Tomorrow …
Coco Gauff v Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek v Marketa Vondrousova.
Grigor Dimitrov v Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas v Carlos Alcaraz
Join us back here tomorrow for all the action!
What a day!
Earlier, Alex de Minaur came from one set down to defeat the world No 5 Daniil Medvedev. The Australian will play the winner of tonight’s late match between Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune.
Novak Djokovic’s thrilling win books him a quarter-final spot against either Taylor Fritz or Casper Ruud. The two are now playing, having each won a set.
The 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva booked her first quarter-final in Paris after a win against Varvara Gracheva. She has a match-up against Aryna Sabalenka to look forward to. Sabalenka, who beat Emma Navarro in straight sets earlier today, knocked Andreeva’s older sister, Erika, earlier in the tournament.
The fourth seed, Elena Rybakina, beat Elina Svitolina in straight sets, and will take on Jasmine Paolini
Novak leaves another 𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 mark ✍️
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Djokovic clinches a record-breaking 370 Grand Slam match wins.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/LGipnLYGSn
Djokovic opts to give his on-court interview in French. He tells them that the victory is their victory, to which they respond with deafening cheers. The world No 1 continues to say that at two sets down, their energy is what allowed him to continue despite his knee injury.
The Serbian gives his flowers to his opponent and adds that he does not know how he keeps winning but says again that his win is theirs.
Updated
Novak Djokovic beats Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 6-3
Djokovic stops in the middle of the rally, he thinks Cerundolo’s shot is wide. The umpire comes down to check it … and it is OUT!
Four hours and 39 minutes later and he has survived again! Somehow with a dodgy knee and after playing until 3am the other night he survives and is through into the quarter-finals. I am exhausted having just watched it.
A huge round of applause from everyone, including Djokovic, for Cerundolo as he leaves the court. A massive effort from him.
Updated
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 5-3 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) We’re over four hours and 28 minutes into this match. How has Djokovic gotten out of this hole? A dropshot and a smashing forehand win him the game and he gets the break! He serves for the match next!
On Suzanne Lenglen, Casper Ruud took the first set after a tie-break against Taylor Fritz, but the American is now 4-2 up in the set.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 4-3 Cerundolo (*denotes server) What is happening?! Cerundolo pulls off an incredible shot and Djokovic dives, literally dives to reach, and is on the floor, on his stomach, and he somehow, somehow, gets the ball over the net. He follows it up with a couple of gruelling forehands to take the game. WOW!
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-3 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) A wide slice from Djokovic after a long rally. Cerundolo not letting up and we’re all tied up again!
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-2 Cerundolo (*denotes server) Cerundolo is determined to hit his beloved forehand but Djokivic is not letting him, making him move all over the court … and when the world No 27 finally has a chance to do it, it is way too powerful and into the crowd.
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 2-2 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Ouch! Big tumble from Djokovic. He has been slipping and sliding all over the place. Earlier, he said that the court was what hurt his knee. He had asked the organisers to sweep the courts more often but his request was denied. He seems OK to continue but he makes his complaints heard to the officials.
Cerundolo is patient despite the distraction and swings the momentum back after a crosscourt shot to take the game.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 2-1 Cerundolo (*denotes server) A break back! A MASSIVE forehand from Cerundolo in that game and an unreal backhand winner to take the game. It is his turn to point to the spectators. He wants his flowers and he gets them from the Roland Garros crowd!
ON. YOUR. FEET. 🗣🗣🗣#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/fZ4xYgfD9H
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 2-0 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Break! The Serbian hits the sideline to take that game. It is all crumbling fast for Cerundolo.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 Cerundolo (*denotes server) Some errors from his opponent let the world No 1 to hold. He leads in the fifth set.
Djokovic wins the fourth set 7-5 against Cerundolo
A poor service game from the world No 27 forces him to net a backhand. 30-0 after some brilliant deep hitting from Djokovic forcing his opponent to net again.
Cerundolo is showing his character though. Saves two set points to make it 40-all … Such a powerful forehand. And then, advantage after a dropshot.
We’re back to deuce Cerundolo’s lob is just too long. He was almost ready to celebrate there. Yikes!
Djokovic then takes advantage after Cerundolo nets a forehand … Third set point for the world No 1 but we go back to deuce after a precise forehand from Cerundolo.
But it’s Djokovic who takes the set after Cerundolo nets two points back to back! We’re going to a fifth set! The crowd are lapping it up.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 6-5 Cerundolo (*denotes server) Oof! We start off the game with Djokovic trying a dropshot straight into the net. It is then 15-all after Cerundolo’s forehand is too powerful and sails out. The Argentinian then goes ahead for the first time in the game after Djokovic loses his balance again on a backhand.
So back and forth this game … a short rally ends with a forehand winner from the world No 1 … 30-all. The best he has moved in this set.
Cerundolo gets it 40-30 after Djokovic’s lob goes out. But then he backhands into the net … deuce! Djokovic is laughing to himself. He knows he got away with it there.
The Serbian gets advantage and then sees out the game with a dropshot winner. Are we surprised any more when this man continues to rise above it when it looks as if he is down and out?!
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 5-5 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Here we go … Cerundolo serving to stay in the set. He goes 30-0 up after Djokovic hits a forehand into the net and then hits a quick ace. It is then 40-0 after a long Djokovic baseline and he seals it with a backhand winner.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 5-4 Cerundolo (*denotes server) The defending champion is doing everything he can to keep this points short. He knows he can’t move as much because of his knee and does not want to drag out any rallies. He goes 40-0 after a beautiful ace and a powerful backhand crosscourt wins him the game.
