The American giant, John Isner, is still out on court in singles action - he is currently two sets up against the Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert - but that is it for our live updates. Ben Fisher is back tomorrow with more French Open coverage and Kevin Mitchell’s reflections from an entertain day’s play will be one the site shortly.
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Serena Williams beats Julia Görges 6-3, 6-4 to move into the fourth round!
Second set: Görges 3-6, 4-6 Williams* (*denotes server): There’s real purpose from Williams as an overhead smash is put away to take her to 30-0, a big serve and a long return later and Williams closes out to love! If there is any doubt about her ability to win this tournament surely that has been ground into the clay over the last hour or so.
Second set: Görges* 3-6, 4-5 Williams (*denotes server): At 0-30 down Görges rushes the net and draws an error from Williams, who can only fire into the net. Görges gets to 40-30 but gives Williams a sniff with a line drive forehand into the net that brings up deuce. Great resilience from Görges! She shakes off a contentious call from the line judge to hold and force Williams to serve for it with an emphatic backhand winner.
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Second set: Görges 3-6, 3-5 Williams* (*denotes server): New balls for Williams take some getting used to and she fires down a third double-fault of the match and a lovely flicked backhand from Görges temporarily slow down the juggernaut. Another big serve is returned into the net and Görges is now serving to stay in the match.
Second set: Görges* 3-6, 3-4 Williams (*denotes server): Görges finds William’s forehand tramline and another ace - her 11th - stems the tide. Another marvellous winner from Görges and a wild winner attempt from Williams stretches the set at least two more games. Görges is not going down without a fight.
Second set: Görges 3-6, 2-4 Williams* (*denotes server): Will that predicted sprint to the second set and match start now? We hit an hour’s play as Williams moves 30-15 ahead with a forehand winner and two unreturnable serves later moves the American closer to fourth round meeting with Maria Sharapova.
Second set: Görges* 3-6, 2-3 Williams (*denotes server): That lapse just seems to stir Serena. She races out to 0-40 and only a 10th ace from Görges prevents a break to love. Williams re-taking the lead by wrong-footing her opponent on the baseline with an arrowed backhand.
Second set: Görges 3-6, 2-2 Williams* (*denotes server): Williams is just not giving up chances on her own serve and Görges is being forced to hit ridiculous shots just to stay in it. Williams manoeuvres her opponent around the court to get up 40-15. A double-fault halts Williams progress and a fierce forehand from Görges forces deuce before an errant forehand gives the German a break point of her own. Another long ball from Williams and we’re all square. That is some admirable fight from Görges, I’m sure many, myself included, thought that would be the end of her resistance.
Second set: Görges* 3-6, 1-2 Williams (*denotes server): At 15-30 a tame Görges backhand finds the net and Williams has her first two break points of the set. An ace saves one and unfortunate bounce deceives the Great Serena and forces a forehand error to take it to deuce. Görges roars a big ‘come on’ when she saves a third with a powerful, deep drive to the Williams backhand. The American earns another when she takes a loose backhand early but Görges responds with another ace. Finally a fifth break point proves too much to save for Görges when she can’t find an ace. You sense that game was critical and a Williams onslaught is all that can follow.
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Second set: Görges 3-6, 1-1 Williams* (*denotes server): Williams thwacks a forehand winner down the line and into the open court to and then calls for the umpire to come out and inspect the clay on what proves to be a long return from Görges to go 30-0 up. Even the netcord is going Williams’ way at the moment, a ball sits up nicely for a Görges backhand but she overhits it.
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Second set: Görges* 3-6, 1-0 Williams (*denotes server): Williams hits two ugly returns to hand Görges a nice 30-0 start to the second. The German is actually serving very well and gets a vital hold when Williams puts a backhand into the net at 40-30.
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Serena Williams wins first 6-3!
First set: Görges 3-6 Williams* (*denotes server): On her own serve, Williams offers no chances and despite losing her fifth service point of the set serves it out with an emphatic smash at the net. Routine so far.
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First set: Görges* 3-5 Williams (*denotes server): Hanging on to the coattails is the best Görges can hope for at the moment as Williams windmills away bombs from the other end of the court. Williams is clearly in mood to get this done quickly but her desire to play on the lines leads to errors and Görges is able to find another ace and force another game.
First set: Görges 2-5 Williams* (*denotes server): All the usual Serena adjectives apply as she goes 5-2 up with another love hold: powerful, imposing and efficient.
First set: Görges* 2-4 Williams (*denotes server): Görges nails her fifth ace of the set and continues to serve aggressively but Williams pounces on anything loose. Aces seem to be the only answer for the German, a sixth is followed by a double-fault to go to deuce but she holds her nerve to stay in touch.
First set: Görges 1-4 Williams* (*denotes server): Williams holds to love, although that included a horrendous Görges miss at the net. We’re 17 minutes in and Williams is two games away from taking the first set. She’s not been at her best but the world No449 (absurd) is getting it done.
