Kevin Mitchell on the quarter-finals and semis
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There couldn’t be more of a contrast between tomorrow’s men’s and women’s semi-finals. While Djokovic, Nadal and Federer share 52 major titles between them, three of the four remaining women have never even played in a slam semi before. It puts Johanna Konta, who didn’t have a single match win to her name at the French Open before this year, as the most experienced of the semi-finalists. The Big Three aren’t budging – but once again change is abound in the women’s game. Thanks for your company today, do join me again tomorrow for Djokovic v Thiem, Federer v Nadal, Konta v Vondrousova and Barty v Anisimova. Bye!
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Women's seeds in the French open semifinals: No. 8 & No. 26
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) June 6, 2019
Men's seeds in the French Open semifinals: No. 1, 2, 3 & 4
Back in the final 4️⃣.@DjokerNole too good for Zverev 7-5 6-2 6-2. Meets Them in the semi-finals.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2019
🎾 https://t.co/Zs3DNFWbFP #RG19 pic.twitter.com/sz1GWIHa2h
Zverev perhaps should have pushed Djokovic closer; he had his chances. He’ll perhaps be criticised for the way he fell away – for all the talk of him as a future grand slam champion he’s yet to produce an eye-catching performance against one of the top players on the biggest stage – but Djokovic is the master in grinding his opponents down mentally. Djokovic v Thiem should be some match tomorrow.
“He has a very strong serve so that was a big challenge for me to find a good position to return,” Djokovic says. “I played five or six games perfectly. I started hitting the ball a bit more cleanly. It’s good to finish today after the rain yesterday. It’s important to focus on the present moment without thinking about the next day. I’m in the semi-finals and I’m very happy with that. I hope I will continue to play well.”
Djokovic defeats Zverev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2!
Zverev’s dad appears to have had enough; he’s getting ready to leave the stands. Zverev’s coach, Ivan Lendl, hasn’t been in Paris this fortnight by the way. Zverev says the man who guided Andy Murray to his grand slam titles will be back for the grass-court season but there are rumours the pair could be going their separate ways. But I digress. Djokovic charges to 40-15, two match points. And he takes it on the second when Zverev balloons a backhand long! Djokovic is through to the semi-finals and is only two wins away from completing his second Novak slam by holding all four majors at the same time. Djokovic still hasn’t dropped a set but will surely face a tougher challenge tomorrow against Thiem, who has beaten (an admittedly out-of-form) Djokovic at Roland Garros before, in straight sets in the 2017 quarter-finals.
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With nothing to lose, Zverev zips to 15-40 on Djokovic’s serve. Two break points. There’s nothing giving on the first. And on the second he shows hands of lead on an attempted drop-shot. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic. Game Djokovic. Zverev’s had his chances in the match but is now one from six on break points and Djokovic will serve for a place in yet another grand slam semi-final, leading 7-5, 6-2, 5-2.
Zverev is clinging on to this quarter-final with his fingertips, trailing 7-5, 6-2, 3-2 and 15-30 on serve. An ace will make him feel a little better. 30-all. But he then inexplicably misses a backhand drive volley! That was ugly. 30-40. As is his netted forehand volley on the next point. Zverev has surely let go of this match. Djokovic has the break in the third set.
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Fourth straight Roland-Garros semi-final!@ThiemDomi ruthless against Khachanov 6-2 6-4 6-2. Awaits winner of Djokovic vs Zverev…
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2019
🎾 https://t.co/EqkdrLNcyO#RG19 pic.twitter.com/Zi5TqSq7IY
Thiem beats Khachanov 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
Thiem’s beaming on Suzanne Lenglen, where he’s completed a straightforward straight-sets victory over Khachanov, neutralising the Russian’s power with ease to advance 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. The Austrian - who’s beaten Djokovic and Nadal on clay before – is through to the last four for the fourth consecutive year. He’s such an impressive performer at Roland Garros but defeating most likely Djokovic in the semi-finals and then Nadal in the final in back-to-back best-of-five matches is such a tough ask.
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Djokovic should be feeling pretty pleased with himself right now, leading 7-5, 6-2, 1-0, but here’s the niggly Novak, drawing a few boos as he slams his racket into the clay. Zverev did so a few points ago too. Djokovic’s racket is broken but there’s no warning from the umpire. Zverev holds to 15. It’s 7-5, 6-2, 1-1.
