That’s all for our liveblog today, but we’ll have a report from Tumaini Carayol in Paris at some stage tonight. Thanks for your company, goodnight!
Carlos Alcaraz speaks
I played at such a great level, really high quality. I think it played a complete match and I’m really happy. I try not to think about [winning the tournament], I try just to play tennis. This is the key for me: to enjoy it, to smile, to try impossible shots, to try to make the people in the stadium enjoy the match.
Alcaraz wins 6-3, 6-2, 6-2!
That was some performance from the world No1 Carlos Alcaraz. After losing the first two games of the match, he took Lorenzo Musetti apart with a stunning array of strokes. Musetti played well himself, brilliantly at times, but Alcaraz was a class apart. He will now play Sebastian Ofner or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals. The boy’s a genius.
Updated
*Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 5-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
Carlos Alcaraz is one game away from the semi-finals! He has broken Musetti agian, saving two game points en route, and will now serve for the match. He has been phenomenally good.
Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 4-2 Musetti* (denotes next server)
I think Alcaraz has finally broken Musetti mentally. He races through another service game to move within two of the quarter-finals.
Svitolina wins 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)!
Elina Svitolina has beaten the ninth seed Daria Kasatkina in straight sets. She’ll play the winner of tonight’s game between Sloane Stephens and the second seed Arnya Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.
Updated
Alcaraz breaks! *Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 3-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
Two sensational shots from Alcaraz – one crosscourt forehand, one backhand down the line – take him to 0-30 on the Musetti serve. A beleaguered Musetti muffs a forehand at the net, which gives Alcaraz three set points. He takes the third, and now Musetti is officially in the malodorous stuff.
Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 2-2 Musetti* (denotes next server)
Alcaraz races through another service game.
*Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 1-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
And Kasatkina has broken back again! It’s going to a tiebreak.
Svitolina has broken Kasatkina, which means she will again serve for the match, this time at 6-5.
Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 1-1 Musetti* (denotes next server)
Musetti suddenly finds himself with a break point, a situation that Alcaraz remedies with a superb first serve. He saves another with a fabulous drop-volley, and there are no third chances for Musetti. That’s how to react to adversity.
Women’s singles On Court Suzanne Lenglet, Elita Svitolina was serving for the match against Daria Kasatkina but she’s just broken. It’s 5-5 in the second set.
*Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2, 0-1 Musetti (denotes next server)
Musetti isn’t giving this up; he starts the third set with a very quick service game.
Alcaraz takes the second set 6-2!
Musetti fought hard, really hard, just to get back from 0-2 to 2-2. But there is never a moment’s peace against Alcaraz. He has served out the second to love, finishing it with an ace. He’s just too good.
*Alcaraz 6-3, 5-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
Musetti misses a forehand at 40-30, then smashes a stray ball in frustration and receives a court violation.
Two double faults at deuce don’t improve his mood. He gets away with those, but Alcaraz takes the third break point. He’s now serving for the second set.
Alcaraz 6-3, 4-2 Musetti* (denotes next server)
Alcaraz consolidates the break with another devastating service game. At the moment, Musetti is facing an irresistible force.
Alcaraz breaks! *Alcaraz 6-3, 3-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
A net cord goes Alcaraz’s way at 15-15, and he rides that luck to break straight back.
Musetti breaks back! Alcaraz 6-3, 2-2 Musetti* (denotes next server)
If this is the future of tennis, the next decade will be fun. Alcaraz and Musetti, whose combined age of 41 is only five more than Novak Djokovic, are playing some fantastic stuff.
have just shared a sensational rally that ended with Alcaraz netting a crosscourt backhand. That makes it 0-30 on the Alcaraz serve, and eventually he breaks to 15 when an Alcaraz forehand goes fractionally wide.
*Alcaraz 6-3, 2-1 Musetti (denotes next server)
Musetti is playing some terrific stuff of his own now, and holds serve despite an onslaught from Alcaraz.
Updated
Here’s an updated report from Reuters on Novak Djokovic’s comfortable win over Juan Pablo Varillas.
World No3 Novak Djokovic inched closer to a 23rd Grand Slam title by crushing Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Sunday to reach the French Open quarter-finals.
Djokovic, who is tied with Spain’s Rafa Nadal on a men’s record 22 majors, was untroubled by his 94th-ranked opponent, the first Peruvian in 29 years to reach a Grand Slam fourth round, on a windy day on Philippe Chatrier court.
