Thank you so much for joining me for these epic matches on day nine of the French Open! Iga Swiatek will play Lesia Tsurenko and Grigor Dimitrov will take on Alexander Zverev later this evening and we will be back tomorrow with live updates from day ten! Here are some things to read until then:
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Look what it means:
3 hours and 59 minutes later 🦁#RolandGarros | @holgerrune2003 pic.twitter.com/5gG9pvz383
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2023
Rune looked beaten in the fourth set after taking on two lots of electrolytes after feeling dizzy. He looked exhausted in the post-match interview but he is staying out on court to sign things for fans. Rune will face Ruud in the quarter-finals.
Rune said post-match: “It’s a unique feeling to stay on this court in front of this incredible crowd. It was so much fun, thank you! I had a heart-breaking loss in Australia and I ended up in a tiebreak and I told myself to just relax and play tennis. Moments like this stay with you forever. Cerundolo is playing amazing, clay is a surface that suits his play. Credit to him, he is a very nice guy. I wish him all the best, he has a bright future.”
Rune wins five-set epic against Cerundolo: 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 6-6 (10-7)
Wow! What a match! Rune wins his first five-set match.
The rest of the tiebreak played out as: Cerundolo’s volley gives him the edge at 7-6 but a superb drop shot sees Rune level it once more – even Cerundolo can’t believe he made that shot!
Cerundolo is judged out and Rune is 8-7 up – only the second time he has led in this tiebreak. Rune is just one point away with Cerundolo sending another shot long!
The pressure on their shoulders right now! And Cerundolo hits the net! Rune wins!!
Updated
Tiebreak continues! Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 6-6 (6-6) Cerundolo
The tiebreak is the best of 10. Cerundolo wins the first point and Rune wins the second. A great return from Rune sees him win the third point to go 2-1 up.
On Cerundolo’s serve now and Rune’s return is out to level it 2-2. That was a huge play, Rune thought it was his but it’s ruled out and so Cerundolo has a 3-2 advantage.
Rune’s serve and Cerundolo can’t return it so we are 3-3. Rune attempts a close to the net drop shot but it doesn’t go over the net and Cerundolo goes 4-3 up! Cerundolo’s serve and he wins one and loses one and so we are 5-4 in Cerundolo’s favour!
It is level again with Cerundolo forcing a ball out, 5-5. Nothing separating these two yet. Cerundolo goes 6-5 up with a great return but his shot is long and it’s 6-6!
Tiebreak to come! Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 6-6* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Rune will have to have a really strong service game here, if he slips up the match is gone. It would be an upset if Cerundolo won here, Rune is the sixth seed and Cerundolo is the 23rd!
A Mexican wave rolls around the crowd ahead of the game. Rune gets the first points and a drop shot which is stunning gets him 30-0 up. He raises his arms to gee up the crowd though I don’t think they need it! Cerundolo hits the net with his return and Rune seals the game with a great serve.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *5-6 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Rune’s return has little power and it hits the net, he glances at his box as he attempts to break once more. Cerundolo’s shot is then out so we are 15-15.
Rune hits the net again, the tiredness showing in their games slightly here. Rune’s shot it out and Cerundolo is a point away from taking the game. Cerundolo hits the net but he has another chance to see this out. And there it is! He will have to break Rune for the win.
Cerundolo breaks back! Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 5-5* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Rune is serving for the match and what a match it has been! The Dane has had to deal with dizziness throughout but he still finds himself in this position. Can Cerundolo break him back to keep this going?
Four points stand between Rune and victory, make that three with Cerundolo sending the ball long!
Rune then hits the net! This is as tense as it gets. The Dane then hits the net again. Oh my word! Cerundolo 30-15 up. The Argentine’s return on the serve is too long and then he sends a fabulous ball away from Rune to get break point!
And Rune hits the net! Oh my word, this match!!
Rune breaks! Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *5-4 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Cerundolo popping a lovely drop shot there, he has to follow up with a hold after Rune destroyed his break point in the last game. Now the Argentine’s shot is wide and out 15-15.
Cerundolo tries a drop shot again but it doesn’t have enough power and it hits the net. Then he forces one wide and now it is Rune who has break point!
Oh my god! Rune breaks! Cerundolo hits the net!
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 4-4* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Both players come close to the net and it’s Cerundolo who comes out on top with a sweeping forehand. Rune then hits the net to see Cerundolo 30-0 up against serve.
A double fault sees Cerundolo on break point! Could this be the defining moment? He doesn’t get the break on the first point with Rune winning a great point following a 17-shot rally. Rune manages to save another two break points! Wow! The game goes to deuce.
