The story of the day at this point is Thiago Seyboth Wild’s stunning five-set win against the world No 2, Daniil Medvedev:
And it is at this point that we are drawing our live Roland Garros coverage to a close. Thanks for reading, and we will see you again tomorrow for much more. Au revoir.
Earlier on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Elena Rybakina [4] saw off the challenge of Brenda Fruhvirtova, 6-4, 6-2.
Meanwhile, Lauren Davis of the USA has just beaten Zhu Lin of China, 6-3, 6-3 …
You can of course see the full results and draw on the official site.
A few final scores from the men’s singles:
Fritz [9] 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 Mmoh
Ruusuvuori 6-2, 6-7 (7), 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 Barrère
Cerundolo [23] 6-1, 2-6, 7-5 (5), 6-1 Munar
Novak Djokovic is in the news again:
Swiatek starts talking to Mats Wilander on court, then pauses to thank some chanting Polish fans who are making plenty of noise after her victory. “Where are the gifts, guys?” she quips.
And then down to business: “For sure first rounds are tricky, especially first set,” Swiatek says. “I don’t remember playing in such windy conditions here, maybe three years ago … I needed to adjust to that and work on my footwork, for sure … But I’m happy that I broke through it, and I was able to play better in the second set.”
Wilander asks: Do you only have good memories of the last few years [in Paris]? Or do you think of what’s happened in the last three or four weeks? (Wilander is referring to her injury and recent retirement from the Italian Open: It’s a bit of an odd question, but it doesn’t wrong foot Swiatek.)
“I’m trying not to come back to that because there’s no point,” she replies. “I know that this is a totally different tournament. I played here last year, it seems like a long time ago, this is a totally new journey. For sure I have a lot of experience playing here, I know this court pretty well, but I’m just trying to focus on what’s in the future.”
With Sabalenka and Rybakina pushing Swiatek this season, is that making her work harder?
“I kind of have my own journey. I think I would work on my tennis anyway. But for sure it’s nice that we have such solid players on the WTA. For sure, we are pushing each other. But honestly I don’t really care, I’m just trying to focus on myself, and that’s all.”
And that’s that. The endlessly impressive Swiatek is off to sign the camera, probably sign a few autographs, and head for an evening of rest and recovery.
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Swiatek will meet Ylena In-Albon or Claire Liu in round two.
Swiatek beats Bucsa! 6-4, 6-0
Swiatek smokes a ludicrously easy-looking winner to the corner, on Bucsa’s second serve, for 0-15. She tries the same thing but to the opposite side of the court on the next point, but misjudges it and hits wide for 15-15. Swiatek continues to attack the second serve … in fact she attacks the first with two match points … and that’s it. All over. Les jeux sont faits.
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Swiatek 6-4, 5-0 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Bucsa takes a couple of points away from her Polish opponent on the world No 1’s serve. At 40-30 they exchange some powerful blows from the baseline but again it’s Bucsa that produces the error first. The Spaniard must now serve to avoid a bagel in the second set.
*Swiatek 6-4, 4-0 Bucsa (* denotes next server)
“Bucsa just beginning to buckle now … and who wouldn’t?” asks Simon Reed, on commentary for Eurosport.
Swiatek is a double break up in the second and it will take something astonishing to deny her from here. Bucsa came out very impressively in the first set – almost as if she had nothing to lose – and she put Swiatek under a lot of pressure. But this second set is a far more one-sided affair.
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Swiatek 6-4, 3-0 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Looking easier and easier for Swiatek …
Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori and Grégoire Barrère are going deep in the men’s singles and are into a fifth set:
6-2, 6-7 (7), 5-7, 6-1, 4-1
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*Swiatek 6-4, 2-0 Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Order is being restored if you happen to be a Swiatek fan. She is dictating the points now and working her opponent around the court. She is applying plenty of pressure and breaks to create daylight on the scoreboard in the second set.
It is surprising, and not a little disappointing, that the arena hasn’t really filled up so far to see Swiatek in action. She is too special a player to perform in front of a stadium that’s less than a quarter full.
Swiatek 6-4, 1-0 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Swiatek holds to open the second set and treats herself to a pointed fist pump. She’s hitting the ball more cleanly now than the error-strewn first set.
