mojo to go ahead for the first time in the fourth set.
Machac 1-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
A nice drop shot gives Medvedev 0-15 advantage, but Machac stays cool and calm. Rival chants break out for each player, and Medvedev gets the break playing superb angles.
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*Machac 1-0, 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Only 37 per cent of first serves landed for Medvedev in that third set, and he still hasn’t found his rhythm. Machac kisses the net reverently after an unluckly net chord. He can’t convert a first break point but another unforced error from Medvedev hands him another – which he takes.
Machac wins the third set against Medvedev (1-2)
Machac 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
At 15-0 down against the Machac serve, Mededev goes to change his racket. The crowd, fully behind Machac, can’t work out if this is necessity or gamesmanship. Machac takes the set with a gentle winner - a 28-minute masterclass. Medvedev needs to rapidly re-focus.
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*Machac 5-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev misses a volley while simultaneously dropping a ball out of his pocket, then nets a return to give Machac three set points. Medvedev saves the first but Machac wins the second with a divine bit of tennis.
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Machac 4-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Mevedev now fully off-message, making chatty hand signals in a disagreement with his team. This set slipping away quickly as Machac quietly plays sound tennis.
*Machac 3-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev struggling with his first serve, and seems to have lost concentration, Machac makes the most of it to pounce and win the game
Machac 2-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
From the camera angle behind Machac’s head, it looks as if Medvedev is playing in long white socks and a pair of slippers. The game looks as if it is running towards another break of serve but a bit of magic at the net wins it for Machac.
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*Machac 1-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
A chance for Machac to break back after a Medvedev double fault. Medvvedev saves one break point with a forehand down the line, but can’t save the second! An immediate break back for Machac in a thrilling match.
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Machac 0-1, 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
Machac serving at the start of the second set. Round neck banana t shirt, white backwards baseball cap and short blue shorts, but he’s not on his game and Medvedev has three break points – and takes the first, thanks very much.
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While Medvedev and Machac go for a wipe down and a change, the cameras show the shiny wet chilli coloured courts outside.
Medvedev goes 2-0 up against Machac
*Machac 5-7, 6-7 Medvedev (*denotes next server)
Looking for all the world like a man dressed for tennis in 1978, Medvedev serves for the set. But a series of unforced errors gives Machac a break point. But after a testing rally, a backhand down the line from Machac goes long. Medvedev duly secures the set.
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Machac 5-6, 6-7 Medvedev* (*denotes next server)
At 5-5, Medvedev secures a crucial break of serve thanks to a nervy double fault from Machac. Medvedev to serve for a 2-0 lead.
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With things even on Philippe-Chatrier, let’s see how Daniil Medvedevbis doing again Tomas Machac on Suzanne Lenglen.
Rain watch
Play has now been delayed to 5.15pm CET (4.15 BST) and all doubles matches that haven’t started have been called off.
Zverev wins the second set against Griekspoor (1-1)
*Zverev 6-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
Griekspoor loses the first two points of this crucial service game. Zverev roars himself on, and continues in the same vein to have three set points. Griekspoor hits long and that’s the set! One-one.
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Zverev 5-4, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
A Griekspoor backhand has Zverev sprawling, and then chewing his gold necklace in thought, but dynamic serves ensure the game is his. Reaching crunch point in this set.
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*Zverev 4-4, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
Rapt attention from the spectators. A double fault not what was needed here and Griekspoor follows up with a volley into the net. But he claws back wrongfooting Zverev at the net to hold serve, as has been the pattern in this set.
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Zverev 4-3, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
Zverev makes six foot two Griekspoor look like an average everyman with a perfectly placed lob over his outstretched arm. A clever lob from Griekspoor in return wins a point back – six foot six Zverev makes it but can only hit into the crowd. Zverev takes the service game.
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*Zverev 3-3, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes next server)
Griekspoor, hat back to front, not at all overawed. Great touch in this game – a formidable serve paired with imaginative hitting sending Zverev around the court.
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Zverev 3-2, 3-6 Griekspoor* (*denotes next server)
Zverev energises himself from somewhere, dashing into the net and then pulls out a deft volley to send the ball tumbling into the empty court. A tall figures, hair in a bun, lemon curd and white Tshirt, wins that service game to love.
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*Zverev 2-2, 3-6 Griekspoor (*denotes server)
A pretty feeble game from Zverev hands Griekspoor a win to love.
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Thanks Yara. Pesky rain. Only two games currently in play: number five seed Daniil Medvedev has just gone a set up against Tomas Machac on Suzanne Lenglen, and Alexander Zverev is a set down against Tallon Griekspoor on Philippe-Chatrier.