The Serbian has now won three games in a row.
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 4-4 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Cerundolo keeps it simple and hits a dropshot quickly for the first point. He knows Djokovic is not as mobile because of his knee. But he then misses a forehand to make it 15-15. A drop volley gives the server the lead but then a double fault makes it 30-30. Djokovic takes advantage of the fact that his opponent has some nerves with a fantastic winner down the line and after a double fault, we’re all tied up! Djokovic gestures to the crowd, wanting more from them.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 3-4 Cerundolo (*denotes server) The Serbian wins the first point of this game and the crowd loudly cheer. They are firmly on his side now that he is an underdog in this match (Can you call Novak an underdog ever?) All of a sudden he is 40-0 after his opponent hits the sideline with a backhand and he sees out the game with some good serving. Lots of ‘Novak! Novak! Novak!’ cheers now.
Updated
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 2-4 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Djokovic looks at his team and is waving around his racket. He seems to be in really bad shape. He starts this game by putting a backhand into the net and he goes down 30-15 after a lob goes over the baseline. It’s then 40-15 after Cerundolo guides his opponents crosscourt shot right into open space and an ace finishes the game off.
*Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 2-3 Cerundolo (*denotes server) A drop shot into the net makes it 30-15 for Djokovic. It is then all square after a forehand to the baseline from Cerundolo speeds past and all the Serbian does is still stay rooted in his place to watch it.
We get to deuce and Cerundolo takes advantage after a dink of a drop shot. Djokovic is barely moving on the court as he leans forward and massages his knee. Will the Argentinian break here? He does! The world No 27 takes the game after Djokovic’s forehand is long. Wow!
Updated
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 2-2 Cerundolo* (*denotes server) Thanks Katy! And hello again all! Oof! Djokoivc loses the fourth game of the fourth set after slipping again near the baseline.
Djokoivc is having trouble with his serve and he is looking to his team for help, wondering why it isn’t coming off for him.
As Djokovic secures a hold to 30, it’s time for me to say goodbye and hand you over to Yara for the rest of this match. Hopefully you won’t still be here at 3am…
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 1-1 Cerundolo
Djokovic opens with a rarity – a hold to love. His first since the opening game of the match, in fact. He then tries to make some inroads into Cerundolo’s serve, and hits a great winner on the second point, but can’t get much further. Cerundolo is pointing his finger in the air in celebration after a superb backhand drop shot. 40-15. And he holds when Djokovic drills long at 40-30.
Cerundolo wins the third set 6-3!
At 15-all, Cerundolo produces another forehand for the highlights reel, this one inside out. Nothing Djokovic could do about that. 30-15. 30-all. A huge point here, which will end in a set or break point. Djokovic can’t get the ball back into play. Set point at 40-30 … and Djokovic smacks the return into the net! For the second consecutive match, Djokovic will have to come from two sets to one down if he’s to survive at this French Open.
Updated
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 3-5 Cerundolo*
An easy hold for Cerundolo, and he’s closing in on a two sets to one lead. Of course we’ve been here so many times with Djokovic, where you think he’s beaten but he goes on to laugh in the face of defeat. But this year feels a little different. Can he still pull off the seemingly impossible? He does, at least, claim an uneventful hold to force Cerundolo to serve out the set.
Earning an applause from Novak 👍#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/AZR6bEtMGv
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 2-4 Cerundolo*
Cerundolo holds, so the pressure is back on Djokovic. The atmosphere is a bit flat, mirroring Djokovic’s mood, as the shadows start to lengthen over Philippe Chatrier. It’s approaching 7pm in Paris, and this match is now at two and a half hours. Djokovic is left applauding his opponent as Cerundolo clubs a quite ridiculous forehand winner down the line, his 37th winner of the day. 30-all. Djokovic nudges ahead to 40-30, but is pulled back to deuce. He’s wincing. Or perhaps squinting in the evening sun. But he holds from there.
Slightly awkward as Andreeva's interview is interrupted by cheers for Gracheva leaving the court.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 3, 2024
Gets the crowd, though: says when they were chanting 'Varvara! Varvara!' she imagined they were chanting her name instead.
Lenglen crowd instantly starts chanting 'Mirra! Mirra!'
Djokovic 6-1, 5-7, 1-3 Cerundolo*
Djokovic looks so muted out there. He’s been criticised this year for not showing his usual relentless commitment to win – which makes you realise how superhuman it was that he managed to keep that intensity up for so many years – but it’s hard to know whether today is a sign of the 37-year-old’s general malaise, the injury he suffered in the second set or his late finish yesterday. Perhaps it’s all three. Cerundolo gets a break point at 30-40 for the double break, but Djokovic shows resolve to recover and move to his advantage. He doesn’t close out that point, but finally goes on to seal what could be an important hold.
Updated
The women's quarter-final line-up is now complete
Swiatek (1) v Vondrousova (5)
Gauff (3) v Jabeur (8)
Paolini v Rybakina (4)
Andreeva v Sabalenka (2)
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-7, 0-3 Cerundolo
Andreeva’s victory didn’t come at the best time, as I completely missed Cerundolo breaking Djokovic in the second game of the third set. Oops. You wait ages for the Argentinian to break and then two come along in successive Djokovic service games. The Argentinian then pushes further ahead with a hold to 15. That’s five games on the spin for Cerundolo. Djokovic is reeling.
