That’s all from today’s live blog; I’ll leave you with Tumaini Carayol’s roundup of the women’s quarter-finals. Stay tuned for his report on tonight’s late game, with Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on Daniil Medvedev. Thanks for reading, and au revoir.
Here is Wednesday’s order of play on Court Philippe-Chatrier:
[24] Coco Gauff v Barbora Krejcikova
[17] Maria Sakkari v Iga Swiatek [8]
[3] Rafael Nadal v Diego Schwartzman [10]
Evening match: [1] Novak Djokovic v Matteo Berrettini [9]
Zverev will play either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, so one of those three horsemen of the Next Gen will reach the final. And probably lose to Rafa Nadal, but one step at a time, I suppose.
“It’s nice to be in the semi-finals, but just being there doesn’t satisfy me. I think I’m playing pretty well,” Zverev tells Marion Bartoli in his on-court interview. “My baseline play really improved after the first set. [Alejandro] has improved a lot, this was his first grand slam quarter-final, and I don’t think it’ll be his last.”
Zverev beats Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 6-1, 6-1!
Twice in succession, Zverev gets around the Davidovich serve and clubs it away for a winner. It’s amazing the gap that has opened up between the two players in the last hour. Two match points, and he takes the first with a crisp backhand down the line.
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, 5-1* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Credit to Zverev, of course – he has raised his game from the muddle of the first set – particularly on his first serve. It’s a dominant hold, capped with a third ace of the match, and he’s just one game away.
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, *4-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) The final curtain is looming for Davidovich, who once again lets a promising position on serve slip. An in-court return is enough for Zverev, as his opponent thrashes his forehand into the net.
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, 3-1* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Zverev is rattling through his service games at a rate now. His likely semi-final opponent will be Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev; they meet in the evening match after this.
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, *2-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Davidovich gets a service hold, ending Zverev’s run of seven straight games.
Here’s Tumaini Carayol on the earlier women’s quarter-finals, both of which were epic, down-to-the-wire battles:
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, 2-0* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Zverev has a habit of getting caught up in five-set battles at slams, and he started in Paris by going two sets down to qualifier Oscar Otte. Since then, he’s rattled off a Nadalesque 14 straight sets and is in cruise control here, holding to 15.
Third set: Zverev 6-4, 6-1, *1-0 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Davidovich Fokina is in trouble again straight away, 15-40 down – but produces a big cross-court winner and deploys that handy angled drop shot again to rescue things. And then, alas, a double fault at deuce – and a ferocious Zverev return gets the break.
Zverev wins the second set, leads 6-4, 6-1!
Davidovich threatens to prolong the set with a couple of smart returns, but Zverev cranks up the first serve speed and blasts his way to a two-set lead.
Second set: Zverev 6-4, *5-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) This is getting away from Davidovich Fokina now; he’s getting outgunned from the baseline, and the unforced error count is creeping up. Without having to do too much, Zverev gets the double break, and will serve for the second set.
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Second set: Zverev 6-4, 4-1* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) What Zverev is doing well is just keeping it simple, finding the baseline with his shots, and allowing his opponents half-chances in the knowledge that he will probably miss a few. He moves 4-1 ahead with a searching forehand down the line, followed by a clipped cross-court volley.
Second set: Zverev 6-4, *3-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) ADF pulls out his trademark drop shot at 0-15 down; risky, but it pays off. He edges a spectacular net rally but that inconsistency strikes again, three misses surrendering the break to Zverev.
Second set: Zverev 6-4, 2-1* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Zverev holds to love, with ADF rushing in on his second serve at 40-0 down, only to push his return beyond the baseline.
Second set: Zverev 6-4, *1-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Davidovich Fokina still can’t string many good points together, and looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. Another stop-start service game, but he follows in a big first serve to get a welcome hold.
Second set: Zverev 6-4, 1-0* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Sascha Zverev is a set to the good without having to get close to top gear, and he holds comfortably here. Can his opponent stop this game getting away from him?
First serves in: Zverev 43%, Davidovich Fokina 44%.
Winners: Zverev 5, Davidovich Fokina 8.
Unforced errors: Zverev 11, Davidovich Fokina 17.
That was the first set; now let us never speak of it again.
Zverev wins the first set 6-4!