Rune escapes and holds his serve, phenomenal moment here.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *3-4 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Will anyone be able to find a break or will this head to a tiebreak?
Rune smacks the net twice to gift Cerundolo 30-0. But then Rune reads the situation impeccably and as Cerundolo goes to run one way he sends the ball the other.
Another hold as Rune hits the net.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 3-3* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Sensational shot from Cerundolo to get the ball just in to level this game 15-15. But then he hits the net as Rune fist pumps, they know a break in serve could decide this close encounter.
A drop shot from Rune sees him 40-15 but Cerundolo hits him back with the same shot to go 40-30. Cerundolo’s shot is out and Rune takes it.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *2-3 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Cerundolo sends the ball into the net and he looks despondent to let even just one point go on his serve. Rune sends a ball out to level it 15-15 and he hits the net with the next shot.
What a shot! Rune returns a powerful serve and Cerundolo sends the ball in the opposite direction to bag the point at 40-15. Rune hits the net and Cerundolo holds.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 2-2* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
It feels like whoever is the first to break the other will have a massive momentum swing in this decisive set. Both celebrating each little win.
Rune sprints to 30-0 lead and another long shot from Cerundolo sees the Dane a point away from taking the game. A stunning shot from Rune sees him level the fifth set 2-2.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *1-2 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Three long shots from Rune gives Cerundolo 40-0, Rune is talking to his box a lot at the moment.
He smacks the net and Cerundolo holds his serve!
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 1-1* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Rune is getting frustrated as he shouts into the crowd after Cerundolo wins the first point of his service game. He wins the next point and he shouts to himself, Rune really revving himself up.
A lovely volley is impossible for Cerundolo to return but then he hits the net. Rune screams as he gets to 40-30, getting his mentality into a fighting spirit after his dizzy spell. But we head to deuce!
That was delicious! Rune waits for the opportune moment to place a shot and it pays off for the advantage. And Cerundolo’s return is long and he holds his serve!
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, *0-1 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
A lovely first shot from Cerundolo in this fifth set, he sends it down the right and out of distance from Rune. The Dane’s return is then out but Rune’s drop shot has the double bounce to put the game 30-15 in Cerundolo’s favour.
The Argentine forces an error to send the ball out but he plays a deft shot to take all the power out of the ball, Cerundolo 40-30 up. And he wins the game as Rune sends the ball into the net.
Cerundolo takes the fourth set! Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Cerundolo will have to break Rune here if he wants to win this fourth and he wins the point following a through the legs shot, he has his hands in the air geeing up the crowd.
He is racing to a break and is 40-0 up! And a double fault from Rune takes it to a fifth!
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, *1-5 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Rune is having more electrolytes to try and stop the dizziness. Neither Rune or Cerundolo have won a match over five sets and so history will be made today.
A lovely shot down the left sees Rune not even attempt to run to return. The Dane then sends the ball long and Cerundolo hits an ace to be 40-15 up. And then takes a game with a great forehand.
Updated
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-4* Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
Cerundolo making a few errors here but Rune rallies the ball way off court but still has a 30-15 advantage.
Cerundolo places a perfect ball, nearly impossible to return to go 30-30 but then hits the net. Rune then makes the same shot to send the game to deuce. Rune then bags two points to grab a game back.
Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, *0-4 Cerundolo (*denotes next server)
We join Rune v Cerundolo as the latter is pulling away in the fourth set which would take this one to a fifth set.
Rune is complaining about being dizzy at the moment so he is taking something for it before getting back underway.
Cerundolo pops a great point into the left hand corner, he may be trying to race through this set to capitalise on Rune not being his best right now. He double faults to prevent a perfect game but quickly bags it.
So there are three big matches left on day nine with Rune and Cerundolo currently still playing. The score stands at Rune 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 0-1.
Swiatek v Tsurenko follows Rune on the Suzanne-Lenglen and tonight Dimitrov will play Zverev.
Gauff beats Schmiedlová 7-5, 6-2
Sorry technical issues there prevented me from updating the last two games! But Gauff sailed to the win! She said post-match: “I live in Florida so I can’t really use that as an excuse as it is very windy where I live. I don’t need any days off, I have doubles tomorrow. I have been playing card games a lot. Trying to stay away from crepes, I ate chocolate cake for breakfast the other day!”
Updated
Schmiedlová 5-7, *2-4 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Gauff is racing to another game win here, if she can hold her serve she will be in a commanding position in this match.
She shouts “come on” as she seals the game with a good forehand shot – the shot who has let her down a lot today.
