A fine win for Murray in the end, but he made life hard for himself in the first two sets and we could have had a very different outcome if Richard Gasquet had pressed home his advantage in the second-set tie-break. Yet there was a feeling of inevitability once Murray was level and it wasn’t that much of a surprise to see Gasquet fade so badly. It’s happened before. As for Murray, he’s set up a mouthwatering semi-final with Stan Wawrinka. That one’s too close to call. But it’s safe to say that it should be one to remember. That’s all from me today. Thanks for reading and emailing. Bye!
Andy Murray speaks about beating Richard Gasquet and the prospect of facing defending champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four. “Some great tennis, a lot of fun points to watch,” he says. “Both of us had our chances in the first two sets and it was very important for me to win the second set. I was using a lot of drop shots at the beginning of the match and they were working but I maybe started to use a few too many at the start of the second. It was a very tough match but I’m glad to get through. The defending champion, it’s going to be extremely tough. Hopefully I can play my best tennis and reach my first final here.”
With a shake of his head, Richard Gasquet accepts the applause of the crowd as he trudges off after losing his first French Open quarter-final. The first two sets took too much out of him.
Andy Murray beats Richard Gasquet 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 6-2!
In a sign that Gasquet’s head has gone, he begins by the game by missing a forehand by miles after a Murray shot clipped the top of the net. He wins the next point when Murray nets a forehand but it’s 30-15 after Murray makes a forehand volley. It’s almost over now and Murray earns two match points with a forehand winner, and he only needs one, Gasquet going for broke with a return that whizzes past the baseline. That’s it. Andy Murray is into another French Open semi-final.
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Fourth set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 5-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the match, technically at least, Gasquet holds to 15. Murray will have to serve it out.
Fourth set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 5-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray charges into a 40-0 lead and despite some fleeting Gasquet resistance, he holds to 30 with an ace out wide. “The usual roller coaster ride with Murray (for the first two sets at least),” says Simon McMahon. “But best of five allows him to come back from his mini meltdowns. Maybe partly explains why he’s been so consistent in the Slams, reaching countless semi finals and finals despite wobbles in the early rounds. And who wants to win easy anyway? Straight set perfection like prime Federer and Djokovic is all well and good, but give me full on chuntering meltdown dramatic five setters from Andy any day. Not today though. 4 sets will do today, thanks.”
Fourth set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 4-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): There’s a resigned air around Philippe-Chatrier. Gasquet knows he’s beaten, the fans knows he’s beaten. Murray knows he’s beating him. At 15-30, Gasquet directs a smash straight at Murray, who simply flicks a forehand past him to earn two break points. He only needs one, pulverising a backhand return.
Fourth set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 3-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray holds to 15. He’s won nine of the past 10 games.
Fourth set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 2-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): At 0-15, Gasquet just catches the line with forehand volley at the net. Such are the margins. But he’s looking drained, emotionally and physically, presenting Murray with two break points after sticking a volley and a backhand into the net. Gasquet shows some resolve to save the first, though, reading a Murray crosscourt forehand and putting the ball back into the open court for 30-40. But Murray’s not going away and he breaks with a deft volley. If he can finish this off, he’ll play Stan Wawrinka in the semi-final. The third seed has beaten Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2, 6-1, 7-6. The tie-break got a bit hairy for Wawrinka but it was an easy victory overall.
Fourth set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 1-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): Gasquet isn’t happy with himself after shanking a backhand on the first point for 15-0. Murray then takes it upon himself to pull Gasquet back and forth across the baseline. I wonder what he’d have been like in a medieval torture chamber. He can be quite sadistic when the mood takes him. Though it’s a drama-free end to the game, Murray holding to 15.
Fourth set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 0-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): A crucial hold to 30 for Gasquet. Perhaps he was hustling Murray.
Murray has left the court for a comfort break. I’ll be astonished if this goes past a fourth now.
Andy Murray wins the third set 6-0 to lead 5-7, 7-6, 6-0!
Murray’s not messing around now. He whizzes an ace past a forlorn Gasquet, hanging his head, to earn three set points and he takes it without ceremony. After the unrelenting drama of the first two sets, Gasquet has completely lost the plot. Is he broken emotionally?