First set: Zverev *6-4 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) I’ll level with you, this has not been great so far, and both players might feel they could be well ahead if they could only find some form. Davidovich Fokina is certainly frustrated, remonstrating with his box as Zverev repels him repeatedly. A double fault hands Zverev a set point, and when he does get a second serve in, he nets his very next shot.
First set: Zverev 5-4* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) The Spaniard channels his anger more usefully to win the first two rallies, but Zverev’s high, bouncing serve gets him out of trouble. But with the first set in his grasp, Zverev rattles the net cord with a routine forehand, then double faults.
First set: Zverev *5-3 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Davidovich Fokana is starting to struggle a little with Zverev’s raw speed, and a couple of mistimed swipes hand over break point. He then sends a cross-court backhand well wide, and hurls his racket to the ground. It springs up and into the arms of an impossibly cool patron sat courtside, who simply hands it back.
First set: Zverev 4-3* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Zverev hasn’t been past the quarter-finals here, having run into Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem in 2018 and 2019. It’s been a slow start as the favourite here, but he holds to love here behind an increasingly potent first serve.
First set: Zverev *3-3 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Fun fact: both of these players were born in Western Europe to Russian parents. OK, maybe it wasn’t that fun. Neither is this game until it bursts to life at 15-30, Zverev winning a rapid-fire net battle that gets a sleepy crowd going. He gets the break as Davidovich Fokina nets; the fourth break in the first six games.
First set: Zverev 2-3* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Hawkeye shows the umpire was correct, despite Zverev’s performative whining. Davidovich Fokina pounces on this lapse in concentration to pick up two break points, and he takes the second as Zverev takes his eye off a volley and slaps it into the net.
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First set: Zverev *2-2 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) ADF serves up his first double fault, and Zverev brings up two break points with a cross-court zinger that stops his opponent in his tracks. Davidovich Fokina gets back to deuce with a drop shot, but his next effort is wild. On break point, Zverev thinks a Davidovich forehand has landed out and protests at length to the umpire. Davidovich gets on with it, and closes out the hold.
First set: Zverev 2-1 Davidovich Fokina* (*denotes next server) Zverev holds for the first time behind a booming, if misfiring first serve. There’s a double fault in the mix as he holds to 30.
First set: Zverev *1-1 Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Zverev extends his 6’6” frame to flick a passing shot back across court, earning a break point. He wins the next battle at the net, and breaks straight back.
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First set: Zverev 0-1* Davidovich Fokina (*denotes next server) Will we get another marathon quarter-final here? Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, or ADF as he is now known, makes a strong start, bossing the first two rallies. He earns three points as Zverev nets, and although Zverev battles back to 30-40, ADF seals the break with a tricky little drop shot.
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The players are on court knocking up. Zverev has a 2-0 head-to-head record over his Spanish opponent.
Zverev has faced off-field allegations in the last year, and while we are going to focus on the match once it starts, it’s a situation I feel should be mentioned when we cover his matches.
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Next up, it’s Alexander Zverev against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first men’s quarter-final. These two will have expected to have been on court at 3pm (BST); in reality, it’ll be almost two hours later.
Pavlyuchenkova beats Rybakina 6-7, 6-2, 9-7!
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 7-9 Pavlyuchenkova Pavlyuchenkova is, once again, just one game from that elusive grand slam semi-final. And now just two points away as Rybakina snatches at a forehand. An ace, of all things, levels the game at 30-all – but a short ball is battered away by Pavlyuchenkova. Match point ... and Rybakina double faults!
Third set: *Rybakina 7-6 2-6 7-8 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) It helps in these situations if you can win your service games quickly, so it’s good news for Pavlyuchenkova as she motors to 40-0. Rybakina makes her work for it, more of those flat groundstrokes cutting the gap to 40-30, before a mishit return hands over the game.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 7-7 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) A chance for Pavlyuchenkova here as she clubs a forehand winner into the corner for 0-30. Rybakina is under pressure, but twice digs out shots from under her feet, and gets a reprieve as Pav nets a return. A quite brilliant, reaching backhand down the line gets Rybakina over the line.