Andreeva beats Gracheva 7-5, 6-2!
Andreeva is close to victory on Suzanne Lenglen. The Russian leads 7-5, 5-2, and has two match points at 40-15. She can’t take the first, but does win the second, as she sends a forehand winner into the open court! She’s only 17 and she’s into her first grand slam quarter-final. But she does have the unenviable task of facing Aryna Sabalenka next. Gracheva’s defeat means that French interest in the singles is over.
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-7, 0-1 Cerundolo
Djokovic looks grumpy and grouchy, no surprise really after his all-nighter yesterday. The last thing he wanted was for this match to go on any longer than necessary, having won the first set. But now he’ll have to play four at the very least. And even the first game of the third set is proving attritional. Cerundolo holds from deuce, with the help of a lucky net cord, as the match clock ticks past two hours.
🗣🗣🗣
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
The second set goes the way of Cerundolo 7-5!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/JCpv6mWXf1
Cerundolo wins the second set 7-5
So will it be one set all or will it be tie-break time? At 15-all, Djokovic doesn’t choose the best time to throw in his second double fault of the day. 15-30. 15-40, two set points! Surely Cerundolo has to break eventually? And then Djokovic is distracted by someone whistling during his ball toss. He stops, steadies himself, before serving and saving the first. But Djokovic can’t win the second as he prods into the tramlines!
Updated
All the moves 👟#RolandGarros @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/7XqU0vTcyN
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-6 Cerundolo
Djokovic does all the hard work on the opening point, showing great defence to stay in it, before biffing a poor backhand into the net. 15-0, 30-0 Cerundolo. Which very quickly becomes 40-0. And game. A love hold for the Argentinian and he’s guaranteed a tie-break at the very least.
Djokovic 6-1, 5-5 Cerundolo*
You feel this set could be decisive in terms of who wins the match. Would Djokovic physically be able to last more than three sets? After all the break points he’s faced in this set, he could do with an easy hold here, and gets off to the perfect start to bring up 30-0. But a let is played on the third point and Cerundolo takes it. 30-15. 40-15, as Djokovic digs a volley out of the red dirt. And Djokovic holds with an unreturned serve out wide.
Djokovic* 6-1, 4-5 Cerundolo
The painkillers look to have kicked in now, as Djokovic skips around the court and gets to 15-all on Cerundolo’s serve. Djokovic retrieves smash after smash on the next point – no problem with his movement there – but Cerundolo eventually puts the ball away. Djokovic has some stern words for his box – and he’s still gesticulating to them as he walks to his chair after Cerundolo seals another hold.
Djokovic 6-1, 4-4 Cerundolo*
Cerundolo is 0/10 on break points in this match and here’s No11. 30-40 on the Djokovic serve. This would be the perfect time to finally break – he would then be serving for the set. Djokovic misses his first serve, a long rally plays out after the second, and Cerundolo sends a lazy shot long. That’s a let-off for Djokovic. And Djokovic moves left and right and left and right before pulling off the perfect drop shot! Djokovic holds.
Djokovic is getting another leg rub at the changeover after Cerundolo holds, and the Serb is complaining to the officials. “I’m telling you it’s not OK,” Djokovic says about the state of the court. I think he wants the clay to be swept and is saying that’s why he hurt his leg. “I screwed up my knee. I’m slipping and sliding all the time,” he protests.
Andreeva wins the first set 7-5
Over on Suzanne Lenglen, it’s the Russian-born Varvara Gracheva, now a home favourite after switching her citizenship to France last year, against the hugely talented Russian 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Both are reaching for their first grand slam quarter-final, and it’s Andreeva who’s edged the first set, taking it 7-5.
Djokovic 6-1, 3-3 Cerundolo*
Cerundolo clobbers a forehand winner to bring up another break point. Maybe 10 is his lucky number. But another strong first serve… Cerundolo gets it back… Djokovic moves forward… and Cerundolo just misses the pass! Deuce. Advantage Djokovic. Jeu Djokovic, with a backhand winner down the line. I wonder how important that hold will prove to be.
*Djokovic 6-1, 2-3 Cerundolo
After Cerundolo holds, Djokovic calls for the trainer again for a quick bit of treatment. He looks to be moving OK during points, but appears more uncomfortable between them, constantly jumping and stretching to test his leg out. He’s in a bit of bother at 15-30 on his serve, but Cerundolo lets him off the hook. Cerundolo could be doing more to test Djokovic’s movement, I don’t think he’s hit a single drop shot since Djokovic’s injury, but then, of course, just as I type that Cerundolo strikes with a … a drop shot. 30-40, break point. A big first serve saves that, but Djokovic is rattled when a fan calls out during the next point and he goes wide. Another break point – another stinging serve. Cerundolo is now 0/8 on break points. Make that 0/9 …
Here’s more on De Minaur’s win:
Djokovic 6-1, 2-2 Cerundolo*
Djokovic, trying to shorten the points, hits an ace for 30-all. He’s skipping gingerly between points, trying to test out his leg. It stands up to a long exchange on the next point, as Cerundolo eventually flashes wide. 40-30. Deuce. And Djokovic, still moving cautiously, gives Cerundolo a break point. Djokovic dispatches a winning volley. Deuce. Advantage Cerundolo. A second break point comes and goes. And from there Djokovic squeezes through to hold.
