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The Guardian - UK
Sport
Katy Murrells

French Open 2020: Djokovic sets up Tsitsipas semi, Kvitvoa to meet Kenin – as it happened

Novak Djokovic leads Carreño Busta by two sets to one.
Novak Djokovic came from one set down to beat Pablo Carreño Busta. Photograph: Ian Langsdon/EPA

With my tummy rumbling very loudly, it’s time to wrap up the blog. It’s a 10th French Open semi-final for Djokovic, but he’s lost a bit of ground to Nadal in the title stakes after his early struggles tonight. Thanks for your company, do join us again tomorrow when Tumaini will be covering the women’s semi-finals. Bye!

That victory will go some way to exorcising his demons from New York:

Djokovic beats Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4!

Both players are hitting so deep and true. With Carreno Busta appearing unfazed despite his predicament, the Spaniard holds to 15. So can Djokovic finish the job on his serve? Carreno Busta’s likely to make him work for it. The first point goes a stubborn Carreno Busta’s way after a 24-shot rally. Djokovic levels at 15-all, rams into the net for 15-30 and regroups for 30-all. Will it be match point or break point? Match point, after Carreno Busta tamely hoiks wide. An inside-out followed by a cross-court forehand and Djokovic is into the semi-finals! He looks mightily relieved after the physical stresses in that first set. He’ll face Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday.

But Carreno Busta shouldn’t be written off. Here are two break-back points at 15-40, as light rain starts to fall in Paris. Djokovic saves the first with some smart play and doesn’t need to do much to fend off the second because Carreno Busta makes the error. Deuce. Advantage Carreno Busta, break point number three. Djokovic, breathing heavily here, absolutely wallops a forehand winner deep into the corner. That was a shot of brutal force. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic. Some extra bounce, bounce, bouncing of the ball before he serves but it doesn’t help; he double faults. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic with a backhand winner down the line. He roars. But soon has his head bowed after an error. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic. Jeu Djokovic. He’s a game away from his 10th Roland Garros semi-final at 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-3.

Djokovic holds to love, putting the pressure straight back on Carreno Busta’s serve. Carreno Busta is looking to the skies when Djokovic hits a quite ridiculous backhand winner off a decent serve. Djokovic has his hands on Carreno Busta’s throat at 15-30, giving the Spaniard absolutely no time to breathe in the rally, and it’s 15-40. Djokovic then has a lung-bursting charge to the net to retrieve a drop shot, perhaps Carreno Busta didn’t think Djokovic was going to make it, because he inexplicably misses. There’s the break. And quite possibly the match. Djokovic leads 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 4-3.

At 40-0 on Carreno Busta’s serve Djokovic strikes an utterly nonchalant return winner – at that stage of the game he doesn’t have much to lose. It seems as if it will be the only mark he makes in this game but another winner and then a double fault later it’s deuce. And soon Djokovic’s advantage. This would be a steal for the Serb. But he’s unable to pull off the heist. He’s 0-5 on break points in this fourth set. It’s *Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 2-3 Carreno Busta.

Djokovic nibbles on some dates at the changeover, Carreno Busta munches on a banana. Which reminds me it’s past my dinner time. I’d appreciate Djokovic finishing this one off in four. He duly listens, stepping things up from 30-all to bring up game point. But he’s teasing me, it’s soon deuce. Though he then decides to get serious again and secures the next two points for the hold. 2-2.

A lone spectator watches the quarterfinal
A lone spectator watches the quarterfinal Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

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Djokovic has not one, not two, but three chances to break on Carreno Busta’s serve. He can’t capitalise. But it’s trademark Djokovic when he turns some some superb defence into attack to earn himself a fourth break point. Which also goes begging. Djokovic is screaming at himself. His coach, Marian Vajda, who looks as if he’s dressed for the Serbian ski season, shivers in the stands. And Carreno Busta somehow holds. It’s *Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 1-2 Carreno Busta.

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Given the way Djokovic raged against Carreno Busta at the US Open, and the adversity he faced early in this match, he’s done a good job of keeping a lid on his emotions. Carreno Busta holds at the start of the fourth; then one of the points of the match plays out at 30-15 on Djokovic’s serve. Carreno Busta is Djokovic-like in his stretching and sliding in a 14-shot winning rally. 30-all. Which turns into deuce. And Djokovic holds firm. It’s Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 1-1 Carreno Busta*.

Updated

Djokovic wins the third set 6-3

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game and set Djokovic, with an ace down the T. An apt way to end the set given the way his serve has steadily improved in this match. The lucky fans who’ve been allowed into the Covid-controlled Chatrier applaud approvingly. They’re watching a world No 1 who’s now playing like one.