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Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 6-7 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pav tries to end a 20-shot rally with a drop shot, but Rybakina is onto it and tucks the winner away. More huge hitting from Pavlyuchenkova gets the job done. All of this is great news for Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, who are due to play these two in the doubles tomorrow.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 6-6 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Niall here, jumping back in. This quarter-final, like the Zidansek v Badosa epic earlier, is going the distance as Rybakina holds to 15. No tie-breaks, remember.
Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 5-6 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) And Pavlyuchenkova holds well, too, her shot for 40-0 a beaut. But back comes Rybakina. Pavlyuchenkova attempts an ace to seal it, and misses. The second serve is gobbled up. 40-30. Then Rybakina goes for glory and goes long, and a squeal from Pavlyuchenkova shows her delight.
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Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 5-5* Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) We begin with a fine return of serve for 0-15, then Rybakina whips a winner home for 15-15. Then she serves an ace. Then Pavlyuchenkova cannot keep her return in so it’s 40-15. Rybakina holds, and holds well.
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Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 4-5 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Sudden death is upon us, pretty much. Rybakina looks to the sky at a miscued return that lets her opponent off to readily. Then an attempted winner goes wide. A break point in the next would win this.
Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 4-4 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Rybakina powers back, her winner for 30-0 clanging off the racquet. Then Pavlyuchenkova’s engine gets her in place to bully a double forehand winner. It goes to 30-30 but an ace puts Rybakina in pole, and she scoops in an easy winner to level this set.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 3-4 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) They are now slugging it out with each other, with Rybakina walloping a winner to level at 15-15. It goes to 30-30 - tiredness now also a factor - then 40-30. A hold for Pavlyuchenkova and one she audibly celebrates.
Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 3-3 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Levels, you devils. It goes to 30-30 and the potential for another wobble is upon us. Then a drop shot forces a break point as Rybakina can only scrabble into the net. And it happens, too.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 3-2 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Rybakina gains control, with a drop shot to go to 0-30 a real power move. She gets three break points, and Pavlyuchenkova goes long with an attempted saver. Another break.
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Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 2-2 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Rybakina holds her serve well enough, and we are dead level in this final set. It’s anyone’s game at this point.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 1-2 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Rybakina is throwing so much at the shots, but seems to lack the rhythm to go with it. But at 15-30 there is a glimmer of a chance. It goes to two break points. The first is saved by a winner to the back of the court. The second is not saved. The Kazakh is back in this, the drought is over.
Third set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 0-2 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) It goes to 0-30, and Pavlyuchenkova then climbs to 15-40. And a long backhand takes another break and a sixth successive game.
Third set: Rybakina 7-6 2-6 0-1 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova, still smeared in clay, seems to have the bit between her teeth. She’s eager to keep up her momentum, though a first double fault doesn’t much help and she is taken to deuce by a scything forehand winner from Rybakina. But she biffs a ball that bounces up to land game point. Then comes an ace down the line, taking the risk to win a fifth game in a row.
Pavlyuchenkova wins the second set to level!
Second set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-6 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) A double fault starts off the game, and then comes a whipping winner. Set points arrives on another break point. That’s seen off as Rybakina comes to the net. Then comes another as Pavlyuchenkova gains an advantage on deuce. And she takes it, to take the first set off Rybakina all tournament.
Second set: Rybakina 7-6 2-5 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova blazes through her next service game and has the next two games to win the second set. Rybakina seems to have lost concentration.
Second set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-4 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Break points on a previously all but unblemished serve. It goes to deuce but another chance comes up. That’s coughed up, and Pavlyuchenkova goes too long in trying to gobble it up. A series of deuces follow. Who will crack? Pavlyuchenkova thunders a double-handed backhand beyond reach before she then slips on the court as her opponent plays the shot and misses. She’s covered in shale, and there’s some talk of impeding in the commentary box but a break it is. Big chance now.
Second set: Rybakina 7-6 2-3 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) A racquet change from Rybakina as Pavlyuchenkova’s serve continues to impress. Rybakina goes long and it continues with serve.
Second set: Rybakina* 7-6 2-2 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Nice winner from Pavlyuchenkova to go 15-30 down but her opponent’s serve is strong and she works her own winner before acing the winner.
Second set: Rybakina 7-6 1-2 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Again, Pavlyuchenkova looks strong on her serve. Another tiebreak here cannot be ruled out.
Second set: Rybakina* 7-6 1-1 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) And Rybakina responds in kind, including a bullied smash to go 40-0 up, which is then served out.