Thiem’s calmly working his way past Khachanov; the unassuming Austrian who could one day be king here (is this year still too soon given Djokovic’s form and Nadal’s pedigree in Paris?) leads 6-2, 6-4, 4-2. So it’s looking as if it’ll be Djokovic v Thiem tomorrow, after Federer v Nadal, meaning the top four seeds will have made the Roland Garros semi-finals for the first time since 2011. Remarkably it’s almost the same lineup, with Thiem taking Andy Murray’s place.
Djokovic wins the second set to lead 7-5, 6-2
Zverev steps up to serve, knowing he must hold to stop Djokovic from taking a surely insurmountable two sets to love lead. Zverev’s never won from two sets down in his career and few would fancy him changing that record against the world No 1. Zverev’s on the ropes at 30-40; he steadies himself for deuce and his advantage, but two points – and two double faults – later it’s another set point for Djokovic. And Zverev concedes the set just as he did the first, with another double fault. To borrow and tweak a quote: to lose one set in that manner may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose both looks like carelessness. There’s a collective gasp around Philippe Chatrier.
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Djokovic doesn’t have it all his own way in the seventh game of the second set, he’s made to work for the hold, which he eventually does from 0-30 down and then deuce. 5-2.
Thiem leads Khachanov 6-2, 6-4
Djokovic holds for 4-1. As does Zverev for 4-2, sending down his sixth ace of the day. At least Zverev leads Djokovic on one front today; Djokovic hasn’t served any yet. Meanwhile Thiem is well on course for a fourth consecutive French Open semi-final. He’s taken the second set 6-4 against Khachanov, breaking the Russian in the ninth game before serving it out. That feared forehand of Khachanov’s just hasn’t got going.
we are well on our way now to top 4 seeds in men’s semis for 1st time at @rolandgarros since 2011
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) June 6, 2019
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This is such a typical performance by Djokovic; laughing in the face of adversity towards the end of the first set before tearing his opponent to pieces. Zverev is lying on the red dirt after the fifth point of his service game when he tumbles trying to retrieve a drop-shot. 30-40. Djokovic has the chance for a double break. But Superman shows he’s can be human sometimes. Deuce. Advantage Zverev. Game Zverev, as he hangs in during a lengthy exchange before Djokovic’s drop-shot slumps into the net. Zverev has won his first game in seven but trails 7-5, 3-1.
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Make that 12 to one. Djokovic holds to love for 7-5, 3-0. Meanwhile something’s got to give between Thiem and Khachanov in the second set. It’s 4-4, 30-all.
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A relentless Djokovic secures his fourth game on the spin, opening the second set with a love hold. Zverev appears absolutly deflated. At 15-30 Zverev has one, two, three chances to scramble to 30-all but Djokovic’s defence is impenetrable. It’s 15-40, two break points, and Zverev surrenders meekly with a double fault, just as he did at the end of the first set. From being two points away from losing the first set, Djokovic could run away with this, unless Zverev refocuses. It’s 7-5, 2-0. Djokovic has won eight points to Zverev’s one in this set.
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Djokovic breaks back for 5-5. Still, digging Zverev's vibe. Haven't seen him play this freely in a Slam in forever. #RG19
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 6, 2019
Djokovic wins the first set 7-5
A big serve from Zverev but it matters not to Djokovic; the best returner in the business gets it back with ease for 15-all. Make that 15-30, 15-40, two set points. Zverev has played so well in this first set, served for it at 5-4 and was two points away, but now Djokovic is one point from stealing it. A big one-two punch from Zverev and even Djokovic can’t absorb that. 30-40. Zverev shows some guts to step forward and knife a backhand volley for deuce. The German nibbles his necklace and pumps his fists. Gutsy. But blinded by the sun Zverev undoes his good work. Advantage Djokovic, a third set point. Zverev misses with his first serve ... and nets the second! An inauspicious end to what had been an excellent set from Zverev, who’ll feel he should be leading this match. And Djokovic doesn’t lose too many contests after taking the first set. How will Zverev respond?
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Both players are sucking for air; they’re working each other hard out there. But Djokovic can breathe a little easier when he holds to 15 for 6-5.
Beware a wounded Djokovic. He somehow gets his return back at 30-all and goes on to win the point, getting a chance to break back at the first opportunity. 30-40. Zverev’s shot loops way beyond the baseline and Djokovic has muscled his way back into this first set. It’s 5-5. And you wouldn’t bet against the world No 1 going for the jugular from here. The crowd sound slightly deflated; they wanted the underdog to serve it out. Has he missed his chance?