Schmiedlová 5-7, 2-3* Gauff (*denotes next server)
Schmiedlová looked in control at the start of the game but Gauff has come back to level it 30-30. A double fault has given Gauff break point – this could be a huge moment in this match. And there’s the break! Schmiedlová hits a shot too long and Gauff has the advantage in this second set.
Schmiedlová 5-7, *2-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Gauff raced to a 40-0 lead but has let Schmiedlová back in here at 40-30. And now deuce with Schmiedlová’s forehand coming good again, it is 10kmh faster than Gauff’s at the moment. Someone will have to break here unless they want to head to a tiebreak and Schmiedlová could do it here.
However, Gauff manages to hold her serve with a lovely drop shot. That is the play that is working best for her so far.
Rune is 4-3 up against Cerundolo in the third set.
Schmiedlová 5-7 2-1* Gauff (*denotes next server)
Gauff seems slightly shaken here, she puts a hand on her head as her return hits the net. Schmiedlová sends Gauff left and right to see out a great point at the end of a long rally.
The next point Gauff didn’t go for the ball as she though Schmiedlová’s ball was going out but it bounces just in! And Gauff sends the ball into the stands on her return.
Schmiedlová 5-7 *1-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)
A fist pump celebration from Gauff as the first point goes her way, she will be looking to sew this one up quickly. She forces an error to prevent a perfect game. She hits a deft drop shot but Schmiedlová reads it well to return and Gauff’s shot hits the net.
It is sent to deuce, this match isn’t as easy as some may have predicted. Two double fault gives Schmiedlová the break! That’s four double faults for Gauff so far.
Schmiedlová 5-7 0-1* Gauff (*denotes next server)
We are underway in the second set and Schmiedlová is serving first. A really long rally ends with Schmiedlová hitting the net to the applause of the crowd, I think the fans are with Gauff. The American sends the ball out but then recovers a really nice ball to be 30-15 up.
The Slovakian hits a perfect shot with a looping forehand, she is determined not to be broken here. Gauff hits the net and Schmiedlová is a point away from taking the game. but she can’t sew it up and we head to deuce.
Gauff fights back from being an advantage down to break!
Gauff is receiving a bit of treatment as she has a cut on her knee after falling in the first set, she is okay to continue in this one but she is just getting it seen to inbetween sets.
Updated
Gauff wins the first set! Schmiedlová *5-7 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Gauff has her third chance of serving out this first set and the first point goes the American’s way. Schmiedlová can’t return the serve and then sends a shot out for set point to Gauff. She takes it! A bit of a wobble there but she overcomes it to take the first. 50 minutes to win it.
Another break here so we’ll have a look elsewhere. Cerundolo has taken the second set 6-3 against Rune and they are currently tying the third 1-1.
Schmiedlová 5-6* Gauff (*denotes next server)
This would be a huge upset if Schmiedlová manages to get the better of Gauff. According to the WTA rankings, Gauff is third in the world and Schmiedlová is 100th!
Gauff looks on track to breaking her opponent here though at 30-15 but she sends the ball out – I think the wind took that one out. The American has a fist pump and a loud “come on” as she makes a beautiful shot in the right hand corner. She has break point and she gets it! What a battle this is.
Schmiedlová *5-5 Gauff (*denotes next server)
So Gauff can serve for the set once more but can Schmiedlová break Gauff again? She starts well, sending Gauff to the floor in an attempt to return her shot but Gauff wins the next point.
Gauff forces a ball long, she is fading in this set slightly after a great start to the match. Schmiedlová smacks the net to see the ball 30-30 and a double fault gives her another break point. You can hear Gauff saying “come on” to herself to try and get this set done but she can’t! She hits the net! Well, well!
While we have a short break in Schmiedlová and Gauff, an update from the Suzanne-Lenglen. Cerundolo is 5-3 up in the second set and he is currently serving for the set! It would be a huge moment for Cerundolo to take the second and get a foothold in the match after Rune took the first 7-6 (3).
Schmiedlová 4-5* Gauff (*denotes next server)
A huge error from Gauff’s forehand, she hooks it into the air and she looks up to the sky in frustration. Schmiedlová pops the next point out but she follows it up with an ace. An unreturnable serve there gives Schmiedlová a 40-15 advantage and she takes the game!
Schmiedlová *3-5 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Gauff is serving for the first set but it doesn’t get off to the best start as she sends the ball long. Schmiedlová is reacting well to the pressure of potentially losing the first set as she directs Gauff where she wants her with her shots.