Elsewhere in the mens’ singles, Taylor Fritz [9] is flying against Michael Mmoh, the 25-year-old American who is ranked 123 in the world.
The score is 6-2, 6-1, 3-1.
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Rune beats Eubanks! 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2
The No 6 seed is safely through after being asked a few serious questions by the up-and-coming Eubanks.
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That was quite the upset we saw earlier with the world No 2, Medvedev, crashing out against Seyboth Wild. Here’s the report:
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Swiatek wins the first set v Bucsa: 6-4
At 30-0 Swiatek crunches a powerful forehand winner, inside-out, that whistles past Bucsa and makes a profound psychological point. Then comes the best and longest rally of the match – it ends with Bucsa hitting long. It’s quickly 30-40, break point, and then second serve … Swiatek clubs a forehand down the line that Bucsa can’t get back, and that’s the first set.
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Swiatek 5-4 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
The wind isn’t helping either player but it’s Swiatek who is mishitting with regularity. Bucsa forces a break point - Swiatek swiftly raises her level and thumps an unreturnable backhand deep into the court for deuce. Bucsa attacks the second serve when Swiatek moves to advantage but the Polish player takes the heat out of the rally and waits for an error, which comes pretty quickly. Bucsa will serve to stay in the first set. This is a tricky first-round appointment for Swiatek, trickier than she may have anticipated.
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*Swiatek 4-4 Bucsa (* denotes next server)
At 30-0, Swiatek produces an ugly mishit service return, her attempted forehand flying wildly high and wide. Swiatek is back at it on the next point, though, clipping a sweet winner down the line for 40-15. But then she musters another unforced error, hitting long from the back of the court. It’s all square in the first set and this is a much tougher test for Swiatek than the match between these players in January in Melbourne.
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Swiatek 4-3 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Swiatek holds with a minimum of fuss this time, and strides purposefully off to her chair, for a fresh racket and a drink.
There aren’t many fans on Philippe-Chatrier following that marathon victory for Seyboth Wild against Medvedev. They are beginning to filter back in, but the court was basically empty at the start. A few moments ago a crying toddler was audible, too, which is not something you hear every day at a grand-slam tennis event.
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*Swiatek 3-3 Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Bucsa belts an ace down the middle to pull it back to 30-30, having been 0-30 down on her serve. But two unforced errors hand the break to the Polish world No 1, and that’s four straight breaks of serve, two apiece.
Jo Durie, alongside Simon Reed on commentary, tells us that 18 seeded players have fallen in the first round (I am guessing that means in the women’s and men’s singles combined?!)
Swiatek 2-3 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
Bucsa breaks again! That’s the third in a row, two for the Spaniard.
Swiatek is not playing her best stuff, but this is mostly about Bucsa taking a positive mindset into the match. Can she maintain this level? Will Swiatek respond? It’s safe to assume she will, on the second point …
And Rune is now 2-0 up in the fourth v Eubanks.
Rune won the tiebreak v Eubanks, over in the men’s singles, and is already a break up in the fourth:
Rune [6] 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2), 1-0 Eubanks
*Swiatek 2-2 Bucsa (* denotes next server)
At 30-30 it’s a big chance for Bucsa. She tries an expansive winner down the line and hits wide. However, she wins the next point with a clever drop shot that forces Swiatek to crash into the net as she tries to make the ground to get it back … At deuce, Swiatek smashes a trademark clean winner from the baseline that Bucsa can only stand and admire.
At advantage Swiatek, Bucsa hits long and that’s the break back for the world No 1.
Swiatek 1-2 *Bucsa (* denotes next server)
A tremendous down-the-line backhand winner from Bucsa brings up 0 -30. But Swiatek swiftly battles back to 30-30, with a flashing forehand winner to the corner achieving parity in the third game of the match.
However, Bucsa continues to take her shots on and forces another error from Swiatek, who nets a backhand from the baseline: the Spanish player has a break point.
Swiatek hits powerfully wide, and Bucsa is 2-1 and a break up in the first set!
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“She’s already equalled her performance at the Australian Open, when she won one game,” Simon Reed says of Bucșa.
*Swiatek 1-1 Bucșa (* denotes next server)
At 40-30 Bucsa fluffs a regulation volley to round off the game and cracks a lingering, pained smile after the ball hits the net. She knows she cannot make basic errors like that against Swiatek.