Djokovic breaks back for 5-5. Still, digging Zverev's vibe. Haven't seen him play this freely in a Slam in forever. #RG19
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 6, 2019
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Given the amount Djokovic is already bouncing the ball before serving, he knows he’s in a real contest. Zverev is again probing, at 0-15, 15-30 and then 30-40. This is Zverev’s fourth break point; Djokovic hasn’t had any. The pair embark on a tentative exchange, neither appear prepared to concede though neither appear ready to pull the trigger, and Djokovic eventually makes the error! There’s the first break of the quarter-final, and it’s no less than Zverev deserves. The German leads 5-4 and will serve for the first set!
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What of Djokovic and Zverev, you say? Zverev holds. 3-3. Djokovic enjoys his easiest hold. 4-3. Zverev holds. 4-4. Given the way Zverev is playing, he’ll be crushed if he doesn’t take this first set. You feel it’s far more important for him to win than Djokovic.
Thiem takes the first set against Khachanov 6-2
Zverev had already lost 10 matches this year coming into Roland Garros and did not appear to be in the form to go deep in the tournament. But he’s oozing confidence here, with a comfortable hold for 3-3. Thiem meanwhile is running away with the first set against Khachanov. He’s serving for it at 5-2, leading 30-15. Thiem brings up two set points in style with a fizzing winner – he’s more than matching Khachanov’s feared forehand right now. The first set point comes and goes but Thiem somehow pings away another forehand winner – the apology suggests he didn’t quite mean it – but I’m sure he’s not too sorry; he’s got the first set on the board, 6-2.
Home 🏠 Thiem races through the 1st set vs Silent K he is absolutely cracking the ball 🎾
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) June 6, 2019
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Djokovic was 0-30 down in his first service game, 15-40 down in his second and he’s 0-30 down here. But again Zverev can’t seem to take advantage. A deft drop-shot from Djokovic and it’s 30-all. But look, it’s 30-40 when Zverev sets up the point and settles it with the smash. A third break point of the match for the challenger. He goes for the backhand winner and misses. Deuce. Djokovic is having to work so hard to win the points, he’s already grunting so loudly as he grinds his way through the longest rally of the match, more than 20 shots. Advantage Djokovic. Jeu Djokovic. 3-2.
Thiem’s taking little time on Suzanne Lenglen. He’s broken Khachanov for 2-1 and is serving at 30-15, which three points later becomes game. The fourth seed has made an assured start to lead the 10th seed 3-1.
It’s refreshing and novel watching Sascha Zverev playing a match at a Slam where he’s a genuine underdog. Been a long, long time. #RG19
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 6, 2019
Zverev has a spring in his step after unleashing a winner for 15-40, two break points. He’s clearly enjoying his status as the underdog; there’s little pressure on him this afternoon. Despite his supreme talent he’s not expected to beat the 15-times slam champion in only his second major quarter-final. Under pressure from Djokovic, an attempted drop-shot from Zverev bounces before even reaching his own side of the net. 30-40. Zverev spots his chance down the line but it misses by a few grains of clay. The umpire, James Keothavong, is out of his chair to check – of course controversially there’s no Hawk-Eye at the French Open – and confirms the call. Deuce. And from there Djokovic does what Djokovic does, dismissing any danger to hold for 2-1.
Djokovic is bounce, bounce, bouncing the ball so that can only mean one thing: mesdames et messieurs, play is under way and Monsieur Djokovic will serve first. A good hold for the world No 1 and 2016 champion from 0-30 down. He’s 30-0 behind on Zverev’s serve too, before scrambling to 30-all. But two zipping Zverev first serves and that’s the game. It’s 1-1. Khachanov meanwhile is taken to three deuces by Thiem but holds for 1-0.
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As for Thiem v Khachanov, Thiem is the best-placed player behind Djokovic and Rafa Nadal to win here. There’s so much to like about the Austrian, who reached the final last year having made the semis in 2016 and 2017, but it’s fair to say that Whoopi Goldberg isn’t one of his greatest fans. Thiem will need to be on his guard against Khachanov, the 23-year-old Russian, who can knock opponents’ heads off with his serve and forehand.
Djokovic, who’s looking to complete his second Novak slam having also held all four majors in 2015-16, has been beating up his opponents so far, and hasn’t come close to losing a set. Zverev has encountered more resistance, and needed two five-setters to survive the first week, but the fifth seed did have a good win over the dangerous Fabio Fognini on Monday in the last 16. Of course Djokovic is the favourite for this quarter-final but Zverev could give him a match.