First set: Görges* 1-3 Williams (*denotes server): A crisp volley from Williams puts her up 0-15 and Görges shows her first signs of being under pressure as she slides a backhand long, coughing up two break points. Görges saves those two and another with an ace but gives Williams a fourth chance with a loose forehand at deuce, this time Williams breaks when her opponent’s attempted drop shot gives the American more than enough to find an easy passing winner.
First set: Görges 1-2 Williams* (*denotes server): Williams is looking less fluent, throwing in a double-fault before forcing a couple of forehand errors from Görges. Williams holds with a powerful first serve down the middle that the German can only return long.
First set: Görges* 1-1 Williams (*denotes server): Görges makes easier work of her first service game, firing down two aces on the way to a hold to love.
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First set: Görges 0-1 Williams* (*denotes server): Williams, looking striking in her all-black ‘Black Panther’ catsuit, breezes to 30-0 but plays too close to the lines and allows Görges to level. There is some resistance from the German but the world No11 is eventually overpowered routinely enough.
As Julia Görges’s and Serena Williams finish up their warm-ups on Suzanne-Lenglen, here’s Kevin Mitchell on the returning American:
So, Serena Williams is up next on Suzanne-Lenglen. She’s up against Julia Görges, whose seeded 11th at Roland Garros. A quick updated on what’s been going elsewhere: Del Potro has taken the first two sets against Ramos-Viñolas, while John Isner leads Pierre-Hugues Herbert. In the women’s, Angelique Kerber leads Kiki Bertens 3-2 in the first. But, without further ado, here’s Tom Bassam to guide you through Serena’s clash with Görges, with the former on the hunt for her fourth title in Paris.
Caroline Garcia beats Irina-Camelia Begu 6-1, 6-3! The Frenchwoman soaks up the sound of Suzanne-Lenglen as she eventually gets over the line in the second set, with the net to thank as Begu fell short. Next up? Serena Williams will cap Saturday’s bill. She faces Julia Görges, the German bidding to make it beyond the third round for the first time. As for Serena, she’s looking for her fourth Roland Garros title.
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Begu has survived four match points and counting against Garcia ... the home crowd are getting a little nervy. Elsewhere at Roland Garros, Del Potro and Ramos-Vinolas are level-pegging 3-3 in the second set after the former took the first and, on court 1, Angelique Kerber and Kiki Bertens are at 1-1 in the early stages.
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Kudos to Begu, who is enjoying a mini-revival against Garcia, delaying Serena Williams match against Julia Görges on Suzanne-Lenglen. She’s fought back to 3-5, although it’s still hard to not see Garcia advancing. But she’s making hard work of it ...
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Garcia is ready to dispose of Begu in straight sets. The latter is just about holding on for now. Earlier on, Maria Sharapova coasted into the last 16:
Marin Cilic eases past Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-2, 6-4! A bruising and efficient display by the Croatian, who breezes into the fourth round. Next up he will face Fabio Fognini who overcame Kyle Edmund in five sets earlier today. That will be a real clash of styles. Both will doubtless exude confidence. “I feel I am getting better and better, I’m serving a little more consistent,” Cilic said. Next on court 1 will be Kerber v Bertens.
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Simona Halep beats Andrea Petkovic in straight sets! Petkovic was bothered by a recurring knee injury at the end of the first and Halep breezes through in the second, winning 7-5, 6-0. She will face Elise Mertens in the round of 16. Garcia, meanwhile, is beginning to pull away from Begu, also of Romania, on Suzanne-Lenglen.
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Del Potro takes the first set 5-7. Elsewhere, Simona Halep leads 3-0 in the second set after taking a marathon first, while Caroline Garcia looks set to have wrapped up a straight sets win inside an hour if she carries on in the same fashion on Suzanne-Lenglen. Cilic and Johnson are locked at 3-3 in the third – but the former is already two sets to the good.
Juan Martín del Potro is looking good out on Phillipe-Chatrier against Albert Ramos-Viñolas – but he’s being made to sweat it out if he is to land the first set. They’re at 5-6. Del Potro, of course, knocked out two Frenchman en route to this stage, Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut.
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Caroline Garcia, the No 7 seed, takes the first set against Irina-Camelia Begu 1-6. She’s very comfortable out there, going through the motions in front of a home crowd. Next up in Suzanne-Lenglen remember is Julia Görges’s clash with Serena Williams. Here’s more on Serena, by Kevin Mitchell:
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Petkovic is in trouble on court 18, in need of some attention on a leg injury picked up after seemingly jarring it in the clay. Halep – a true winner – is not best pleased at play being halted this early in the second game of this second set. She’ll not want to lose her own rhythm. Petkovic has a big ice pack wrapped around her right knee. On Suzanne-Lenglen, Caroline Garcia is cruising against Begu of Romania, serving for the set at 1-5. In the men’s singles, Ramos-Vinolas and Del Potro are neck and neck at 5-5 in the first. Cilic leads 2-1 but is behind in the third v Johnson.