This set is superbly poised. Carreno Busta has raised his level and Djokovic has responded. Carreno Busta is left staring at the baseline when Djokovic’s shot skids off it for 15-30. The Spaniard then tries to dupe Djokovic with a drop shot. But Djokovic is wise to it. Two break points. Carreno Busta cracks a forehand from the tramlines but hits a foot or so long. Djokovic roars. He’s going to serve for the set at 5-3. The decisive game in this match? Peut-être.

Carreno Busta has hit a purple patch. From 3-0 down in the third set, he levels at 3-3 with a service game of real authority. And Djokovic is in the mood to match it. 15-0, 30-0. This is one of the best passages of play in the contest. So of course Djokovic then makes two errors. The commentator’s curse. 30-all. 30-40, when Djokovic drags a backhand wide. Carreno Busta tries to settle it with a huge forehand, but he gets too much on it. Deuce. The pair trade several cross-court backhands, before Djokovic mixes it up with a perfect drop shot and lob combination. Carreno Busta’s tweener goes well long. Advantage Djokovic. And the world No 1 nudges ahead. It’s Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 4-3 Carreno Busta*.

Carreno Busta clambers on to the third-set scoreboard for 1-3. That gives him the lift to take it to Djokovic in the next game, and it’s 0-30. This has come out of nowhere. Djokovic looks to be regaining control at 15-30 when in charge of the point, but Carreno Busta runs forward and pulls off the pass. 15-40, two break-back points. Djokovic’s shot flies off the top of the net and Carreno Busta has enough time to adjust and put away the winner. They’re back on serve, Djokovic leading 4-6, 6-2, 3-2.

I’m sure the Real Roger Federer would also be happy if Nadal was scheduled to start his semi-final in the early hours of Saturday morning, given Nadal could become the joint-GOAT if he claims the title on Sunday and moves alongside Federer on 20 majors. If Djokovic was to win the tournament he’d move on to 18, one behind Nadal. Would Djokovic have the fitness to push Nadal over five possible sets given his various ailments tonight? He doesn’t appear to be hurting right now: after breaking Carreno Busta from deuce with the cutest of drop shots, he surges to a love hold for 4-6, 6-2, 3-0.

Updated

Updated

Djokovic may be feeling better physically but he’s suffering after a near 30-shot exchange at 30-all on his serve. Carreno Busta eventually emerges victorious. 30-40. Djokovic bosses the break point right from the serve, and then moves into the forecourt to deliver the winner. Deuce. But he then misses by a whisker. Advantage Carreno Busta. Again Djokovic takes total command of the break point. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic, with a lovely angled drop volley. Carreno Busta balloons his backhand long. It’s Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 Carreno Busta*.

Djokovic wins the second set 6-2

No treatment for Djokovic from the trainer at the changeover, but he does use some eyedrops. And he’s certainly got a look-in here, as he carves out a crafty drop shot with some wicked side-spin off a deep stroke from Carreno Busta. 0-30. 0-40, three set points. Djokovic drills a return winner down the line. It’s one set all. Welcome to the quarter-final, Novak.

Djokovic returns the ball
Djokovic returns the ball Photograph: Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images

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The quickest of quick service games from Carreno Busta and it’s 4-2. Djokovic responds by holding to love himself but he’s made to work much harder for it. Though he does finish the game with a lethal one-two combination straight out of the tennis textbook. Djokovic leads 5-2 in the second set.

This is where you’d expect Djokovic to pull away but he still can’t shake off Carreno Busta, who’s snapping at his heels with a break chance at advantage on Djokovic’s serve. But Djokovic gets out of a hole with some better serves. Djokovic’s movement appears less impeded and and if he can find his serve too this could spell trouble for Carreno Busta. Djokovic consolidates the break for 4-6, 4-1.

Djokovic needs all the luck he can get right now and he’s apologising to Carreno Busta when his shot flies off the tape and he goes on to win the point for 15-40. His first break chances of the set. And from two break points down in the previous game, Djokovic strikes when Carreno Busta clunks into the net. It’s 3-1. The Djokovic comeback is on.

Djokovic receives more treatment to his left arm at the changeover. There was no medical timeout. And here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report on today’s women’s quarter-finals:

Djokovic’s first serve was down at 40% in that first set. He manages to hold at the start of the second, but still looks less than happy. Take Djokovic’s movement and flexibility out of his game and Superman is almost human. Carreno Busta levels at 1-1, before piling the pressure on Djokovic. A return winner and it’s 15-40. Carreno Busta should really settle matters on the second break point when Djokovic makes a hash of the smash, but he lets the ailing world No 1 off the hook. Deuce. And Djokovic edges through for 4-6, 2-1.

Djokovic has the trainer out at the changeover. He received treatment to his arm, not his neck, so he appears to have a collection of aches and pains. The cold weather surely isn’t helping. Nadal spoke last night about the dangers of playing tennis in such conditions. “It’s too cold to play tennis,” he said. “I know football players play outdoors with these conditions but they are always running, it’s different. It’s dangerous for our bodies to play with these conditions.”