A two-time champion in Paris, Djokovic has now reached the quarter-finals at the French Open for a record 17th time, one more than 14-time champion Rafa Nadal who is absent this year due to injury.
“I am proud of all the records but it also means I am not young any more,” said Djokovic. ”It was the best level of tennis I have played here so I am very satisfied.”
“I put in a lot of effort like all the players and the situation today is not the same like, say, 10 years ago. When I play like today I am satisfied and motivated to continue.”
Djokovic, who next faces 11th seed Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals, attacked Varillas at every opportunity to avoid being drawn into lengthy baseline battles that had seen the 27-year-old win all his three previous rounds in five-set marathons. He played the angles from the start, moving Varillas around and the tactic instantly paid off with two quick breaks in succession for a 4-0 lead.
Varillas had come back from two sets down in two of his three previous matches but could not get back into this game as his opponent clinched the first set.
It was a similar story in the next two with Varillas playing catch-up from the start and Djokovic firing winners at will before an easy volley on his first match point saw him seal his record last eight spot.
Alcaraz 6-3, 2-0 Musetti* (denotes next server)
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise for Cameron Norrie when he lost to Musetti, because he wouldn’t have had a prayer with Alcaraz in this form. He has just held to love, a game that included another devastating passing shot, right on the line. Apparently that’s his eighth forehand winner already; Musetti has one.
*Alcaraz 6-3, 1-0 Musetti (denotes next server)
Alcaraz breaks at the start of the second set, which means he’s won seven of the last eight games. The key point was at 40-30, when Alcaraz produced a glorious drop-volley that spun away from Musetti. He looks fantastic.
In case you missed it last week, this is a terrific profile of the phenomenally talented Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz wins the first set 6-3!
That was seriously imrpessive from Carlos Alcaraz, who went 2-0 down and then took Lorenzo Musetti to the cleaners with a variety of brilliant strokes.
Musetti didn’t play particularly badly, but Alcaraz put him under relentless pressure and, after from one impressive hold, he couldn’t cope with it. Few could.
Updated
Elina Svitolina has served out the first set, 6-4, against Daria Kasatkina.
Alvaraz breaks again! Carlos Alcaraz is into his work now all right. From 2-0 down he has won four consecutive games, at least two of them on Musetti serve.
He clinched the second break with a terrific return that reached Musetti almost on the half-volley on the baseline. He could do nothing with it.
Anastasia Pavyluchenkova on Wimbledon (from Reuters)
Russian players will be allowed to take part in Wimbledon this year but Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is not expecting the grasscourt Grand Slam to roll out the red carpet for them.
Pavlyuchenkova, whose ranking of 333rd does not guarantee her an entry into the main draw in London, has just reached the quarter-finals at the French Open - a performance that would normally open the door for a wild-card entry at Wimbledon next month.
Asked if she would apply, Pavlyuchenkova laughed. “Are you serious?” she told a press conference. “Do you think after the situation last year they would give me a wild card this year?”
Wimbledon announced in March that it had lifted its ban which prevented athletes from Russian and Belarus playing last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“No grass season for me this year,” said Pavlyuchenkova, who will face world number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek for a place in the last four in Paris, three years after reaching the final.
Women’s singles In the other game, on Suzanne Lenglen, Elina Svitolina leads Daria Kastakina 4-3 with a break.
*Alcaraz 2-2 Musetti (denotes next server)
Ach, apologies, my internet has been down for the last 15 minutes or so. I think it’s okay now, and you haven’t missed too much. Lorenzo Musetti managed an early break against Carlos Alcaraz, but Alcaraz broke back straight away. Thus, it’s 2-2.
I’m having more technical problems, apologies, but Carlos Alcaraz is underway against Lorenzo Musetti. It’s 30-30 on Alcaraz’s serve.
Here’s a report from Reuters on Novak Djokovic’s win
World No3 Novak Djokovic inched closer to a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title by crushing Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Sunday to reach the French Open quarter-finals.
The Serbian, who is currently tied with Spain’s Rafa Nadal at 22 majors, was untroubled by his 94th-ranked opponent, the first Peruvian in 29 years to reach a Grand Slam fourth round, on a windy day on Philippe Chatrier court.
He attacked Varillas at every opportunity to avoid being drawn into lengthy baseline battles that had seen the 27-year-old win all his three previous rounds in five-set marathons.
Varillas lost the vast majority of the shorter rallies and could not find a way back into the match as Djokovic set up a quarter-final against 11th seed Karen Khachanov.