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Cilic is making light work of Johnson, having just taken the second set 6-2 inside an hour. He’s well en route to the last 16. On court 18, Simona Halep has been grunting her way through a gruelling first set, eventually overcoming Petkovic after a brilliant defence to take the first 7-5. Twice she was repelled by Petkovic but stood firm to land the first blow. Elsewhere, Del Potro is in the driving seat against Ramos-Vinolas.
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Marin Cilic has taken the first set 6-3 against Steve Johnson and leads the second 2-0. That’s inside just 37 minutes. Del Potro and Ramos-Vinolas are in the early stages of the first set on Phillipe-Chatrier, level-pegging at 1-In the women’s singles, Simona Halep, the No 1 seed has just fought back to 4-4 in a lively first set. Serena Williams is due to take on Goerges, of Germany, on Suzanne-Lenglen a little later on.
David Goffin beats Gaël Monfils in a five-set thriller! The Belgian eventually wins 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Caroline Garcia, also of France, will face Irina-Camelia Begu next up on Suzanne-Lenglen. Elsewhere, Marin Cilic leads Steve Johnson 5-3 in the first set, while Simona Halep trails 2-3 up against Andrea Petkovic on courth 18.
Goffin is looking good against Monfils. He’s 5-2 up in the fifth, with Gasquet sheepishly looking up at the scoreboard during that defeat to Nadal for news on his countryman. That’s coming to a crescendo on Suzanne-Lenglen.
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Nadal is such a class act, showering Gasquet in praise – “a great person, a great man, a really important person on the ATP Tour”. He then precedes to have a quick knock around with a ballboy, a Nadal megafan. As one rally comes to an end, Nadal requests more balls. High-fives all-round at the end of what must have been a brilliant experience for that young man. After that fabulous finish, he scribbles his autograph on a few caps, oversized tennis balls and just about anything else the locals can find.
Coming up? Ramos-Vinolas v Del Potro will follow Nadal’s win on Phillipe-Chatrier. Elsewhere, Goffin and Monfils are slogging it out in a fifth set, while Cilic has just got under way against Johnson on court 1. The women’s No 1 seed, Simona Halep, faces Petkovic.
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Rafael Nadal beats Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2, 6-2!
It had been a long time coming. Nadal makes relatively hard work of the final game, coming from behind to beat the Frenchman on home turf, clinching victory from 40-30. Another comprehensive win for Nadal on Phillipe-Chatrier. Nadal dished out a real clay-court masterclass.
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Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 5-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Nadal will not have it all his own way. Gasquet balloons an ambitious backhand into Row Z but keeps on fighting to 15-40. He then powers a forehand beyond Nadal for a sweet winner. It’s still surely only a matter of time, though.
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): As a painstaking anti-clockwise Mexican wave takes precedent, with the home crowd revving up Gasquet with chants of his forename, Nadal takes the sting out of a brewing party mode at the end of a gruelling 29-shot rally. Then comes a thunderous backhand and an unforgiving forehand winner.
Elsewhere, David Goffin and Gaël Monfils are into a fifth set after the Belgian took the fourth 7-5. On court 1, Mischa Zverev lost out to Kevin Anderson, with the South African prospering 1-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-7. In the women’s doubles second round, Tatjana Maria and Heather Watson lead the Czech pair of Krejcikova and Siniakova.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 4-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): We are stuck at égalité for an age, with Gasquet wasteful with a couple of game-points. Nadal is on the ropes so to speak, but he digs out a spectacular, unthinkable forehand to return to deuce. Eventually, Gasquet prospers and Phillipe-Chatrier cheer a small victory.
Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-2, 4-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): Nadal is sapping the life out of Gasquet, point-by-point, game-by-game. The pair are good friends – in a funny way Nadal will be reluctant to embarrass him – but he’s doing so, breezing the fourth game. Victory is in sight.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Some truly punishing tennis by Nadal. Gasquet had come out on top in an stunning early rally that came to a climax at the net. Nadal was lightning at the baseline before leading the Frenchman in. He was unable to follow it up with much, though, rasping one into the net before Nadal attempts a preposterous forehand, stumbling after losing his footing. But then Nadal turns it on, upping the ante with a sweeping winner. There can’t be long left ...
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Third set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-2, 2-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): Just as Nadal looks a little perplexed on court, Gasquet skews one wide at 30-30. The Spaniard takes his time on serve, exceeding 25 seconds, and naturally does not need long to sharpen his focus, wrapping up the game.
Third set: Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 1-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Nadal zooms through to 40-15 after Gasquet had started the third with a bang. The Frenchman’s not having enough joy on his first serve. Anyway, Nadal’s in total control. Is this what they describe as sterile domination? Elsewhere, Mischa Zverev and Kevin Anderson are playing out something of a thriller on court 1, with the former looking good to take the fourth. Monfils, who is of course very popular with the locals, is tied against No 8 seed Goffin on Suzanne-Lenglen, 6-7, 6-3, 4-6, 4-4.