Anyway, she gets away with it: Swiatek powers a big forehand into the net on the first advantage for the Spaniard.
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Rune [6] 6-4, 3-6, 6-6 Eubanks
A tiebreak in the third set on Court Simonne-Mathieu. Eubanks, the American, is looking absolutely ready to give Holger Rune, the world No 6, a good run for his money.
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Swiatek 1-0 *Bucșa (* denotes next server)
An impressively efficient hold to begin from Swiatek, featuring one ominously precise down-the-line winner.
Swiatek had a chat with Eurosport earlier and is asked about the recent injury that saw her withdraw from the Italian Open in Rome: “I feel good. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t recovered,” says the Polish player. “I am happy to be back. I used this time to practice and get my game more solid.”
Swiatek is asked about her opponent, Bucșa, whom she played in Australia and beat in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.
“She already played many matches since then,” Swiatek says. “For sure you know it’s nice to know your opponent, and know how the ball will feel on your racket. But for every match I prepare differently ... my opponents are always developing their game. I’ll be ready no matter what.”
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Now, here comes the brilliant women’s world No 1, Iga Swiatek, for her first-round meeting with Cristina Bucșa of Spain. Needless to say, that epic defeat for Medvedev has meant that Swiatek and her opponent, who is ranked No 70, have been waiting around all afternoon.
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Thanks Daniel. Have a good night.
Here’s the Seyboth Wild on-court interview following that sensational win.
“I’ve watched Daniil play my entire junior career, until today. I’ve always dreamed about playing on this court, against these kinds of players. In my best dreams I’ve had, I’ve beaten them ... so it’s a dream come true.”
What was his game plan?
“I just wanted to get the angles, get to the net as much as possible, try to use my forehand against his ... and it worked pretty well.” [The crowd laughs].
Physically, how did he feel?
“It was pretty tough. I started cramping at the end of the second set. I couldn’t really serve the way I wanted to ... but I used my “mental” and try to play my best tennis ... and it worked, I’m really happy with the way I played.” [The crowd claps and cheers]
How will he spend his day off?
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to go to the court ... my coach is not going to let me rest all day, he’s a pretty tough guy and he likes to be on the court.
“That’s the way tennis works. You stay on the court, you work hard and you get the reward.”
Righto, my watch is over; I’m away to Beyoncé now that you (don’t) ask. Here’s Luke McLaughlin to coax you through the remainder of the day.
Oh man, that was fantastic. Medvedev isn’t the best clay-courter, but he won Rome and him losing to a lad who’s never won a match at a major is just ridiculous. Seyboth Wild played with such intensity and intelligence – at no point did he feel the tension and lower the power, he stuck to his strengths and to his plan, while his opponent chuntered. It made for a wonderful match,; if we see a better one in the tournament we’ll have done very well.
That was a ridiculous match, momentum shifting this way and that. Seyboth Wild was sensational, starting well and spanking the cover off it throughout, refusing to go away when Medvedev looked to have taken over. He’s watched Medvedev throughout his junior career, has dreamed of playing on Chatrier, and his plan was to use angles, get to the net whenever he could, and "use his forehand against his opponent; “it worked pretty well”. He started cramping in the second set, but he used his mental game to hang in there. His coach is tough and likes him to be on the court, so he doubts he’ll have a day off tomorrow, but appreciates that tennis works that way: put in work, get the rewards. He meets Halys or Pella next; currently Pella leads 6-4 0-1.
Thiago Seyboth Wild beats Daniil Medvedev [2] 7-6(5) (6)6-7 2-6 6-3 6-4!
Oh my complete and utter absolute days! Seyboth Wildbacks away, drills yet another forehand winner down the line, and the qualifier, ranked 172 in the world, is into round two having dismissed the world number two! What a match! What a performance!
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You don’t want to do that! Medvedev serves a half-courter that allows Seyboth Wild to open shoulders like Thierry Henry, spanking yet another inside-out forehand winner cross-court. TWO MATCH POINTS! WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON?!
Medvedev can’t put away a drop, Seyboth Wild can’t put away the pass, and Medvedev closes to 30-15 via smart pick-up, then puts one into the corner that comes back long, by a fraction; 30-all and the tension is intense!