Djokovic is treated by medical staff
Djokovic is treated by medical staff Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Carreno Busta wins the first set 6-4!

Dark clouds are starting to arrive and not just over Djokovic. The roof may be called into action. And Djokovic is springing into action too. A super strike for 0-15. But he cancels that out with a netted drop shot. 15-all. Which becomes 30-15, 40-15, two set points. Carreno Busta pulls off the classic one-two punch, serving out wide before bending down low to dig out Djokovic’s return for an inside-out winner.

Djokovic, perhaps feeling that neck injury, isn’t landing enough first serves. Just one in four points allows Carreno Busta to 30-all. But Djokovic hits with enough depth from the baseline to draw the error from Carreno Busta. Game point, 40-30. Another Djokovic double and it’s deuce. Djokovic doesn’t even attempt to move to the ball when Carreno Busta gobbles up the drop shot and flicks away a forehand winner for break point. Carreno Busta opts to come to the net but can’t control his backhand volley. Deuce. A second break point after Djokovic shows some uncharacteristically slow movement. That’s not a sentence I’ve often typed. Carreno Busta breaks and will serve for the first set at 5-4!

David Goffin, who lost in the first round to Jannik Sinner, has become the latest men’s player to test positive for Covid-19:

Djokovic has a habit of playing rope-a-dope with his opponents, but he really looks out-of-sorts. He drags himself to a hold, but in the next game misses a forehand on Carreno Busta’s serve that he’d normally make all day. He then blazes an easy backhand wide. But the real Djokovic then stands up, peeling off a winner for break point at his advantage. A marathon rally follows, these are the exchanges where Djokovic usually grinds his opponents into the red dirt, but the world No 1 loops long. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic, as he digs out a delightful backhand pass. Carreno Busta meekly concedes the break with a double fault. 4-4.

Djokovic, with a big piece of tape on the back of that troublesome neck, is pushing to break straight back at 15-30 but then flashes a forehand into the net. He then repeats the trick on the backhand side. 40-30. And Carreno Busta holds. It’s 4-2 to the challenger.

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Back on court, Carreno Busta holds for 2-2, before giving Djokovic a dose of his own medicine by dragging the world No 1 around the court for 15-40, two break points. Which is the most inopportune moment for my internet connection to crash. An uncomfortable looking Novak Djokovic then smacks a forehand into the net from mid-court and Carreno Busta rips up the script to break for 3-2!

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First Djokovic must focus on Carreno Busta. Djokovic does what Djokovic does, opening with a love hold. Carreno Busta sends out a message that he won’t be overawed by conceding only one point on his own serve. Nothing to see here. But perhaps there is, because Djokovic seems to be bothered by an injury, perhaps to his neck. At 30-all on the Djokovic serve, Carreno Busta tries to settle the point with a bullet of a backhand, but it flies wide. Djokovic holds from there for 2-1 but there’s a question mark over his fitness.

Novak Djokovic in action
Novak Djokovic in action Photograph: Charles Platiau/Reuters

Djokovic spoke of “awkward deja vu” after a ball flew off his racket and hit a line judge’s face during his fourth-round win against the dangerous Russian Karen Khachanov. Today Djokovic faces another reminder of last month’s disqualification at the US Open, because he’s up against the same opponent as he was on that infamous day in New York, Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.

That was Carreno Busta’s only victory over Djokovic, who has won their three other meetings. And with Djokovic having won all 35 of his completed matches this year, and having looked in such superb touch so far this fortnight, the world No 1 perhaps has a real chance of overthrowing Nadal in his own kingdom come Sunday.

Updated

Thanks Daniel. Well that was quicker than expected. Djokovic will be pleased to get on to court a lot earlier than Nadal did last night. Marginal gains and all that.

Updated

It’s not entirely clear why Djokovic – and Nadal – are forced to play through the rounds, instead of just turning up for the last eight, but we’re at that point now. Katy Murrells is back to guide you through his match with Carreño Busta.

Tsitsipas says “It’s so satisfying to be able to play at that level” and he’ll be glad to know that I feel the same way. He says he didn’t go for too much – when Rublev beat him in Hamburg, he did – but today he was “very flamboyant and relaxed”, an interesting pairing of emotions.

I absolutely love Tsitsipas and have since accidentally coming by him playing a futures match a few years ago. He plays with such elan, aggression and joy, and once he gets used to playing big matches – and once Nadal and Djokovic are a bit older – he’ll start winning majors.

Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Andrey Rublev 7-5 6-2 6-3!