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Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 5-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): We are in the midst of a total Gasquet meltdown. Seen it before. He’s not investing much energy into this third set. Murray raps a forehand return past him for three break points. Yet Murray loses focus a tad, missing with two backhands to make it 30-40, and Gasquet drags himself to deuce. Murray can’t take a fourth opportunity either, netting another backhand. It’s only a momentary reprieve, though. Granted a look for a fifth time, he finally nails a backhand to break for a third time in this set. Gasquet is on the verge of a bagel.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 4-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): From 0-30 down, Murray growls as he crushes a backhand winner away for 30-all. He holds to 30. It’s all gone a bit flat.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 3-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Murray brutalises the ball on the first point, softening Gasquet up and then finding a sizeable crack with a big forehand winner for 0-15. He’s after a second break and he makes it 30-40 with a backhand from left to right. Gasquet is clearly beginning to tire. He’s given a time violation before his first serve. Can he get some energy back into those heavy legs? The odds are long at the moment. Murray attacks a second serve, Gasquet nets a forehand, Murray breaks again.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 2-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): The question on everyone’s mind now is how much Gasquet’s willing to suffer for this match. He’s played two intense sets already. But with the possible exception of his immediate rivals, you have to be ready to accept some physical pain if you’re going to beat Andy Murray in a five-set match. There are positive signs, though, when Gasquet fights back from 15-0 to 15-30. But Murray consolidates the break by winning the next three points.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 1-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): While these two land blow after blow on each other, the man who’ll probably await the winner of this match in the semi-final is making speedy progress. Stan Wawrinka is two sets and a break up against Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Murray is pushing for an early break here, though. Gasquet saves the first when Murray hits long but the world No2 earns a second chance when the Frenchman nets a defensive slice. Is Gasquet tiring? It looks that way when he yawns a drop shot into the net. Murray’s got the break. He couldn’t have asked for a better start to the third set.
Andy Murray wins the second 7-6 to level the match!
Second-set tie-break: Murray 7-3 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Murray wins six straight points to level the match, knocking a forehand back into the open court after a fruitless attempt at a drop shot from Gasquet! What a barmy set that was. What a barmy match. Your guess is as good as mine. But what’s that going to do to Gasquet’s self-belief?
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Second-set tie-break: Murray* 6-3 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray earns three set points, racing to the net to put a volley away.
Second-set tie-break: Murray* 5-3 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray finds the line with an ace out wide.
Second-set tie-break: Murray 4-3 Gasquet* (*denotes server): A huge Murray backhand return and Gasquet nets a forehand!
Second-set tie-break: Murray 3-3 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Murray drop shots. A Gasquet backhand hits the top of the net - it would have been a winner - and Murray puts a forehand away.
Second-set tie-break: Murray* 2-3 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray slams an ace down the middle.
Second-set tie-break: Murray* 1-3 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray double-faults! He’s been so careless.
Second-set tie-break: Murray 1-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Murray nets a backhand.
Second-set tie-break: Murray 1-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Gasquet wins the point thanks to a flayed backhand.
Second-set tie-break: Murray* 1-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): A delicious drop shot from Murray.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 6-6 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Gasquet bangs down his second ace for a 15-0 lead but the game goes to 30-all, then deuce, the tension rising all the time. Gasquet’s two points from the game, Murray’s two points from the second set. But it’s Gasquet who grabs them. Tie-break time!
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 6-5 Gasquet (*denotes server): These are dangerous times for Murray, especially when he nets a backhand on the first point of this game. Soon it’s 0-30, Gasquet giving a Murray drop shot the treatment. It’s about time Murray gets his head back in the game - and he does so by winning the next three points, nailing an ace for 40-30, but Gasquet takes it to deuce with a lovely whipped forehand down the line. To Murray’s immense relief, however, he holds from 0-30, putting away a smash at the second attempt, and Gasquet has to hold to force a tie-break.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 5-5 Gasquet* (*denotes server): There’s still work for Gasquet to do to keep this set alive, though, and he begins with a scratchy forehand to make it 0-15. He produces an instinctive volleyed winner when Murray tries to body him at the net, but Murray’s two points from the set when Gasquet nets a backhand for 15-30. Murray, though, has missed so many opportunities and he nets a seemingly routine forehand at 30-all. He should have put it away for two break points. Instead he’s down 40-30 when he nets a backhand return off a second serve. You can’t help but wonder if Murray’s going to regret his profligacy. He forces deuce and urges himself to “fire up” but Gasquet holds thanks to some fearsome hitting. Murray could be in big trouble soon.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 5-4 Gasquet (*denotes server): We all know what happened when Murray was in this position in the first set. He’ll be desperate to swerve a similar catastrophe. But he makes a troubling start, netting a backhand, and Gasquet goes on the attack on the next point, ramming a backhand down the line and charging to the net for a 0-30 lead. It might be happening again. Murray makes it 15-30 with a gorgeous drop volley, before a solid serve makes it 30-all, but Gasquet earns a break point with a vicious crosscourt forehand winner. Like the first set, Murray just can’t kill him off. He does well to save the break point with a spot of serve-volley but Gasquet has a second break point when Murray nets a tight forehand and the Frenchman takes this one with a huge forehand! Amazingly careless from Murray. History repeats itself. The most damning thing is that he hasn’t held a set point despite serving for both sets.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 5-3 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Here’s Gasquet serving to stay in the second set and doing a good job of it, knuckling down at the net for a 30-0 lead. An ace makes it 40-0 and he holds to love when Murray nets a forehand return. Murray will serve to level the match now.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 5-2 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray loses the first point of this game, failing to take a high ball out of the air, Gasquet winning it with a remarkable overhead backhand. But he wins the next one in incredible fashion. He looks to have messed up with a lame drop shot. But Gasquet can’t do enough with three or four attempts at the net and he’s eventually forced to dive and volley wide as a relieved Murray whips a forehand down the line. Murray holds to 30, Gasquet generously pointing out a Murray backhand winner was incorrectly called out.