A brutally long rally to start the game, before Seyboth Wild comes in and puts away a shoulder-high volley that wrongfoots Medvedev; he salutes the crowd, but has plenty more work yet to do. And he’s doing it, making 30-0 in short order! Two more points…
I’m nervous myself; how on earth is he feeling, on the cusp of the biggest win of his life?
OK, Medvedev holds to 15; can Thiago Seyboth Wild serve out?!
This is incroyable from Seyboth Wild, who holds to love for 5-3; he’s a game away from a gibongous shock!
We’re into a fifth hour now and again Medvedev finds himself facing a break point, Seyboth Wild scurrying about the baseline retrieving balls that are good but not quite good enough, before he nets; deuce. AND HAVE A LOOK! Seyboth Wild annihilates a forehand winner, Medvedev swishes a cross-court backhand wide, and the qualifier leads 4-3 in the fifth having broken for a third time! Can he hang on?
Er, and Medvedev breaks back to love. He’s such a competitor.
Medvedev has spent much of this match chuntering at his coach and he’s doing that now. Because when he begins his latest service-game with a weak drop, he sets the tone for the one he plays on break point, expertly cleared up by Seyboth Wild … who now leads 3-2 in the fifth! Three holds, and he’s home!
Not exactly tennis, but a gladiatorial battle is a gladiatorial battle, and though IU’ve not played a computer game in about two decades, I’ll be investigating which of my mates have this.
Eubanks serves out so is level with rune at a set apiece while, on Chatrier, Medvedev gets to advantage from 40-15; can he break back? YES HE CAN! A decent return, a forehand on the run and down the line … makes it 2-2 in the decider.
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Seyboth Wild consolidates then Medvedev gets himself onto the board in the decider; the Brazilian leads 2-1.
Next on Lenglen: Gasquet v Rinderknech.
Back on Mathieu, Eubanks leads 5-2 having lost the first set to Rune … oh and Rune’s just held, so the American, making his roland Garros debut at 27, will now serve for one set all.
I’m sorry?! From 40-0 up, Medvedev finds himself break point down, saves it with a fine backhand winner, then loses the game anyway! Seyboth Wild leads 1-0 in the fifth, and seems totally energised after looking bedraggled at the start of the fourth. What a match this is!
Elena Rybakina [4] beats Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-4 6-2!
That was a really fun match. Rybakina was a break down in both sets, Fruhvirtova playing really well, but class and composure told in the end. The Wimbledon champ meets Noskova or Kovinic next.
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Have a look! Seyboth Wild secures his two holds, and will now play the first fifth set of his career, on Chatrier, against the world number two! He takes the fourth 6-3, and who knows what’s coming next?!
You can see Fruhvirtova knows she belongs at this level – she’s not waited to be asked, at all, coming in with a strategy, trying to vary pace, and applying it while hitting winners. I can’t wait to see how she develops, but it’s not 5-2 to Rybakina.
Rybakina breaks for 4-2 and this match is almost over, but Fruhvirtova has shown more than enough to explain the hype – Rybakina has played players ranked far higher who’ve given her far less aggro.
Rybakina breaks Fruhvirtova back immediately, then at 2-2 slings down her first double on deuce. But an ace and a winner follow as she serves out, while on Mathieu, Rune leads Eubanks 6-4 and on Chatrier, Seyboth wild has broken again! He leads 4-2 in the fourth, and if he can hold twice more, we’re going to have a decider!
Lesia Tsurenko beats Barbora Krejcikova [13] 6-2 6-4!
The 2021 champ is out and Tsurenko meets Zhu or Davis next.
Oh mate. Ohhhhh maaaaaate! Down 0-40, Seyboth Wild plays a volley when Medvedev’s nondescript approach was dropping wide, and now leads 3-2 in set four, his break gone. Seyboth Wild 7-6(5) (6)6-7 2-6 3-2 Medvedev
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Now. Then. Rybakina fights back from 0-30, Fruhvirtova trying a selection of flat hits and moon balls, then on advantage she rushes in and clumps a forehand cross-court for a clean winner and the break that gives her 2-1.