Tsitsipas had to hang in the first set, coming from a break down to win it, but delivered an absolute tousing thereafter, winning in 1h 55m. Tsitsipas meets Djokovic or Carreño Busta next; we’ll have that altercation for you shortly.

Tsitsipas reacts after winning
Tsitsipas reacts after winning Photograph: Julien de Rosa/EPA

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Tsitsipas is just so, so good – the flair, the attitude, the total brilliance – and he slides into a graceful winner that raises his first match point, which Rublev saves with a phat serve. After a couple of deuces, he hangs on, and yerman will now serve for it. Rublev 5-7 2-6 3-5 Tsitsipas

At 15-all, Rublev batters a serve out wide and somehow Tsitsipas leaps into a monster stride to claw back a crosscourt forehand winner; that is incredible. And he gets a point for a double break too, forcing Rublev to hurl all of himself into a succession of shots to eventually thwack one that can’t be got back; he eventually closes out, just. But then Tsitsipas holds to love – he’s won 25 of the last 28 points on serve! – and this is nearly did. Rublev 5-7 2-6 2-5 Tsitsipas

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Rublev gets to deuce so Tsitsipas goes to the tried and tested, big, safe serve into the body and a clean up forehand into the other corner. The game is quickly his, and the semis nearly are. Rublev 5-7 2-6 1-4 Tsitsipas

This is now an apart-taking. Tsitsipas earns two break points and doesn’t even have to fight to convert, a tired backhand dropping long. Rublev isn’t long for this match. Rublev 5-7 2-6 1-3 Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas adjusts his balance for a return
Tsitsipas adjusts his balance for a return Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Hi again. Tsitsipas is redd hott, and there’s not loads Rublev can do about it other than hang in there and try to hold serve. Rublev 5-7 2-6 1-2 Tsitsipas

Daniel Harris will be your guide for the third set. Over to you Daniel ...

Tsitsipas wins the second set 6-2

Tsitsipas’s superiority and confidence is such that he doesn’t wait to serve this set out, he gets it done on Rublev’s serve instead, breaking the seemingly broken Russian to 30. Tsitsipas leads 7-5, 6-2. But Rublev’s been here before. He was two sets to love down in the first round. Can he pull off another unlikely escape here? Tsitsipas, by the way, was also down two sets in the opening round. It’s been quite some response from him since.

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That 2019 US Open exit was a second successive first-round grand slam defeat for Tsitsipas, who was suffering in mind and body after his breakthrough run to the Australian Open semi-finals, where he was spoken of as the Next Big Thing. But after that US Open he won the ATP Finals, his biggest title to date, and he’s now very much in the driving seat to reach a second slam semi. He brings up two break points at 15-40 after a draining duel. And the Greek can thank the gods, because he gets lucky when his shot flies off the top of the tape and Rublev can’t react quickly enough at the net. Tsitsipas leads by a set and a break, 7-5, 4-2. Make that 5-2 after a speedy hold.

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Rublev holds for 2-2. Tsitsipas holds for 3-2 from 0-30 down. Rublev has beaten Tsitsipas at a grand slam before, by the way, winning a brutal encounter at last year’s US Open 6-4, 6-7, 7-6, 7-5.

Rublev reacts as he throws his racket in the air
Rublev reacts as he throws his racket in the air Photograph: Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images

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Tsitsipas’s body language is so much more positive than Rublev’s right now, and again in this third game he’s using the drop shot at the right time to come through from deuce for 7-5, 2-1. That’s six of the last seven games for the Greek. But Rublev is unlikely to press the panic button just yet. He’s been so used to trailing recently, not only against Tsitsipas in that Hamburg final, but also in the first round here when he was two sets and 5-2 down against Sam Querrey. He also spent much of his fourth-round match chasing a deficit against Marton Fucsovics.

A fact of slightly more relevance to this match: the pair have both held at the start of the second set and it’s Tsitsipas leading 7-5, 1-1.

A fact of absolutely no relevance to this match but a fun one nonetheless: Andrey Rublev used to be in a boy band.

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Tsitsipas wins the first set 7-5

Tsitsipas holds to earn himself a tie-break at the very least. The set may not go that far, because from 30-all on Rublev’s serve, Tsitsipas draws Rublev in on a piece of string before charging forwards and passing Rublev with a cross-court forehand. He knew exactly what he was doing there. 30-40, set point. Rublev rifles long and from 5-3 down, Tsitsipas has stolen the set 7-5! Rublev smacks a ball into the ground in frustration. He knows he should have done better.

Tsitsipas of Greece plays a forehand
Tsitsipas of Greece plays a forehand Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Rublev, having looked so smooth on serve since that tricky second game, is suddenly attacked by nerves. 15-30, 15-40, break Tsitsipas when Rublev fires an edgy forehand long. That came out of nowhere. They’re back on serve at 5-5.

