Would you look at the time? There’s no more light in Paris and there’s no more play. Cameron Norrie and Lucas Pouille have left Philippe-Chatrier and will have to return tomorrow to finish their match. Norrie will have immense belief now and you wouldn’t want to rule him out after a day that’s been full of twists and turns. That’s all from me for now, though. Katy Murrells will be your guide tomorrow. Bye!
Cameron Norrie wins the third set; Lucas Pouille leads 6-2, 6-4, 5-7!
Cameron Norrie, who has been up against it for most of the bout, plays some magnificent tennis to earn a set point. Pouille has lost his head here. Norrie returns well and Pouille whacks a forehand long to let the young Brit back into the match!
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Daria Kasatkina has beaten Kirsten Flipkens 6-3, 6-3. Cameron Norrie and Lucas Pouille are the last two standing. The sun has almost disappeared.
Cameron Norrie breaks back! Lucas Pouille’s making this more difficult than it strictly needs to be.
Dominic Thiem has taken a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 lead against Stefanos Tsitispas on Court 18. Play’s been suspended there but the sun’s still shining in Paris. Just about. There might be time for Lucas Pouille to finish things off against Cameron Norrie. He leads by two sets and a break.
In darkening light Cameron Norrie gives himself some hope, breaking to 15 in the second game of the third set on Philippe-Chatrier. The advantage doesn’t last long, though, as Lucas Pouille breaks back in the very next game. The Frenchman leads 6-2, 6-4, 1-2 and is about to serve.
Caroline Wozniacki knows her third-round opponent now. It’s France’s Pauline Parmentier, who has seen off her compatriot, Alize Cornet, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2.
Lucas Pouille wins the second set; he leads 6-2, 6-4!
Pouille carves out three set points and seals the first with an ace out wide. The 16th seed is too strong for young Cameron Norrie, who surely won’t be coming back from this perilous position.
Lucas Pouille bangs an ace out of reach to lead 6-2, 5-3. Meanwhile Pauline Parmentier is running away with it on Suzanne-Lenglen, where she leads 6-7, 6-4, 4-0 against Alize Cornet. Quite the turnaround.
Cameron Norrie double-faults. He is broken. Lucas Pouille leads 6-2, 3-2.
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Karen Khachanov, who reached the fourth round last year, has finally seen off Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in four sets. The big Russian has a big game and is not to be underestimated.
Maria Sakkari wobbled a little at the end but the Greek is into the third round after beating Carla Suarez-Navarro 7-5, 6-3. She’ll play Daria Kasatkina or Kirsten Flipkens next.
No drama as far as Gael Monfils is concerned. He’ll play David Goffin in the third round after walloping Martin Klizan in straight sets.
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas has recovered from a torrid first set to take the second off Dominic Thiem, winning it 6-2 when the Austrian sends a forehand wide. Maybe there’s hope yet for Cameron Norrie. Maybe not too much, though.
Lucas Pouille wins the first set 6-2!
Cameron Norrie is being outclassed.
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Caroline Wozniacki doesn’t know her third-round opponent yet. That’s because Pauline Parmentier has just forced a third set against Alize Cornet, the 32nd seed, after winning the second 6-4.
A Yorkshire radio reporter is proving popular with the players here... #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/6PsjKnOXh4
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) May 30, 2018
Sloane Stephens will play Camila Giorgi in the third round. The 10th seed has thumped Poland’s Magdalena Frech and is looking very good indeed.
Cameron Norrie has weathered the storm a little, getting on the board at last, but he’s 4-1 down and Lucas Pouille is showing no mercy. The skies are darkening, though, so there might not be long left in this. That could be good news for Dominic Thiem. The Austrian took the first set 6-2 on Court 18 but he’s 4-1 down in the second to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Lucas Pouille has made a lightning start against Cameron Norrie, taking advantage of the youngster’s nerves and breaking for a 2-0 lead. The French fans are happy.
Here’s our man Kevin Mitchell with the latest from Roland Garros.
Sloane Stephens is catching the eye on Court 7, where she leads 6-2, 3-1 against Magdalena Frech.
Just FYI.
