So, we have had some marvellous moments on day eight at Roland Garros, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both into quarter-finals. Garbiñe Muguruza, though, crashed out. Jacob Steinberg will resume things here on an exciting day nine tomorrow. Bye!
Djokovic beats Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-6, 3-6 to reach quarter-finals!
Ramos-Vinolas hits long a couple of times, allowing Djokovic two match points. And the No2 is ruthless to reach the last eight at Roland Garros for an eighth consecutive time.
Updated
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-6, 3-5 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Ramos-Vinolas is going nowhere just yet.
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-6, 2-5 Djokovic* (* denotes server)
Djokovic ups the ante with another rasping forehand before his third ace this evening took him to 15-40. Djokovic now just one game away from the quarter-finals.
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-6, 2-4 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Djokovic caps a fine rally by plucking out a superhuman forehand. The No2 clenches his fist and meanwhile the Mexican wave is in full swing.
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-6, 2-3 Djokovic* (* denotes server)
Both players were on their haunches after a mammoth effort in the previous game. But they were back for more immediately. Ramos-Vinolas has Djokovic in a spin after a neat drop shot but the No2 hits back to take the game.
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-6, 2-2 Djokovic (* denotes server)
At advantage, Djokovic misses a backhand after the rally of the match. Plenty are stood on their feet at Chatrier. That was rally of the tournament territory. Ramos-Vinolas survives and more, taking the game thereafter. Brilliant!
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-6, 1-2* Djokovic* (* denotes server)
And Ramos-Vinolas gets his reward for plugging away. He’s back in it – in this set if nothing else.
Updated
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-6, 0-2 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Ramos-Vinolas has not buried his head in the clay here. Far from it, but Djokovic, the world No2, is truly in the groove now.
Third set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-6, 0-1 Djokovic* (* denotes server)
Djokovic gets the ball rolling with a lethal ace then gets a ripple of applause for a fine inside-out backhand volley. Ramos-Vinolas hits back with a super rally and then a forehand straight down the line. Djokovic cuts a frustrated figure. But the Spaniard squanders break point to let Djokovic back in at deuce. He rarely requires a second invitation – but does so here – before eventually taking the game. That was a marvellous few minutes of tennis.
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-6 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Ramos-Vinolas again looks weary, missing a prime opportunity at 40-0 to put Djokovic to bed in this game at the net. Djokovic responds to pull it back to deuce, moving the Spaniard from side to side before taking the set in style, smashing a forehand past Ramos-Vinolas.
Updated
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 1-5 Djokovic* (* denotes server)
A poor drop shot from Djokovic allows Ramos-Vinolas a simple route back in at 15-30 but he can only find the net. He then loops one long and just like that Djokovic has another game in the bag.
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 1-4 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Djokovic wows Chatrier with a couple of masterstrokes but finds the net with his backhand at the crucial moment as Ramos-Vinolas digs deep to nab the game.
Updated
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 0-4 Djokovic* (* denotes server)
Djokovic is going to take some stopping now. Ramos-Vinolas overhits a forehand to gift the Serb a fourth straight game.
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 0-3 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Djokovic wins a double-break after a strange game. Ramos-Vinolas capsized a little there and Djokovic opens up a considerable lead.
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7, 0-2* Djokovic (* denotes server)
That was all very easy.
Second set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-7, 0-1 Djokovic (* denotes server)
Emotionally Albert Ramos Viñolas looks drained. He invested so much in that first set (1hr and 13mins). He battles his way back to deuce after a couple of monster rallies but Djokovic prospers.
First set: Ramos-Vinolas 6-7 Djokovic
Djokovic steamrollers into an early tie-break lead (0-4) but Ramos-Vinolas shows great steel to fight back. He returns a lovely drop shot and then Djokovic overhits a forehand to put himself in trouble. As Ramos-Vinolas levels, Djokovic throws both arms aloft. Djokovic then nudges himself in front before Ramos-Vinolas again levels. Djokovic, though, eventually takes the first set 5-7 on the tie-break.
Updated
First set: Ramos-Vinolas* 6-6 Djokovic (* denotes server)
An admirable effort from the Spaniard and we are in for a tie-break.