Rublev rattles through to love for 5-3. Since being break point down in the second game, the Russian’s won 15 of the last 17 points on serve. Now Tsitsipas is walking to the umpire’s chair. Is he going to call for the trainer already? What’s the problem? No, he’s going to his chair to change his racket. But he does have a word with the umpire too. It’s not clear what he was saying. Tsitsipas walks back to the baseline and secures a 30 hold, so Rublev will have to serve this set out at 5-4.

Tsitsipas is again having to defend for his life as Rublev stands in the middle of court and dictates the play. Rublev has a glimmer of a double break at 15-30 but Tsitsipas finds his first serve and that brings up 40-30. Followed by game. A potentially crucial hold from Tsitsipas; surely he wouldn’t have come back from a double break down given the way Rublev has started this match. Rublev leads 4-3.

A routine hold for Rublev, but Tsitsipas is finding things much tougher on serve. The Greek slides 15-40 down and is then sent right and left and right before Rublev rounds things off with a winner. First blood to Rublev. He leads 3-2 and backs that up in the blink of an eye for 4-2. Having beaten Tsitsipas in the Hamburg final recently he’ll be pleased to reassert his authority so quickly in this match.

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As the shadows move further across the court, with only the area behind Tsitsipas’s baseline still in the sun, Rublev is struggling to get a proper look on Tsitsipas’s serve. It’s 30-15 after Tsitsipas flashes down his first ace of the day. But Rublev starts to find his range and from deuce brings up a break point, following on from the one Tsitsipas had in the previous game. Tsitsipas dismisses the danger with a darting backhand winner down the line. A second break point is swatted away with a volley. Patrick Mouratoglou, moonlighting from his day job as Serena Williams’s coach, is sitting in Tsitsipas’s box. His man holds from there. It’s Tsitsipas 2-1 Rublev.

The long-haired, bandanaed Tsitsipas, who holds a resemblance to Bjorn Borg, is clad all in black, while Rublev has opted for a Andre Agassi-style throwback fluorescent number. Tsitsipas’s dad looks on in the stands as the match gets under way, wearing a face-mask that bizarrely has a cartoon of Tsitsipas’s face on it. Tsitsipas Sr should probably be wearing a tin hat given the way his son and Rublev will go at each other. Tsitsipas thwacks and cracks his way to a love hold, has an early opportunity to break at 30-40, but Rublev rallies. It’s 1-1.

Rublev of Russia serves
Rublev of Russia serves Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It’s time to talk about the men, though, because coming up next is the potential blockbuster between two terrifically talented 22-year-olds, Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. It’s a repeat of last month’s Hamburg final, which Rublev won in straight sets. Don’t expect much subtlety on show here: this will be a match of all-out attack.

Such has been the craziness of the women’s draw:

If Kenin wins the title on Saturday, she’ll be the first woman to win two slams in a year since Angelique Kerber in 2016.

The semi-final lineup:

Iga Swiatek v Nadia Podoroska

Sofia Kenin v Petra Kvitova

Updated

Thanks Daniel. That was Australian Open form from Kenin, who flipped her grand slam champion switch and turned the third set into an exhibition, just as she did in the final set of her fourth-round encounter against Fiona Ferro. After Monday’s win she burst into tears, so unhappy she was with the partisan Parisian crowd. She’s not really smiling now either, she just looks extremely focused, knowing the job is not yet done. This will be her first semi-final in Paris.

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Righto, that’s me did – Katy Murrells is back to take you through the rest of what should be a great day.

Sofia Kenin (4) beats Danielle Collins 6-4 4-6 6-0 and plays Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals!

This has been a brilliant set (of tennis) from the Australian Open champ; she’s produced her best play when it was most required, and in the process has absolutely devastated Collins’ second serve. No doubt Collins’ injury exacerbated the biggest difference between the two, how they move, but still, this has been very very impressive. Her v Kvitova will be an absolute treat.

Sofia Kenin smiles as she walks off Court after winning her quarterfinal match
Sofia Kenin smiles as she walks off Court after winning her quarterfinal match Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

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Iga Swiatek, who plays Nadia Podoroska in tomorrow’s semi-final, is now through to the semis of the women’s doubles with her partner, Nicole Melichar. Anyhow, Collins returns after roughly five minutes away and is quickly two break-points down; Kenin only needs one, slithering into the net to underarm a winner right into the corner. Collins 4-6 6-4 0-5 Kenin

This is brilliant from Kenin, who’s raised it right when she needed to; she holds again, easily – Collins’ serve isn’t coming down with the same power as before – and at change of ends, Collins calls for the physio, then follows him off. Collins 4-6 6-4 0-4 Kenin

Collins beat Jabeur despite playing the less good tennis but Kenin isn’t letting that happen to her, climbing into Collins’ serve and raising two break points with a drop. Collins saves one, but a thunderous backhand return is far too good, and suddenly this is almost over! Collins 4-6 6-4 0-3 Kenin

Words they never thought they’d type: Danielle Collins relaxes. As such, she’s broken to love and Kenin need only hold her serves to reach the last four – which she does, finding an ace at 0-30 that changes the flow. She’s much quicker about the court than Collins, so her defence is much better – that’s the most significant difference between them. Collins 4-6 6-4 0-2 Kenin

Danielle Collins wins the second set 6-4!