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) May 30, 2018
Sloane Stephens is winning this tournament
It’s 12 months since Cameron Norrie stepped on to the tour as a full-time pro but his recent progress has been startling. The 22-year-old leftie, ranked 85th in the world, has a smart game and he could pose Lucas Pouille, the French No1, a few problems despite his inexperience on grass. They’ll be on Philippe-Chatrier soon.
That’s emphatic from Caroline Wozniacki. She’s thumped Georgina Garcia Perez 6-1, 6-0 on Philippe Chatrier and faces Alize Cornet or Pauline Parmentier next. Wozniacki’s swift win means there’s time for Britain’s Cameron Norrie and France’s Lucas Pouille to get on court.
Dominic Thiem is cruising on Court 18, breaking Stefanos Tsitsipas again to lead 5-2 in the first set. Gael Monfils is also feeling plesed with himself. The 32nd seed leads 6-2, 6-4 against Martin Klizan.
Sloane Stephens, the US Open champion, isn’t in the mood for any funny business on Court 7. She’s zoomed off with the first set against Poland’s Magdalena Frech, winning it 6-2.
Caroline Wozniacki is toying with Georgina Garcia Perez, who looks out of her depth on Philippe-Chatrier. The Dane’s up 6-1, 3-0. Cameron Norrie and Lucas Pouille might want to start getting their gear together.
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Alize Cornet has been the better player throughout much of the first set against Pauline Parmentier on Suzanne-Lenglen and she has something to show for it. The 32nd seed has won a tie-break 7-2 to take the lead in an all-French bout.
The fans on Court 18 have another treat after that Dimitrov-Donaldson marathon: it’s Dominic Thiem, the seventh seed, against Stefanos Tsitsias, an exciting young talent from Greece. Thiem, a semi-finalist last year, has already broken.
Caroline Wozniacki only needed 22 minutes to take the first set 6-1 against Georgina Garcia-Perez. That’s less time than it took for Camila Giorgi to win the first set 6-0 against Mariana Duque-Marino on Court 6.
Gael Monfils, the 32nd seed, is a set up against Martin Klizan. But that’s not as good as being two sets up, is it? Which brings us to Karen Khachanov, who leads 6-2, 7-6 against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Court 3.
Caroline Wozniacki must want to get Cameron Norrie and Lucas Pouille on Philippe-Chatrier. The Australian Open champion has raced into a 4-0 lead in the first set against Georgina García Pérez.
Grigor Dimitrov’s third-round opponent will be Fernando Verdasco, the unpredictable Spaniard. My colleague, Sean Ingle, isn’t too impressed with the Bulgarian.
Alas Donaldson is then broken again and this time Dimitrov holds to win 10-8 in the fifth. Not sure Verdasco, Dimitrov’s 3rd round opponent, or Djokovic, who he is seeded to play in the fourth, will be too worried after seeing that ...
— Sean Ingle (@seaningle) May 30, 2018
Understand that tournament officials will try and start Cameron Norrie vs Lucas Pouille tonight on either Chatrier or Lenglen, depending on which match finishes first. #RolandGarros
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) May 30, 2018
Grigor Dimitrov beats Jared Donaldson 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8!
The Bulgarian fans on Court 18 are delighted, the American fans less so. The fourth seed has outlasted his young opponent, who gave a magnificent account of himself before fading with crap in the end.
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Jared Donaldson, who won a game with an underarm serve earlier, has tried it again. Grigor Dimitrov saw it coming and he won the point. Donaldson, who’s struggling with cramp, faces two set points. Dimitrov drags him forward, makes him move too much and breaks to lead 9-8! This is mad.
What grit from Jared Donaldson! He earns two break points and a backhand down the line does the damage, leaving Grigor Dimitrov floundering. It’s 8-8!
Grigor Dimitrov breaks to love! He leads 8-7 in the fifth set!
Sam Querrey has started thinking about wedding cake. He trails 1-6, 7-6, 6-4, 3-0 against Gilles Simon on Court 7.
Kei Nishikori was made to sweat by Benoit Paire. But the 19th seed has clambered into the third round after beating his French opponent 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to leave the locals on Philippe-Chatrier disappointed.