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Second set: Rybakina 7-6 0-1 *Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova blasts back, and serves out a hold of service to love. No sign of a wobble despite losing the first set.
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Elena Rybakina wins the first set 7-6
Rybakina steals into an early 2-0 lead, then an ace takes her to 3-0. She then clatters a winner for 4-0, then comes 5-0. A drinks break is taken at 5-1, and Pavlyuchenkova has a mountain to climb. A skidding backhand winner will do for starters but then it’s four set points. That’s collected on second serve.
First set: Rybakina* 6-6 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Farewell, Niall, and hello Cleveland. Neat net play from Pavlyuchenkova powers her way to 30-0 up, then a drop pulls Rybakina into it, before something of a fluke take her to game point. That’s served out and it’s a tiebreak.
First set: Rybakina 6-5 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Rybakina has lost her way a little; from 4-1 up, she slips 0-30 down here but rescues things with some better first serves. Another double fault and we’re back to deuce. Pav goes down the line with a backhand, but misses – then nets a second serve.
Time to hand over to John Brewin, who will guide you through this first set and beyond.
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First set: *Rybakina 5-5 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova grinds out a big-hitting hold, Rybakina still going for her shots and not always making them. 18 winners, 16 unforced errors from Rybakina.
First set: Rybakina 5-4 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Nice work from Rybakina, stepping in behind her serve and lifting a two-handed backhand down the line. For every smooth winner, there’s a slightly wild miss, but she gets the hold and makes her opponent serve to stay in the set.
First set: *Rybakina 4-4 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) The first signs of frustration from Rybakina at a missed winner, an eighth unforced error on her forehand. She had looked like running away with this set but Pavlyuchenkova has pulled level now.
First set: Rybakina 4-3 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova has stopped her doubles partner running away with this first set, but can she make a dent on her serve? A double fault, and soft second serve, allows Pav to move 15-30 ahead. Rybakina double-faults again but is let off as Pav loops a return long. A much better effort allows her to dominate at deuce, earning another break point – but Rybakina reads her and blasts a passing shot down the line. Pav does get the break as Rybakina goes long, and we’re back on serve.
First set: *Rybakina 4-2 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Rybakina is using her height advantage, stepping onto any mid-court balls and driving them away. Pav (yes, I’m calling her Pav) gets back in the game with a drop shot, then latches on to an underhit smash and whips it back across court. Rybakina returns the favour with a backhand down the line. Deuce, and Pav cranks up the power for a welcome hold.
First set: Rybakina 4-1 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova offers a reminder of what she can do with a backhand cross-court rocket at 15-40 down, but that’s all she can offer as Rybakina holds.
First set: *Rybakina 3-1 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova sends a cross-court forehand wide, and is under pressure at 0-30. A limp, netted backhand brings up three break points for Rybakina. Pavlyuchenkova’s first serve isn’t firing but her second serve almost rescues her – until Rybakina dispatches a return into the far corner!
First set: Rybakina 2-1 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Rybakina has found a better rhythm early on, her winner count already at eight as she holds comfortably.
First set: *Rybakina 1-1 Pavlyuchenkova (*denotes next server) A solid opening service hold from Pavlyuchenkova, stifling a run of Rybakina winners with some big first serves.
First set: Rybakina 1-0 Pavlyuchenkova* (*denotes next server) Pavlyuchenkova moves 0-30 up on the Rybakina serve but her opponent gets back to deuce, only for a nervy volley to offer up another break point. A short return allows Rybakina a routine winner, and a delicate drop shot helps her hold.
Next up on Chatrier: Elena Rybakina takes on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. There’s an eight-year gap between 29-year-old Pavlyuchenkova and Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan. Improbably enough, the pair are doubles partners, and have a semi-final game together on Wednesday.
Pavlyuchenkova has beaten Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka on her way here, and is into her seventh grand slam quarter-final. The trouble is, she’s never made a semi-final. Rybakina is an emerging star who notably took out Serena Williams in the last 16 to reach the last eight at a slam for the first time.
Tamara Zidansek speaks: “I was struggling a little bit [at the end of the second] but in the third set I managed to get my groove, and I was fighting really well.” Is she going to watch the next match? “A little bit ... I have some recovery to do, but I’ll keep an eye on it.” A terrific victory for the world No 85, who looks to have the game to climb much higher in the rankings.