A two-time champion in Paris, Djokovic has now reached the quarter-finals at the French Open for a record 17th time, one more than 14-time champion Rafa Nadal who is absent this year due to injury.
Novak’s verdict
It was a great atmosphere, I really felt the love today – thank you for your support. Today was the first time I’d played [Juan Pablo Varillas]. In the last couple of years he’s started to make some progress and he’s a real specialist on this surface. I had to try and dictate the points because he’s very consistent. It was the highest level I’ve played at in this tournament and I’m very, very happy.
Next up on Philippe Chatrier: the No1 seed Carlos Alcaraz v Lorenzo Musetti.
Updated
Karolina Muchova beats Elina Avanesyan 6-4, 6-3!
She will meet the impressive Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the last eight. Next up on Court Suzanne Lenglen: Elina Svitolina against the ninth seed Daria Kasatkina
Updated
Djokovic wins 6-3, 6-2, 6-2!
The big man will play Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals after a straight-sets win over Juan Pablo Varillas, a victory completed in just under two hours with a classic serve/volley. Varillas played some good tennis, but Djokovic – who knew – was just too good. He is into his 17th quarter-final at Roland Garros, a record.
Updated
*Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 5-2 Varillas (*denotes next server)
A strong hold from Varillas means Djokovic will have to serve it out.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Another comfortable service game for Djokovic takes him within sight of the quarter-finals.
Thanks Will, hello again. Let’s start with a video of that doubles disqualification from earlier in the day.
Good news! Your favourite tennis correspondent has returned, stuffed to the brim with avocado. Welcome back Rob.
Updated
*Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 4-1 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Djokovic takes the first three points of the game. I think he has had enough of messing about. Varillas cannot cope with the rallies and thwacks a ball into the net from deep.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 3-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic has had his fun and makes light work of his service game, concluding matters with an ace down the middle.
Over in the women’s doubles …
Aldila Sutjiadi and Miyu Kato were disqualified from their doubles match at Roland-Garros after the latter struck a ball to the opposite end of the court between points and accidentally hit a ball girl, leaving her in tears. The initial call from the chair was a warning before Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo, Sutjiadi and Kato’s opponent, highlighted to the umpire that the ball girl was clearly distressed. The supervisor was then called to the court and the decision was made to disqualify the pair.
*Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 2-1 Varillas (*denotes next server)
It looks like Djokovic is heading for a first break of the set but Varillas bounces back from 0:30, only to then give up break point. In the end, we head to Deuce after Djokovic ripples the net from the baseline. Djokovic needs another couple of break points but gets the job done when Varillas pings a backhand into the net.
Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 1-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Varillas takes the first point of the next game, too. Djokovic follows that with a serve than can only be returned over his head. He moves into a commanding position when Varillas pings another shot long. An ace down the middle completes the job.
Updated
*Djokovic 6-3, 6-2, 0-1 Varillas (*denotes next server)
The first game of the third set is a good old battle and Varillas takes it. He is making Djokovic work hard, which seems to be upsetting the Serb.
Elsewhere … Muchova is closing in on victory over Avanesyan. She took the first set 6-3 and is 4-1 up in the second after a double break.
Djokovic wins second set 6-2
Djokovic 6-3, 6-2 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
First Djokovic pulls out of serve, then double faults. Not an ideal start to the game. He makes up for it with some fine volleying at the net. No mistake with the next serve which is aced straight down the middle, before eventually wrapping up the set when Varillas loops a shot wide.
Updated
*Djokovic 6-3, 5-2 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Varillas really likes pace on the ball, so when Djokovic takes it off, he struggles to find the force he desires. Varillas bounces back from losing the first two points to take the next two but Djokovic gets to Set Point after a backhand from the Peruvian floats into the net. However, we end up at Deuce. Varillas does the business to extend the set by a game.
Djokovic 6-3, 5-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic makes light work of his service game. He hits a wondrous backhand to make it 40-0 and completes the job with a fine serve that Varillas cannot return. One more needed for the second set for Djokovic.
*Djokovic 6-3, 4-1 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Whenever we get into any length of rally, it seems inevitable that Djokovic will win the point in the end. Djokovic opens up his body to fire a forehand across court, it hits the line but is very much in. Utter perfection. Djokovic breaks once again and is closing in on the second set.
Djokovic 6-3, 3-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic continues to move Varillas along the baseline, forcing the Peruvian to loop a shot long on the stretch. The next point is lost when Varillas pings the net with a backhand. Djokovic leaps off the ground to crush a forehand past Varillas and completes the game with a lovely volley at the net.