Jared Donaldson rips a forehand down the line to make it 0-30. He clenches his fist. Grigor Dimitrov is teetering here. It’s a good time for him to find an ace for 15-30. Then he batters a forehand down the line for 30-all. Another ace makes it 40-30. Donaldson hangs his head. Dimitrov holds for 6-6.
Jared Donaldson raps a backhand from left to right to lead 6-5 in the fifth set against Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian will have to hold again.
Grigor Dimitrov holds for 5-all in the fifth set. He’s still battling. But Ernests Gulbis is out. The enigmatic Latvian dandy has lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.
Gilles Simon is mounting an impressive fightback on Court 7. The Frenchman leads 1-6, 7-6, 6-4 against Sam Querrey, who gets married a week on Saturday.
Over to Court 18, where Jared Donaldson holds to lead 5-4 in the fifth set against Grigor Dimitrov. It’s one hell of a scrap and it’s approaching the four-hour mark. Dimitrov will serve to keep the match alive - which is precisely what Benoit Paire has done on Philippe-Chatrier, breaking back in the fifth set against Kei Nishikori.
Alexander Zverev belts a forehand away to make it 30-0. An ace brings up three match points. A big serve into the corner is enough to seal a 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Dusan Lajovic. Zverev looks mightily relieved.
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Dusan Lajovic is feeling his hamstring. Not that Alexander Zverev cares. He leads 5-1 in the fifth set. Kei Nishikori is also starting to pull clear. He leads 4-2 in the fifth set against Benoit Paire.
This is Alexander Zverev’s to lose now. Another break takes him into a 3-0 lead in the fifth set. Dusan Lajovic is on his last legs.
Ir’s the perfect start to the fifth set from Zverev, who’s taking advantage of the tiring Lajovic’s inconsistency. He’s broken straight away and leads 1-0. A double-fault from Lajovic did the trick.
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This is the first time Alexander Zverev has played a five-set match at Roland Garros. He has a 4-5 record in five-set matches. This feels like a hugely important moment in the young German’s career. He lost in five to Hyeon Chung in Melbourne.
Another match has gone into a deciding set: the one between Kei Nishikori and Benoit Paire on Philippe-Chatrier. What larks!
Corentin Moutet was a nuisance in the first set but he’s faded badly on Suzanne-Lenglen, losing 7-5, 6-0, 6-1 to David Goffin. For drama, then, we’ll head to Court 18, where Grigor Dimitrov has forced a fifth set against Jared Donaldson, and to Court 1, where Alexander Zverev smacks down an ace to take the fourth set 6-1 against Dusan Lajovic.
Yulia Putintseva is into the third round. She’s beaten Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3.
It could be going the distance on Court 1. Alexander Zverev has broken to lead 3-1 in the fourth set. It could be going the distance on Court 17. Grigor Dimitrov is a break up in the fourth set against Jared Donaldson.
Kei Nishikori was a set up. He’s now a set down. He trails Benoit Paire 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. A comeback is less likely on Suzanne-Lenglen, though. David Goffin is 7-5, 6-0 up against Corentin Moutet.
Dusan Lajovic earns three set points. He belts a backhand wide on the first. He still has two more, though. The rally’s a classic, full of blistering groundstrokes and scrambling defence from both ends, but Lajovic takes advantage with some wily play. He tries an overhead backhand and Zverev, hurtling forward, rams a backhand wide to find himself in a big hole. Lajovic leads the second seed 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
Dusan Lajovic consolidates a break at last and moves into a 6-2, 5-7, 5-3 lead. Alexander Zverev needs to get his act together quickly, else he’ll have to do this in five.
In the time I nipped off to get a coffee, Jared Donaldson won the third set against Grigor Dimitrov on Court 18. The world No57 leads the fourth seed 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.
He needed five chances but Zverev has broken straight back in the third set against Lajovic. This match is impossible to read.
David Goffin has had his hands full with Corentin Moutet but the French teenager has run out of steam at the end of the first set. Goffin trailed by a break but he’s fought back to snatch it 7-5.