Rafael Nadal wins second set 6-2!
We have new balls, all of which Nadal thumps down the line beyond a hapless Gasquet; there’s a thudding ace in there for good measure.
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Second set: Nadal 6-3, 5-2 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Nadal applauds Gasquet’s sumptuous backhand and he’s on the back foot at 15-40, with the latter prospering at the net. That revs up Nadal to delve into his bulging back catalogue, dinking a backhand volley just over the net. Gasquet is such a classy performer himself though and fights back to take the game, 34 minutes into this second set.
Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 5-1 Gasquet (*denotes server): Nadal means business; he begins with a thudding forehand that leaves Gasquet motionless. The Frenchman lets out a wry smile as he is static on the clay. Nadal is eating through these games, with Gasquet left cussing the fact he cannot really get near him. A rally over the net is nothing short of soul destroying, with Nadal pulling the strings as Gasquet thumps the net.
Second set: Nadal 6-3, 4-1 Gasquet* (*denotes server): The Frenchman gets back on the scoreboard as we approach the hour mark.
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Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 4-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): Nadal plays a wonderful crosscourt backhand to get a grapple on this fourth game at 30-0. His next backhand leaves him wanting, though, as it furrows into the net. But these mistakes are few and far between and, sadly, Gasquet is simply no match for Nadal who has an unassailable lead.
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Second set: Nadal 6-3, 3-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): Gasquet puts up a fight as Nadal looks to finish him in a rally at deuce but the Spaniard is streetwise at the net. Four games in a row for Nadal.
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Second set: Nadal* 6-3, 2-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): Nadal’s strength and power is overawing the Frenchman – he’s shifting him as he pleases. That’s another game in the bag and it’s difficult to look beyond the obvious.
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Second set: Nadal 6-3, 1-0 Gasquet* (*denotes server): ‘Anything you can do, I can do better’, says Gasquet, as he shimmies around the court. A couple of luscious shots to sweep the home crowd off their feet. But Nadal seeps all of that enthusiasm out of the Parisiens as that air of inevitability takes hold. Meanwhile, Gaël Monfils is 2-1 up after taking the third set 6-4 on Suzanne-Lenglen and leads in the fourth.
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As Ben returns, here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report:
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Rafael Nadal wins first set 6-3!
First set: Nadal* 6-3 Gasquet (*denotes server): A long first rally ends with Nadal burying a forehand into the net, Chatrier again raises the volume. Nadal double-faults to go 0-30 down and suddenly looks shaken. A short backhand gives Nadal an easy winner for 15-30 but the Spaniard still cannot find a first serve but gets let off by a poor Gasquet backhand. A point later and after 32 minutes Nadal finally has a set point, he was 5-0 after 14 remember. Nadal takes the set as Gasquet’s lunging forehand can’t clear the net.
First set: Gasquet* 3-5 Nadal (*denotes server): The crowd sing ‘Allez les Bleus’ as Gasquet prepares to serve. He rewards with a backhand overhead winner to go 15-0 up and looks more confident as he finds his rhythm on serve. He seals the game with an ace to win his third game in a row. Nadal will serve for the set again.
First set: Nadal* 5-2 Gasquet (*denotes server): Gasquet carries through his momentum from his service game to take a 0-30 lead. A wobble from Nadal? Maybe. An exquisite backhand down the line gives Gasquet two break points and after forcing Nadal deep into the court the Frenchman makes one count. Cancel that dive into the record books.
First set: Gasquet* 1-5 Nadal (*denotes server): Gasquet gets a big roar as he goes 30-0 up when Nadal pulls a forehand into the high part of the net. Another two quick points as Nadal errs and the Frenchman is finally on the board - cue huge applause.
First set: Nadal* 5-0 Gasquet (*denotes server): This is getting embarrassing for Gasquet in front of his home crowd. Another game to love and Gasquet is now serving to stay in the set after just 14 minutes. Anyone know the record for fastest win in a Grand Slam not caused by injury?
First set: Gasquet* 0-4 Nadal (*denotes server): The Frenchman is still yet to get on the board! Nadal is just muscling his opponent around the court, twice forcing Gasquet wide enough all he can do is fire into the net to get 15-40 up. At 30-40, a toe-crushing backhand from Nadal forces Gasquet into a weak return and allows the Spaniard an easy winner for a 4-0 lead.
Thanks Ben. I don’t think this one will last long, we join the first set less than 10 minutes in on Philippe-Chatrier and Rafael Nadal already has a 3-0 lead over Richard Gasquet.
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Day seven so far:
- Muguruza beats Stosur 6-0, 6-2
- Khachanov beats Pouille 3-6, 5-7, 3-6
- Sharapova beats Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
- Kontaveit beats Kvitova 6-7, 6-7
- Stephens beats Giorgi 6-4, 1-6, 6-8
- Marterer beats Zopp 6-2, 6-1, 6-4
- Tsurenko beats Rybarikova 6-2, 6-4
Next up? Rafael Nadal will take on Richard Gasquet on Phillipe-Chatrier, while Paris-born Gaël Monfils resumes his match against David Goffin on Suzanne-Lenglen. He’s currently trailing. Tom Bassam will guide you through all of the best bits while I head off for some food.