“I don’t know, it just happened now,” Djokovic says to the trainer of his injury. It’s his right leg. John McEnroe says on the Eurosport commentary that he believes this is a direct result of Djokovic’s unhealthily late finish yesterday. The problem is around his knee/calf. After a treatment he takes a pill from the trainer. Let’s hope that kicks in soon.
Updated
Djokovic* 6-1, 1-2 Cerundolo
Djokovic isn’t just playing for his 25th grand slam and fourth French Open title, he’s also in a fight to keep his world No1 ranking. He has to reach the semi-finals – otherwise he’ll surrender his position to Jannik Sinner. But if Sinner reaches the final, the Italian will be assured of the ranking even if Djokovic wins the title. Probably permutations not at the forefront of Djokovic’s mind right now, though, as he holds his leg and looks in discomfort. It’s not clear if he’s pulled something or if his leg is cramping. The trainer is on…
Updated
Proof of De Minaur’s magnifique French:
Alex ❤️ Lenglen#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/f0iBEPuWsC
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Air Novak ✈️
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
He takes the first set off Cerúndolo 6-1.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/yS13pQy5Ev
Novak Djokovic has won his last two sets (against seeds) 6-0 and 6-1….the alleged train derailment has been fixed …. #rolandgarros
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) June 3, 2024
Djokovic wins the first set 6-1
Djokovic, serving for the set, has two set points at 40-15. He takes neither. He blinks on the third at his advantage too. And look here, Cerundolo now has the chance to break. Djokovic plays a one-two straight out of the tennis handbook to bring it back to deuce. This is the longest game of the match so far, and Cerundolo has a second break point. Djokovic saves this one by moving into the court and ripping a forehand winner down the line. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic, set point No4. And he finishes the set with a flourish, with a cute touch at the net. The set is his in 40 minutes – he’ll be keen to get this done as quickly as possible after his four and a half hours on court in the previous round.
Updated
Djokovic* 5-1 Cerundolo
Most players in Djokovic’s position would probably still be mainlining coffee at the changeover after that record late finish yesterday, but not the Serb. His body is a temple and he won’t touch the stuff. That adversity was the latest to hit Djokovic this season… no titles, no finals, his split with coach Goran Ivanisevic, his bizarre head injury in Rome and defeats against a number of players he would not have lost to before this season. But no drama here so far – another break and it’s 5-1.
Djokovic 4-1 Cerundolo*
Djokovic still looks a little grumpy in the next game, but a cross-court forehand winner on the run will hopefully cheer him up. And from 40-15 he holds. Three games in a row and the defending champion has assumed early control in this match.
Djokovic* 3-1 Cerundolo
As for Djokovic, so far he’s not showing any ill-effects from his 3.07am finish yesterday, as he breaks in game four against the Argentinian 23rd seed. Djokovic is chuntering to himself and his box at the end of the game though, I’m not sure what’s bothering him.
Roland Garros night session matches, 2022-present:
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 3, 2024
28 men's
2 women's
First match on Philippe-Chatrier on days when both genders playing, 2022-present:
29 women's
2 men's
To paraphrase Catherine: If your product is unable to accomodate equality, it's not fit for purpose.
De Minaur will play the winner of the night match between Alex Zverev and Holger Rune.
The first Australian man in the Roland-Garros quarterfinals in 20 years 🇦🇺#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/aumgTTRcQb
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Updated
De Minaur is interviewed on court. He speaks French too! Is there no end to his talents? He definitely gets bonus points from the crowd for that:
I didn’t expect to the in the quarter-finals here, I didn’t play very well on the clay the past few years. Against Daniil it’s always very tactical, we both defend well, but I’m so happy to have won today.
Updated
De Minaur beats Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3!
Given Medvedev’s love of a five-set battle, I thought he would find a way back into this, but he may be surrendering here. He’s on the brink at 15-30 down on serve. He scrambles back to 30-all. But De Minaur, on his toes and so hard to break down, draws the error from a weary Medvedev. Match point. And Medvedev meekly double faults! De Minaur is into the French Open quarter-finals for the first time in his career and he becomes the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to reach the last eight at Roland Garros. He’s delighted, as he should be. He screams “I love it here!” and soaks in the applause of the Suzanne Lenglen crowd, as Medvedev trudges off to rest his blister.
Updated
More on Djokovic shortly, because he’s just getting under way on Philippe Chatrier against Francisco Cerundolo, but first to Suzanne Lenglen where De Minaur has claimed what could be a decisive break in his match: at 3-3, break point, in the fourth set, Medvedev throws in a high ball and De Minaur leaps into the air to put the forehand away. He then consolidates the break! It’s De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 5-3 Medvedev and Medvedev must serve to stay in the match!
I can’t understand why Gauff has been scheduled to play during what will be the middle of the night in the US. Meanwhile look who Jabeur’s been hanging out with today before that quarter-final:
Backstage meeting 🗣️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/PUWnQxqMrB
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Tomorrow's order of play
Thanks Yara. News of the quarter-final schedule for tomorrow. It’s quite some line-up:
11am/10am BST
Coco Gauff v Ons Jabeur
Not before 12.30pm/11.30am BST
Iga Swiatek v Marketa Vondrousova
Grigor Dimitrov v Jannik Sinner
8.15pm/7.15pm BST
Stefanos Tsitsipas v Carlos Alcaraz
Katy has returned and will take you through the rest of this game. Will Medvedev manage to take it to five sets? And coming up is Novak Djokovic on Court Philippe-Chartier, so stay tuned. Thanks for joining me!