They’re all level on Philippe-Chatrier. Benoit Paire has won the second set 6-2 against Kei Nishikori, the 19th seed.
Alexander Zverev is in a funk again, gesturing to his box after double-faulting on a break point. Dusan Lajovic leads 6-2, 5-7, 2-1 on Court 1. What to make of this?
What an intriguing afternoon it’s turning out to be. On Philippe-Chatrier, Benoit Paire is serving to make it 1-1 in sets against Kei Nishikori. Elsewhere Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov are locked in awkward battles. As for David Goffin, the eighth seed has fought back in the first set against Corentin Moutet, but the French teenager could yet snatch it.
Yulia Putintseva, who sent Jo Konta on her way the other day, has taken the first set off Jennifer Brady on Court 5. That first set was closer than the one taking place on Court 7, though. Sam Querrey, the 12th seed, is leading 4-0 against Gilles Simon, who isn’t doing much to entertain the home crowd.
Dusan Lajovic led 6-2, 3-1. But now Alexander Zverev’s roaring. He pummels a backhand down the line and Lajovic, who’s looking rather underwhelmed, faffs a forehand into the net on set point. Zverev takes the second set 7-5 and he’ll feel he’s got the worst out of the way now.
Grigor Dimitrov has won the second set 6-4 against Jared Donaldson. That one’s level but Alex Zverev’s fate is still uncertain. The tension’s high as the end of the second set approaches on Court 1.
Kei Nishikori, a lovely player but one who’s had so many injury problems in the past year or so, is a set up against the frustrating Benoit Paire. The 19th seed took it 6-3. At least it’s looking good for France on Suzanne-Lenglen, with Corentin Moutet sparkling against David Goffin. The 19-year-old leads the eighth seed 4-1 in the first set.
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Madison Keys beats Caroline Dolehide 6-4, 6-1. The American, seeded 13th, faces Naomi Osaka next. That promises to be an explosive encounter.
The big guns are showing signs of asserting themselves. Kei Nishikori has broken Benoit Paire for a 4-3 lead in the first set on Philippe-Chatrier, Grigor Dimitrov leads Jared Donaldson 4-2 in the second set on Court 18 and a dismal drop shot from Dusan Lajovic has allowed Alex Zverev to break back in the second set on Court 1.
Dusan Lajovic has a gorgeous backhand and he’s using it to torture Alexander Zverev, who’s looking increasingly miffed. Elsewhere Madison Keys leads by 6-4, 4-1 against Caroline Dolehide.
Alexander Zverev chucks to his racquet to the ground, his temper getting the better of him as he watches a backhand sail long. This is dreadful from the second seed but it’s outstanding from the wily Dusan Lajovic, who breaks again to lead 6-2, 2-1 on Court 1.
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It could be an afternoon of surprises. Alex Zverev is a set down and now Jared Donaldson has bloodied Grigor Dimitrov’s nose in a first-set tie-break on Court 18, winning it 7-1.
In an all-American clash on Court 7, it’s Madison Keys who’s in front. The 13th seed has won the first set 6-4 against Caroline Dolehide.
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Dusan Lajovic gets there in the end. The first set is his, 6-2, and Alex Zverev is in a spot of bother. He could really do without another early exit from a grand slam.
A shock’s brewing on Court 1. Dusan Lajovic, the unseeded Serbian, is serving for the first set at 5-2 against Alex Zverev, the second seed. Lajovic has just double-faulted on a break point, though.
Over to Court 18, where Jared Donaldson has blown the opportunity to take the first set off Grigor Dimitrov. They’re into a tie-break.
Novak Djokovic beats Jaume Munar 7-6, 6-4, 6-4!
Novak Djokovic puts his baseball cap back on and gets down to the business of serving for the match. It doesn’t take him long. He carves out two match points and nails the first with a backhand down the line to reach the third round. Djokovic wasn’t at his most dynamic but it’s another win, he’s smiling and he might be playing himself into some form.
Tomas Berdych’s revival was shortlived. The 17th seed is out, beaten 7-6, 7-6, 1-6, 5-7, 6-3 by Jeremy Chardy, who’s given the locals at Roland Garros something to cheer with a virtuoso display in the fifth set.