*Djokovic 6-3, 2-1 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Some impressive serving from Varillas gets him back into the set. He completes the win by thwacking a forehand into the corner, out of Djokovic’s reach.
Djokovic 6-3, 2-0 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is in complete control here. He is pushing Varillas around the baseline and forces him to whip a forehand wide. Djokovic wins the game to love and we can all plan for the next round now.
*Djokovic 6-3, 1-0 Varillas (*denotes next server)
There are couple of half decent rallies but both conclude with an unforced errors from Varillas. Djokovic ends up breaking to earn the perfect start to the second set.
Thanks Rob. Enjoy your salmon tartare and melba toast.
I think we can safely assume this match is only going one way. The court has been watered between sets.
Djokovic wins the first set 6-3!
Business as usual for Novak Djokovic, despite some stirring tennis in the last 20 minutes or so from Juan Pablo Varillas. Djokovic serves out the first set comfortably, with Varillas netting a forehand on the money point.
I’m off for a lunch break, so Will Unwin will hold your hand for the next hour. Bye!
Updated
*Djokovic 5-3 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Varillas is (probably) about to go a set down but he’ll feel like he’s in this game. He’s playing well, hitting plenty of winners, and has just held to 15 with a beautiful backhand slice.
Djokovic 5-2 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
This has been an impressive response from Varillas, who must have feared being blasted off court at 4-0. A majestic backhand down the line makes it 0-30 on the Djokovic serve, and a carbon copy gives him a break point at 30-40.
Djokovic responds like the terrifying champion he is, winning the next three points to go 5-2 up. He pointedly cups his ear to the crowd, who booed him for querying a line call earlier in the game. The man’s an animal.
*Djokovic 4-2 Varillas (*denotes next server)
A break is only a break if you hold – and Varillas does. He’s playing some decent stuff now, really going for his shots, and pounds down an ace to clinch the game.
Updated
Djokovic 4-1 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Lovely tennis from Juan Pablo Varillas, who nails successive backhands down the line to get a break back.
*Djokovic 4-0 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is playing formidably well, finding a way to return almost everything. And once he does that, the rally usually goes only one way. He breaks again, this time to 15, which is also how many minutes it has taken him to go 4-0 up.
Djokovic 3-0 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
The mental pressure of playing against Djokovic must be overwhelming. He has raced into a 3-0 lead, holding to love that time, and Juan Pablo Varillas is already looking a little frazzled.
*Djokovic 2-0 Varillas (*denotes next server)
Varillas is immediately under pressure at 15-40. He saves the first break point with a cracking forehand, but not the second. After a longish rally, Varillas clouts a forehand well wide.
Djokovic 1-0 Varillas* (*denotes next server)
Not the greatest start from Novak Djokovic, who has to save a break point, but he eventually gets the job done with an ace.
Next up on Suzanne Lenglen: Karolina Muchova v Elina Avanesyan
Khachanov wins 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1!
It was pretty comfortable in the end for the 11th seed Karen Khachanov, but Lorenzo Sonego made him work really hard for the first three sets.
Updated
Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 5-1 Sonego
Karen Khachanov has broken again and is now serving for a place in the quarter-finals. Life moves pretty fast: it’s only half an hour or so since he was 4-1 down in the third set tiebreak.
Next up on Court Philippe Chatrier: Novak Djokovic v Juan Pablo Varillas
Updated
Men’s singles: Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 3-0 Sonego
The 11th seed Karen Khachanov is also staging a comeback on Court Suzanne-Lenglen: he’s a break up in the fourth.
Pavlyuchenkova wins 3-6, 7-6, 6-3!
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will play Karolina Muchova or Elina Avanesyan in the quarter-finals after a brilliant comeback against Elise Mertens. She was a set, 3-1 and three break points down, but she stayed in the game, won the second set on a tiebreak and overwhelmed Mertens in the decider. Aptly enough, she settled the match with one last savage groundstroke, a backhand that gave Mertens no chance.
Updated
And now Pavlyuchenkova has three match points on the Mertens serve…
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 5-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
That’s one break back for Mertens! Maybe there will be another twist in this fascinating game.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 5-2 Mertens Erm, apologies for a slightly premature post there – I thought Pavlyuchenkova was going to break Mertens and launched the entry by accident. In fact Mertens survived a match point to hold, so now Pavlyuchebjova will serve for the match.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 5-1 (40-40) Mertens
Updated
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 5-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Another comfortable hold from Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 finalist. She’s one game away from the last eight.