Que?! Medvedev sends down three doubles and trails Seyboth Wild 2-0 in the fourth! I did not see that coming, at all. Elsewhere, Sorribes Tormo didn’t serve out but did win the eventuating breaker 7-0, while Tsurenko has broken Krejcikova back and now leads 6-2 4-4.
Ach, Fruhvirtova has played a really good set, varying pace to mither Rybakina, but in the end she’s broken in its 10th game – the pressure put on her second serve forces her to go for a bit more and that causes a couple of doubles – then a nice volley secures the 6-4.
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Rune and Eubanks are away on Mathieu, with Rune a break up at 3-1; Krejcikova leads Tsurenko 4-2 having lost the first set; and Sorribes Tormo is serving for the first set against Burel.
Eeesh, Rybakina saves herself then hooks a gorgeous forehand from centre to corner – she leads 5-4 – while Medvedev serves out to 15 and takes set three 6-2. I’d not be surprised were he to run away with the fourth.
Medvedev breaks then has a nosebleed, so takes some time before serving for set three at 5-2; Rybakina breaks Fruhvirtova back, but concedes another opportunity in her next service game.
Earlier, I mentioned that Mats feels Medvedev struggles with the wind because he doesn’t hit his backhand with much top; well, Calvin Betton disagrees: “Two-handers dont have much spin anyway,” he writes. “He doesn’t like the wind coz he’s not a particularly skilful player – he doesn’t have great hands.”
I’m not an NB person – despite my love for Bryan Robson – but Gauff’s trainers are among the better ones i’ve seen so far this week.
Seyboth Wild raises two break-back points but this time, Medvedev saves them – the second with a delicious volley – then seals his 4-2 with an ace. Meantime, Fruhvirtova earns herself a break point at 3-3, does really well to angle a high-kicker back into play, then monsters a backhand winner! She can play alright!
A terrific backhand get from Medvedev earns him a third break point of the game and this time Seyboth Wild can only respond with a double. He’s looking a little weary now, which makes sense: he’s not used to this level of competition or intensity and it’s also hot, whereas his opponent is a consummate competitor.
Cameron Norrie, accused of gamesmanship by Djokovic, has responded. Eee, I love a bit of needle.
I didn’t think I was in his face at all. I think, if anyone knows me, I’m pretty vocal in some matches. It was a regular tennis match for me.
“I was feeling feeling my hip a little bit and I took the medical time-out. It is within the rules. And for him also it’s in the rules to start the match on his time – being late.”
“He wanted some more time on the physio bed and the match was scheduled for 11am,” said Norrie. “And we walked out maybe 11.12am, 11.13am. I don’t think he saw any problem with that. He never said anything to me. And he never apologised.
“I’ve never seen that before from any player. Regardless if it’s a tennis match or not, you turn up on time for whatever it is.”
Medvedev may be a killer but Seyboth Wild isn’t going away; he breaks back for 2-2 in set three, and this could be a proper classic.
Krejcikova, the 2021 champ, has lost the first set to Tsurenko 6-2. She’s been in good form recently, winning Dubai and beating the world 1,2 and 3 in the process, but Tsurenko can play so this isn’t a huge surprise.
Er yeah, time’s up. Medvedev breaks in the first game of set three, because he’s a killer.
Rybakina and Fruhvirtova are away and 1-1 in set one, the 16-year-old acclimatising well. Her 18-year-old older sister, Linda, lost 2 and 2 to Pavlyuchenkova yesterday, but she is meant to be the better prospect.
Next on Mathieu: Holger Rune [6] v Chris Eubanks.
Alexander Zverev [22] beats Lloyd Harris 7-6(6) 7-6(0) 6-1!
He meets Molcan next.
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A luscious drop earns Seyboth Wild set point, but having opened the court for his forehand, he goes long and is vexed, then does the same again on Medvedev’s serve. So Medvedev hits a lob which raises set point for him, and when Seyboth wild misses a pressure overhead, we’re at one set all! Medvedev still doesn’t look happy, gesticulating at himself and the crowd, but he’s level. Seyboth Wild 7-6(5) (6)-7 Medvedev
Seyboth Wild bunts a return, forcing Medvedev to make the running, and lanking into the net, be sends a top-spinner long! If the qualifier can hold serve at 6-4, he’ll lead 2-0!