OMG this point! 😱 #RG16 (via @Eurosport_FR) https://t.co/aFr032rR2h
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) June 1, 2016
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Second set: Murray 5-7, 4-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): If you’ve ever winced at your smashes on the park courts, take solace from knowing that Murray begins this game by winning the opening point despite hilariously framing a smash. Gasquet is totally caught out, simply because it was such a rubbish shot, and that confusion seems to afflict him as he plays two poor shots to hand Murray two break points. This time, Murray comes up with the goods with the drop shot. A poor game from Gasquet. Now Murray needs to keep his foot on the accelerator.
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Second set: Murray* 5-7, 3-2 Gasquet (*denotes server): Having played so many poor drop shots, Murray comes up with a moment of genius, a stretching effort that creeps over the net, inside the line, spinning out of Gasquet’s reach for 30-15. From there, Murray holds to 15 with an ace down the line.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 2-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Trying to carve out a break point, Murray slips as he tries to slice a Gasquet forehand back over the net. That lets Gasquet get to 40-30 and he holds when Murray telegraphs another drop shot. You sense that he’s trying to wear Gasquet down but the Frenchman is grimly battling through the slog.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 2-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): At 15-all, Murray reaches for the drop shot again but it’s not really working. Gasquet zooms on to it, delays and flicks a forehand away to lead 15-30. Then he grabs two break points with a crunching backhand return down the line for 15-40. Gasquet had to save two of these in the previous game; now it’s Murray’s turn - and he manages to wipe out the first with a backhand winner, then the second when Gasquet nets a backhand return for deuce. Having survived that scare, Murray pushes through to hold. “Murray has been taken to 5 sets in both matches on Phillipe Chatrier but he has not lost a set on Suzanne Longlen,” says James Sykes. “It does seem like he plays better on Suzanne Longlen doesn’t it?”
Second set: Murray 5-7, 1-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): The first two points in this game are shared before Gasquet mimics Murray with a useless drop shot to make it 15-30. He seems to have gone to sleep. Soon Murray has two break points when Gasquet flips a forehand wide. Yet Murray can’t capitalise and Gasquet wills himself to deuce before sealing a crucial hold.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 1-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): It’s worth remembering that Gasquet was a set up in 2012 and two sets up in 2010 before losing to Murray in both of their previous matches at Roland Garros. But losing the first set here really was some effort from Murray, who was looking so good initially. At least Murray makes a solid enough start to the second set, stopping the rot by holding to 30.
Richard Gasquet wins the first set 7-5!
In the lead for the first time, Gasquet wobbles a little by missing a forehand on the first point. But most things are going his way at the moment. A Murray shot clips the top of the net cord but Gasquet somehow shows amazing reflexes to adjust and clip a backhand back over. Soon it’s 30-15, Murray netting a backhand, and Gasquet’s two points from the first set. Make that one point: he earns two set points by taking his time before feathering a drop shot away. Murray applauds, though I’m not sure it’s coming from a place of admiration. Then he rediscovers his resilience by saving two set points to force deuce, before earning a break point when Gasquet double-faults! This is absurd. Murray can’t level, though, pulled too far wide by some beautifully judged Gasquet backhands, and the Frenchman has a third set point when he sprints on to a drop shot and wins the rally with a smash. Yet Murray clings on, dragging it back to deuce with a stunning forehand pass from right to left, then earning a second break point when Gasquet flings a backhand wide. This really is ridiculous from both players. There’s no end in sight. Murray nets a backhand with Gasquet at the net and it’s back to deuce. Not for long, though, because Murray decides to drop shot off a second serve, earning a third break point by pinging a backhand past an exposed Gasquet. Yet Murray follows that up by letting Gasquet off the hook with a dire drop shot and the Frenchman has his fourth set point when Murray, seemingly out of ideas after getting a couple of smashes back, knocks a forehand wide. And Gasquet finally makes the breakthrough when Murray nets a backhand! The first set goes to the underdog and Murray – who led 5-2 - will be kicking himself.
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First set: Murray* 5-6 Gasquet (*denotes server): Is Murray dipping? He loses the first two points of this game after a couple of poor shots. Must he always do it the hard way? He could save time by doing it the easy way. But no. Gasquet earns two break points, benefiting from a net cord with a deft drop shot. What’s Murray got here? He saves the first break point when Gasquet knocks a backhand return long. But he’s totally lost his flow on serve and a horribly shanked second serve means there’s no escape. Woeful. That’s four straight games for Gasquet and he’ll serve for the first set now. What a turnaround. Murray’s thrown it away.
First set: Murray 5-5 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Gasquet still has to hold serve to stay in the first set. And he doesn’t make the best of starts - first he balloons a simple smash past the baseline, then he completely mishits a forehand, the ball dribbling apologetically into the net to hand Murray a 0-30 lead. Yet Murray can’t take advantage. An error makes it 15-30, a missed drop shot makes it 30-all. He tries another drop shot on the next point. But it’s predictable. Gasquet’s there again with a forehand for 40-30. The game goes to deuce when Gasquet, stretching, nets a forehand volley – but he holds. Murray’s struggling to hide his frustration.