Updated
The No13 seed has knocked out the champion.
Anyway that’s the end of me - Ben Fisher will see you through to the end of the day, whenever that turns out to be.
Thiem has beaten Zeballos 1,3 and 1!
What a performance that is. He plays Ramos-Vinolas or Djokovic next and neither will relish the prospect.
Updated
Thiem now leads 5-1, and is serving for the match...
Djokovic is inching his way into control. He now leads for the first time in the match, 5-4.
And he keeps giving Ramos-Vinolas forehands to whack ... which draws his man to the net and he unloads ... only to clip the cord, the ball flying long. Another break-back for Djokovic, giving him 4-all.
Djokovic is not at this. He’s hanging in there because his 60 percent is still bloody handy, but the consistency that underpinned his invincibility isn’t there at the moment. It’s hard to see him beating Thiem, never mind Nadal.
Thiem has been incredible so far.
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
But he has to respect that lob from Zeballos pic.twitter.com/CZx3HPdePv
Thiem has already broken in the third set; he’ll be plenty more relaxed than whoever he plays next, whether Djokovic or Ramos-Vinolas.
Djokovic gets himself to 30-0 in his bid to break back, but Ramos-Vinolas collects himself to win four straight points. That’s his most comfortable hold of the match.
Again Ramos-Vinolas threatens the Djokovic serve, and Djokovic misses his forehand by miles! He’s down 2-3!
Updated
Thiem breaks again to take the second set 6-3.
He is looking absolutely nails.
More like it from ole Nole. He’s going to the backhand now, quickly racks up three break-points, and one is all he needs.
I guess the length of this game - well in excess of 10 minutes - is allowing Djokovic to hit his way into form and feel his way against Ramos-Vinolas. Eventually he seals it, and now trails 1-2.
Thiem is now up a break in the second set, leading 4-2. He’ll be hoping to be done within the hour.
Djokovic can’t get going here, and seems to be hitting to Ramos-Vinolas’ forehand on purpose; it’s not doing him much good. He misses three game-points, then has to save another break-point via overhead - he hits it really well, though any weakness he’s meant to have is only relatively so.
Updated
Ramos-Vinolas is into this, consolidating then earning a point for the double-break. But Djokovic plays a lovely point to rescue himself, working the backhand until one bounces up on his forehand, which he puts away with extreme prejudice.
“You say that Bacsinszky will be contemplating a passage to the final after beating Venus Williams,” emails Bernard Walsh. “But with Wozniacki the highest-ranked seed left in this half, I’m sure that all four remaining players will fancy their chances. I think Kiki Mladenovic will take a lot of beating now and the bookies agree, making her second favourite behind Halep.”
I agree with the first bit - the four of them will see this as a huge opportunity. If Wozniacki plays as she did in the first set against Kuznetsova, she’s a good chance; she’s got an easier quarter than Mladenovic, who’ll find Bacsinszky a tough out. Basically, it’s going to be excellent.
But Ramos-Vinolas is going for it and immediately arranges a break-point; his forehand is grooved! And when Djokovic finds the net-cord, the ball sits up nicely, and is duly punished past him for a winner!
Agassi told Djokovic to “pick big targets”, apparently. So hitting deep down the middle, not for sidelines.
It’s taken a while, but Zeballos has held his first service game of the second set.
Apparently Andre Agassi has already left Djokovic on his lonesome ownsome - he had a family commitment, out of which he could not get. Mats reckons that support will be missed.
I fear that these last two games might not finish the day in quite the style that it’s progressed, but what a day it’s been: Chung-Nishikori, Raonic-Carreno Busta, Muguruza-Mladenovic and Williams-Bacsinszky were all fantastic.
Out come Djokovic and Ramos-Vinolas...
Timea ⏰
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
The Swiss is back in the QFs with a 5-7 6-2 6-1 win over No.10 seed Venus. Next up: French favorite Mladenovic. #RG17 pic.twitter.com/oevqVH3ARn
Thiem races to the first set to the tune of 6-1. Zeballos is fathoms out of his depth here.
Another upset!