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Zverev leads Harris 4-1 in the third, which is to say despite a colossal effort from his opponent, he’s nearly into round two. Meantime, a booming forehand into each corner, and Seyboth Wild has 3-3 in his tiebreaker with Medvedev.
Righto, Seyboth Wild holds and we’ve got ourselves a second breaker. Hold me!
Next on Lenglen: Rybakina v Fruhvirtova.
Gauff thanks the crowd and says she had a tough start because Masarova played well, but she did well to turn it around. “I can’t say this word but bleep the final,” she says when Àlex Corretja wonders if defending the points she got losing to Swiatek last year might’ve played on her mind once she went a set down. She feels confident on the surface and in these conditions, noting that Paris has been her favourite city since she first visited aged 10, and though some don’t like the people there, she loves them.
Coco Gauff [6] beats Rebekah Masarova 3-6 6-1 6-2!
That’s an excellent win and performance; once she got going, Masarova couldn’t cope. She meets Rus or Grabher next, Grabher currently leading 6-2 2-3.
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Harris takes a medical timeout while Gauff rushes in to smite a backhand almost through Masarova, in the process of breaking again for 4-1.
Well that was a useful expenditure of effort. Zverev takes the breaker to love, and leads by two sets to love.
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…and he takes the first, Zverev framing one long. Another breaker it is.
…and Zverev sends down a double! Three break-back points for the Saffer…
Now then: Harris rushes to 0-30…
Zverev breaks Harris for 6-5 and will, following change of ends, serve for a 2-0 lead. Meantime on Chatrier, Medvedev delivers his seventh double in the course of holding for 3-2 in set two, Seyboth Wild having taken the first.
Back to the Seyboth Wild allegations, tennis hasn’t dealt especially well with these situations previously.
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Gauff’s played really well since going behind, which is a good sign. She breaks at the first time of asking in the decider and leads 3-6 6-1 2-0.
On Seyboth Wild:
Another ATP player, Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild, is accused of abusive behavior.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 29, 2021
He faces a lawsuit from his ex, Thayane Lima, and a police investigation.
Seyboth Wild, who won his first ATP title at 19 in Santiago last year, has not played since July.https://t.co/E63qh4g5QH
There’s more information here; police are investigating and he denies the allegations.
Mats notes that the wind on Chatrier is a particular problem for Medvedev as he doesn’t hit it with enough topspin; I guess that means it’s more likely to be blown off course, particularly long. Otherwise, serving at 7-6 4-5, Zverev finds himself break point down, but a net cord sits the ball up for him, and from there he closes out point and game.
Nishioka has come from two sets down to beat Wolf 1-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 6-3; the number 27 seed meets Purcell next. And Jarry has seen off Dellien 4,4 and 2; he meets Paul next.
Yup, Gauff serves out for 6-1 and the decider will soon be upon us.
Gauff is playing well now, breaking again for 5-1. Masarova has some thinking to do as we near what looks an inevitable decider.
Medvedev saves the set points on his own serve, then Seyboth Wild delivers into the net; no bother, a wide kicker, a netted backhand return, and the qualifier, ranked 172 in the world, leads the number two seed 7-6(5)! Do not take your eyes off this match!
Medvedev has his dead serious face on as he hooks a forehand return to retrieve the mini-break, but Seyboth Wild earns another, then outlasts the number two seed from the back to make 5-3. This is terrific stuff, his forehand is by far the most important shot in this match, and a brute sent hurtling cross-court, gives him 6-3 and three set points!
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Yup, Medvedev holds easily then Seyboth Wild begins the breaker by walloping an overhead without regard for the wind. He’s looking good, accepts an early mini-break via double, and Gauff spanks a backhand down the line which earns her a break point which she accepts for 3-1. Has the tide turned on Lenglen?
Seyboth Wild holds for 6-5, guaranteeing himself a breaker. At 30-all in his last service-game, Medvedev found two big serves, so remains favourite to take the set, but he’s being given plenty and I’d not be surprised were he to find himself trailing. Elsewhere, Zverev and Harris are 2-2 in set two, Zverev having taken the first 7-6(6), while Gauff leads Masarova 2-1 on serve in set two, having lost the first.
On Gauff and whether she can win a major, Calvin Betton returns: “Again, I did. But her forehand is really bad and the other players all know that now.”