Collins lets out a piercing shriek when she holds for 5-4 and then dives into Kenin’s serve, attacking everything and quickly earning two set points. A serve out wide saves the first, Collins netting her forehand return, and second serve, right onto the back service-box line, brings up deuce. Collins, though, won’t go away, another wail signalling another set point – this one saved by a fine inside-out forehand that she applauds – but Kenin can’t hold her off for long, a murderous forehand greeting another second serve and forcing the error. Sccccrrrreeeeeeaaaaaam! This has got good! Collins 4-6 6-4 Kenin

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What’s kicked off the resurrection of late-80s/early-90s dayglo garms? Nike’s marketing department is my best guess, but notwithstanding cynical corporations, this is an extremely laudable development. Back on court, Collins has come upon some rhythm, winning an easy service game, but Kenin is still at it and quicker about the court, so rushes through a love hold. She looks a lot less likely to subside than Jabeur did. Collins 4-6 4-4 Kenin.

kvitova
Rublev

Thanks Katy and afternoon all. “Not gonna lie”, Collins spent yesterday morning ruining the final leg of my 17-1 accumulator, so I hope she’s enjoying my revenge. What a match that was though, maybe the best I’ve seen this championship – I love Collins’ intensity, but I really really love Jabeur’s mix of power, eye and hands. There’s something very Baghdatis about her, but I think she’s got a shot at winning a major if she can just play the big points a bit better. Anyhow, Collins plays her best game of the match to break back, so Kenin now leads 6-4 3-3.

I’m off to get some lunch, so I’ll hand you over to Daniel Harris ...

Collins regroups quickly enough to hold to 30. Kenin, after another moon ball or two or three, quickly establishes a 40-15 lead on her own serve. Now she’s mixing loopy balls with some clever slices, moving Collins from side to side, and that’s the game for 2-2. Kenin is out-thinking and outmanoeuvring her opponent and perhaps strikes the decisive blow when she breaks to 15. She leads 6-4, 3-2 with that break and appears the far more likely winner of these two Americans in Paris.

Updated

Collins opens the second set with a hold. But please don’t ask me for any more details because my computer froze. Collins then gets to 15-40 on Kenin’s serve. But again I have no idea how because my computer is still acting up. The perils of home working. The first break point comes and goes, as does the second when Kenin wrong-foots her opponent with a cross-court backhand winner that Collins thought was going down the line. Deuce. Advantage Kenin. Jeu Kenin. Collins knows that was a missed opportunity and decides to take it out on her coach Nicolas Almagro, who reached the Roland Garros quarter-finals himself during his playing career. It’s Kenin 6-4, 1-1 Collins*.

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Kenin wins the first set 6-4

Collins may be the bigger hitter but Kenin is playing the smarter tennis, and that gets her to 30-0. Which turns into 40-15, two set points. Collins prods her backhand return into the tramlines to give Kenin the set! It’s the first set Kenin has won against Collins in their four matches and the younger American moves to within a set of her first French Open semi-final.

Kenin plays a backhand
Kenin plays a backhand Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Another no-fuss hold from Kenin and it’s 5-3. Collins decides it’s also time to get serious on serve, and moves to 40-0, despite being blinded by the sun when she smashes on the third point. She still wins it thanks to a bit of improvisation. Kenin reduces her deficit to 40-30 but gets no further. However she’ll get the chance to serve this set out after the changeover, leading 5-4.

Kenin holds with ease and is looking good for the first set at 4-2. Collins, in contrast, appears uncomfortable. Because of the rain-affected schedule, Collins hasn’t had much rest, having also had to play yesterday, when she was taken to three sets by Ons Jabeur. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last year but after a Novak Djokovic-style change to her diet – no gluten, no dairy – she says she’s feeling healthy. Collins is in danger of going a double break down when Kenin clambers to advantage, but a second ace from Collins followed by a forehand winner avert the danger. Kenin leads 4-3.

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It’s been quite some turnaround for both players at Roland Garros. Kenin suffered a double-bagel loss to Victoria Azarenka in Rome only three weeks ago, while Collins entered the tournament on a three-match losing streak and hadn’t played a single match on clay this season. Kenin holds to 30, and her squash-shot style defence gets her to 0-30 on Collins’s serve. Another errant shot from Collins and it’s 0-40. Kenin has three break points to add to the one she had in Collins’s last service game. And Collins hands her American rival the break with a double fault. Cue an apology on TV about Collins’s language. Kenin strikes first. She’s 3-2 up with the break.