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Soup followed by an apple. Hello again. I’m back in time to tell you that Jared Donaldson is about to serve for the first set against Grigor Dimitrov and that Dusan Lajovic is up an early break against Alex Zverev.
Good news! Jacob is back from his sandwich and a potential sundry. For more on that, here is the man himself.
Must be great to pick and choose when to be at your best; Djokovic frees his feet up and gets across the court to take the first two points before completing the victory with some bold hitting from the baseline. He thought he had broken but the umpire has overruled it, saying the Serb’s shot was out. Munar then fails to convert a volley, sending it into the net to give the break to Djokovic.
Chardy held his serve and is one game away from the next round now.
Djokovic has little trouble to make it level as Munar does not win a point in the latest game.
Munar is still giving it his all and a spinning volley sets him on his way. He takes it to 3:2 thanks to a full array of shots, resulting in some light applause from Djokovic.
Elsewhere, Chardy breaks Berdych to make it 4:2 to the Frenchman.
Not to be outdone by his less-illustrious opponent, Djokovic dominates on his own serve. Winning after saving a point which looked to be going away from him by sprinting to lift a dying ball back over the net, confusing Munar who smashed a volley well wide.
Munar takes the game to love to make it 2:1 in the set. Djokovic barely made contact with the new balls in that one.
Chardy versus Berdych is probably more interesting at this stage with the Frenchman leading 3:2 in the deciding set. All going with serve so far.
Now Djokovic is cutting a frustrated figure, as Munar ups it once again to power through the game, almost winning it. The Spaniard was really annoyed at himself for hitting one long at break-point. At the second time of asking Djokovic grinds out the win over deuce to make it 1-1 in the set.
Djokovic’s body language does not reflect a man who is about to progress at Roland Garros. He seems to be going through the moments of being at a Grand Slam. Munar might be 155 in the world but he is making Djokovic work for every point. One would forgive Munar for tiring at this stage but he battles through to take the opening game of the third set with some very clean shots.
Chardy versus Berdych is set to go to a decider after the latter made it two sets all. Could be a lively one there.
Turns out there was a way back for Munar as the Spaniard ran into a 30:0 lead. However, Djokovic reacted by recovering to 30:30. With the scores level there was as superb rally which almost resulted in Munar playing the shot of the tournament but it was just wide. He made up for it with a stunning backhand shot down the line to take the game to deuce, though. Sadly for Munar, it was not enough, as Djokovic took the set with a couple of ruthless points.
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Djokovic has turned it on here to power through this game and break Munar. The Serb really was in charge of this game from start to finish and is now in control of the set thanks to this break. Djokovic looked a little bit more powerful in this one, making Munar work hard to even get over the net. Is there any way back for Munar from this?
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Some lovely rallying in this game - the best of the match as Djokovic took a 30-0 lead. Munar showed some great defence at the baseline but was not able to get the better of his opponent. Djokovic took the game in the end thanks to a lovely serve for the final point.
Will it be Pret or Waitrose for Jacob? More on that when he returns. For now, you have my fine company to see if Djokovic can win the second set.
I’m off for lunch. Will Unwin will be your guide while I head off in search of a sandwich.
Off to Phillipe-Chatrier, where Tomas Berdych is slowly getting a grip on things in the fourth set against Jeremy Chardy. The 17th seed has the break.
Jaume Munar is determined to enjoy himself out there, holding to lead 3-2 in the second set on Suzanne-Lenglen. Novak Djokovic needs to refocus quickly.
Every time you think Jaume Munar’s down, he punches back. He breaks straight back to make it 2-2 and give Djokovic, who’s not at his best, something to think about in this second set.
Djokovic breaks to love to lead 7-6, 2-1. This one might turn into an exhibition.
Mind you, losing tie-breaks isn’t always fatal. Look at Tomas Berdych. He lost two last night but he’s just won the third set against Jeremy Chardy, who leads 7-6, 7-6, 1-6 on Philippe-Chatrier.
Novak Djokovic wins the first set 7-6!
It’s a ruthless tie-break from Djokovic, who only allows Jaume Munar one point. The Spaniard prods a backhand return long and he’ll do well to maintain his high level from here.