Tanya is back from her lunch and will continue to give you updates on these two games and the rain situation! Thanks for joining me.
Update: Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. All the tennis players wants to play. Rain, rain, go away. No play on the outside courts until 5pm CET (4pm BST).
Griekspoor wins the first set against Zverev 6-3
This is definitely unexpected. Was not expecting to take a set off Zverev on clay but here we are! The Dutch took advantage twice, remained calm and nabbed the set after the German netted a backhand.
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Medvedev wins the first set against Machac 7-6 (4)
Medvedev had 11 wins and two losses this year in tie-breaks and he just made it 12. Some great serving from him early on in the tie-break gave him the lead and he never letup.
And just as I type this, someone else has just won their first set …
*Machac 6-6 Medvedev (*denotes server) Machac forces a tie-break in the first set with a looping volley that is just out of Medvedev’s reach!
Zverev 2-5 Griekspoor* (*denotes server) The 25th seed is on the brink of taking this set. A couple of early faults don’t deter him and a spinny backhand proves too much for Zverev. The German now serves to stay in the set.
Machac’s two left-handed forehand shots to break Medvedev from earlier. Fantastic shotmaking.
MACHAC MADNESS 🤯
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2024
Tomas Machac just hit TWO left-handed forehands in a row to break Medvedev! 😲#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/QjxRveducn
*Machac 5-5 Medvedev (*denotes server) We get to deuce and Machac takes advantage with a fantastic forehand winner. He then sees it out to make it all square in the first set.
*Zverev 1-3 Griekspoor (*denotes server) The German is on the board. Still not playing at his usual level and it is the unforced errors from Griekspoor, including a forehand out at the baseline, that give his opponent the game.
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Zverev 0-3 Griekspoor* (*denotes server) What a start! Griekspoor gets up to 15-0. Zverev ties it up with a smashing shot but the Dutch continues with some solid serving and Zverev’s returns are wide.
Update: No play on the outside courts until 4pm CET (3pm BST) due to the rain. We’ll see if that changes in half an hour time.
*Zverev 0-2 Griekspoor (*denotes server) The Dutch takes the early break! Zverev is playing uncharacteristically slow and his opponent takes advantage with some beautiful crosscourt shots.
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Machac 3-4 Medvedev* (*denotes server) The two go back and forth on deuce. Lots of pressure for the fifth seed as he double faults twice in the game. But he gets out of trouble with a hard backhand down the line.
Zverev 0-1 Griekspoor* (*denotes server) Nice serving from Griekspoor to get out of early trouble against the German and he sees out the game with a lovely drop shot to take the first game.
Next up on Philippe-Cartier, the world No 4 and the fourth seed Alexander Zverev will face Tallon Griekspoor.
Yesterday, a Berlin court begun hearing an appeal by Zverev against a fine imposed on him for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, an accusation which he denies. His lawyers are fighting his case in court, after he was fined €450,000 (£384,000, $489,000) in October for allegedly trying to strangle his then partner and the mother of his three-year-old daughter.
More on that story here.
Ben Shelton has fallen to Felix Auger Aliassime, with the Canadian winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. He gets the reward of taking on Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round.
Daniil Medvedev is now playing Tomas Machac. The world No 34 is up 3-2 in the first set.
Lots of play has been interrupted because of the rain that continues to fall in Paris.
Thanks Tanya and hello all! It was a nervy first set for Sabalenka but she is through and will play either Madison Keys or Emma Navarro in the fourth round.
Let’s take a look at some of the other results around the courts.
I’m going to grab some lunch, Yara El-Shaboury will guide you through the next hour.
Sabalenka beats Badosa 7-5, 6-1
Badosa 1-6, 5-7 Sabalenka
Badosa serving to stay in the match, but Sabalenka is ruthless with her returns. Badosa saves three match points, but can’t do any more. Sabalenka’s match in an hour and 17 minutes – a tough first set but a walkover in the second, wrapped up in just less than half an hour.
They hug warmly at the net and Sabalenka blows ballerina kisses to the crowd.
How did she do that from 5-3 down in the first set? “Honestly I don’t know,” says Sabalenka. “I just tried to play my best, conditions are very tough and enjoy this incredible atmosphere. It’s tough to play your best friend.”
But not that tough!
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*Badosa 1-5, 5-7 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka at play here, sending Badosa hither and thither, corner to corner. Badosa stays in the game with a sprinting passing shot but Sabalenka retorts with a backhand passing shot of her own to close down the game.
Badosa 1-4, 5-7 Sabalenka * (*denotes next server)
Clever play from Badosa, who wins to love with an ace.