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First set: Murray* 5-4 Gasquet (*denotes server): Serving for the first set, Murray can’t quite make a backhand pass from left to right, handing an improving Gasquet a 0-15 lead. Murray needs to be careful here. Gasquet is beginning to have a bit of fun now and that’s having an effect on the crowd. Maybe it’s disturbing Murray’s rhythm, too, because a double-fault makes it 0-30. Murray responds with two granite points, though, thrashing through forehand volleys at the net for 30-all, only to ruin his good work with a risible drop shot that barely reaches the net. Out of nowhere, Gasquet has his first break point. He can’t take it, however, because Murray slams a serve out wide before charging forward to put the high ball away for deuce. Yet he gets another chance when a nervy Murray nets a backhand. And this time, Gasquet musters some defiance to break! Murray looked like he had the point in the bag after landing a lob inside the baseline but Gasquet raced back to get himself back into the rally and making his opponent play another shot pays off when Murray blooters a forehand miles wide!
Over on Suzanne-Lenglen, meanwhile, Tomas Berdych has beaten David Ferrer in straight sets. He’ll face Novak Djokovic in the last eight.
First set: Murray 5-3 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the first set, a rocking Gasquet slips as he tries in vain to reach a Murray drop shot at the net. Yet Gasquet wins the next two points, before his first clean backhand winner takes him to 40-15. His second helps him hold. But he’ll have to break if he’s going to stop Murray winning the first set.
First set: Murray* 5-2 Gasquet (*denotes server): The first two points are shared. Murray powers a backhand into the corner for a 15-0 lead, but Gasquet hits back in fine style, seizing control of the next rally with a piercing backhand. Murray hangs in there but Gasquet eventually comes out on top with a clever backhand volley for 15-all. His level’s rising and Murray gives him a little look by drifting a lazy drop shot wide for 30-all. An urgent forehand winner from Murray makes it 40-30, however, and although the game goes to deuce, he holds thanks to a firm forehand and a big serve.
Meanwhile Dominic Thiem has reached his first grand slam quarter-final, the 13th seed beating Marcel Granollers 6-2, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4.
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First set: Murray 4-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Ever the improviser, Murray goes for an awkward drop shot return on the first point. It just drops over the net but Gasquet reads the ball’s trajectory, enabling him to take a 15-0 lead. Soon it’s 40-0 - and Gasquet holds to love, finding a nice angle with a crosscourt forehand from right to left.
First set: Murray* 4-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): Murray holds to 15 with an ace down the middle. He’s started with the right mentality. It’s not going to be easy for Gasquet to shift him.
First set: Murray 3-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Murray tries a drop shot and he tries a lob and Gasquet wins the opening point with a smash. The Frenchman blasts away some of those butterflies by holding to 15. That might get rid of the tension. But it’s still very quiet on Philippe-Chatrier. Gasquet could do with some backing from the home fans.
First set: Murray* 3-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): A mixture of eerie calm and unstinting intensity, Murray is hitting the ball cleanly and with ominous intent. He plays three fabulous points to earn a 40-0 lead, ruling at the net, and he holds to love when Gasquet duffs a backhand return. The Frenchman casts a flustered look at his box as he walks back to his chair. Have the nerves taken hold?
First set: Murray 2-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): A lengthy rally to start the game, but it’s Murray who looks stronger, muscling his way into a 0-15 lead with a rasping forehand winner. He’s determined to assert is authority out there and he changes tactics to win the next point, catching Gasquet out with a dreamy drop shot. He wastes a chance to earn three break points, failing to do enough with a lob that Gasquet meets with an outstanding backhand overhead, but an errant forehand at 30-all from the Frenchman gives Murray a break point. It’s not the best time for Gasquet to produce his first double-fault, gifting Murray the early break.
First set: Murray* 1-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): Philippe-Chatrier is only half full as Murray opens the serving. “Shame on them!” the Eurosport commentator says. To be fair to the absentees, it’s another cold day in Paris, although the rain seems to be staying away for now. Anyway, on we go with what promises to be a gripping tennis match. The first point’s won by Murray, before he moves into a 30-15 lead after lousy drop shots from the pair of them. Murray holds to 30, whooshing an ace out wide.
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re are knocking up. Tennis soon.
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Before his first French Open quarter-final, Gasquet probably won’t want to be reminded of what happened when he faced Murray at Wimbledon in 2008. He led their head-to-head 2-0 before that match but Murray’s 7-3 up. Gasquet hasn’t beaten the world No2 since a 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 win in Rome in 2012 and he’s lost his last five matches against him.
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The players are out. A huge roar greets Gasquet’s arrival and there are a few boos for Murray, who responds with an amused smile. Murray’s been in this position against French opponents before. He beat Jeremy Chardy last year and Gael Monfils in 2014 - and let’s no forget his second-round rollercoaster against Mathias Bourgue last week.