Two points in a row for Gauff but she forces a forehand and it goes to deuce. Schmiedlová pops the ball right at Gauff’s feet and she can’t return so the Slovakian has a break point. And she doesn’t fail! A great moment here to save the first set.
Schmiedlová 2-5* Gauff (*denotes next server)
Schmiedlová slips on her return on the baseline which sees her shot smack the net. She then sends her shot out to give Gauff 30-0 and a real chance to break her.
Gauff has her arms in the air after her forehand swing smacks the net. A lovely drop shot which takes all the power out the ball sees her have break point. She doesn’t take it with the first opportunity or the second as the game heads to deuce.
Gauff’s drop shot comes good again to give her the advantage but Schmiedlová works the ball around her well as she come to the net to send it to deuce once more. The advantage comes and goes again for Gauff but third time of asking she gets the job done.
Schmiedlová *2-4 Gauff (*denotes next server)
A double fault from Gauff, the first of the match, is followed up by a beautiful backhand shot in the top right corner by the American. An error by Schmiedlová puts Gauff in control – it will be tricky for her to break Gauff in this match.
Rune is 2-1 down to Cerundolo in the second set.
Updated
Schmiedlová 2-3* Gauff (*denotes next server)
Chris Evert who is on the Eurosport commentary is wondering if the wind is picking up which is forcing Schmiedlová to make some errors. It is Gauff’s turn to make some mistakes here as her opponent races to a 40-0 lead, she pulled a point back but it wasn’t enough to find another break.
Schmiedlová *1-3 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Schmiedlová has shaken off her early nerves as she sends Gauff left and right to open the points in the fourth game. Two errors to follow up the impressive opening sees Gauff in control of holding her serve. Two more poor return from Gauff’s serve see the American take the game.
Schmiedlová 1-2* Gauff (*denotes next server)
If Schmeidlová continues to make these errors Gauff could wrap this match up quickly. And just as I write that Gauff makes a mistake! 15-15 in the third game of the first.
Gauff reads her opponent perfectly as she sends the ball in the opposite direction of Schmeidlová’s run. A lovely shot from Schmeidlová as both players come close tot he net, Gauff hits a deft ball and she smacks it home.
Gauff cannot return the serve but Schmeidlová can’t follow it up with a game winning point as she hits the net. Advantage does go to the Slovakian and she goes all the way! Running around the court well.
Schmiedlová *0-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)
Schmiedlová has her first points of the match but Gauff mops up to take the game 15-15 in the longest rally so far.
Schmiedlová goes long on her return to Gauff’s serve and there is another unforced error to see the American just one point away from taking a 2-0 lead. A well placed volley see her take the game.
Schmiedlová 0-1* Gauff (*denotes next server)
Apologies, Gauff is not serving first Schmiedlová is. The American wins the first two points of this match and headed straight for an opening break in the first game.
Schmiedlová, who is into the second week at a Slam for the first time ever, sent a shot long to gift Gauff break point. And she secures it easily through another unforced error.
Rune has taken the first set against Cerundolo 7-6 (3)
Updated
Schmiedlová and Gauff are out on court ready for this fourth round clash! They have done the coin toss and I think Gauff is serving first. That will get underway shortly. Rune and Cerundolo have sent the first set to a tiebreak after both winning an extra game to have the score 6-6.
Hsieh and Wang through to quarters
Hsieh Su-wei and Wang Xinyu have beaten Desirae Krawczyk and Demi Schuurs in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4. That is the women’s doubles action for the day.
Up next on the Phillipe-Chatrier is Anna Karolína Schmiedlová v Coco Gauff which I will be taking you through shortly. An update from the Suzanne-Lenglen and Cerundolo is fighting back in the first set against Rune. Rune had taken a 5-2 lead but Cerundolo has come back to level it 5-5!
Ruud said post-match: “It was great for me. Three very tough sets. I think today I can thank my team for pushing me every day in practice. I do the work and I felt physically fine. We have done good work in the last couple of years. Jarry’s serve is great, he plays very aggressive, I am happy I had enough room on court to return. I was down a break in the second and the third but I was able to stay in and I was very happy to neutralise his serve and win the most important point of the match.”
A straight sets win for Ruud which he will take with delight with a lot of people saying he is not up to his standards quite yet. Jarry defeated him at the Geneva Open recently and he did such a good job to see off his opponent.
Ruud beats Jarry 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5
An ace starts Ruud off in the perfect start the his final game but Jarry wins a point back. A cracking rally ends with Jarry forcing a ball out and Ruud is just two points away from the quarter-final.