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 2-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server) A lob from De Minaur does not make it in the lines and after an ace from the Russian he goes up 40-0.
He drops a point but then a sneaky forehand to win the game.
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 2-2 Medvedev (*denotes server) It is all square again. De Minaur is visibly bouncing around, trying to shake the nerves and while Medvedev has looked better, he still seems to be in pain. De Minaur is making him move around, and the Russian nets a couple shots.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-2 Medvedev* (*denotes server) De Minaur hits two backhand slices in a row but they are no problem for Medvedev and his third slice goes out, making it 30-15 for Medvedev. The Russian then double faults to make it 30-all but quickly makes up for it before hitting an ace. At first, it is called out, but De Minaur confirms that it was in and the Russian goes up in the fourth set.
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes server) Medvedev takes a 40-15 lead after a very patient rally with 30 shots (!) after the Australian misses a forehand crosscourt. The crowd starts to get excited and the world No 5 takes the game after his opponent again misses a forehand, it going wide at the baseline.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-0 Medvedev* (*denotes server) Break! The Russian is back on the court but he hits two long serves and one long forehand to lose the first game.
De Minaur has dropped just three games since the second set.
De Minaur takes the third set 6-1 against Medvedev
Medvedev hands his opponent the set after a looping forehand that goes well out. The 11th seed is so calm and composed. He is surely thinking that he can win this now.
This is already his best result on the clay. His best result at a grand slam was at the US Open in 2020, where he made the quarter-finals. Will he match that today?
Before the fourth set, Medvedev leaves the court to compose himself and maybe get some more treatment.
Updated
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 5-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server) Break! De Minaur’s forehand is so effective. He takes that game with ease, again. Medvedev’s team is urging him on but he is struggling to move on the court.
Updated
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 4-1 Medvedev (*denotes server) Wow! Massive forehand down the line from the Australian to go 15-0 up in the fifth game of the third set. That’s a nice weapon in his game that he has added to his game recently. He then hits a powerful volley to make it 30-15.
Medvedev isn’t down and out yet though. A nice forehand crosscourt from him is hit just wide by De Minaur and it is all of a sudden 30-30. But De Minaur is so comfortable on the baseline and he sees out the game.
Updated
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 3-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server) Better from Medvedev. He looks as if he is in a lot of pain but he goes up 40-15 and De Minaur nets a backhand slice to get the Russian on the board.
Updated
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 3-0 Medvedev (*denotes server) Medvedev earns the first point of the first game after a nice forehand but he is still really struggling. He is constantly looking at his bench for advice and he goes 40-15 down rather quickly before De Minaur forces him into a few mistakes.
Updated
Hello all! Let’s get straight into this third set.
De Minaur takes the first game after he holds. In the second, Medvedev hits a drop shot to get on the board first but two winners on the return give the Australian a 30-15 lead. He then nets after a short rally to even it up again. A good chance for Medvedev to take advantage … and he nets an easy forehand. He can’t seem to move comfortably on the court and he falls short in the second game after a long forehand.
And that’s six games in the row for the 11th seed. Medvedev has not won a game since his medical time out.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 2-0 Medvedev* (*denotes server)
Updated
Right I’m off for some lunch, so I’ll hand you over to Yara El-Shaboury for the next hour…
De Minaur wins the second set 6-2
“Let’s go Alex, let’s go, let’s go Alex, let’s go,” sing the Aussie supporters on Suzanne Lenglen. It works as De Minaur takes the first point of the game. But Medvedev comes back at him for 40-30. De Minaur forces deuce, and then slices and dices his way to set point when Medvedev doesn’t get the drop shot back into play. The Russian really should have done better. Medvedev then throws in another wayward forehand and that’s the set. They’re all square.
Updated
De Minaur 4-6, 5-2 Medvedev*
But no sooner has De Minaur broken than he is in danger of being broken back. 15-40. He saves both break points – the second with a lovely touch at the net – and it’s deuce. De Minaur pounces on a short ball for advantage. And then the longest rally of match plays out, 28 shots, with neither willing to pull the trigger. Eventually De Minaur nets. Deuce. Advantage De Minaur. Game De Minaur, when Medvedev’s shot clips the tape and bounces back on to his side of the court. De Minaur backs up the break.
De Minaur* 4-6, 4-2 Medvedev
Play restarts, but Medvedev is slow to find his (blistered) feet: 0-30. De Minaur has two chances to claim his first break when that becomes 15-40. Medvedev sends De Minaur here, there and everywhere, De Minaur gets to the drop shot, but Medvedev is able to whack away the winner. 30-40. But De Minaur, after all his pushing and probing in this match, finally gets his reward when Medvedev – perhaps trying to shorten the points because of his blister – makes the error. Game on!
Updated
🇦🇺👊#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/sxZQtbjhNG
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
De Minaur 4-6, 3-2 Medvedev*
The lobs and drop shots keep on coming as De Minaur holds. Then Medvedev takes off his shoes at the changeover and calls for the trainer. It looks like he’s got a blister. The umpire announces there’ll be a medical timeout. Probably a good chance for both players – and the spectators – to catch their breath.