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Murray was seeded to face Kei Nishikori in the last eight but the world No5 was blown away by a gust of Gasquet brilliance in the fourth round, going down in four sets. The temptation is to assume this has worked out pretty well for Murray given that he was taken to five sets in his previous match against Nishikori, a 7-5, 7-6, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 win in the Davis Cup in March. Yet Gasquet has been in fine form at Roland Garros, beating Nishikori and Nick Kyrgios on his way here, and he’ll have home advantage on his side. Murray will have to be on song. Yet he’ll know that he’s beaten Gasquet twice here - fighting back from two sets down in 2010 and winning in four sets in 2012 - and his form on clay has been outstanding in the past year.
Hello and thanks to Stuart Goodwin for guiding you through the morning’s action. With Novak Djokovic through to the last eight, now it’s time for an actual men’s quarter-final, Andy Murray taking on world No9 and home favourite Richard Gasquet.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS ROBERTO BAUTISTA AGUT 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5
The Spaniard is winning fans here, and a stunning pass brings up the first point, before Novak creams a forehand down the line to go to 15-15.
But Bautista Agut isn’t done, here, and goes 15-30 ahead. Then he gambles poorly, and gifts the next point, before Novak moves smoothly to match point.
It’s saved after a savage cross court rally is interrupted with – yep – a drop shot from Djokovic. Bautista Agut chases down.
Then a peach of a serve leaves his opponent flapping and another match point follows. No extended rally this time, Djokovic moves into the net and taps an attempted pass down to take the match.
Far from vintage from the world No1, but not too much of his Wednesday taken up, and he’s in good enough mood to celebrate with a ball boy, and conduct a post-match interview courtside wearing a horrendous fisherman’s hat.
Stick around to join Jacob, who’ll be at the helm for Murray v Gasquet, up next on Philippe-Chatrier.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 6-5 Bautista Agut*
Bautista Agut deflates the Serb with a mis-hit down the line to go 15-15, then one of Djokovic’s own – Novak caught in at least two minds, if not more – goes long.
In at the net, Djokovic takes the game to 30-30 with good, soft hands spinning the ball away from his opponent, before then another drop shot (we’re averaging several a game at the moment) tries Boris Becker’s patience in the stands, but leaves the Spaniard floundering and brings up break point.
Heavy hitting from Novak in the ensuing rally forces the error, and in a seemingly tight set he’s suddenly close to victory now.
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Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 5-5 Bautista Agut
From 30-15, Djokovic moves in to the net and punches a forehand away, before another drop shot – well judged, again, to be fair – leaves Bautista Agut little choice but to gift him an easy winner.
Meanwhile, we have a confirmed quarter-final opponent for Serena Williams: Russia’s Yulia Putintseva, who beat No12 seed Carla Suarez Navarro 7-5, 7-5.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 4-5 Bautista Agut*
The power and variety from Djokovic eventually takes its toll on any player, but Bautista Agut is visibly flagging a little here – he suddenly looks very heavy walking back to the service line.
He goes 40-30 up, but after a let nets his first serve before bouncing his second invitingly in front of the Serb. Djokovic takes the initiative and forces the Spaniard to find the net, but two quick points in response keep us at parity in this fourth set.
Fifth set, anyone?
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Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 4-4 Bautista Agut
I’m losing count of drop shots Djokovic is trying to make from deep, but he finds a beauty from behind the baseline to go 30-0 up. It’s a quickfire hold for the world No1.
Elsewhere: Gulbis won the first set 6-4 against Goffin, but has been broken early in the second, while Berdych is 6-3, 1-0 up against Ferrer.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 3-4 Bautista Agut*
Seemingly a key game for the Spaniard to hold, but he’s down 15-30 thanks to a mis-hit from Djokovic that catches his opponent unawares and gives him the upper hand in a point that looked like going away from him.
A netted forehand from Bautista Agut gives Novak two break points, before the Spaniard smacks a forehand wide. More a game lost by the world No20 than won by the Serb, but we’re back on serve regardless.
Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 2-4 Bautista Agut
Novak is in a mild slumber here, and after slamming a forehand winner down the line to go 30-0 up, he appears to pull out of an attempted drop and just invites Bautista Agut to run in and take a cheap point. Then we’re back to 30-30.
From game point, Djokovic loops a wild backhand beyond the baseline to take the game to deuce, and next up dumps a horrible attempted smash into the bottom half of the net.
Break point Bautista Agut, and won after another missed backhand to more or less the same spot. The Serb is playing some very good stuff, but in amongst it is some grim fare.
Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 2-3 Bautista Agut*
From 0-15 up, Djokovic’s depth perception escapes him and he nearly finds the crowd with an wild forehand. Bautista Agut moves in during the next point and smashes a soft effort from Novak away.
Next up: another drop shot from the Serb. But this one is a beauty. 30-30.
Shortly afterwards, deuce as a punched forehand strikes the Spaniard. And then some of the chasing looks like it’s catching up with Bautista Agut: break point Djokovic.