Jarry is making all the errors now as he sends another ball out to give Ruud two match points. Jarry is under all the pressure but maintains his calmness and wins a fabulous point with the crowd on his side. But he forces another shot long and Ruud is through!
Updated
So it will be Ruud serving for the match! As we have a short break let us have a look at Suzanne-Lenglen. Rune is 5-2 up in the first set against Cerundolo. Racing through the first set there!
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, 5-6* Ruud (*denotes next server)
Ruud went 30-15 and just two points away from breaking Jarry and the latter felt the pressure with another unforced error gifting a point to Ruud.
Ruud lets one of two break points go with a long shot from an epic rally go. He had another opportunity to break Jarry but he wastes it with Jarry coming close to the net to pressure Ruud into popping the ball out.
At deuce Ruud had the advantage with Jarry smacking the net, can he do enough to hold his serve again? No he can’t! The advantage slips from Ruud but he gets it again and doesn’t waste it on this opportunity!
There has been a first break between Rune and Cerundolo with the former going 3-1 up in the first set!
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, *5-5 Ruud (*denotes next server)
Ruud is serving to stay in this set, one more set for him would see him through to the last eight. An unreturnable serve gives him a 30-0 lead but a powerful forehand from Jarry sees him gain a point.
He comes to 30-30 with a well worked forehand, just two points to win the set. But he pushes a return long for Ruud to be 40-30 and an ace sees Ruud hold.
Rune has gone 2-1 up against Cerundolo with no breaks in the match yet, a slow burn which could become a long fight.
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, 5-4* Ruud (*denotes next server)
Jarry speeds to 30-0 but a forced forehand went out to give Ruud a glimmer of light in this game. A perfectly place shot from Jarry though sees him 40-15, he came close to the net and waited for Ruud to make his run before sending the ball in the opposite direction. Another unforced error from Jarry sends it 40-30 and his backhand shot smacks the net as we head to deuce.
A fantastic volley sees Jarry with the advantage. And he manages to hold! A huge moment in this third set.
Samsonova and Kudermetova through to women's doubles quarters
Liudmila Samsonova and Veronika Kudermetova defeated Elise Mertens and Storm Sanders in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the last eight.
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, *4-4 Ruud (*denotes next server)
Thank you Luke, this is Sarah back with you. I had a pasta lunch and I’m armed with coffee to see you through this afternoon! I will be brining you Jarry and Ruud updates and also Holger Rune against Francisco Cerundolo which has just got underway, Rune has a 1-0 lead so far.
In the Jarry v Ruud match though Ruud does a swift job of holding his serve and he is once again right back in the set. In the second he went 4-1 down to level at 4-4, this time he was 4-2 down and now he is 4-4.
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, 4-3* Ruud (*denotes next server)
At 40-15 Jarry unloads from the baseline, looking for the finisher, but Ruud returns with interest, spanking a clean winner down the line from his backhand side. ‘Go hard or go home’ seems to the Chilean’s mindset – he is constantly looking to up the power from the baseline, but he nets a forehand and Ruud has a chance to break straight back.
Jarry pulls it back to deuce but Ruud plays a stunning point next up, with some first-class defence, and buys another break point. Jarry unloads again from the back of the court and Ruud breaks straight back!
That’s all from me: Sarah is back, and will guide you through the rest of the afternoon at Roland Garros.
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, *4-2 Ruud (*denotes next server)
Jarry forces his Norwegian opponent to deuce. Ruud double faults. “That was careless,” says Simon Reed on Eurosport commentary. So it’s a break point for Jarry … and he appears to have it won with a crushing forehand to the corner … but somehow, Ruud manages to get the ball back and stay in the point. It’s the longest point of the match but then Ruud hits wide, and Jarry has his break. The 27-year old Chilean possesses huge power, but can he use it well enough to claw his way back into this match?
Updated
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7, 3-2 Ruud
Jarry edges ahead in the third set, in which it’s with serve. Ruud would love to get this done in straight sets, but first things first, he needs to get back on terms with this next service game.
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova v Coco Gauff is next up on Philippe Chatrier.
Currently on that court, Jarry v Ruud is 2-2 in the third.
Haddad Maia speaks: “Wow. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who came to support … especially the Brazilians.
“I think the emotions were there for both of us. When you play big matches, against big players, in big tournaments … it’s not only about tennis, it’s a lot of things that come in our minds.
“I am very happy and proud that I did not give up. I was trying to push to my limit. And I think I deserve it, because of that.
“I tried to think in a positive way. If I’m feeling nervous, my opponent is too … my coach sent me an interview by Djokovic, talking about nerves … if he feels it then so will everyone else.”