I’m back. And here’s Alex Zverev, the 6ft 6in German doing his best not to hit his head as he weaves and winds his way through the corridors before being announced to the Philippe Chatrier crowd, moments before Novak Djokovic makes his entrance. After Wednesday’s washout they step on to a court bathed in brilliant sunshine. Meanwhile over on Suzanne Lenglen it’s Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov.
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I’m off to get some lunch before the men’s quarter-finals in 40 minutes or so. I’ll leave you with Kevin Mitchell’s report. See you in a bit ...
“It’s been such an amazing tournament but I’m calling it now: Anisimova v Vondrousova in the final!” emails the not-very-patriotic Sam Rajasingham. “I know I should be cheering for Konta but gosh, these are two very poised tennis teenagers. So exciting.”
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Friday's schedule
Confirmation of tomorrow’s semi-final schedule:
Lenglen 10am BST/11am local time
Barty v Anisimova
Mathieu 10am BST/11am local time
Konta v Vondrousova
Chatrier 11.50am BST/12.50pm local time
Federer v Nadal
Djokovic or Zverev v Thiem or Khachanov
Thoughts: it’s good the women’s semi-finals are being played at the same, considering the quick turnaround before the final on Saturday. However it’s a shame they’re not getting their moment on Chatrier, which will host only the men’s matches.
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For the second time in three years, there will be no previous Grand Slam champions in the French Open women's semifinals.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 6, 2019
Another chance for a big breakthrough. #RG19
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Amazing Amanda!
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2019
The 🇺🇸 teen upsets defending champion Halep 6-2 6-4 to reach semi-finals.
🎾 https://t.co/gVXdWyx95u#RG19 pic.twitter.com/CuRnIFQRmk
Just sitting here thinking about how I quite literally have pairs of shoes older than Amanda Anisimova.
— Hannah Wilks (@newballsplease) June 6, 2019
Hello tennis world. Amanda Anisimova, a 17 year old American with a backhand suitable for framing, upsets Simona Halep, the defending French Open champion, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros. There will be a first time Grand Slam singles champ on Saturday
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) June 6, 2019
Barty beats Keys 6-3, 7-5
Anisimova now knows she’ll face Ashleigh Barty tomorrow. They’ll both be playing in their first grand slam semi-final, and Halep’s defeat means we’re guaranteed another first-time women’s major winner on Saturday. It’s been a whole two slams since we’ve had one ... And you’d have to say Johanna Konta, who plays Marketa Vondrousova in the bottom half tomorrow, will never have a better chance to win one of the game’s biggest prizes. She’s the only semi-finalist to have reached the last four at a slam before.
As for Barty, she recovered from the disappointment of being broken when she was serving for the match at 5-4, breaking Keys for 6-5 and holding to love to settle matters emphatically. “She’s been playing some amazing tennis, an amazing match today,” Barty says of Anisimova. “It’s an exciting match for both of us.” Whoever reaches the final it’ll be quite some story. The multi-talented Barty spent a couple of years playing cricket before returning to tennis in 2016.
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Anisimova speaks. She sounds so mature for a 17-year-old. Chris Evert likens the American to Maria Sharapova when she broke through at Wimbledon in 2004. “I’ve been working very hard but I never thought it would pay off like this,” Anisimova says. “This is more than I could ask for. This is one of the best matches I’ve ever played.”
Anisimova beats Halep 6-2, 6-4!
You’d think Anisimova’s racket would be feeling as if it weighs 100kg right now as she ponders the magnitude of reaching the French Open semi-finals, but the teenager shows the lightest of touches with a cute drop-shot to immediately put Halep on the back foot. At 30-all, Halep double faults! Match point. And Anisimova attacks the defending champion once again – sealing a sensational win with yet another backhand winner! Halep’s reign at Roland Garros is over.
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Halep holds for 4-4. That’s three consecutive games now. She’s doing a better job of moving the big-hitting Anisimova around and using the angles. Halep is probing again on Anisimova’s serve and has a break point for 5-4. But it’s not to be four games in a row. Anisimova frees herself from Halep’s grip and steadies herself for 5-4. Halep must hold serve to stay in this quarter-final.