Fabio Fognini beats Kyle Edmund 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4!
Stunning tennis to finish by Fognini, who is showered in applause after showcasing a catalogue of superb shots; namely a sweeping crosscourt forehand. He wastes the first of three match points, with Edmund standing tall opposite him, but the Briton then strikes long. Eventually, he gets the better of a very gallant Edmund in a curious match. The swaggering Italian is into the last 16. As for Edmund, he trudges off court after almost four hours on Suzanne-Lenglen.
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Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 5-4 Edmund (*denotes server): Ah. What momentum? Fognini flies to 40-0 before moving to within touching distance of the last 16. Can Edmund prevent him from getting there?
Fifth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-4 Edmund* (*denotes server): Suzanne-Lenglen is rammed for the finale ... Fognini finds himself moaning his way through the first few points after beefing up the unforced errors (58 in total). Edmund gees himself up with a ‘Come on!’ straight out of the Andy Murray textbook after going to 15-40. A brash forehand helps Edmund over the line, just as Fognini fancied it again.
Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-3 Edmund (*denotes server): A delicate drop shot – this time by Edmund – revs up the crowd but then Fognini takes over the baton so to speak, charging to 40-15. Edmund fails to repel Fognini’s serve and eventually pays the price. The Italian is two games away from getting over the line in this marathon match-up.
Fifth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini’s tail was up but Edmund levels with a couple of marvellous serves plunging the Italian in at the deep end. Fognini has been moving really well out there, still finding joy in the shape of the exquisite but Edmund is simply not going anywhere. We go again ...
Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-2 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini needed one of those purple patches to runaway with this but instead its Edmund who ramps up the pressure, earning two break points after Fognini falters. But, just as the Italian appears to have been stifled, he turns on the charm, switching play before smiling down the lens of the camera after another fine comeback.
Fifth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-2 Edmund* (*denotes server): A few more fans are filtering into their seats, with Monfils v Goffin on next on Suzanne-Lenglen. Every ounce of energy is useful from here on in. Edmund digs deep to find some power in the serve and with Fognini failing to fire back at him until at 0-40, the 23-year-old prospers. Meanwhile, Sharapova has breezed past Pliskova in under an hour.
Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 2-1 Edmund (*denotes server): Tired legs seem to be setting in now, with Fognini’s quick-thinking outwitting Edmund. This is Fognini’s 30th five-setter. Will that experience show?
Fifth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 1-1 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini’s focus lapses once more and Edmund drives to 0-40. They’re level-pegging in the fifth set. We are into our fourth hour of this, er, epic.
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Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 1-0 Edmund (*denotes server): A bit of early commotion with Fognini querying an out call. He’s wrong, though. That seems to inspire him, with an antagonising drop shot and a crisp volley pulling Edmund around the court like a puppet. Edmund squanders an easy forehand and, suddenly, Fognini’s able to wrap up the game by sending his fifth ace of this match hurtling past Edmund.
Fifth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 0-0 Edmund (*denotes server): Elsewhere at Roland Garros, Maria Sharapova is 6-2, 2-1 up against Pliskova, the No 6 seed. Nadal and Del Potro are still to come on Phillipe-Chatrier. Meanwhile, Kontaveit saw off Kvitova in straight sets earlier on this morning, 6-7, 6-7 and Stephens eventually got the better of Giorgi, winning 6-8 in the third and final set. Back to Suzanne-Lenglen ..
Fabio Fognini wins fourth set 6-4!
A good start by Edmund is ultimately in vain as he fails to find the corner with an excitable open forehand. Fognini grinds through the gears to power to 40-15, bringing the Italian’s fan-club to their feet. A tired Edmund forehand bumbles its way into the net and that’s that. A fifth set of fun and games will be upon us shortly.
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Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 5-4 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini delves into his back catalogue with a couple of quickfire beauties; namely a crisp drop shot before racing to 40-0. A rasping forehand is too much for Edmund and suddenly the Briton has to serve to stay in the set.
Fourth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 4-4 Edmund* (*denotes server): It’s better to laugh than cry, right? Fognini grins sweetly at a horrible miss at 30-30, in turn allowing Edmund to level up. Does a fifth set beckon?
Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 4-3 Edmund (*denotes server): Mamma Mia, there’s that Fognini mojo. Elsewhere, Sharapova leads Pliskova 6-2 in the first, while Anderson is front 5-1 against Mischa Zverev in the first.
Fourth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 3-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): Edmund’s in his stride again, with Fognini cutting a frustrated and animated figure. Two double faults threatened to give Fognini a route back in but he gets let off the hook with a couple of shoddy returns by the Italian. It has proved a stodgy match at times but Edmund will not care an inch after Fognini fires painfully long. He throws his racket to the floor, as Edmund celebrates a third straight game.
Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 3-2 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini looks to the heavens, murmuring to himself as Edmund strolls into a 0-40 lead. A brilliant game breaks Fognini and pulls him back in. Can he keep it going?
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Fourth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 3-1 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini appears to be advancing towards a fifth set the fresher, just as Edmund’s serve goes stale. But, with Fognini already thinking a fourth straight game was in the bag, Edmund fights his way back in. A wild forehand gifts Edmund the crucial point at advantage. Just thinking about the outcome of this one is tiring.
Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 3-0 Edmund (*denotes server): A game of two halves, as they say. Just as Fognini’s latest irresistible streak takes hold, Edmund has a chance to break him at 30-40. But, Fognini fights back, firstly with a delicious and devious drop shot and then a lasting strike down the line. Three games in a row and counting ...
Fourth set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 2-0 Edmund* (*denotes server): A gorgeous drop shot prevents Edmund from running away with the game, with the latter scooping one into the net at 30-30. Then Edmund has Fognini on the back foot but the Briton cannot put the Italian to the sword, with Fognini’s preposterous defence standing firm. Edmund, still mourning that point, plays a backhand long and Fognini prospers.
Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 1-0 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini appears in trouble from the off, with Edmund sending him crashing into the advertising hoardings, and out of shot. But, two poor Edmund errors – a sloppy volley and weak forehand – giftwrap Fognini a way back in. For good measure, the Italian wraps up with a thumping ace. Is that him back for good? When will we know?
Fourth set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 0-0 Edmund (*denotes server): Has Fognini got one last riveting revival in him? Or has he used up all of his lives? Kudos to Edmund for keeping his cool amid the chaos that always seems to be present when Fognini’s involved.
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Kyle Edmund wins third set 6-3!
A fine serve eats away at Fognini, to tee up Edmund up nicely at 15-30. He shifts Fognini from side-to-side, with a tired backhand into the net earning two set points for the Briton. He requires just the one, with a low-key fist pump to boot. Edmund’s in the driving seat now.
Third set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-5 Edmund (*denotes server): Edmund stamps his authority on this match, with Fognini flagging. He’s had that ankle taped up no end but a miserly double fault sees him come undone at the crucial moment. Despair for the Italian. That’s a massive game for Edmund, who will serve for the set.
Third set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 3-4 Edmund* (*denotes server): And now it’s Edmund’s turn to breeze through service. We are heading towards the climax of this third set, and now into the third hour of this mad match.
Third set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 3-3 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini comes back with a bang, racing to 40-0, sealing the game when Edmund’s long.
Third set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Edmund (*denotes server): Before we’re under way in the sixth game of this third set, Fognini seeks some ankle work, so his trainer’s on for a medical timeout. Edmund doesn’t look convinced but either way Fognini needs to rediscover his zip.
Elsewhere, the 22-year-old Russian Karen Khachanov has defeated Lucas Pouille 3-6, 5-7, 3-6. Camila Giorgi is level-pegging with Sloane Stephens in the third set with one apiece, while Marterer leads Zopp 6-2, 2-0.
Third set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini’s forehand begins to creak but his backhand comes up trumps to help him back to 30-30. He then has Edmund wrapped around his little finger, luring him into the net but a crashing forehand comes back to haunt the Italian once more. At deuce, there’s no room for error but Fognini’s return is reckless. Edmund seizes the game with Fognini going long. Suzanne-Lenglen, meanwhile, is looking absolutely resplendent, basking in the Paris sunshine.
Third set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 2-2 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini slams the racket against the clay, scuffing his feet in frustration at deuce. That earns a few cat calls from the crowd but that’s the sort of thing that will fuel him. That appears to disrupt Edmund’s rhythm, with the 23-year-old playing a lazy backhand into the net. Fognini duly takes the set.
Third set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 1-2 Edmund* (*denotes server): The man with a lightning bolt on his T-shirt plays a scorching backhand to cancel out Edmund’s 0-15. But he’s too hot around the collar on the forehand, sending one arrowing into the net to his disgust. The Italian gives his racket the cold shoulder while Edmund finishes with a rare ace.
Third set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-6, 1-1 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini has been getting a little narky but can he use it to his advantage again? A double fault suggests more misery but he’s quickly back on song.
Third set: Fognini 6-3, 4-6, 0-1 Edmund* (*denotes server): Edmund fancies himself again here, while Fognini’s not only agitated – shaking his head and cussing – and down in the dumps. Underneath the surface, the Italian seemed quietly confident of a comeback in that last set. But it’s Edmund who’s in the driving seat now, with Fognini’s backhand down the line too tight this time around. Edmund leads.
Kyle Edmund wins second set 6-4!
Unbelievable, really. After fighting his way back in Fognini, all smiles again, makes a mistake on his backhand, slamming one into the net as Edmund seeks to get into the groove after that medical timeout. And the Briton prospers without really doing anything as Fognini turns wild once more, throwing a forehand wide. Edmund keeps his cool at 30-40, with Fognini’s searching forehand ultimately too ambitious.