Nope. Novak tries to win a rally with another slippery-looking drop shot that has his opponent scrambling, but this time he has enough time to get there and win the point down the line.
Then another chance of a break, before Bautista Agut gives him a taste of his own grog with a lovely drop that just clears the net. Djokovic can’t make it, deuce again.
A cracking game, with a bit of everything, and the best hold of the day so far from the Spaniard.
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Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 2-2 Bautista Agut
Some of the world No1’s decision-making appears strangely suspect today, and he gifts a point to his opponent in going crosscourt when the option down the line looked the more likely path to a winner.
From 30-30, a savage serve rattles the Spaniard, who tries to recover with a topspin lob that Djokovic slaps away. But a missed backhand from the Serb – not his first today – takes the game to deuce, and this suddenly feels like a key game.
He recovers to move to game point, but then double faults. Chinks in the armour?
If there are, he’s gaffer-taping over them gamely. Bautista Agut nets a return, Djokovic holds.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 1-2 Bautista Agut*
Another impressive hold from the Spaniard, with more powerful hitting forcing an error from the world No1 at game point.
From 3-0 down overnight, David Goffin remains in early trouble on Court 1, down 1-4 against Ernests Gulbis.
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Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 1-1 Bautista Agut
More lobbery from Bautista Agut to go 0-15, and this one finds its range. He’s having to work hard for every point though, and Djokovic finds parity easily.
The Spaniard is staying in a lot of the extended rallies, however, and he forces an opening at 15-30.
Djokovic quickly takes a couple of points though. He’s enjoying the drop shot this morning and takes the game on the back of an iffy one – just about chased down – that he responds to with a sneaky dink crosscourt that just about finds the line.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 0-1 Bautista Agut*
A quick response is needed from Bautista Agut, but Djokovic is mixing things up beautifully, and goes tight to the net to force a lob which the Spaniard just misses to take the game to 30-30.
Deuce follows after more play at the net that goes Novak’s way, but Bautista Agut takes the game after a dangerous-looking drop shot from the Serb is gamely chased down and swept away.
Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 Bautista Agut
The Spaniard is catching the eye in this match with some strong running and hitting, but after taking the opening point Novak sends an ace down the middle and takes charge with some powerful forehands.
A backhand brings up two set points, the first frittered by the world No1, but the second taken on the back of a ferocious serve that Bautista Agut can’t help but send long.
Meanwhile Madison Keys, seeded No15, is out, going down 6-7, 3-6 to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands.
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Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 4-1 Bautista Agut*
The Spaniard, seeded No14, is off to a confident start, and races to 30-0, before Novak punches a tidy forehand down the line to get himself off the mark for the morning.
At 30-30, Novak takes a couple of paces in to attack the serve, and looks like having the initiative in the rally, before finding the net with a tame approach. From game point, a high quality rally ends with Bautista Agut just missing the line from out wide to take matters to deuce.
Djokovic then takes charge, forcing a break point after a mildly skied effort is put away by the world No1. Then: a missed attempt down the line, and deuce again.
Novak gets another chance, and from his opponent’s second serve, ups the pace, moves Bautista Agut around and then goes cross court to take the break.
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Djokovic and Bautista Agut are on court, and after another spell of hitting up will get under way.
Novak, remember, fought back from a set down to lead 3-6, 6-4, 4-1. Yesterday he seemed troubled by pain with his neck at times but to be fair the last rain interruption was definitely more to his Spanish opponent’s liking, as the match was racing away from him.
Meanwhile, on Suzanne-Lenglen, the No9 seed Venus Williams is out – Timir Bacsinszky (seeded No8) has won in straight sets – 6-2, 6-4.
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Around the courts:
V Williams 2-6, 3-4 T Bacsinszky*
K Bertens* 7-6, 4-2 M Keys
C Suarez Navarro* 5-7, 0-0 Y Putinseva
Next up on Philippe-Chatrier: Novak will hope to put prolonged delays behind him.
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SERENA WILLIAMS BEATS ELINA SVITOLINA 6-1, 6-1
Williams canters to 0-30, again largely untroubled, before swiping long when trying to force the issue. Another tame second serve from Svitolina lets her unleash once more though, and with two match points she doesn’t keep her fans waiting all that much – she takes a comfortable victory in under 62 minutes.
That was devastatingly powerful stuff from the world No1. As for Svitolina? Much work to do with ball in hand to trouble the top table of the women’s game, particularly with that second serve.
Serena Williams thru to QFs w/o dropping a set, d.Svitolina 6-1 6-1 in 62 min. Plays SuarezNavarro-Putintseva winner pic.twitter.com/p27CuIVGaG
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2016
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Williams* 6-1, 5-1 Svitolina
More forehand ferocity from Williams opens proceedings. Svitolina then takes two points on the trot, the second a deliciously aggressive swipe that leaves Serena snorting derisively.
Then two break points on the Williams serve. The first: saved from the net. Second: ace. Again.
But the Ukrainian gets another chance, and once more on Serena’s second serve. Chance. But Svitolina goes long once more, and visibly hates herself a little for it.