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Jaume Munar holds. Can he shock Djokovic?
A couple of holds and Jaume Munar will serve to force a tie-break. Djokovic will be eyeing a break. On Court 3, meanwhile, 13th seed Roberto Bautista Agut has taken the first set 6-4 against Santiago Giraldo.
Marco Trungelliti can start filling the car up. The Argentinian has been sent on his way by Marco Cechinnato, who’s beaten the lucky loser 6-1, 7-6, 6-1. What must Bernard Tomic be thinking?
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Serving for the first set, Novak Djokovic finds himself facing three break points. He saves the first two but he pushes a shot out of bounds on the third. Jaume Munar breaks back! Djokovic leads 5-4. He won’t be happy.
The second match on Philippe-Chatrier is one that was held over from last night. Jeremy Chardy led by two sets after winning two tie-breaks – but Tomas Berdych, the 17th seed, seems to have slept well. He’s broken for a 3-1 lead in the third set.
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Novak Djokovic is busy putting Jaume Munar in his place. The 2016 champion was broken in his first game and has responded by racing into a 4-2 lead.
It’s very tight over on Court 7, but Pablo Carreno Busta keeps coming up with the goods at the crucial moments. The Spaniard, seeded 10th, leads 7-6, 7-6 against Federico Delbonis. The Argentinians aren’t having much fun with tie-breaks today. Leo Mayer has just lost one against France’s Julian Benneteau, who’s levelled their match at one set apiece on Court 1.
A few more women’s matches have been wrapped up: Naomi Osaka has edged out Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5, Mihaela Buzarnescu has seen off Rebecca Peterson for the loss of three games and Anett Kontaveit has beaten Alexandra Dulgheru 7-5, 6-2.
There goes the break. Djokovic is level. Crisis over!
Then again, Jaume Munar has other ideas. He’s broken Djokovic in the very first game!
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On Suzanne-Lenglen, Novak Djokovic’s match against Jaume Munar is underway. The Serbian won’t be expecting too much trouble from the lowly Spaniard.
Marco Trungelliti’s adventure looks like it’s coming to an end. He trails by two sets and a break against Marco Cecchinato on Court 9. It could be time to start putting the bags back in the car.
Simona Halep doesn’t look too pleased but she’ll be delighted with the way she bounced back after that dire first set. The world No1 is through to the second round after blitzing Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Elina Svitolina will be pleased with her progress. The fourth seed has dispatched Viktoria Kuzmova, dismissing the Slovakian 6-3, 6-4. All very professional from the Ukrainian, who is a major contender here. As for Simona Halep, she’s 4-1 up in the final set on Philippe-Chatrier.
Barbora Strycova has beaten Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 6-2. Some people are in a hurry this morning. The grey skies might have something to do with that.
This is punishing from Halep, who is exacting full revenge for that first set. Vicious groundstrokes see her march ahead in the third set. She leads Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 2-0 and surely won’t be stopped now.
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While Halep grabbles with Riske, Elina Svitolina is merrily skipping along. She’s up a set and a break against Viktoria Kuzmova. Elsewhere Anett Kontaveit, the 25th seed, took the first set 7-5 against Alexandra Dulgheru.
Alison Riske avoided the bagel but she hasn’t been able to stem the bleeding. Simona Halep stomps off with the second set, winning it 6-1, and a match that has been going for just over an hour is heading into a decider.
Petra Kvitova didn’t want to hang around for long. The eighth seed has breezed into the second round, thumping Lara Arruabarrena 6-0, 6-4.
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Ouch. Alison Riske double-faults and she’s broken for a third time by Simona Haleo, who will serve for the second set at 5-0.
Pablo Carreno Busta, the 10th seed and a nifty mover on clay, has snatched the first set against Federico Delbonis on Court 7. The Spaniard won an epic tie-break 9-7.
Simona Halep is on fire now. Not literally. Only in tennis terms. She’s stormed into a 4-0 lead in the second set. What a strange match. This is more like it from the world No1.