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Second set: Fognini* 6-3, 4-5 Edmund (*denotes server): During the changeover, Edmund gets his trainer is on to take a look at his left hip. His body is feeling it, and no doubt his brain’s a little frazzled too. He’s seen all sides of Fognini in Paris. As for Fognini, he’s hiding. The Italian’s got his towel covering his face – he’s some character ...
Second set: Fognini 6-3, 4-5 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini wallops a forehand down the line to set the tone; he’s back in business. A searching strike puts Edmund firmly in his sights at 30-15, with a glorious backhand then too hot to handle. He earns a double-break point but squanders both. Yet, Fognini’s old friend and Edmund’s foe – the Italian’s explosive backhand down the line – helps him to advantage before Edmund digs deep. A costly double fault gifts Fognini back in and, as Edmund goes long, Fognini punches the air. So, we will have an unlikely and nervy finish.
Second set: Fognini* 6-3, 3-5 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini races into a 40-0 lead and sails his way through another service game ...
Second set: Fognini 6-3, 2-5 Edmund* (*denotes server): Fognini decides to gets back in the groove just in time to break Edmund. He’s still in it. So, what happens now?
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Second set: Fognini* 6-3, 1-5 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini sends a simple overhead thrashing out of the court to kick off this sixth game. He really is out of sorts, not helped by a dodgy foot-fault call. Edmund steamrollers – again – to 0-40 with a cute forehand to claim 10 straight points. And that’s a wrap. Edmund will serve for the set ...
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Second set: Fognini 6-3, 1-4* Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini rolls his eyes but suddenly Edmund is cruising in the second. Another 0-40 lead gobbled up, and another game stormed. It’s all change. Will the real Fabio Fognini please stand up?
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Second set: Fognini* 6-3, 1-3 Edmund (*denotes server): An extraordinary game, in which Fognini appeared to fall asleep. That was slovenly from him but Edmund laps it up. The question is, how long will it to take Fognini to stir? Edmund must be confused as to which Fognini he’s facing. Elsewhere, Garbiñe Muguruza is done and dusted on Phillipe-Chatrier, overcoming Stosur 6-0, 6-2. Meanwhile, Goffin leads Monfils in the third.
Second set: Fognini 6-3, 1-2 Edmund* (*denotes server): Both have played some wacky shots at times, with that erratic streak and degree of inconsistency having always plagued Fognini from becoming a great, right? He’s just shown as much, with Edmund sailing to 0-40. But credit to Edmund though, who bounces back to take the lead in the second.
Second set: Fognini* 6-3, 1-1 Edmund (*denotes server): Ah, he finished the last game with a spring in his step but Fognini has Edmund moving and shaking, wrapping up the game with a sensational point at 40-15, shifting the Briton around with one last arcing forehand. Sublime.
Second set: Fognini 6-3, 0-1 Edmund* (*denotes server): Suzanne-Lenglen is sunbathed and despite Fognini’s backhand appearing to burn Edmund, he hangs on to the clinch the first game. Fognini is a real cool customer and while Edmund looked a little out of sorts and flustered, he has far from fallen to pieces. Winning the first will give him a boost if he needs it.
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Fabio Fognini wins first set 6-3!
The manner in which Edmund slips on the clay says it all for a miserable few games for the Briton. His early lead has been ripped to pieces. He dusts himself off before grabbing another racket but it doesn’t make any difference, with Fognini earning three set points, obliging to take the set with the second. The Italian has looked a class act for the past half an hour. That was a pretty chastening experience for Edmund in the end, with Fognini’s backhand down the line causing havoc.
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First set: Fognini 5-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): A brilliant replay-worthy backhand by Fognini sets the the standard, but just as Edmund seems to be getting a little sloppy – firing a wayward forehand wide and slow to the net – he gets to 30-40. But Fognini responds with a billowing backhand – a real beauty – and a crosscourt backhand to cap a job well done. And, just like that, that’s four games in a row for the Italian.
First set: Fognini* 4-3 Edmund (*denotes server): Edmund’s forehand down the line comes up a little short and then his backhand wayward. Fognini, suddenly, after moaning and groaning his way through the first few games, appears to have settled. A beautiful backhand catches Edmund cold to rack up a 40-0 lead. He fails to finish Edmund with an instinctive ace but he soon swaggers towards the ballboy – towel in hand – with the game done.
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First set: Fognini 3-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): A double fault typifies a disappointing service for Edmund, with Fognini lapping up a couple of Edmund errors to fly to 40-0. And then Edmund goes long. That was a really poor game as far as Edmund’s concerned. Off-colour.
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First set: Fognini* 2-3 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini plays a cute volley at the net, a steel-eyed return, on his way to racing to 40-0. Then Edmund gets a little lucky was the Italian skims the net and out with a thumping forehand. But Edmund’s next shot is magnificent; a cool, flat forehand to leave Fognini flummoxed. In the end, it doesn’t matter, though, with Fognini hitting back with a walloping forehand.