*Badosa 0-4, 5-7 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka serving big. Badosa fiddles with her racket distractedly. A screaming cross court winner from Sabalenka makes it 30 all and then Sabalenka hits auto-pilot to run away with the game. Badosa drops her racket in disgust.
Badosa 0-3, 5-7 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka goes up a level and the pressure starts to show as Badosa misses a volley, drops her racket and puts her hand on her hips. Sabalenka breaks to love.
*Badosa 0-2, 5-7 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka breaks Badosa immediately in the second set, and then holds her own serve despite a battling Badosa.
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Auger-Aliassime beats Shelton 6-4, 6-2, 6-1
An easy three-set victory for Auger-Aliassime, who will now play No. 4 seed Carlos Alcarez in the fourth round. It’s a thrilling but tough draw for Auger-Aliasssime, who has never been past the fourth round at the French Open before.
Now back to Sabalanka.
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Sabalenka wins the first set against Badosa 7-5
*Badosa 5-7 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
And from 5-3 down, Sabalenka wins the set to love. But she had to fight tooth and nail for it.
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Badosa 5-6 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
It’s a thriller! Badosa makes it 30 all with a fiery shot down the line, but Sabalenka forces an error with a grenade into the corner, and another to win her third game in a row and serve for the set.
*Badosa 5-5 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka, in a short orange-camouflage dress to match her tiger tattoo – plus her signature eyebrows and bun . Badosa rushed by Sabelnka nets a return, and the Sabalenka artillery powers through the game. Back to evens.
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Badosa 5-4 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka operating now on max power, a clever drop shot from Badosa but she can’t hold back the tide. Sabalenka now serving to stay in the set.
*Badosa 5-3 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Badosa boxing clever and Sabalenka wild in her shots – leaves Badosa collecting her third break in a row.
Badosa 4-3 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Badosa lets Sabalenka in by hitting long, and then some gentleness from Sabalenka leaves Badosa hanging far from the net. From deuce, a vicious forehand winner from Sabalenka and she finally breaks back after a bruising game.
*Badosa 4-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server) Badosa somehow gets a racquet to awesome serve which dribbles back over the net. A slightly tense Sabalenka powers a back hand winner into the corner with all the attendant sounds effects. But Badosa is on this and wins with a lucky net cord.
Badosa 3-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
A morale-boosting hold to love for Badosa, who is due to play doubles tomorrow.
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*Badosa 2-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Badosa refusing to be cowed by her good friend. A cracking rally finishes with Sabalenka winning to 15 and levelling up at 2-2.
Badosa 2-1 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server) Badosa, long fine earrings, blue racer-back dress, nearly as tall as Sabalenka. Sabalenka fires into the court corners but Badosa stays in the game with a line-kisser. A fourth deuce as they test the margins of the court and Badosa holds.
*Badosa 1-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Power and finesse from Sabalenka, but Badosa refuses to be overawed and breaks back after winning a testing rally. This is going to a huge physical battle.
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Badosa 0-1 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Lose television signal briefly, by the time I get it back, Sabalenka has immediately broken Badosa’s serve.
Aryna Sabalenka (2) and Paula Badosa are out and warming up, on Philippe-Chatrier where the roof is closed and, outside, the rain continues to fall. Still not that many in for the chance to see Sabalenka.
Sabalenkao has won four of their six meetings. Her best French Open result, reaching the semis last year. Badosa’s best result at Paris – the quarter finals in 2021.
Next up on Phillipe-Chartier, the heavyweight women’s game of the day – Sabalenka v Badosa. But while we wait for that, let’s see what’s going on around the courts.
On Suzanne Lenglen, American bright young thing and No. 15 seed Ben Shelton is a set and 3-0 down against Canadian and No. 21 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
While on court 14, it’s a game each for eleventh seed Alex de Minneur andJan-Lennard Struff, with play suspended because of rain.
Rybakina beats Mertens 6-4, 6-2
Rybakina 6-2, 6-4 Mertens
Mertens throwing everything into her serve but it is not enough. Rybakina wraps it up with a fantastic backhand into the corner. They shake hands and a pale looking Rybakina waves to the crowd, victory ticked off in an hour and seven minutes.
“I really want to play more and win grand slams,” she says.
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Rybakina 5-2, 6-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
A super rally won by Rybakina thanks to her long levers and speed. Mertens nets a return, and now has to serve to stay in the match.
*Rybakina 4-2, 6-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Groans of effort from Mertens. A duff drop shot followed by an inaccurate return from Rybakina, then Mertens polishes things off with a gorgeous drop shot of her own to win her serve to love. Still in this.
Rybakina 4-1, 6-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Rybakina moving through the gears and that’s a rapid hold when Mertens’ return ricochets off the net post. Mertens needs to find something special quickly to keep a claw in this match.