Then ANOTHER break point. And ANOTHER save from a Williams ace. Svitolina yells to the clouds in frustration, and you can’t blame her. She simply isn’t reading the wide serve on these crucial points.
There’s gutsiness in some of the world No20’s play here, maybe a bit too late, but she really wants this game. She forces another break point. Not an ace this time, but it’s saved by the world No1. An attempted winner down the line from Svitolina is just wide, and then Serena closes out. Williams is one game away from the quarter-finals.
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Williams 6-1, 4-1 Svitolina*
Again Serena takes the first point on the Svitolina serve, and from another second serve goes 0-30 up without particularly having to work for it.
Another big forehand forces break point, and from a bouncing ball Serena absolutely bludgeons one down the middle to leave the Ukrainian no chance, broken again, this time to love.
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Williams* 6-1, 3-1 Svitolina
Svitolina goes 30-15 up with a fizzing return, but Serena is running her hard for almost every point that isn’t won early.
Still, another chance to break back for the Ukrainian, and despite Serena missing with her first serve, she goes long with her return. And ANOTHER misses kick of the ball.
From deuce, Serena aces. From game point, Svitolina swings hard again for another forehand return winner. Her tail’s up, suddenly, and after some static play goes down the line to turn things around slightly force another break point. Williams’ response? Another ace, and another big serve to force Svitolina long.
Serena simply has too many gears to call upon. From there she wins the point she needs with ease.
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Williams 6-1, 2-1 Svitolina*
The second serve is killing Svitolina. From 30-15 up, she sends over a tame effort that Serena spanks away to give her nothing to even stretch for.
Mercifully, she goes on to hold, but this match doesn’t look like holding up the schedule all that much.
Elsewhere, Venus lost the first set 6-2 and has been broken in the first game of the second.
Williams* 6-1, 2-0 Svitolina
A bit more fight from Svitolina, going toe-to-toe from the baseline, before Williams unleashes a savage forehand across court to close out a 17-shot rally.
That’s the pattern. Williams knocks the wind out of her, goes 40-15 up, Svitolina peps up, increases the power again to rally hard and win a point, but Serena just swats a monstrous serve down to take another game.
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Williams 6-1, 1-0 Svitolina*
A pretty horrible start to the set for the No20 seed – that’s the fourth break on the trot now. In terms of points won on her second serve, her percentage is below 25% – failing to find her range is killing her hopes here.
Quel passing en bout de course de Serena Williams ! #RG16 https://t.co/qXpqe153XB
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2016
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Meanwhile, on Suzanne-Lenglen, it’s looking less promising for Venus Williams – the No9 seed 2-5 down to Timea Bacsinszky, who has the ball in hand serving for the set.
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Williams* 6-1 Svitolina
The Ukrainian is clearly displeased by a raft of unforced – and, to be fair, forced – errors. Serena races to 40-0 and three set points.
From a second serve, a decent quality rally ensues with plenty of court coverage from both players, but Serena’s always in charge. And it’s more fruitless chasing from Svitolina before her opponent puts the set to bed. She badly needs some of this running to start paying off, or this could be over very, very quickly.
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Williams 5-1 Svitolina*
Svitolina’s radar seems much better aligned now, but Serena is mixing it up well and keeps the Ukrainian running for every point. Williams has two more break points. The first: saved after an aggressive second serve, the second: frittered away when Serena thrashes a forehand long.
From deuce, Svitolina comes alive again, and matches the champion for variety to go to game point. Serena ups the power gauge again though – back to deuce, then again to earn another break point.
And a wild swing after a modest Serena return makes it 5-1. Williams will serve for the set.
Williams* 4-1 Svitolina
First glimpses of real quality from Svitolina. A full-blooded double-fisted forehand winner down the line, then a fizzing follow-up – even better – that puts Serena 15-30 down. And the pressure tells - Williams makes her first telling unforced error to give the Ukrainian a break point. Then another – almost identical off the American’s forehand – keeps the bagel at bay. Much better from the world No20.
Williams 4-0 Svitolina*
At 0-15 down, Svitolina suffers the indignity of swinging a foot at a bouncing ball and missing, before the slo-mo has another look, offering Vine potential.
The Ukrainian goes just long at 30-30, giving Serena the chance of a double break. Then an eye-catching rally, but again the champion is in charge. A couple of good saves way outside the court from Svitolina, but Serena is racing along here.
Can I ask a question that’s always puzzled me, asks David Hopkins.
Why, yes, sir.
Why is it that when matches are left unfinished overnight (at Roland Garros and Wimbledon as well), they are not then first on the next day? They always seem to be scheduled second - surely that means that they risk getting pushed back still further if it rains again?
Good question. Any takers?
Williams* 3-0 Svitolina
Svitolina finds herself 15-30 up on Serena’s serve, and fortune almost favours her when a skied ball catches the net cord to almost wrongfoot the champion. Serena’s alive to it though and dabs the ball over the net, before racing through the next three points, the clincher a savage ace.