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
Timea Bacsinszky will face Mladenovic in the next round after being Venus Williams! pic.twitter.com/gHD0nnhCh3
That was clinical from Bacsinszky. She’ll not be scared of Mladenovic in the next round.
Bacsinszky beats Venus 5-7, 6-2, 6-1!
A drop-shot seals is, and that’s the second year in a row she’s despatched the older Williams. She plays Mladenovic next, and with Wozniacki meeting Ostapenko in this half’s other quarter, will be conteplating a passage to the final.
Updated
Williams quickly donates Bacsinszk 0-30, a forehand sets up three matchpoints...
They end up at deuce and Bacsinszky’s forehand does the rest; 5-1 the lead.
Bacsinszky plays an outrageous chop to get to 15-30 - like Mladenovic, she’s loads of fun to watch - but then dumps a forehand into the net. Pressure...
Updated
Thiem has the double-break - he leads 3-1 and is serving. What a qaurter it’d be between him and Novak Djokovic.
Bacsinszky holds for 4-0! Surely that’s got to be it!
Venus pushes Bacsinszky on her serve, earning a break-point, but has no answer to the eventuating aggression.
Updated
Thiem doesn’t need long to lay the smack down; he leads 2-0.
Bacsinszky nails the double-break, and this looks the height of over; she’s serving at 3-0.
On Lenglen, Thiem and Zeballos are on court - Thiem has taken the first game, on serve.
Bacsinszky is such a clever player, and a backhand sets up a break-point ... she sashays into the net, despatches a backhand slam, and is now a strong favourite for the match.
In interview, Mladenovic says how much she loved playing on Lenglen, and says “keeping my personality” was important. She didn’t let the double-faults get to her, and kept expecting to do better.
One-each! Bacsinszky levels the match against Venus
They’re taking stock before the final set begins.
Updated
Next on Chatrier: Djokovic v Ramos-Vinolas.
🙌🙌🙌🙌
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Hands up for @KikiMladenovic! #RG17 pic.twitter.com/bIwVnDwa0z
Bacsinszky has broken Williams again and leads the second set 5-2.
Mladenovic is still out there winding up the crowd - she’s a great competitor and great fun to watch, though is going about like she’s won the whole thing. Good on her!
I don’t really get why Muguruza expects the crowd to be fair to her; they’ve got a favourite, that’s sport.
Muguruza waggles her finger at the crowd as she walks off; the crowd respond with boos. Grown adults, booing.
AND MUGURUZA NETS! THE CHAMPION IS OUT!
Brilliant win from Mladenovic, who reaches her first Grand Slam quarter-final. She wins 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, and the crowd go mad!
Updated
Muguruza serves long...
Forehand cross-court winner from Mladenovic, and she has two matchpoints!
On Chatrier, Venus has broken back.
Or not! No doubles and a love hold! Mladenovic is one away! 5-3 to her...
Updated
Mladenovic is battling like a dervish but Muguruza is too - this is a really good match, even if the standard has dropped a little now. Muguruza holds, and given the likely double-faults to come - given the fear of the likely double-faults to com - must fancy herself to break back.
Mladenovic keeps on double-faulting
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
But she keeps on winning games pic.twitter.com/HL11Cb5Gpx
Muguruza is letting the crowd get to her...
Bacsinszky has broken Williams at the start of set two.
Mladenovic loves a double-fault, and another puts her under pressure serving at 3-2, 40-15 - now 40-30. But she responds with a monstrous forehand, and incites the crowd to further noise to Muguruza’s disenchantment.
Hellsyeah.
No.10 Venus Williams wins 6 straight games to take 1st set 7-5 over Bacsinszky in their R16 clash. Live Blog: https://t.co/tek75ApnFf #RG17 pic.twitter.com/X814JU9b6i
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Complicated but crucial hold for Mladenovic to get her 3-1.
Venus Williams wins the first set 7-5
She really is not to be messed with.
Venus Williams is back into her first set against Bacsinszky, leading 6-5 ... and when a slice drops short, she hares into the net to bring up set-point.
Updated
And Pablo Carreno Busta wins, beating Milos Raonic 4-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 8-6 in 4H 17M
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
He faces Rafa Nadal next... pic.twitter.com/lllnAE93Q0
Mladenovic consolidates despite three double-faults, and the crowd are going wild. 2-0 her, final set.