Khachankov takes the third set 7-6 (8-6)!
A brilliant third set has been settled by, of all things, a double fault from Lorenzo Sonego. He walks sheepishly towards his chair, wondering how the hell that got away from him – at one stage he was 4-1 up in the tiebreak.
Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) Sonego
Updated
Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 6-6 (6-6) Sonego Meanwhile, it’s 6-6 in a very tense tiebreak on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Updated
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 4-1 Mertens (*denotes next server)
A break is only a break if you hold in the next game. Mertens goes 40-0 up on her own serve, only to lose five straight points. Pavlyuchenkova is closing in on the quarter-finals.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 3-1 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
A crucial break back for Mertens, helped by three double-faults from Pavlyuchenkova.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 3-0 Mertens
Mertens is okay to continue, with Pavlyuchenkova serving for a 4-0 lead.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 3-0 Mertens
Mertens has asked for the trainer and is now being treated on court. It’s not clear what the problem is, though it doesn’t seem too serious.
Women’s doubles update (from Reuters)
Japan’s Miyu Kato and Indonesian Aldila Sutjiadi were disqualified from their third-round doubles match against Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Toromo.
The pair were a set down but 3-1 up in the second when Kato struck a ball towards the opposite end of the court between points, accidentally hitting a ball girl in the chest and leaving her in distress.
The player apologised and was initially given a warning by the umpire but protests from Bouzkova and Sorribes Toromo led to a default for Sutjiadi and Kato, who was in tears as she left the court.
Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 5-5 Sonego It’s still level in the third, but there has been an exchange of breaks. Khachanov was serving for set after going 5-4 up; Sonego broke straight back.
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 3-0 Mertens (*denotes next server)
And now Pavlyuchenkova has a double break in the third set! It was another topsy-turvy game. Mertens saved two break points, then twice double-faulted when she had advantage. Pavlyuchenkova had another couple of chances before a long forehand from Mertens put her 3-0 up.
Updated
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6, 1-0 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Pavlyuchenkova continues her resurgence with an early break in the third set. Meanwhile, the third set is still going with serve on Suzanne Lenglen: Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 4-4 Sonego.
“Loving the Pav-Mertens clay-court masterclass,” says Carrie Ilbrey, “but can’t help wondering who came In their pajamas In Pav’s box.”
We all need a Nathan Barley in our life.
Women’s doubles The 16th seeds, Miyu Kato and Aldila Sutjiadi, have been disqualified from their third-round game against Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Toromo. Kato accidentally hit a ballgirl in the chest and was in tears when the pair – who were a set down but 3-1 up in the second – were disqualified.
Updated
Khachanov 1-6, 6-4, 2-2 Sonego The third set of this one has so far gone with serve.
Pavlyuchenkova wins the second set 7-6 (7-3)!
Another lovely drop volley from Pavlyuchenkova gives her four set points. Mertens saves the first againt serve, but Pavlyuchenkova gets over the line with another vicious backhand. That’s quite a comeback from Pavlyuchenkova, who was on the brink when Mertens had multiple break points to go 4-1 up in the second set.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 7-6 Mertens
Updated
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 6-6 (5-1) Mertens
Make that two mini-breaks. At the moment Mertens is struggling to deal with the relentless power of Pavlyuchenkova, who is two points away from levelling the match.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6, 6-6 (2-0) Mertens
The first mini-break goes to Pavlyuchenkova, who wins a fine rally with a classy backhand volley.
Updated
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 6-6 Mertens
Pavyluchenkova is probably playing the better tennis now. She holds comfortably, which means Mertens must serve to save the set.
Mertens is in a little bother at 15-30 – but then Pavlyuchenkova nets a relatively straightforward forehand and the mood changes again. Mertens serves out confidently, which takes us to a tie-break.
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 5-5 Mertens (*denotes next server)
We’re having a few technical problems – apologies – but you haven’t missed too much, just a hold apiece. The second set, and the match, is reaching crunch point.
Khachanov wins the second set! I’ve no idea what, why or how, as I’m watching the Pavlyuchenkova-Mertens games, but Karin Khachanov is level at one set all with Lorenzo Sonego. Khachanov 1-6, 6-4 Sonego
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 4-4 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Pavlyuchenkova has an opening at 15-30, only to make two more unforced errors. She’s displeased about something, and there are a few boos as she chats to the umpire. A long return allows Mertens to hold to 30.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 4-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
Pavlyuchenkova holds to move ahead in the second set; she’s playing well now. And on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Karen Khachanov is 5-3 up on Lorenzo Sonego.
*Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 3-3 Mertens (*denotes next server)
Moments ago Pavlyuchenkova was on the brink of going two breaks down in the second set; now she’s level! She raced to 0-40, and though Mertens saved the first break point, a smash from Pavlyuchenkova settled matters.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 2-3 Mertens* (*denotes next server)
After all that, Pavlyuchenkova holds. She saved at least seven break points, it might have been eight, and is just about still alive in this game. Now she just has to break Mertens.
Khachanov 1-6, 3-2 Sonego In the other game, Khachanov has broken Sonego to go ahead in the second set.
Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 1-3 Mertens
At 0-30, Pavlyuchenkova completely ignores a lob from Mertens, assuming it’s going long – but it lands on the line to give Mertens three break points.
Pavlyuchenkova saves all three, an admirable display of mental strength after such a minor fiasco, and then four more after that. Actually it might be five more, I’ve genuinely lost count. Either way, we’re at deuce.
Mertens holds to love, the first hold of the second set, and now she’s three games away from the quarter-finals.
Women’s singles Pavlyuchenkova broke straight back, but now Mertens has two break points to make it 2-1 in the second set. She needs just one, with Pavlyuchenkova sending a backhand long: Mertens leads 6-3, 2-1
Men’s singles On Suzanne Lenglen, the Italian Lorenzo Sonego has taken the first set 6-1 against the 11th seed Karen Khachanov. The winner of that one will play Novak Djokovic or Juan Pablo Varillas in the quarter-finals.
Mertens breaks! An emphatic forehand seals the deal, and she’s in complete control now.
Elise Mertens has taken the first set 6-3 against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and as I type she has two break points in the first game of the second set.
Updated
Talking of favourites, here’s a Reuters report on Iga Swiatek’s latest masterclass
Iga Swiatek underlined her credentials as a firm favourite for the French Open title on Saturday after serving up double bagels yet again with a 6-0 6-0 win, but the world number one refused to be swept up in the ‘Iga’s Bakery’ social media craze.
A ruthless Swiatek thrashed Wang Xinyu without dropping a game to cruise into the fourth round, the second time in a month she had won by the same scoreline after beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Rome.
The 22-year-old Pole has dropped only eight games in three matches in Paris this year, while nine opponents have lost at least one set 6-0 to her this year.
Saturday’s result was no different as she beat Wang in 51 minutes. But when a question about “Iga’s Bakery” was put to Swiatek after her victory, her smile vanished before the top seed said she wanted to remain respectful to her opponents.
“Look, I don’t want to really talk about that. I really get why people do that because it’s fun and tennis is entertainment and everything,” Swiatek told reporters.
“But from the players’ point of view, I want to be respectful to my opponents. You don’t see the stuff that is behind the scenes - sometimes it’s not easy to play such matches and sometimes it’s not easy also for the opponents.
“I don’t want to talk about the bakery. Twitter can talk about it, but I’m just going to be focussed on tennis.”
Swiatek will next face Lesia Tsurenko, who lost 6-2 6-0 to her in Rome last month. The Ukrainian described playing the number one as “one of the biggest challenges on tour”.
“I just had a match against her in Rome, which was good just to feel how she’s playing and to feel the speed of her shots,” Tsurenko said. “It was a good lesson for me, so I will try to play better this time.”
Tumaini Carayol’s day seven report
Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of day eight at Roland Garros. We’ve reached the last 16 in the men’s and women’s singles, and a number of the favourites are in action today: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the men’s, Arnya Sabalenka and Daria Kasatkina in the women’s.
This is the order of play on the main courts, culled absent-mindedly from the news wires.
Philippe Chatrier
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Rus) v (28) Elise Mertens (Bel)
(3) Novak Djokovic (Ser) v Juan Pablo Varillas (Per)
(1) Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (Spa) v (17) Lorenzo Musetti (Ita)
Sloane Stephens (USA) v (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr)
Suzanne Lenglen
(11) Karen Khachanov (Rus) v Lorenzo Sonego (Ita)
Karolina Muchova (Cze) v Elina Avanesyan (Rus)
Elina Svitolina (Ukr) v (9) Daria Kasatkina (Rus)
Sebastian Ofner (Aut) v (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