First set: Fognini 1-3 Edmund* (*denotes server): Edmund looks relatively at ease, with a smarting ace helping him to 0-30 before securing the game at 15-40. Elsewhere, Muguruza has wrapped up the first set against Stosur 6-0 on Phillipe-Chatrier. Easy peasy.
First set: Fognini* 1-2 Edmund (*denotes server): Fognini roars to 40-0 but, again, Edmund does not roll over and digs deep back to find deuce. The Italian has a bit of strapping on his right calf and you wonder quite how much that is aiding or impairing him. He’s strutting slowly but takes the game, with Edmund rattling one into the net. Unlucky.
First set: Fognini 0-2 Edmund* (*denotes server): A super rally mid-way through this game had set the tone; Fognini flirted with a lob shot and Edmund returned with a crashing volley. Fognini gets into the driving seat but the Italian ends up whacking his heels with his racket after surrendering break point. Edmund twice earns advantage and ultimately Fognini’s power is his own undoing, as he slams a forehand into the net.
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First set: Fognini 0-1 Edmund* (*denotes server): There is a brief pause in play at 40-30 because a spectator has fallen ill in the crowd, it seems. It looks as though a stretcher might be required ... but hopefully all’s OK. While we’re waiting for play to resume, we’ll take a look at what’s going on elsewhere; Muguruza is cruising against Stosur 4-0 in the first set, Kvitova leads Kontaveit 3-1 in the first on court 1.
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First set: Fognini* 0-1 Edmund (*denotes server): A couple of big serves get the Italian off to rasping start, with Edmund overhitting two of his opening three returns to slip to 40-0. But kudos to the Briton, who stays alive after that to pull it back to deuce. He then plays a tremendous, darting backhand down the line to establish advantage before Fognini strikes the net. And that’s a great start for Edmund, an early break.
Suzanne-Lenglen is looking pretty sparse. Maybe the locals are yet to cotton on to the Kyle Edmund train? As his coach says, the Yorkshireman is getting better and better with every game. Weather news: it’s 20C on the ground in Paris.
Kyle Edmund and Fabio Fognini trudge out on to court – they’re first up on Suzanne-Lenglen this morning in a slightly overcast Paris. The Briton’s coach has been talking in the buildup to this one. “For sure we have seen Kyle grow as a person,” Fredrik Rosengren said. “Confidence is one thing, self-esteem is one thing, it’s very important that you enjoy being out there and we have seen him stepping up in big moments. It’s all about sacrifices, hard work, desire and what we talk about being a great tennis player.”
Of facing Fognini, the Swede added: “We know he can beat the best players in the world on a good day but it’s all about the mental strength, being so strong up in the head in the right moments. He [Edmund] has to see himself leaving the court as a winner today.”
Preamble
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Kyle Edmund did not exactly breeze into the third round – it was a strange match against Marton Fucsovics – but the 16th seed will have to presumably grind through the gears to get the better of clay-court supremo Fabio Fognini, a man who has had twice found joy against Rafa Nadal on his favoured surface. Without being patronising Edmund, it is fair to say, is treading new ground. The 23-year-old has relished his first Grand Slam as the British No 1, and his first as a seeded player. By reaching this point, Edmund has equalled his best performance at this tournament. Going one better would be a real feat. “He is a player who is more difficult for me to beat on hard court than clay,” Fognini said. “He has a good forehand and serve. Before he wasn’t moving so well but now he is much better from a physical point of view.”
Nadal, meanwhile, is in action on a glorious day seven a little later on on Phillipe-Chatrier – that’s once Sharapova and Muguruza are done and dusted. Also in action, No 1 Simona Halep faces Andrea Petkovic, while two giants, Marin Cilic and John Isner, have hopes of reaching the last 16.
Order of play (from 10am BST, singles only)
Court Philippe-Chatrier
Garbiñe Muguruza (3) v Samantha Stosur
Lucas Pouille (15) v Karen Kachanov – Khachanov leads 6-3, 7-5, 1-1
Maria Sharapova (28) v Karolina Pliskova (6)
Rafael Nadal (1) v Richard Gasquet (27)
Albert Ramos-Viñolas (31) v Juan Martin Del Potro (5)
Court Suzanne-Lenglen
Fabio Fognini (18) v Kyle Edmund (16)
David Goffin (8) v Gäel Monfils (32) – Goffin leads 6-7(6) 6-3 3-2
Irina-Camelia Begu v Caroline Garcia (7)
Julia Goerges (11) v Serena Williams
John Isner (9) v Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Court One
Mischa Zverev v Kevin Anderson (6)
Marin Cilic (3) v Steve Johnson
Angelique Kerber (12) v Kiki Bertens (18)
Court 18
Magdalena Rybarikova (19) v Lesia Tsurenko
Diego Schwartzman (11) v Borna Coric
Simona Halep (1) v Andrea Petkovic
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