Tamara Zidansek beats Paula Badosa 7-5, 4-6, 8-6!
It’s Badosa’s turn to feel the tension now, and she sends a couple of tight forehands drifting beyond the lines. Suddenly, Zidansek has two match points. She misses a chance with the first, but senses Badosa is cracking, and powers a winner into the corner. She’s done it!
What a ridiculous match this has been. For quality, drama and tension, it’s been better than plenty of grand slam finals.
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Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Dogged defensive work from Zidansek this time, but she overcooks a sliced backhand and is under pressure at 15-30. Ack, the first serve is a mile off, and a double fault follows. Two break points ... the first saved with a ridiculous forehand smash down the line. And she does it again!
Deuce ... and another double fault. She gets a lucky break, a forehand skidding off the service line. Another huge forehand winner, then a solid return from Badosa, and we are back to deuce. Badosa makes a mess of her cross-court return, but Zidansek nets that trusty drop shot. A seven-minute game now. Zidansek finds another long-range forehand winner and gets the better of the next rally, smashing the ball away to somehow hold serve!
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Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 6-6 Badosa (*denotes next server) Badosa opens with a zipping cross-court winner, then a double fault. A big serve and a flat volley into the corner gets her out of trouble. We’ve had 14 breaks of serve in this match, but none in the last eight games.
Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 6-5 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Badosa has found more consistency, cutting out the errors and making Zidansek win a lot more points. The Slovenian wins a key, 17-shot rally at 15-15 and closes out. Her resistance is getting to Badosa, who launches her racket towards her chair as a return flies wide.
Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 5-5 Badosa (*denotes next server) No tie-breaks here; the first player to get two games ahead will win the match. Zidansek has the first chance but Badosa doesn’t give her a look in, going on the attack and powering to 40-0. A big first serve out wide seals a hold to love, and the pressure is back on her opponent.
Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 5-4 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Two hours on court, and these two still can’t be separated. Zidansek chooses the perfect time to land her first ace, and gets a comfortable hold with a trademark forehand winner.
Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 4-4 Badosa (*denotes next server) Those last two points from Zidansek showed terrific touch, and she demonstrates it again here with a drop shot Badosa doesn’t bother chasing. Badosa’s turn to feel the nerves, and an eighth double fault follows – but a well-worked point gets her back to 30-all.
At game point, she goes for her trusty double-handed backhand down the line – and misses. Badosa is doing just about enough on serve, though, and secures the hold with a deep slice that Zidansek floats back beyond the baseline.
Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 4-3 Badosa* (*denotes next server) The volume is rising from both players as we edge towards the two-hour mark. Badosa is finding the pace and power that eluded her early on, absolutely burying a winner at 30-15 down. Zidansek pounces on a net cord, finding the line with her forehand, and then brings out that tricky drop-volley again to edge back ahead.
Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 3-3 Badosa (*denotes next server) From 2-0 up to 3-2 down, the pressure is now back on Badosa. She shakes it off, completing the hold with a cross-court volley and a triumphant, tension-relieving roar.
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Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 3-2 Badosa* (*denotes next server) With Badosa wobbling on serve again and Zidansek rediscovering her accuracy, this feels very finely poised now. There are a lot more short points as the errors creep in, and Zidansek gets a welcome hold as Badosa’s return up the line drifts wide.
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Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 2-2 Badosa (*denotes next server) It’s crucial for Zidansek to keep in touch, because Badosa has already shown nerves on serve. Badosa starts well – a deft, sliding volley setting up 30-0 – but a delicate, cross-court drop shot from Zidansek changes the game. At break point, Badosa lands a risky backhand winner down the line, but Zidansek pulls out that drop shot again, and breaks back. That’s the 14th break of this match!
Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 1-2 Badosa* (*denotes next server) From 7-5, 4-2 up, Zidansek has lost six games on the spin, and badly needs to stop that run here. A crafty, angled drop shot turns the game her way at 15-30, and she gets the job done on second serve, Badosa’s return landing well wide.