Updated
Game, set and match Carreno Busta!
What a match! 4 hours 17 minutes, 4-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 8-6. Carreno Busta buries his face in his towel, hugs his boys, and tries to take it all in. He plays Nadal next.
Updated
Surely this’ll be it! A Raonic slice catches the net, and Carreno Busta metes out due punishment!
Raonic saves with a deep, profound backhand!
Raonic earns break-back point, looks to have taken control of the rally, then goes long with a backhand! This is sensational stuff! And another unforced error gives Carreno Busta another match-point!
Well! Mladenovic breaks Muguruza to love in the first game of the decider! Who saw that one coming!
Milos Raonic! He plays yet another fantastic point, which he finishes with a backhand down the line from in the corner!
But then he misses with the same shot ... he’s not going to die wondering. Raonic, meanwhile, is tentative again, nets a forehand, and it’s match-point number five...
Raonic attacks again and gets himself 30-0-up, but then after sliding a forehand into the corner, he’s beaten by a fantastic pass down the line. They’ve been playing 4 hours 11 minutes so far, but Carreno Busta doesn’t care; he steps into the short one to power a backhand winner, and seconds later has another match-point!
Muguruza wins the second set 6-3!
Muguruza has made a mess of so many smashes today, and does so with another, but then finds a lovely angle at the net to power a backhand winner. A point later, and the match is all-square! This is great stuff!
Updated
Carreno Busta gets himself to 0-30, and then lets more go in the next rally ... eventually, Raonic nets. He was so aggressive saving those match-points, but so tentative there. And he nets a drop-shot! Carreno Busta will now serve for the match a second time!
And now it's 6-6! pic.twitter.com/YoOFrFgQES
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
Excellent service game from Carreno Busta, while Mladenovic has worked a break-point ... and Muguruza nets! 5-3 now!
Mladenovic is not going away. She’s forcing Muguruza to fight for every point, but there’s a slight difference in class that will probably tell in the end. It’s 30-15, so two points needed for the set.
Can someone please reassure me that Carreno Busta’s locker room-nickname is Rhymes? Thanks.
He gets there in the end; 6-5 Raonic, and what has Carreno Busta got left?
Raonic looks slightly confused at his inability to produce that standard at will, then plays some really fine points in his next service game, yet still finds himself at 40-30.
What a game that was! Raonic breaks back, and this is spectacular, thrilling stuff! The standard both players are producing at clutch is special.
Muguruza is 5-1-up ... and Raonic has break-back point!
Updated
Another winner from Carreno Busta gives him another matchpoint ... and he plays it really well, but Raonic plays it better, a superb backhand get doing the work.
Raonic goes wide with a backhand, ending the longest rally of the match at 21 strokes... but Carreno Busta, after working the opportunity beautifully, goes long with a backhand to rinse his second matchpoint.
Brilliant from Raonic, attacking the serve with a forehand which sends Carreno Busta out wide, then powering a wrongfooter into the same corner!
But a forehand error draws Raonic level ... and then a backhand error gives him matchpoint!
Carreno Busta begins with an ace, but Raonic introduces his forehand into the next rally for 15-all. And what a drop-shot from the Spaniard to give him 30-15! Fantastic work and gonads!
It takes five goes, but Muguruza eventually secures the double-break. She leads 4-1.
On Chatrier, Bacsinszky leads Venus 4-1.
Carreno Busta passes Raonic with a backhand down the line! He’s four points away!
Carreno Busta is giving Raonic fits on his serve, and a succession of accurate cross-court backhands elicits a response into the net. Three break points, and if he can convert one he’ll be serving for the match!
Two double-faults in a game from Mladenovic give Muguruza three break-points; all three are saved, then another following advantage. “Ki-ki! Ki-Ki! Ki-Ki!” chant the crowd, all of whose members follow her career exceedingly closely.
Updated
Carreno Busta holds for 3-3, while Muguruza plays a fantastic pick-up from a difficult position to facilitate 3-1.
It’s odd to see Raonic so vulnerable on serve, but on Carreno Busta’s he forces a breakpoint; it’s saved via thunderous backhand, great angle, and clean-up forehand.