Haddad Maia defeats Sorribes Tormo! 7-6, 3-6, 5-7
It’s quickly 0-30 after a couple of errors by Haddad Maia. She brings it back to 15-30 with a scorching winner. Then 30-30 after a second serve, Sorribes Tormo hitting beyond the baseline. A big forehand and it’s a fourth match point … and this time she makes it!
Haddad Maia turns and smiles at her team. She’s into the last eight, this being her first visit to the fourth round, too. Match time: 3 hr 51 min.
Updated
Sorribes Tormo and Haddad Maia have been on court for 3 hr 48 min! Insane. Another 25 mins or so and it would be a record for a women’s match.
Sorribes Tormo 7-6, 3-6, 5-6* Haddad Maia (*denotes next server)
It goes to deuce. Haddad Maia climbs into a few meaty hits from the back of the court. Sorribes Tormo then comes in behind her backhand and Haddad Maia clips a fine winner down the line … there’s a sensational rally on the break point, and Haddad Maia seals it, tucking away a volley with her opponent at the net! Can the Brazilian serve it out, and book her first visit to the last eight of the French Open?
Jarry 6-7 (3), 5-7 Ruud
The 24-year-old Norwegian eases into a two-set lead against the big-hitting Chilean.
Sorribes Tormo 7-6, 3-6, *5-5 Haddad Maia (*denotes next server)
Haddad Maia tucks away a confident down-the-line winner for 15-0. A long baseline rally ends when the Brazilian skews a ground stroke wide. The tension of being so close to the finish line is plain to see … on the next point it’s a similar story, Haddad Maia erring on a backhand and sending it outside the tramline. That’s 15-30.
It’s quickly 15-40, and then a double fault from an increasingly nervous Haddad Maia, and Sorribes Tormo is right in this.
Sorribes Tormo 7-6, 3-6, 4-5* Haddad Maia (*denotes next server)
The Brazilian wins a match point at 30-40. One particularly scorching service return helps her get to that point … there is a protracted rally on the match point, but Sorribes Tormo stays calm and determined, and draws an error from her opponent. Deuce.
Sorribes Tormo then forces her own advantage, and Haddad Maia gets away with an ordinary smash that her opponent bats back, but it drops long, so back to deuce.
Haddad Maia soon wastes another match point with an ill-judged attempt to curl the ball down the line. Deuce.
It all turns, in short, into a battle royale for the game, with Haddad Maia wasting three match points, or Sorribes Tormo saving them. This is a cracking match. And the Spaniard is still in it, but Haddad Maia can serve for the win.
Haddad Maia is now 5-3 up in the third v Tormo. Tormo, as a result, is serving to stay in the match.
Current score: Sorribes Tormo 7-6, 3-6, 3-5 Haddad Maia
Updated
Hello everyone, Luke McLaughlin here to take you through the next hour …
Can Ruud press where it hurts here to break and take control here? Jarry’s error saw it go to deuce but a great volley gives him the advantage. And then Ruud is unable to return his serve and restores his lead 5-4 in the second.
Jarry had a 4-1 lead in the second set but now Ruud has levelled it at 4-4! Over on Suzanne Lenglen Beatriz Haddad Maia leads Sara Sorribes Tormo 4-2 in the third set as she tries to close out a famous comeback.
There’s the important break for Ruud to remain in the fight for the second set. It was still a close game with it going 30-30 and then Jarry reacted to a Ruud shot but it didn’t go over the net to take it 40-30. Ruud got closer to the net and took control with a well placed shot in the top left corner. He trails Jarry 4-3 in the second.
Updated
Beatriz Haddad Maia is now 3-2 up in the third set against Sara Sorribes Tormo. That match has been played for over three hours now, a tense encounter but a thrilling one!
Updated
Ruud’s confidence is shaking here, he is heading for his second successive break of serve. Jarry uses his power again to send the game 40-10 in his favour, Ruud looks dejected at the floor. Jarry hits the net and we’re heading to deuce. Ruud does enough to hold his serve but can he keep it up? Jarry definitely has the momentum now.
What is the perfect response to being broken? Break them right back but Ruud is unable to do it. Jarry forced a long shot to gift Ruud 40-15 and break point, Jarry saves both break points with back-to-back aces. Then he was swift to take the game and the momentum swing in this match – 4-1 up in the second.
There is a slight delay to the next game between Ruud and Jarry as more people enter the court to see the match. They get underway and we have the first break of the second! Jarry had three break points after racing to a 40-0 lead and won it the first time of asking. Ruud’s return from a Jarry quick powerful forehand.