... a warning for both players now. If the coaches are not allowed to coach during Slams, why do they even need to be courtside ? #FrenchOpen #RolandGarros @jodurie @niallmcveigh
— VoiceOfTheMysterons (@Mysteron_Voice) June 8, 2021
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Third set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 0-2 Badosa (*denotes next server) Ramos gives Zidansek an informal warning over getting coaching from her team up in the stands. Badosa dishes up another double-fault, but rallies with a ferocious winner down the line. Zidansek has the chance to take it to deuce, but sends her volley a mile wide. She would have nailed that in the first two sets.
Third set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 0-1 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Here we go, then: the deciding set. Zidansek serves first and moves to 30-0 easily enough – but then Badosa strikes back, stepping forward to turn the game around and earn a break point. She takes it as Zidansek beams a forehand well wide.
Paula Padosa wins the second set 6-4 to level the match
Second set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-6 Badosa (*denotes next server) The change in body language is stark; Badosa is now bouncing around the court, with Zidansek looking deflated as she sends a hopeful backhand wide. Set point for Badosa, won with a whipped forehand that Zidansek can’t return.
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Second set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-5 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek has the weight of the world on her shoulders, and double-faults for the first time to go 0-30 behind. She tries to change it up with a drop shot, but it’s always falling short, and a wild forehand completes an almost zero-effort break for Badosa, who will now serve to level the match.
Second set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-4 Badosa (*denotes next server) At this point, both players would probably rather not be serving – and Badosa quickly slips 0-30 down. Some overly defensive play from Zidansek allows Badosa to bounce back, however, and a big first serve seals the hold.
Second set: Zidansek 7-5, 4-3 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Tamara Zidansek is two games away now, but her struggles continue on first serve and some aggressive baseline play gets Badosa two break-back points. On second serve, Badosa’s deep return proves enough to earn another break – the fourth in a row.
Second set: *Zidansek 7-5, 4-2 Badosa (*denotes next server) When Badosa has her opponent on the back foot, self-doubt seems to creep in. A wonky forehand is followed by a double fault, then a weak second serve which is ruthlessly put away by Zidansek. Three break points, and a break quickly gifted by Badosa, who is running out of games.
Second set: Zidansek 7-5, 3-2 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Badosa senses a chance at 15-30, on Zidansek’s second serve. She pounds a return through her opponent, and seals the break as Zidansek, feeling the pressure, mishits. Back on serve in the second set!
Second set: *Zidansek 7-5, 3-1 Badosa (*denotes next server) Paula Badosa has enjoyed a really impressive clay-court season, beating Ash Barty in Charleston, reaching the semi-finals in Madrid and then winning in Belgrade. It’s all in danger of ending with a whimper here, the fourth double-fault a lowlight as she hands over three break points. She saves the first, but a forehand down the line is just wide, and Zidansek is now in charge of this match.
Second set: Zidansek 7-5, 2-1 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek holds to 15, sealed with another forehand winner, struck from a lofty angle deep into the far corner.
Second set: *Zidansek 7-5, 1-1 Badosa (*denotes next server) A big game for Badosa, who has lost three games in a row and still seems distracted by the umpire’s call that started the run. She stops the losing run here, and we stay on serve.
Second set: Zidansek 7-5, 1-0 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek was the better player in that first set, and continues to push Badosa around the court, securing the hold by stepping in behind her serve and wrongfooting her opponent.
If you’re just joining us (I’ve always wanted to say that ...) it’s been a cracking match so far, with Zidansek bouncing back brilliantly after going a double-break down. Badosa has not quite found top gear but it’s been high-quality stuff, short on the nerves and unforced errors you might expect from two players in their first slam quarter-final.
Tamara Zidansek wins the first set 7-5!
First set: *Zidansek 7-5 Badosa (*denotes next server) Badosa powers to 30-love, only for Zidansek to hit back with a looping forehand return. That punchy, precise forehand gets her to 30-all, and then a set point as Badosa fails to chase her down. Badosa saves the first but presents another when an awkward overhead effort goes wide. This time, Zidansek takes it when her opponent nets!
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First set: Zidansek 6-5 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Second serve is a weak spot for both players, and Badosa is all over it here, creaming it back down the line. Stepping off the baseline, she has a routine volley – but shanks it long! She shakes it off, winning a scrappy rally to set up deuce. Badosa thinks she’s found the line with a passing shot, and lets out a yell – only for the umpire to overturn the call. Zidansek secures the hold with a lovely long-range drop shot.