Now it’s Kenin’s turn to apply some pressure on her opponent’s serve. 0-30. Kenin can’t capitalise and it’s 30-all, as a smattering of spectators – their numbers diminished not only because of Covid rules but also because it’s lunchtime – watch on. The Parisians seems to be favouring food over this encounter. Four deuces and one break point follow – Collins is the aggressor here and Kenin is doing plenty of defending – and eventually Collins holds. The highlight was a beautiful backhand winner from Collins on the break point. Collins is 2-1 up on serve.

Collins serves to Kenin
Collins serves to Kenin Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

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This is an intriguing match-up: Kenin has the greater grand slam pedigree but Collins dominates the head-to-head. While Kenin is the tougher competitor, Collins is the harder hitter. Collins makes the more comfortable start here, holding to love before forcing Kenin to deuce. It’s 1-1.

Next up it’s the all-American affair between Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin, this year’s Australian Open champion. If Kenin is to set up a semi-final against Kvitova she’ll have to do something she’s never done before – win a set against Collins. They’ve played three times before, twice in 2017 on the ITF circuit and then earlier this year in Adelaide when Collins blasted her off the court. Kenin hasn’t won more than seven games in any of their previous meetings.

Kvitova speaks:

It means a lot to me. In my last match I got a bit emotional when I won. I’m really happy to be in the semi-final after everything. Right now it’s my lucky place. I’m really happy I’m still able to play and compete with the best.

An even scoreline but a slightly uneven match, given how Kvitova cruised in the first set and was pushed in the second. But Kvitova rose to the challenge and still hasn’t dropped a set this tournament. Her game has developed so much on the clay and she’s very much in the title reckoning.

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Kvitova beats Siegemund 6-3, 6-3

Siegemund, serving at 15-all, loops long. She looks as if she knows the end is coming. 15-30. A backhand winner from Kvitova brings up two match points at 15-40. Kvitova miscues a forehand which is well out, 30-40. Siegemund nets her first serve, attempts to steady herself for her second ... but it clatters the net and slumps back on to her side of the court. The match ends with a double fault. Kvitova is through to her second Roland Garros semi-final, eight years after her first, and she’ll face the winner of the next match between Sofia Kenin and Danielle Collins.

Kvitova of the Czech Republic celebrates
Kvitova of the Czech Republic celebrates Photograph: Rob Prange/REX/Shutterstock

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Last time Siegemund broke Kvitova she was broken straight back. And the script is exactly the same here. 0-15, 0-30, 0-40, game, as Kvitova steps forward with a dismissive volley. Kvitova decides she’s had enough of messing around in this second set, and there’s another love game. Eight straight points from Kvitova and she’s a game away from her second French Open semi-final, leading 6-3, 5-3.

Siegemund receives treatment for a back injury. When they’re back under way, she does not seem at all impeded as she strikes a superb cross-court backhand winner for 15-30 on Kvitova’s serve. 30-all. 30-40. And that’s from 30-0. After such a tidy first set, this second set has been messy from Kvitova. A return winner from Siegemund and that’s the third consecutive break. It’s 3-3.

Maybe it’s not game on because straight away Siegemund slides 0-40 down on serve. But she isn’t giving up. It’s soon 15-40, 30-40, deuce, when the German mixes up the play and throws in a moon ball. The first moment of controversy when Siegemund is pulled up by the umpire for going over the shot clock, but she had already started her service motion. A harsh call. Siegemund, perhaps distracted, concedes the break from there. Kvitova is up 6-3, 3-2. And now Siegemund is calling for the trainer.

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Well, well. There’s a glimmer for Siegemund here as Kvitova double faults for 30-all. Kvitova’s first-serve percentage has dropped quite a bit. And the glimmer becomes a great opportunity for Siegemund when Kvitova doubles again. 30-40. Kvitova rallies to deuce but slides awkwardly to Siegemund’s drop shot – Kvitova is not a natural slider on the clay – and here’s a second break point. Again the danger is averted. Deuce. But again Kvitova’s serve lets her down as Siegemund lays siege to her opponent’s weak second serve. Break point No 3. Deuce. Break point No 4. Jeu Siegemund! Jeu sur! They’re back on serve at 2-2.

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A big compliment from Chris Evert:

This is looking effortless from Kvitova. Conceding only one point in her service game, she moves 2-0 ahead, winning her third consecutive game for the second time in this match. Siegemund does, though, have something to smile about in the next game when she outwits Kvitova after the pair trade drop shots, before putting away a rare volley. The German holds to 15 but it’s Kvitova who’s ahead by a set and a break, 6-3, 2-1.