Mladenovic hangs on for 1-2. There’s a serious intensity to this one.
Well-in Carreno Busta! He’s broken back, and Raonic looks tired as he slopes off to change ends.
Muguruza is hitting like a demon now, punishing groundstrokes into the corners. From 30-0 behind she moves to 30-all, and all the shouting in the world from Mladenovic doesn’t change the fact that she’s lost control here. The players arrive at deuce.
And Raonic has found something too! Suddenly, he leads 3-1 in the decider, after it looked like he was about to overpowered!
Muguruza holds to lead 2-0, from 0-40 down; this is beginning to look like a reversal of momentum.
We’ve got two absolute bazzers in progress, too. Muguruza is coming back after a torrid tousing of a first set against Mladenovic; she’s up a break, but struggling to consolidate. Meanwhile, Raonic had to fight like billy-o to save three break points in his opening service game of the decider against Carreno Busta.
Daniel Harris is back from lunch, I’ll hand back the reins. Enjoy!
Sam Stosur is out!
Sam Stosur, a former finalist here in 2010, is out! The Australian falls to the unseeded Jelena Ostapenko, who comfortably lost the fist set 6-2, but is now through to her first ever grand slam quarter final, where she will face Caroline Wozniacki.
Updated
Mladenovic is in the mood, first she holds to 5-1 up, and then from 0-30 down, she pops two spicy return winners cross court, then after a few nice deep groundstrokes, powers another cross court forehand out of Muguruza’s reach for yet another break. Mladenovic takes the first set 6-1!
Carreño bangs an ace out wide to close out the fourth set 6-4! He’s taking Raonic to a fifth! Oof!
Meanwhile on Eurosport 2 Carreno Busta takes his match with Raonic to a decider! pic.twitter.com/2CqzZQBr84
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
A couple of awful overheads from Muguruza gives Mladenovic the initiative in the fifth game and the French players closes out the game to take her second break: it’s 4-1. Mladenovic celebrates with a fist pump and a cry of “Forza!”. If you are wondering why a French player is using an Italian word, it is because she speaks five languages.
5 languages but still ... I need to learn chinese! This feeling when you just CAN'T understand a word..#frustration pic.twitter.com/h5tk7Nal
— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) October 31, 2012
After Gasquet’s retirement, Venus Williams is due on court in five minutes or so. This is her 20th French Open. What a ridiculous woman. She will play Timea Bacsinszky.
Milos Raonic is having a ding-dong battle with Spain’s Pablo Carreño. Raonic won the third set in a tie-break 8-6 to go 2-1 up, but Carreño has the break of serve in the fourth and is serving for the set! Looks like this one is going all the way.
Muguruza and Mladenovic come out on Suzanne-Lenglen Court to a rapturous reception, the vast majority of the crowd cheering on the home favourite Mladenovic. There are some suggestions that Mladenovic had a pick of this court as it plays a little slower, which would certainly be useful against Muguruza’s thunderous groundstrokes.
In any case, Mladenovic gets off to a ripping start, breaking the defending champ in the first game, and following it up with a hold of serve. Allez!
Richard Gasquet retires from his round-of-32 match with Gaël Monfils!
Oh no! He was struggling last night before the players went off, and despite a night’s rest, Gasquets has called it quits on Philippe-Chatrier. The two Frenchman embrace at the net, there seems to be genuine sympathy from Monfils. Monfils is through, then, to the last 16, the scores 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-3 (ret).
Gasquet can console himself with the fact that he still has both the most graceful backhand in tennis, and the best polo shirts in France.
A swan-like one-handed backhand and the best polo shirt in the game. Richard Gasquet, you have my heart. pic.twitter.com/TqWW0sbwNl
— Michael Butler (@michaelbutler18) May 29, 2016
Updated
Defending champion Garbiñe Muguruza is next up on Suzanne-Lenglen Court. She’s up against Kristina Mladenovic, the 13th seed.
For the record you can also xperience Formula One, hockey, mountain cycling and ‘Oar.’