De Minaur* 4-6, 2-2 Medvedev
Medvedev has absolutely no right to win the first point on his serve at 1-2 in the second set, but somehow pulls off a lob which De Minaur decides to leave – before turning round to see it land in. De Minaur gets in on the lobbing act with an improvised effort for 30-all. This is a real game of cat and mouse – so fun to watch. And tiring. The pair slug it out in a 16-shot rally and De Minaur brings up break point. He hasn’t broken yet. And he can’t again, as his backhand hits the tape. Medvedev goes on to hold – despite another eye-catching lob from De Minaur.
Speaking of Djokovic, his match against Francisco Cerundolo is the next one due on Philippe Chatrier, but that won’t begin until 4pm Paris time/3pm BST. At least the organisers have done him a small favour with the delayed start after his late-night ordeal in the third round:
De Minaur, by the way, is the first Australian to reach the men’s singles last 16 at the French Open since 2007. As for Medvedev, he’s got an erratic record at Roland Garros, with five first-round exits to his name but also a quarter-final appearance in 2021. In the past he was keen to downplay his chances on clay but seems to be finding his groove on the red dirt. He’s lost in the past two grand slam finals – to Djokovic at the US Open and then to Sinner at the Australian Open – but it would take the performance of his career to reach the final at his least favourite slam.
Updated
It's getting wild out there on Lenglen 👏#RolandGarros @alexdeminaur pic.twitter.com/juES27s8CN
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Medvedev wins the first set 6-4
De Minaur is serving to stay in the first set on Suzanne Lenglen at 5-3 down. The Australian holds. Several attritional rallies play out in the next game, and at 30-all De Minaur pulls off a forehand winner out of nowhere after another draining duel. 30-40, break point. De Minaur’s returns zips long. Deuce. Advantage Medvedev with an ace, set point. And De Minaur disappointingly dumps into the net and that’s the set after 51 minutes.
Updated
The juniors definitely have skills, take a bow Alexander Vasilev 👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/bA9cHloqgM
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Aryna Sabalenka avenges her Indian Wells defeat to Emma Navarro with a 6-2, 6-3 victory.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 3, 2024
Her seventh consecutive major quarterfinal (and she's gone on to reach SFs or better every time).
All four reigning major champions are in the last eight at Roland Garros.
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/3zKnEnjW7q
That was quite some statement of intent from Sabalenka, who, along with Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, is looking in great touch. Gone are the days of the men’s Big Three – but there’s a Big Three developing in the women’s game, with Coco Gauff not far behind them.
Varvara Gracheva and Mirra Andreeva will play for the last quarter-final spot later – here’s how the women’s draw is looking:
Swiatek (1) v Vondrousova (5)
Gauff (3) v Jabeur (8)
Paolini v Rybakina (4)
Gracheva or Andreeva v Sabalenka (2)
Updated
The moment Sabalenka sealed the QFs#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/CidDY2DAgU
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
All smiles from Sabalenka, who says:
I was ready to fight for every point, I was ready for long rallies. I was super happy with the level I played today. Definitely with the sun you feel more positive, it’s been tough with the rain, but now the roof is open with beautiful conditions. It was a little windy, but I was myself and tried to do my best.
Updated
Sabalenka beats Navarro 6-2, 6-3!
Another hold from Sabalenka for 6-2, 5-3 leaves Navarro serving to stay in the match. The American does, at least, have new balls to help her, though. A deep strike from Navarro on the first point has Sabalenka off balance and the Belarusian nets. But a 20th winner flies off Sabalenka’s racket and it’s 15-all. Then 15-30. A gutsy ace out wide makes it 30-all. But Sabalenka brings up match point with a well-disguised sliced volley. Sabalenka settles matters – somewhat appropriately – with a brutal forehand winner.
Updated
De Minaur 1-2 Medvedev*
16 minutes, just three games played on Suzanne Lenglen. Perhaps Medvedev and De Minaur will still be playing come 3.07am tomorrow morning. The Russian does have the early break though.
Navarro 2-6, 3-4 Sabalenka*
Meanwhile a hold apiece from Navarro and Sabalenka – you have to give Navarro credit for not waving the white flag against this barrage from the world No2. But there is such a difference in power, and some brutal strikes get Sabalenka to 15-40, two break points. Again Navarro shows her grit to fend both of them off, before holding. She survives another service game but is having to work so, so hard.
The opening game of De Minaur v Medvedev may be a sign of things to come. It’s already been going for six minutes. De Minaur eventually prevails to hold.
Ah, those were the days.
Back in the Day
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) June 3, 2024
Nadal celebrates his 21st birthday at #RolandGarros
📸 Cynthia Lum pic.twitter.com/G9SfDBZTS8
*Navarro 2-6, 1-3 Sabalenka
No let-up from Sabalenka on Philippe Chatrier, where she breaks in game three of the second set and then sprints to 40-0 on serve. There’s a winner at the net … a backhand winner … and almost a forehand one, but it loops long. Navarro nabs the next two points for 30-40 and then hits an audacious drop shot on the the return and it’s deuce! Sabalenka restores order with the next two points – finishing with a flashing ace out wide.
Alex De Minaur and Daniil Medvedev are out on Suzanne Lenglen. This could be quite some battle. But given I predicted the same for Rybakina v Svitolina let’s see.