Ruud getting frustrated in the third game of the second. His forehand hits the net and an groan rings around the court. He wants an early break but he doesn’t get it with Jarry restoring his lead, 2-1.
Jarry hasn’t allowed losing the first set to get to him as he holds his serve to take a 1-0 lead in the second set against Ruud.
Beatriz Haddad Maia continued her winning to take it to seven games on the bounce as she broke Sara Sorribes Tormo in the first game of the third set. But the Spaniard broke her right back with the third set 1-1.
While Ruud has the one set advantage he may have in the back of his mind when he played Jarry recently, he also won the first set, but Jarry ended up winning the match.
Ruud wins the tiebreak 7-3 and therefore the first set! Jarry pushed him all the way but Ruud marshalled his opponent around the court well in the tiebreak to give himself three set points. He took the opportunity on the first chance of asking. A fist shake to celebrate.
Ruud is currently 4-2 up in the tiebreak against Jarry with the latter winning the latest point with an ace.
Chan and Chan into women's doubles quarters
In the women’s doubles Latisha Chan and Chan Hao-ching have reached the last eight after beating Alizé Cornet and Diane Parry 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.
Never count Beatriz Haddad Maia out! She has taken the second set 6-3 against Sara Sorribes Tormo which means she won six games in a row to keep herself in this – phenomenal.
Jarry v Ruud is shaping up to being a monumental encounter with the pair continuing to hold their respective serves. The failure to break sees the first set head to a tiebreak. This set so far has seen a break a piece to put it 6-6. Kate has got in touch on Twitter and said: “Wonder if ticket sales are down because Rafa isn’t playing? No French players? Personally I would love to be there! Is it very expensive though? I’ve never looked, only look at Wimbledon tickets.” I’m unsure if it’s a lack of ticket sales or if the people who have bought the tickets are yet to arrive. McEnroe said it’s 180 euros for a ticket which isn’t too unreasonable for a Slam.
A fantastic rally between Ruud and Jarry sees the latter level the first set 5-5, a well worked game by Jarry who went 30-15 down with Ruud looking to break.
Fernandez and Townsend through to quarters
Despite Dabrowski and Stefani breaking Fernandez and Townsend to keep their battle alive in the third set the latter are through to the last eight! The pair broke Dabrowski and Stefani right back to make the quarters. They win 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
I said Beatriz Haddad Maia was not out yet after breaking Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second set and after the first break she has battled to level it 3-3! What an encounter that match is turning into, Tormo took the first set 7-6 (7-3).
No more breaks between Ruud and Jarry and the first set stands at 5-4. Ruud has just held his serve and played an ace to restore his lead.
In the women’s doubles Fernandez and Townsend looked sure to be booking their spot in the quarter-final. They were 5-1 up in the third set and they were serving for the match. But Dabrowski and Stefani managed to break them to remain in the fight!
There is a lot of chat in the commentary about the lack of fans at the court to watch Ruud and Jarry. There are countless empty seats and McEnroe suggest they should have ‘seat fillers’ who come in and watch for free until the people who have bought the seats come in. Thoughts? Let me know via Twitter or email.
An update from the Suzanne Lenglen, Sara Sorribes Tormo continues to lead the second set after taking the first but Beatriz Haddad Maia is fighting back. She just broke Tormo to see the second set 3-1.
Ruud has failed to break Jarry and so the Chilean has gone from being 3-0 down in the first set to being 3-3! Jarry is forcing Ruud into some sloppy errors, he hit two long forehands to take Jarry level.
Jarry has won his first game of the match by holding his serve but will have to break Ruud if he wants a foothold in the first set. Could he do it here? Yes he can! Ruud raced to a 40-0 lead but Jarry fights back to 40-30. A powerful forehand sends the game to deuce, exactly what the Chilean would want. Advantage exchanges hands but the game returns to deuce with Jarry eventually breaking!
The women’s doubles match between Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani and Leylah Annie Fernandez and Taylor Townsend has been sent to a third set. Fernandez and Townsend took the first set 6-4 but Dabrowski and Stefani won the second 6-4. The third currently has Fernandez and Townsend 2-0 up.
Ruud swiftly breaks Jarry in the second game and manages to hold his serve in the third – Jarry’s inability to break Ruud in the first game may have rattled him a bit here. He had five opportunities to break his opponent in the first game but didn’t take it.
Sara Sorribes Tormo has taken a 2-0 lead in the second set against Beatriz Haddad Maia. Maia is pushing Tormo all the way in each game so this one may still have a way to go.