Hello world. I was lucky enough to be in Majorca last weekend, the home of Nadal of course, and drove past the Rafa Nadal ‘Xperience’ in which you can, through a virtual reality headset, experience what it is like to return a Nadal forehand. Perhaps Bautista Agut should go.
Anyway, I’m off for some dinner; Michael Butler will chat you through the next little bit.
Game, set and match Nadal, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2
Bautista Agut played pretty well there, but Nadal is just terrifyingly brilliant.
Updated
Nadal wastes two matchpoints; pathetic.
Nadal is now serving for the match at 5-2. Dunno about you, but my money’s on him pulling it off.
Or not! Raonic wins the breaker 8-6!
He leads Carreno Busta two sets to one.
Raonic must be starting to wonder: he’s missed set-points and it’s now 6-6, back on serve.
Gasquet has levelled the match against Monfils!
He wins the second set 7-5; we’re going to be here some time.
This is fantastic from John McEnroe on Margaret Court.
John McEnroe slams Margaret Court over same-sex marriage comments...
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
The Commissioner of Tennis doesn't hold back! pic.twitter.com/qZeJGr2qYC
Raonic and Carreno Busta are about to begin another breaker; you’d back whoever wins it to win the match too.
Nadal saves a break point with a serve and a colossal forehand. He then quickly polishes off the game for 2-2.
Carreno Busta breaks back! He now serves at 5-5 in set three, and will be fancying another breaker. That is quite some oversight from Raonic.
Meanwhile on the Eurosport Player it is Gael Monfils who eventually takes the first set against Richard Gasquet. pic.twitter.com/2q9NAucZTQ
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
Gasquet-Simon looks like it’ll go for quite sometime. They’re 5-5 in set 2, while Carreno Busta has taken the first two points as Raonic serves for the set.
Raonic is looking impregnable on serve, though he does allow Carreno Busta back into the game from 40-0 to 40-30. But he closes it out, and at 5-3, will shortly serve for the set if he can’t break.
Stosur has taken that first set against Ostapenko, 6-2.
Wish list: moves like @RafaelNadal #RG17 pic.twitter.com/SD6Y98e7HB
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Nadal takes the second set 6-2
His forehand is boomin’ like right outta ya centrefold.
Updated
Frew McMillan reckons that, well though Nadal is playing, he’ll have a problem if it’s Djokovic in the semi. Djokovic, though, will probably need to get by Thiem first; what a match that could be.
And there we go: Nadal breaks again to lead 5-2, so will serve for the second set in a few moments.
Did you know: Roberto Bautista Agut was on Villarreal’s books as a teenager, but when forced to pick a sport chose tennis. He’s actually coming on a good game, the problem being he’s playing the best ever (on clay).
Raonic is now up a break in set three; Gasquet and Monfils are still on serve in set two.
Updated
Once upon a time I could identify the song on Nirvana Unplugged according to the clapping which preceded it. I wonder if anyone can do the same with tennis-player grunts.
Stosur, the number 23 seed, leads Ostapenko 4-0 on Court 2.
Nadal has broken Bautista Agut early in the second set; of course he has.
Carreno Busta absolutely wallops Raonic 7-2 in their breaker!
They’re now level at one set apiece.
Updated
Meanwhile, Raonic and Carreno Busta are also playing a breaker; Raonic is a set-up in that one.
Updated
Monfils takes the first set 7-6 (7-5)
Can Gasquet respond?
Mats reckons the wind that’s cooking might help Bautista Agut, forcing him to hit flatter. He also thinks being behind might take the pressure off, or, put another way, Nadal is going win.
On Chatrier, Monfils and Gasquet are playing a first-set tiebreaker. Good as Nadal is and much as we’re obligated to appreciate him while we can, I’d not mind being allowed a look at that one.
On Court 2, Ostapenko and Stosur are warming up; the winner of their match will play Wozniacki.
Nadal wins the first set 6-1.
As he’s done all the way through it, Bautista Agut pushed him in the clinching game, but a whipped forehand into the corner and whatchagonnadu?
Updated
On Court 1, Raonic has broken back, so Carreno Busta is now serving to stay in the second set at 4-5.