Williams 2-0 Svitolina*
Loose stuff from Svitolina. Her serve and backhand aren’t finding their range, and Williams is quickly 0-40 up. A weakish second serve on break point lets Williams take the initiative, and that’s the early break.
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Williams* 1-0 Svitolina
Serena serves first, and after a cheap first point, shows good reactions at the net to go 30-0 up. A wild swing from the world No1 then goes long, but her power soon has the Ukrainian stretching before dabbing a backhand into the net, and two shots later she has the opening game. Comfortable hold for the champion.
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We all know about Serena, but her opponent today, Elina Svitolina, has flown under the radar somewhat despite making her way to No20 in the world.
She’s coached by Justine Henin, and last year’s run at Roland Garros was the Ukrainian’s first grand slam quarter-final. Before that however she met Williams at the Australian Open and took the first set off the world No1, before going down in three sets 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. No pushover, then.
Her four tournament wins on the tour include this year’s Malaysian Open, where she narrowly beat Eugenie Bouchard.
It’s an overcast 16C in Paris, and it looks like getting a seat won’t exactly be any kind of hardship. Play is imminent.
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The players are out on Philippe-Chatrier, five minutes late. No sign of any brollies. Hallelujah.
Bit of tidy-up time, then we’ll have some play (note that 11am at Roland Garros is 10am BST) …
Derniers préparatifs avant le début des matchs à 11h #RG16 https://t.co/LveQqmPXOF
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2016
Personally I reckon they should have gone with this …
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Day 11 schedule
Here’s a list of what’s hoped to be today’s singles action …
Philippe-Chatrier Court
10am BST
Women’s singles fourth round: Serena Williams (1) v Elina Svitolina (18)
Men’s singles fourth round: Novak Djokovic (1) v Roberto Bautista Agut (14) TO FINISH 3-6, 6-4, 4-1
Not before 1pm BST
Men’s singles quarter-final: Richard Gasquet (9) v Andy Murray (2)
Women’s singles quarter-final: Sam Stosur (21) v Tsvetana Pironkova
Suzanne-Lenglen Court
10am BST
Women’s singles fourth round: Venus Williams (9) v Timea Bacsinszky (8)
Men’s singles fourth round: David Ferrer (11) v Tomas Berdych (7) TO FINISH 2-1
Not before 1pm BST
Men’s singles quarter-final: Albert Ramos-Vinolas v Stan Wawrinka (3)
Women’s singles quarter-final: Shelby Rogers v Garbine Muguruza (14)
Court 1
10am BST
Women’s singles fourth round: Kiki Bertens v Madison Keys (15)
Men’s singles fourth round: Ernests Gulbis v David Goffin (12) TO FINISH 3-0
Court 2
10am BST
Women’s singles fourth round: Carla Suarez Navarro (12) v Yulia Putintseva
Men’s singles fourth round: Marcel Granollers v Dominic Thiem (13) TO FINISH 2-6, 7-6
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Preamble
ALERT, ALERT: It isn’t raining in Paris, folks. It. Isn’t. Raining. In. Paris.
Morning all. Following two of the grimmest live-blogging days the Guardian sports desk has ever seen (kudos to Daniel Harris for heroic, bubblegum rave-splattered efforts), there are good prospects for an awful lot of play at Roland Garros today.
Three days before what the calendar still humorously says is the date of the women’s singles final, and with many players still waiting for a dry court on which to play their fourth-round matches, there is obviously plenty to cram in. Serena Williams kicks things off on Philippe-Chatrier against the No18 seed Eline Svitolina, who was a quarter-finalist last year.
After that, Mr Djokovic plays to a finish in his topsy-turvy battle against Roberto Bautista Agut, which sees the world No1 ahead 3-6, 6-4, 4-1. Novak was complaining of a creaky neck during yesterday’s play however, which adds extra intrigue.
Clouds permitting, and not before 1pm BST, Andy Murray then takes on home hope and No9 seed Richard Gasquet in his quarter-final.
Plenty of interest everywhere else too, with Sam Stosur, Venus Williams and Stan Wawrinka among a stacked list of those in action. Full schedule to follow.
While we wait for play to begin, however, do check out Kevin Mitchell’s day 10 report after another desperately soggy day at Roland Garros …
Novak Djokovic’s desperation to beat the wretched weather at this French Open – it has barely stopped raining since Sunday night – at least got him ahead in the third set when his fourth-round match against Roberto Bautista Agut was postponed on Tuesday evening. Andy Murray, meanwhile, could only shuffle his feet back in the queue.
If the forecast for improved weather at the wettest open in 16 years is correct, Murray and Richard Gasquet should be able to start and finish their postponed quarter-final on Wednesday. The defending champion Stan Wawrinka and the unheralded Spaniard Albert Ramos-Viñolas will be similarly encouraged by the cloud prognosis. Others waiting to get on court include Serena Williams against Elina Svitolina, and Venus Williams against Timea Bacsinszky. But the meteorological tipsters have been as accurate this wet week as some political experts at the last general election.
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