Kvitova is now playing in the shadows on Chatrier, but only literally, certainly not metaphorically, because she charges to three break points in the opening game of the second set. Siegemund’s shot slumps into the net on the second break point and Kvitova seizes the game to 15. One break was enough in the first set, will the second play out the same? Kvitova leads 6-3, 1-0.

Siegemund runs off court and returns clutching a banana. No noodles in sight. Meanwhile if you’d like to catch up on yesterday’s action and news, you can do so here:

And here:

And here:

Kvitova wins the first set 6-3

Siegemund impressively holds to love, so will at least get to ask Kvitova a question as the Czech steps up to serve for a set to love lead. At 15-all, with Siegemund in the shadows and Kvitova in full sun, the pair play out a passive, prolonged point, and Siegemund slices into the net. 30-15. A sixth ace brings up 40-15, two set points. Kvitova has been serving so smoothly today. And Kvitova clobbers a winner to close it out.

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Annabel Croft mentions on the Eurosport commentary that Kvitova interestingly hasn’t been practising on her days off, but she’s still been coming to Roland Garros every day just to have lunch. When you’re in a Covid-enforced bubble, getting out for some food probably is the highlight of your day. Speaking of eating ... there’s no sign yet of Siegemund asking her team for a takeaway, as she did during her last-16 win against Paula Badosa. She was munching on what looked like noodles between games, though she assured the umpire afterwards it was not a Chinese takeaway. But I digress. A hold apiece and Siegemund, at 5-2 down, is serving to stay in the first set.

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Kvitova comes through her toughest examination yet on serve, holding from deuce to back up the break. There may only be one break between them but the gap seems bigger. Kvitova, looking calm and focused, pumps her fist with a quiet determination on her way back to her chair. The two-times former Wimbledon champion leads 4-1.

Kvitova is off to a confident start, with two love holds. She leads 2-1 and is already pushing and probing on Siegemund’s serve. It’s 15-40, two break points. Kvitova, usually an all-or-nothing player who goes for broke, has been far more disciplined at this tournament in the slow, damp conditions. Unable to simply hit through opponents, she’s been staying patient and mixing things up, and she helpfully illustrates that point here by staying in the rally and waiting for the Siegemund error. Kvitova breaks for 3-1.

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Siegemund is appearing in her first major quarter-final at the age of 32, while this is Kvitova’s 13th. Siegemund, ranked 66 in the world, was derailed by a serious knee injury a few years ago – which perhaps explains why she’s not only wearing leggings but knee-high socks for today’s encounter, despite the slightly warmer conditions. Kvitova’s career, of course, also stalled after that knife attack in her home in 2016. She was so emotional on Monday after her win in the fourth round, as she remembered making her comeback at Roland Garros in 2017. It’s great to see her playing so well and she’d be a hugely popular champion.

Sacré bleu! Petra Kvitova and Laura Siegemund have stepped on to court in sunshine. The high today is a balmy 17 degrees, with only a small chance of rain. It’s still breezy, but not nearly as bad as it was yesterday.

Today's order of play

Court Philippe Chatrier

(7) Petra Kvitova (Cze) v Laura Siegemund (Ger)

Danielle Collins (USA) v (4) Sofia Kenin (USA)

(13) Andrey Rublev (Rus) v (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)

(1) Novak Djokovic (Serb) v (17) Pablo Carreno Busta (Spa)

Preamble

While chaos has ripped through the women’s draw with as much ferocity as the autumn wind at Roland Garros, two unstoppable forces of nature remain on the men’s side. After Rafa Nadal reached the semi-finals for a record-extending 13th time by overcoming the challenge of the Italian teenager Jannik Sinner at 1.26am this morning in the tournament’s latest ever finish, today Novak Djokovic bids to join him in the last four.

This is the 11th consecutive year Djokovic has appeared in the quarter-finals – a record even Nadal can’t match. It seems tough on Djokovic that his return on that is only one title compared to his rival’s 12, but such is Nadal’s imperiousness on the Paris clay. Many, however, would give Djokovic the slight edge if they do meet in Sunday’s final; the world No 1 is unbeaten in 35 completed matches this year, his only loss coming when he was infamously disqualified at the US Open last month against Pablo Carreno Busta. In a quirk of the draw, Djokovic faces the same opponent today.

That match ends the day 11 schedule on Philippe Chatrier, after the battle between the 22-year-old talents Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the women’s matches taking place first. Petra Kvitova and Sofia Kenin will be fancied to book a semi-final against each other – Kvitova plays the unseeded German Laura Siegemund and Kenin, the Australian Open champion, has an all-American meeting with Danielle Collins – but making predictions in this women’s draw is a perilous business.

Play begins: in a few minutes’ time. So don’t go anywhere.

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