Updated
Soaring Sabalenka
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
The No.2 seed impresses to grab the first set 6-2.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/gB9RcwWiuG
Sabalenka wins the first set 6-2
“Let’s go Emma, let’s go” rings around Philippe Chatrier as Navarro finally gets her name on the scoreboard. But it must feel like one step forward, 10 steps back for the American as Sabalenka then pulls three successive aces out of her pack to hold for 5-1. Navarro scrapes through for 5-2, but Sabalenka, showing the authority of a potential French Open champion, holds with ease to take the first set.
Updated
Pure joy 😃#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/INkHNZ7NXp
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Mats Wilander tells Paolini in the on-court interview that her heart is so big he doesn’t know how it fits in her body. She laughs and says:
I try to give 100% and just fight. I believe more in myself. Winning matches this year has helped me a lot. Believing in myself was the key to the next step, playing at the higher level. I’m really happy. It was tough at the beginning [of the match], the conditions are so different to the last few days, but I think I did a great job.
Updated
Paolini beats Avanesyan 4-6, 6-0, 6-1!
Brava Paolini! The Italian, having raced through the second set, is doing the same in the third, and is serving for a place in her first grand slam quarter-final at 5-1 up. She faces two break points at 15-40 but shows more of her fortitude to get it to deuce. And then match point at her advantage. Avanesyan provides some late resistance as she biffs a backhand down the line. Deuce. But Paolini takes the next two points and the season of her life has got even better, she’s through to the last eight, where she’ll face Rybakina!
Updated
Navarro 0-3 Sabalenka*
Sabalenka, feeling a little more generous, decides to let Navarro have a 40-0 lead in the third game. And then four deuces. But from there the Belarusian decides she’s had enough, and breaks when Navarro prods long. There’s the double break.
Navarro* 0-2 Sabalenka
Navarro shocked her fellow American Madison Keys in two tie-break sets in the third round, where she was able to absorb Keys’s power and counterpunch – but doing that against Sabalenka’s thunderous game is another matter altogether. Navarro, 23, does already have a win over the world No2 this season, at Indian Wells, but Sabalenka looks in no mood to be charitable today. Some ferocious hitting sees her take the first two games. “I’m scared just watching,” quips the commentator on Eurosport. Navarro has claimed only one point.
Sabalenka, the two-times Australian Open champion who’s been in imperious form so far at this tournament, needs little introduction, but what of Navarro?
The American is the richest tennis player you’ve perhaps never heard of. Actually, she’s probably the richest player in tennis, full stop. The daughter of an investment tycoon, her estimated worth of $3bn is more than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer combined.
Next up on Philippe Chatrier: Aryna Sabalenka v Emma Navarro. I can only dream of this kind of flexibility…
The best kind of flex 🧘♀️@SabalenkaA | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/TGC0OekRKt
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Paolini wins the second set 6-0
A crazy turnaround on Suzanne Lenglen, where Paolini, having lost the first set 6-4 against Avanesyan, has surged through the second 6-0. The 28-year-old is only 5’4” but has a lot of heart – as she’s showing – and said recently she’s been inspired by her fellow Italian Jannik Sinner’s win at the Australian Open.
Let's play 3️⃣
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
A surging Paolini secures the second set 6-0.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/DMGtNK05ah
Updated
Relentless Rybakina#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/gD5JpWW1Sw
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Updated
Rybakina speaks:
She’s a great fighter. It’s always difficult matches against her but I’m really happy with the way I played today and the way I served also. It’s nice to have good weather finally and play without the roof.
Svitolina will be disappointed that went by so quickly. Apart from her little fightback in the second set, Rybakina was in control, and looks as if she could find another gear too. She’s such a smooth and calm player, and seems unaffected by the health problems that disrupted her preparations for Roland Garros. With the weather warming up in this second week, providing quicker conditions, she could take some stopping, and will next play the winner of Avanesyan v Paolini.
Updated
Rybakina beats Svitolina 6-4, 6-3!
What a hit from Rybakina for 0-15. Svitolina recovers to 30-15. But her counterpunching can’t absorb Rybakina’s hitting on the next point and it’s 30-all. Will it be match point or game point? Game point, as Svitolina brings up 40-30. Make that deuce. Make that match point Rybakina. Rybakina’s return has Svitolina on the back foot, but Rybakina then strikes long. Deuce. A second match point. Someone shouts out “go Elina” – or maybe “go Elena” – and it’s Elena who comes through to seal the win. Rybakina matches her best performance at Roland Garros by reaching the quarter-finals for a second time.
Updated
Svitolina* 4-6, 3-5 Rybakina
Svitolina, now playing her best tennis of the match, holds with ease. And she’s asking more questions on Rybakina’s serve at 15-all. But Rybakina rifles away a forehand for 30-15. And then rattles off the next two points to hold. She’s potentially a game away from the quarter-finals.
Do remember you can get in touch with any musings: you can email katy.murrells.casual@theguardian.com
First strike on Lenglen 💪
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Avanesyan takes the first set 6-4 over Paolini.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/oTUYhBLFgF
Svitolina* 4-6, 2-4 Rybakina
Svitolina, knowing that it’s now or never, finds a bit more energy and zip on her shots to get herself to 0-40 on Rybakina’s serve. Three break points. And she then fizzes away probably her best forehand of the match so far for a cross-court winner! Maybe that’ll pump her up. But she still needs to break Rybakina again to have any chance of forcing a third set.
Svitolina 4-6, 1-4 Rybakina*
Crisis time for Svitolina. She’s a set and 3-1 down, and now 30-40 down on serve. She can’t afford to concede another break here. But she does when Rybakina rounds off a lengthy exchange with a volley winner. Rybakina is coming forward with authority and is battering the lines.