Naomi Osaka is cruising; she’s taken the first set 6-4 against Zarina Diyas on Court 18. Barbora Strycova is also feeling good after bagging the first set against Ekaterina Makarova on Court 3. Simona Halep, meanwhile, is channelling her anger in the right way, breaking to love in the first game of the second set. Is this the start of the comeback?
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Simona Halep looks stunned. Alison Riske is overpowering her and the Romanian has no answers. Riske pummels another winner away and that’s enough for her to take the first set 6-2 in 39 minutes. The world no1 is in trouble.
Elina Svitolina, the fourth seed, is up and running on Suzanne-Lenglen. The first set is hers. She’s taken it 6-3. Viktoria Kuzmova is being outplayed.
In the battle of the Marcos on Court 9, it’s Cecchinato with the advantage. The Italian’s won the first set 6-1 against Marco Trungelliti.
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Simona Halep is all over the place at the moment. Alison Riske, who’s showing no fear, breaks again to lead 4-0 against the world No1. On Court 8 Mihaela Buzarnescu, the 31st seed, has taken the first set 6-1 against Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson.
No problems for Petra Kvitova, who takes the first set 6-0 in 23 minutes. Lara Arruabarrena doesn’t know what’s hit her.
Simona Halep is struggling early on and, sure enough, she drops her first service game. Alison Riske, the outsider, lands the first blow. Meanwhile Naomi Osaka, the exciting young talent from Japan, is looking dominant against Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas.
Alison Riske is striking the ball cleanly on Philippe-Chatrier and the American holds in her first game despite being taken to deuce by Simona Halep. Elsewhere Petra Kvitova is looking ominous. The Czech has broken twice to lead 3-0 against Lara Arruabarrena.
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There’s likely to be a lot of interest on Court 9. Yes, it’s a match between the world No190 and the world No72. But it’s a match featuring road-tripping lucky loser Marco Trungelliti, who is a favourite with grandmas around the world at the moment. The Argentinian, who travelled from Barcelona to Paris with his family in tow after Nick Kyrgios’s late withdrawal handed him a reprieve, became a social media sensation after his wife documented their journey and his new-found celebrity rocketed even higher after he beat Bernard Tomic. He’s in action against Italy’s Marco Cecchinato now. But it’s the Italian who’s on top early on, breaking to lead 2-0.
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Play is underway. On Court1, former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is in action against Spain’s Lara Arruabarrena, whose surname contains too many vowels for your humble live blogger.
Another cloudy day in Paris and there are plenty of empty seats on Philippe-Chatrier. But the players are out, they’re knocking up and it’s almost time for tennis! Highest on our agenda at the moment is Simona Halep versus Alison Riske.
Preamble
Hello. Day four of the French Open and the world No1, Simona Halep, is finally going to get on court. A combination of the scheduling and the weather has meant that she’s had to wait but the Romanian’s turn has arrived at last. She’s first on Philippe-Chatrier, where she faces the USA’s Alison Riske, and where she was beaten in last year’s final by Jelena Ostapenko. Halep’s still waiting for her first grand slam title, having blown her latest chance when she lost the Australian Open final to Caroline Wozniacki, and will be determined to banish a few demons this morning.
Halep will be eyeing another strong effort at her favourite tournament, although the tag of favourite might not apply to her. Instead, we turn to Elina Svitolina, the fourth seed, who was triumphant in Rome and excellent in her first-round match against Alja Tomljanovic. Svitolina is first up on Suzanne-Lenglen. Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova will be keeping her company. Elsewhere Wozniacki faces Georgina Garcia Perez, a Spanish qualifier, and that’s followed by Britain’s Cameron Norrie taking on France’s Lucas Pouille, the 15th seed.
Norrie and Pouille are fourth on Philippe-Chatrier but there’s plenty of intrigue elsewhere in the men’s draw, with Novak Djokovic facing Jaume Munar, the world No155, Dominic Thiem meeting the exciting young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alex Zverev taking on Dusan Lajovic.
All that and we haven’t even got round to talking about Petra Kvitova, Kei Nishikori, Grigor Dimitrov, Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys. Let’s just hope the rain stays away.
Play begins at: 10am BST, 11am in Paris.
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