*Rybakina 3-1, 6-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Rybakina misfires a simply smash in the manner of park players worldwide. But another double fault for Mertens and suddenly Rybakina has two break points – and wins with a brilliant forehand into the corner,
Rybakina 2-1, 6-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
A beautifully honed service win to 15 from Rybakina. Meanwhile over on court Suzanne-Lenglen, Gracheva has beaten Begu 7-5, 6-3.
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*Rybakina 1-1, 6-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Cross court rallies, Rybakina suddenly playing with more confidence and flair. It’s dank and dull out there, at least on the television, and Rybankina is wearing in a cardigan. But the hustling Mertens fights back to hold.
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Rybakina 1-0, 6-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Holds serve confidently.
Rybakina goes a set up against Mertens
*Rybakina 6-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Rybakina sense a way to secure the set and is ruthless in her returning. Three set points for the world number four and she clinches it when a suddenly nervous Mertens hit wide.
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Rybakina 5-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Rybakina a bit itchy today, a few unforced errors at the net. Clay, the commentators muse, removes some of her power. A perfect lob by Mertens, clever and bold, but she misses with the smash and Rybakina holds.
*Rybakina 4-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Two double faults in succession gives Rybakina a way back in, then Mertens hits long to allow Rybakina to draw level again with minimum effort.
Rybakina 3-4 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Brilliant movement from Mertens who sends Rybakina all around the court and with a deft dismissal at the net, break serve for the second successive time.
*Rybakina 3-3 Mertens (*denotes next server)
A demurely fired up Rybakina breaks back immediately.
Rybakina 2-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Rybakina makes a horlicks of a bounce smash, but bounces back with an Exocet hit into the corner off Mertens’ return. Another mistake by Rybakina gives Mertens game point - she hauls it back but more unforced errors hand the hustling Mertens the break.
*Rybakina 2-2 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Mertens in blue, sun visor, big gold necklace and earrings. Wrong foots her opponent and holds her serve easily.
Rybakina 2-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Mertens beat Rybakina in their only previous meeting on clay, though Rybakina has the higher ranking. Goes 30-0 up on Rybakina’s serve, but then hits long to let Rybakina back in the game. Multiple deuces, but Rybakina wins it with two huge serves . Not many in to watch this clash yet on a chilly morning, they must all be doing their patriotic duty with Gracheva.
Rybakina 1-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
A whippey forehand, a lucky net cord, and Mertens also starts with a hold to. love.
Rybakina 1-0 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Straight into the flow, long arms and legs fluidly together in the serve, starts with a win to love.
We’re going to stay on Phillipe-Chartrier, leaving Gracheva a set and a game up on Suzanne-Lenglen.
Elena Rybakina, world number four, is warming up in light gold on court Phillipe-Chartrier.
Gracheva goes a set up against Begu
*Gracheva 7-5 Begu (*denotes next server)
More nervy play from both, the tall Begu going a set point down when she hits miles wide. Then she loses her ball toss and double faults to lose the game and go a set down.
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Gracheva 6-5 Begu* (*denotes next server)
It’s not warm out at Roland Garros, the crowd in coats, though the players are in short sleeves. Unforced errors abound as Gracheva holds serve.
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*Gracheva 5-5 Begu (*denotes next server)
Gracheva is pumped, in her patriotic blue dress, gets around Begu’s defences with some high energy play. The Tricolore is waved in the crowd. But nerves do their worst and she goes from 30- up to losing the game as Begu saves three set points.
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Gracheva 5-4 Begu* (*denotes next server)
Begu goes 30-0 up but mis-hits a return to let Gracheva back in the game. And Gracheva makes the most of it with a brave smash. She hits the back of her heels to exhort herself. Begu wins a huge rally but they go to deuce, Gracheva with the crowd at her elbow, and she fights off a break point to go 5-4 up.
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*Gracheva 4-4 Begu (*denotes next server)
Begu holds serve to draw level, starting to hit her serving straps with improved accuracy.
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Let’s make a Saturday morning trip over to court Suzanne-Lenglen where the last French woman standing, Varvara Gracheva, is 4-3 up against Irina-Camelia Begu.
Preamble
Good morning and welcome to day seven of our French Open coverage, the clay still brick red, the organisers hustling to fit everything in after the rain of the first few days.
Lots to keep an eye on today, including Aryna Sabalenka playing “best friend” Paula Badosa, second on Court Philippe Chatrier, while Novak Djokovic takes on Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who like Djokovic is let to lose a set, in the night session. Alexander Zverev (whose domestic abuse trial was adjourned on Friday) and Daniil Medvedev also play.