The winner of Avanesyan/Paolini will face the winner of Rybakina/Svitolina, by the way.
Avanesyan wins first set 6-4
Over on Suzanne Lenglen, Paolini holds, to force Avanesyan to serve out the set. That the Russian world No70 does, winning the game to 15. She hit only six winners in that set, but is proving more consistent than her diminutive Italian opponent.
Steady as she goes...
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Rybakina closes out the first set 6-4.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/yB2vJmcJwo
Svitolina* 4-6, 0-2 Rybakina
Svitolina is such an easy player to root for. She’s done so much to raise awareness and money in support of Ukraine during the war, and is something of an honorary Frenchwoman here, given she’s married to Gaël Monfils, who lost in the second round of the men’s singles. But the atmosphere is fairly muted with the stands still rather empty – although the crowd do try to raise Svitolina’s spirits when she goes a break point down in the first game of the second set. It doesn’t work, however. Rybakina holds and then backs up the break. This match looked good on paper but Rybakina is now threatening to run away with it.
Rybakina wins first set 6-4
So Svitolina is serving to stay in the first set. Which she does with not too much fuss, holding to 15. Just as Rybakina steps up to serve for the set, so does Avanesyan on Suzanne Lenglen. Where to look? Gah! At 30-all on Philippe Chatrier, Svitolina goes for broke down the line and misses. Set point for Rybakina. And there are two set points for Avanesyan. Rybakina doesn’t mess about, taking hers, but Avanesyan is taken to deuce. And is then broken. It’s 5-3.
Updated
Sweetness from Svitolina 😮#RolandGarros @ElinaSvitolina pic.twitter.com/lNmhVTWp2Y
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
Svitolina* 3-5 Rybakina
A hold from Svitolina and then she’s straight at Rybakina in the next game, as she gets to 0-15 with some good hustling. Rybakina then double faults for 0-30. Rybakina’s pace trumps Svitolina’s running in the next two points, 30-all. But here’s another break point. A cross-court backhand battle ensues, deuce. And from there Rybakina holds.
Svitolina* 2-4 Rybakina
Sviotlina is showing here what she’s best at as she scampers around the court to get to the short ball – she’s supremely fit and her movement is so good. But Rybakina is the better ball striker – and recovers from her stutter to hold and then break. The third break of the match so far. And then she holds to put daylight between her and the Ukrainian.
Avanesyan* 3-0 Paolini
They’re also under way on Suzanne Lenglen, where Avanesyan, the 21-year-old Russian, has already bagged a double break against Paolini, the 28-year-old Italian 12th seed who’s enjoying the best season of her career. Avanesyan knocked out the Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen in the previous round, while Paolini accounted for the 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
Updated
Svitolina 2-1 Rybakina*
Rybakina looks in control as she seeks to consolidate the break. She’s striking the ball so cleanly already. But then – out of nowhere – she throws in three consecutive unforced errors and is broken to 30. Didn’t see that coming. And a flurry of unforced errors from the Russian-born Kazakh in the third game mean Svitolina is now ahead.
The sun is even out today. Mon dieu!
Updated
No messing about from Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, on Philippe Chatrier: she’s broken Svitolina in the opening game. At 15-40, Svitolina nets her first serve, lands her second, but then goes on to send a forehand long.
Today’s order of play for the main courts
COURT PHILIPPE-CHATRIER
11am start/10am BST
(15) Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) v (4) Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)(22) Emma Navarro (US) v (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Not before 4pm/3pm BST
(1) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) v (23) Francisco Cerundolo (Argentina)
Night session - not before 8.15pm/7.15pm BST
(4) Alexander Zverev (Germany) v (13) Holger Rune (Denmark)
COURT SUZANNE-LENGLEN
11am start/10am BST
Elina Avanesyan (Russia) v (12) Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
(11) Alex De Minaur (Australia) v (5) Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
Varvara Gracheva (France) v Mirra Andreeva (Russia)
(12) Taylor Fritz (US) v (7) Casper Ruud (Norway)
Preamble
Bonjour mesdames et messieurs! Ça va? Tu es bon? Très bien!
Welcome to our coverage of day nine of the French Open, where the singles schedule is on track despite the rain’s best efforts to scupper proceedings this fortnight, and the fourth round will wrap up in the men’s and women’s draws.
After Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova showed they meant business yesterday, especially Swiatek with her 6-0, 6-0 demolition job, today the other title favourites Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina get the chance to deliver a riposte. Rybakina is up first on Philippe Chatrier in what could be the women’s match du jour against Elina Svitolina, while Sabalenka follows against the American 22nd seed Emma Navarro. Then it’s Novak Djokovic – half-defending champion, half-zombie after his record 3.07am finish yesterday morning – against the Argentinian 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo.
Over on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Alex De Minaur and Daniil Medvedev would be going some to beat Djokovic’s record given they’re scheduled to play around lunchtime in Paris, but they may also be only part-human by the time they’re done with each other in what could be a battle that goes on and on.
Also in action on that court is Casper Ruud, the runner-up for the past two years, against Taylor Fritz, while we’re guaranteed two first-time grand slam women’s quarter-finalists as Elina Avanesyan faces Jasmine Paolini and Mirra Andreeva plays Varvara Gracheva, the only French hope left in the singles.
Play begins: tout de suite!