Masarova serves out to love and leads Gauff 6-3. She’s playing really nicely.
Gauff holds, forcing Masarova to serve for the first set at 5-3 – and this year, she’s not come from one-down to win any match. Meantime on Chatrier, Medvedev is finding Seyboth Wild a problem. He might’ve thought that, after winning Rome, he was at one with the clay, but the certainty his opponent is showing with shot-selection tells us he’s still got plenty of work to do.
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Zverev forces his way in front, but on set point a floaty drop sits up and Harris does enough to save himself … but not for long. He opens his body to hit an inside-out forehand but sends it over the sideline, and that’s the first set to the number 22 seed.
Nishioka has taken the fourth set off Wolf so they’re now playing a decider, while Masarova, who Gauff beat to win Auckland in January, leads her 4-1.
Yeah, Seyboth Wild can play – as you’d expect, given he won the US Open junior title in 2018 and beat Ruud to win his first ATP event. He breaks back for 2-2, then holds, and looks like he believes he belongs. Meantime, Zverev and Harris are playing a breaker and, as I type, the former misjudges a bounce, recovers in time to put a smash wherever he wants, and balloons it miles away. Harris now leads 3-2.
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…which he survives, closing out for 6-5. As for Gauff, she’s another I was certain would win majors, but now I’m not so sure.
Medvedev sends down two doubles and still holds, which is ominous for Seyboth Wild, a Brazilian qualifier. That said, he then holds to love and unfurls a very significant forehand in the process, so must be settling. Gauff, meanwhile, is broken by Masarova at the first time of asking, while Zverev has saved two break points at 5-5 and will shortly face another…
On Mathieu, Harris is serving well and trails Zverev 5-4 in set one; on Chatrier, Medvedev breaks Seyboth Wild in game one.
Anyway, who’s going Beyoncé tonight and who’s been already? My wife is something of a fan, so it’s a family trip in the seats today, then the two of us standing at the weekend. Now that you ask.
Nishioka has taken back a set off Wolf so now trails 1-6 3-6 6-4 0-1 while, in the women’s competition, Wang has knocked out the number 31 seed, Bouzkova. She meets Peterson next, who beat Ferro 2 and 0.
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Next on Chatrier: Seyboth Wild v Medvedev. Next on Lenglen: Masarova v Gauff.
Ruud says he felt better as the match progressed and was nervous given he reached the final last year. It’s great to be back in Paris where the crowd are very passionate, playing on “this historic court”. He remembers his debut on it against Federer – “I got my arse kicked” – and says yerman is missed, but he hopes he’s enjoying himself wherever he is. He finds playing tennis more “hectic” as he moves up in the world, with different demands, responsibilities and pressure, but he’s still Casper, still the same bloke with family and friends. He does fashion shoots sometimes, which he didn’t know about as a kid hoping to make it, he thought you just played and went home, but he’s enjoying the experience and, as ever, comes across as an all-round lovely bloke.
Casper Ruud [4] beats Elias Ymer 6-4 6-3 6-2!
Like Jabeur, Ruud played well but within himself; he meets Bublik or Zeppieri next.
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Ruud just missed a chance to finish off Ymer, losing his serve serving at 5-1 in the third, but I daresay he gets there eventually. On Mathieu, Zverev leads Harris 2-1 on serve.
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Ons says she had a break after doing her calf but feels comfy now and after the first set got back into the swing of a clay court. She’s disappointed not to have won a major last term, but will give everything she can to make that happen before the end of her career because if she doesn’t she’ll have to explain to her niece and nephew what’s gone on. She meets Janicicevic or Dodin next.
Ons Jabeur [7] beats Lucia Bronzetti 6-4 6-1!
She wasn’t great all the way through, but her calf seemed not to bother her and she played some lovely stuff while playing within herself, the mark of a very serious threat.
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Tommy Paul is through – he’s beaten Dominic Stricker 3, 2 and 4 – and meets Jarry or Dellien next, Jarry currently two sets up.
Ymer is making Ruud work, but he’s so nimble about the baseline and breaks for 3-1 in set three; he’s nearly home, likewise Jabeur, who breaks again for 5-0 in set two.