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First set: *Zidansek 5-5 Badosa (*denotes next server) Badosa is under pressure at 15-30 down but Zidansek gifts her a point with an unforced error. From there, an almighty heave into the corner and a low, skidding volley get Badosa over the line.
First set: Zidansek 5-4 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek quickly moves to 40-15, but an unstoppable cross-court backhand gets Badosa back in the game. A rare unforced error takes us to deuce, where we are treated to the match’s best rally so far – won by Zidansek with a double-handed, cross-court backhand that clips the line! Zidansek leads for the first time.
First set: *Zidansek 4-4 Badosa (*denotes next server) New balls on the Badosa serve, and Zidansek fires her seventh forehand winner. Badosa digs in, applying plenty of side spin to her first serve, but Zidansek secures the break with a couple of zipping volleys that her opponent can’t handle. It’s the sixth break of serve in eight games!
First set: Zidansek 3-4 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Badosa turns up the pace and carves out another break point, which she takes with a crunching forehand that Zidansek can’t retrieve.
This isn’t the freestyle poetry, by the way. Or is it?
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First set: *Zidansek 3-3 Badosa (*denotes next server) Not any more! Quite a remarkable change of momentum in this first set; Badosa has lost her rhythm while Zidansek is timing her shots perfectly. She breaks back again, and we are back on serve.
First set: Zidansek 2-3 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek gets her first service hold, largely steering clear of Badosa’s fearsome forehand and stepping in behind her serve. She’s fought her way back into this, but Badosa still has a break.
First set: *Zidansek 1-3 Badosa (*denotes next server) She’s finding it tough on her own serve, so Zidansek senses the need to get after her opponent. An aggressive return game pays off, bringing up three break points, and she only needs one as Badosa goes long.
First set: Zidansek 0-3 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek can’t really match Badosa for pace early on, so has to find a different approach, mixing up her angles nicely. The pressure tells at deuce, Zidansek netting a forehand and then getting quickly overpowered in a rally. It’s been a flying start from Paula Badosa.
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First set: *Zidansek 0-2 Badosa (*denotes next server) Badosa has started really well here, cruising through her first service game and looking much more comfortable than her opponent. Early days, though.
First set: Zidansek 0-1 Badosa* (*denotes next server) Zidansek makes a nervy start on serve and presents Badosa with an early break point. She doesn’t take the first chance but a firm forehand sets up another, taken with a backhand down the line.
The players are out and warming up on a sunny Court Philippe-Chatrier. Carlos Ramos is the umpire; you might remember him from the 2018 US Open final. In other news, it appears that due to some pretty widespread technical problems, you’re probably not able to read this blog just now. At last, a chance to try out some of my freestyle poetry ...
The first women’s quarter-final gets under way shortly. Let’s learn a little more about the two players involved.
Tamara Zidansek is the world No 85, and the true outsider of the four. The Slovenian had never been past the second round at a slam before this run, which began with a first-round comeback win over the No 6 seed, Bianca Andreescu. Zidansek has played in and lost two WTA Tour finals, both on clay, most recently in Colombia last month.
Her opponent, Paula Badosa, was promoted to No 33 seed when Alison Riske withdrew. The former junior French Open champion is a rising star on clay, beating Sloane Stephens and Jelena Ostapenko on a run to the fourth round here in 2020. While her path to the quarters was eased by Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal, the Spaniard still had to overcome former finalist Marketa Vondrousova to reach the last eight.
Preamble
The quarter-finals begin at Roland Garros and while the biggest names feature later today or tomorrow, we start with a fascinating four-way battle to reach new heights. In the bottom half of the women’s draw, four players remain: Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek, Spain’s Paula Badosa, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina and her Russian doubles partner, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Of the quartet, only Pavlyuchenkova has reached a grand slam quarter-final before, and now one of them will be in the final on Saturday. Experience arguably makes Pavlyuchenkova the favourite but in truth, all four women will fancy their chances. Zidansek and Badosa are first up on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Later on, Alexander Zverev looks to continue his impressive form against the only man outside the top 10 seeds to reach the quarters: Spanish youngster Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. In the evening session Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Daniil Medvedev, the No 2 seed who had never won a match here before this year.