Bautista Agut hasn’t held serve yet and Nadal has another break point at 4-1, but puts a tame backhand into the tramlines. It doesn’t matter though - he gets advantage, then rams a backhand winner cross-court. It’s actually been closer than the 5-1 suggests, except it hasn’t because it isn’t.
What a point this was! pic.twitter.com/QHAac3eCNE
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
That's it for @CaroWozniacki!
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 4, 2017
She's through to the quarter-finals!
We'll now be going live to Rafael Nadal pic.twitter.com/wcythwZLo0
People better-placed than me reckon Khachanov has got it, but I wonder how he’ll cope schlepping that 6”6 body about the kind of routes Murray will have planned.
Karen Khachanov beats John Isner 7-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6!
He plays Andy Murray of not-England in the quarter-finals.
Updated
It was in pretty minging conditions, it’s true, but Bautista Agut gave Djokovic a decent run at last year’s French Open, wining the first set before succumbing in four. And he’s putting Nadal’s serve under pressure again, before a humungous forehand and ace clinch the game from deuce.
Obviously Nadal has broken again, now serving at 3-1. Did you know, he supports Real Madrid. I wonder if he’s pleased that they won last night. I think he might be!
Updated
Next on Chatrier: Monfils v Gasquet.
Bautista Agut has broken Nadal back; Carreno Busta is a break up on Raonic in the second set.
So, can Wozniacki win it? Well, she’s a chance and might never get a better one. There’s no one in the draw she can’t beat, if she can put it together on the day.
Wonzniacki beats Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2
Wozniacki looks comfortable as she gets to 30-0, then brings up three matchpoints with a serve out wide and some well-directed groundstrokes. And there it is! A booming backhand down the line, and she’s through to the quarter-finals, where she’ll play Stosur or Ostapenka. Great effort from her.
Nadal has broken Bautista Agut at the first time of asking.
Surely Wozniacki is there now! She breaks to love, and now leads 5-2 in the decider. She’ll be back to serve for it in 90 seconds, and then again shortly after that should she fail.
“Woz is a major underachiever,” tweets John McEnerney, “she should have plenty of Slams, but seems to get beaten by lesser players way too often!”
I see what you’re saying, but perhaps if they beat her when it really counts, they’re not lesser players. Or that her ability to raise it when it matters isn’t yet that of a Slam champion.
Raonic 6-4 Carreno Busta
It was tight, but the Canadian Cyborg found a late break to nose in front.
Kuznetsova works Wozniacki hither and yon, then pounces on a short one to smash home a winner. But Wozniacki responds to break point with a big serve and never lets her girl off the hook, big, accurate groundstrokes earning deuce and it’s 4-2 shortly afterwards.
Kuznetsova is such a competitor. She wins eight of ten points, and the pressure is now on Wozniacki at 3-2.
Wozniacki nets a baseline backhand, and Kuznetsova has one break back. She now serves at 1-3.
On your Lenglen, Nadal and Bautista Agut are warming up.
Double break for Wozniacki! She leads 3-0 in the final set, and surely will now win from here!
Incidentally, Isner took the tiebreak off of Khachanov; he now trails 2-1 in sets.
Updated
As I was saying, Wozniacki breaks Kuznetsova in the first game of the decider.
Kuznetsova has really done a nifty job getting level in this match. She’s not playing all that well and looked really flat at the start, but is probably favourite now.
Svitolina beats Linette 6-4, 7-5
The number 5 seed plays the unseeded Petra Martic in round 4.
Kuznetsova levels it up at one set apiece!
A booming backhand down the line gives Kuznetsova break point, and then when Wozniacki comes in to attack a net cord, she slams a backhand cross-court past to complete the job! She takes the set 6-4.
On Lenglen, Svitolina is serving for the match, leading 6-4, 6-5.
Isner and Khachanov are playing a tiebreaker in their third set; Kachanov by two sets to love.
Updated
Kuznetsova’s forehand is looking oiled, especially the cross-court variety. It’s not just how heavy - heavily? - she hits it, but the topspin she generates. One such edition gives her 30-15 on Wozniacki’s serve, and though it’s soon 30-all, a loose backhand into the net brings up a break point. But Wozniacki responds brilliantly, powering her backhands and chucking in the occasional slice to make it 4-4; she’s now just two games away from round 4.