On Mathieu, Zverev and Harris are knocking up. Zverev, remember, jiggered his ankle ligaments during last year’s semi against Nadal and hasn’t quite found himself since – though he did, the other week, become the first player under 30 to record 300 career victories.
Four games in a row for Ons now, who leads 6-4 3-0 with a double break. I guess what we’re seeing is what happens when you reach a certain level: early-round matches are just a vehicle to get the pace of things and the run of self. It’s hard to see her losing to anyone she’s seeded to beat.
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On Tsitsipas, Calvin Betton, our resident coach and man in Paris messages: “Up until a year ago I’d have said yes, no brainer. Now I’ve got serious doubts. His backhand is toilet under any sort of pressure, and he’s a bit of a wimp.”
To that I’d add the players competing with him are just a bit better – better enough for it to make a difference. I can’t lie, the first few times I saw him play Futures I thought he’d be a superstar – him and Medvedev, as it goes – but I’m not sure he can close enough holes to beat Alcaraz or Djokovic in semis and finals.
Though Bronzetti snaffled back a break, Jabeur serves out to take the first set 6-4.
Paul now leads Stricker 6-3 6-2 3-2 with a break, and I’d not be especially surprised to see him do something here – he’s playing better than ever and has a pretty kind draw.
Yes Ymer is having fun, but he’s been broken again so now trails Ruud 6-4 6-3.
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As per the below, will Tsitsipas win a major, and if so, which is most likely? If you’re pushing me, I’m saying no.
Next on Mathieu: Zverev v Harris.
The women’s number 25 seed is out, Kalinina beaten 2 and 3 by local-girl Parry, who moves on to play Andreeva next.
To put a fine point on it: in the last 10 years, we’ve had 23 different major champions in the women’s game versus eight in the men’s.
Ruud, of course, also lost in two Slam finals last year, Paris and New York. Real talk, like Berrettini, Zverev and perhaps Tsitsipas, it’s hard to see him ever being quite good enough to win one because it feels like at some point, he’ll play someone with bigger weapons playing well – and, unlike Jabeur, doesn’t have the reassurance of competing in the world’s least predictable sport.
On Lenglen, Ymer is starting to feel at home, snatching back a break to trail Ruud 2-6 2-4, while Jabeur has broken again and is serving at 4-1.
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So, what of our Ons? Well, she’s just broken for 2-1, but more generally, can she take a further step forward? Last term she lost in both the Wimbledon and US Open finals, and on the one hand, that should stand her in good stead; on the other, does she quite have the game to beat the best on the biggest stages? In Paris, she’s never done better than round four, which is something of a surprise given an arsenal of spins and slices backed up by decent power; I’d expect her to at least better that here, though I can’t see her lifting the trophy at the end, much as I’d love to see it.
Oh, and Diane Parry leads Anhelina Kalinina – I love a rhyming name – the number 25 seed – 6-2 3-2 with a break.
Otherwise, Casper Ruud, seeded four, leads Elias Ymer, a qualifier, 6-4 2-1 with a break; Ons Jabeur and Lucia Bronzetti are 1-1; Tommy Paul, the number 16 seed, leads Dominic Stricker 6-3 3-2 with a break; and JJ Wolf leads Yoshihito Nishioka, the number 27 seed, 6-1 2-2.
We’ve already got a winner: Erika Andreeva has beaten Alison Riske-Amritraj 6-2 6-1; she meets Kalinina or Parry next.
Preamble
Salut! And welcome to day three of Roland-Garros 2023! As ever, we’ve got a criminal quantity of tremendous tennis for you as round one draws to a close.
The most obviously exciting match comes late in the day on Mathieu, Victoria Azarenka taking on Bianca Andreescu. But before that, we get to see Ons Jabeur, Iga Swiatek, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina, Alex Zverev, Barbora Krejcikova and Coco Gauff – it’s ridiculous really.
In particular, I’m looking forward to Rybakina, and not just because her opponent, Brenda Fruhvirtova, is just 16 and a potential star. The Wimbledon champion and Australian Open runner-up is a potential winner here, her power, clean-hitting, composure and form the combination most likely to dethrone Swiatek – they’re seeded to meet in the last four.
Otherwise, today’s big seeds have friendly draws, but as we know, once they start hitting balls, anything can happen. On y va!