Ruud takes the game after winning the advantage for the first time, he managed to save five break points in that first match – hugely impressive. John McEnroe has said you would rarely see “as good a first game as this from both guys”.
Here we go and it is Ruud who serves first. Jarry looks strong though, sending powerful backhand shot away from Ruud – giving himself a break point. The Norwegian attempted to save his serve and he did it well, sending the game to deuce. Jarry gives himself the advantage three times but loses it three times – what a first game which is still going!
Jarry heads into this match with six successive wins and he has 18 clay court wins this year – the same amount as Britain’s Cam Norrie. He is in great form and he will want to knock-out Ruud, who was in the French Open final last year.
Jarry said ahead of the match: “I feel good. It was a good warm-up, I slept well. I expect a long grind with long points. I have to be patient and strong.”
Jarry and Ruud are out on the court ahead of their match. The pair played each other recently at the Geneva Open with Jarry coming out with a 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5 quarter-final win – can he get the win again today? We’ll find out shortly.
Updated
Sara Sorribes Tormo has taken a 7-6 (7-3) first set win over Beatriz Haddad Maia! Maia managed to claim two early breaks in the set but Tormo battled back to break her opponent back and then won the tiebreak. An epic match.
In the other women’s singles match the game is a lot more of a battle. Sara Sorribes Tormo and Beatriz Haddad Maia are currently 6-6 in the first set! We’ll bring you the results from that as it comes in. Holger Rune’s match will follow that match on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Next up on the Phillipe-Chatrier Casper Ruud takes on Nicolás Jarry.
Jabeur said post-match: “She put a lot of pressure on me, for my serve I had to work hard. I managed to win my serve when I had to. I had to pressure on her as well and I hope my next match I can serve a little better too. It is a special feeling [to reach quarters for the first time]. It was an important match for me, I have lost twice in the fourth round. I hope I am going to be better in my next match and I hope you [the crowd] will be there to support me. I have to do a lot of recovery and I want to be ready for the next round.”
Jabeur beats Pera 6-3, 6-1 to reach quarters
Ons Jabeur has made the quarter-final of the French Open for the first time! The final game saw Pera win the first point but Jabeur levelled after her opponent hit the net with her return to her serve. Another forced error from Pera edges Jabeur closer to the win. She expertly ran the ball around the court to see out her win!
That is Jabeur’s eighth successive break of Pera’s serve, this time coming back from 30-0 down to send the second set 5-1. One more game to go and she is into the quarter-finals.
Pera seems to be rushing and forcing some shots, if she took a little more time over them she could be causing Jabeur more of a headache. She had break point at 40-30 but she allowed Jabeur to hold her serve with three shots she should have made going out. Jabeur now 4-1 up in the second set, this game could be sewn up soon.
Get in touch and let me know your thoughts on today’s run of play! Will Swiatek race into the quarters? Can Gauff make the last eight? Let me know via Twitter or email.
Jabeur breaks Pera again! She sends her opponent running around the court, placing the ball exactly where intended and she runs to the net to return a drop shot from Pera to take a 3-1 lead in the second set.
Casper Ruud has said ahead of his match: “It’s going to be tough for sure, I’m going to try and enjoy. He plays really tough and aggressive, I’m going to try my best to neutralise his game.”
Seventh seed Ons Jabeur has raced to a one set lead over unseeded Bernarda Pera, she took that 6-3. But Pera has broken Jabeur in the first game of the second set, a great blow to strike. The advantage does not last long though with Jabeur breaking right back, her sixth successive break of Pera’s serve!
Preamble
Good morning and welcome to day nine of the French Open. Some huge stars, including world number one Iga Swiatek, are playing today and so it should be an action packed day!
Yesterday Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz claimed their spots in the quarter-finals, as did Aryna Sabalenka. There are more last eight spots up for grabs today and there will be some feisty battles to bag them. Here is the full schedule for the women’s and men’s singles today:
Court Philippe Chatrier (from 10am)
Bernarda Pera vs Ons Jabeur (7)
Nicolas Jarry vs Casper Ruud (4)
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova vs Coco Gauff (6)
(Not before 7.15pm) Grigor Dimitrov (28) vs Alexander Zverev (22)
Court Suzanne Lenglen (from 10am)
Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Beatriz Haddad Maia (14)
Holger Rune (6) vs Francisco Cerundolo (23)
Iga Swiatek (1) vs Lesia Tsurenko
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Yoshihito Nishioka (27)
We will also bring you all the big moments and final scores from the women’s, men’s and mixed doubles. Some matches are already underway so let’s catch up with them now.