At 3-3 in set 2, Wozniacki gets herself to 30-0 ahead on the Kuznetsova serve. But Kuznetsova responds well to win four points in a row; pressure back on Wozniacki.
Next up on Court 1 we’ve got Raonic against Carreno Busta; a toughie for the number 5 seed. Juat the other day, McEnroe was saying that he still chats to Raonic on the phone, as even though there’s no professional arrangement, he still wants him to reach is potential. The question is what this: is he just a semi-sentient cyborg, or are there undiscovered depths which will make him a champion?
Le soulagement de @keinishikori qui s’extrait du piège Hyeon Chung en 5 sets, 3h51... et en 2️⃣ jours #RG17 pic.twitter.com/mUWZwq4ROY
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Svitolina and Linette are 2-2 in the second set; when they’re done, it’s Nadal-Bautista Agut.
Nishikori 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 0-6, 6-4 Chung
Gah! Great win for the number 8 seed, who needed treatment throughout this four-hour-odd battle. He plays Verdasco, one of the form men of the draw, in round 4; Chung is going to be something.
Updated
Kuznetsova is starting to move, working Wozniacki around the court to open up passing angles. She’s just held comfortably.
Talking of which, Kuznetsova has broken back too; can that inspire her to find her form?
Get in Chung! He’s broken Nishikori back in what is a quite splendid show of testicles. He’s serving at 4-5 now.
This is turning into a performance of serious menace from Wozniacki, who has broken immediately in the second set. She’s already hit 14 winners, unusual for her - this is, dare I say it, championship-winning behaviour.
The aesthetes among youse will be distressed to note that on Court 2, John Isner, the number 21 seed, is two sets down to Karen Khachanov. The winner of that one plays Scotland’s Andy Murray next.
Updated
Wozniacki wins the first set against Kuznetsova 6-1!
It’s really not going for Kuznetsova out there; after those first two games that went on for time, Wozniacki has just taken over. She misses a chance to pass with Wozniacki stranded at the net, hitting the top of it, then does similarly next point, and there you go.
Wozniacki is out-hitting Kuznetsova at the moment, partially with her power but largely with her accuracy. And there’s an errant backhand down the line which seals the double break! Wozniacki will serve for the set at 5-1!
.@ElinaSvitolina looking the goods against Linette.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Takes first set 6-4. #RG17 pic.twitter.com/QPn5j8ilVy
Break for Nishikori! The number 8 seed leads 3-1 in the final set, but whatever happens, what a run thus has been for Chung; the 21 year-old has beaten Querrey and Istomin to get to here, and looks a serious player.
Kuznetsoava gives Wozniacki a run in her first post-break service game, but she consolidates nonetheless.
In the final set on Court 1, it’s on serve between Nishikori and Chung.
Wozniacki, looking strong, has broken Kuznetsova to lead 3-1; in response, Kuznetsova is starting to hit through the ball a little more.
From yesterday, but this is great.
'Is this tennis?'
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 3, 2017
Incredible slam dunk from @Gael_Monfils! pic.twitter.com/1t5XPEMOry
🎶 Go go power rally! 🎶 @CaroWozniacki #RG17 pic.twitter.com/5XFJjLg6v0
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Elena Svitolina leads Magda Linette on Lenglen, and with a break; she’s serving for 5-3 in the first set.
I’m sure it’s not just me who only has to hear mention of Svitolina to start singing this.
On Chatrier, Wozniacki and Kuznetsova are piling into one another - it’s one game-all after what seems like three hours.
We're going the distance on Court 1!
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2017
Hyeon Chung bagels Nishikori to send the match to a 5th set ➡️ https://t.co/Mcqaj6QaBt #RG17 pic.twitter.com/t3qlmzqJqm
Preamble
Bonjour mes amours. It’s only round 3, but oh me, oh my, we’ve some prime tennis awaiting us today. Right now, Caroline Wozniacki is playing Svetlana Kuznetsova, after that we’ve got Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet, and then studded through the day, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams, Kei Nishikori in trouble, Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic and Garbine Muguruza. Er, alright then!
Updated
.jpg?w=600)