Let’s cross over to Suzanne Lenglen though, where Barty is close to quietly sealing a no-nonsense victory – as is the likeable Australian’s style. She leads 6-3, 5-3 – make that 5-4 as Keys holds to force Barty to serve this out. The nerves are jangling for Barty at 15-all when she throws in her first double fault of the day. But she settles them by prevailing in a game of cat and mouse for 30-all. Keys has Barty on the backfoot on the fifth point with a fizzing return, Barty stays in the point before eventually prodding long. 30-40, break point. And Keys breaks! They’re back on serve at 5-5.
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As Chris Evert, the seven-times French Open champion and the best clay-court player in the history of the women’s game, points out on Eurosport, it’s one thing forging a lead such as this against a player of Halep’s stature, but it’s quite another closing it out. Let’s see what Anisimova is made of. Halep holds; and Anisimova is left shrugging her shoulders as Halep gets herself two break points at 15-40. A quick flick of the wrists from Anisimova and a wonderful angled backhand cross-court winner saves the first. Halep’s only two out of six on break points. But make that three out of seven. Halep strikes back. They’re back on serve, with Halep 6-2, 4-3 down but very much holding the momentum.
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Halep bludgeons a backhand winner – only her second of the day – to get to break point on Anisimova’s serve. That’ll have felt good. But advantage Halep becomes deuce. From there Anisimova should really get to her advantage but makes the error. The American lets out a high-pitched squeal in frustration; finally we’re given a reminder that this player who’s bossing the defending champion is only 17 years of age. Again, advantage Halep turns into deuce. Then it’s Anisimova’s advantage; she sends Halep one way and t’other, forward and back, and eventually Halep’s defence breaks down! Anisimova remains in the ascendancy, leading 6-2, 4-1. Meanwhile it’s all-square between Barty and Keys in the second, with Barty leading 6-3, 3-3.
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Apologies. Technical issues here. No such problems for Anisimova though, who has taken her seventh - yes, seventh - game in a row for 6-2, 3-0 after only 37 minutes. The Philippe Chatrier spectators are sitting in stunned silence. You wouldn’t blame Halep for doing so as well, but she finally rouses herself to hold and stop the rot for 3-1.
No holding back.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2019
Anisimova goes up 6-2 against Halep.
🎾 https://t.co/gVXdWyx95u#RG19 pic.twitter.com/ci9xD78nze
What a set from 17yo Amanda Anisimova, who takes the opener 6-2 against Simona Halep. If Halep loses, we're guaranteed a first-time slam champion
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) June 6, 2019
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Barty takes the first set 6-3 against Keys
Barty, having blown those two set points and another at her advantage, finally settles matters on her fourth. So it’s Barty and Anisimova currently on course to meet in the semi-finals.
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Anisimova wins the first set 6-2 against Halep!
No such problems for Anisimova though, who’s decided she doesn’t really want to wait to serve out the first set against Halep. Instead she hurtles to 0-40 on Halep’s serve ... and takes the set on a draining third set point! Wow. What a statement from the 17-year-old, who’s showing her more esteemed opponent absolutely no respect.
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Over on Suzanne Lenglen, meanwhile, Barty is serving for the first set at 5-3 against Keys, who clunks a backhand into the net to give the Australian two set points at 40-15. A serve out wide from Barty ... she then sends Keys to the other side of the court ... but goes on to make the error. 40-30. On the second set point Barty balloons a backhand wide! She’s hit a third of her unforced errors in the past two points.
A big game for Anisimova. Will she consolidate the break for 5-2, or will she let Halep back into the set? She looks set fair at 40-15 but Halep chips, chips, chips away for 40-30, deuce and then advantage ... before undoing her good work with a tight return. Deuce. Advantage Anisimova. Game Anisimova for 5-2, having survived the break point. The fearlessness of youth, eh?
Anisimova’s backhand is a real weapon and it sets up the third point for her. 15-30. A first double fault from Halep and it’s 15-40. The first break points of the match. Halep lets out a huge UGGGGGH before unleashing a forehand down the line ... but it’s long! Anisimova, the world No 51, has the first break of the match against the defending champion! It’s 4-2.
You have to admire Anisimova’s assured approach here; you’d think she was older than her 17 years the way she’s dealing with the occasion. She’s conceded very few unforced errors so far – but then as I type that two on the spin allow Halep to hold. The commentator’s curser strikes early. But Anisimova regroups immediately, charging through her serve to 15. It’s 3-2 Anisimova and 3-2 Barty.
There’s nothing giving on serve yet. Anisimova holds for 2-1, as does Barty. Meanwhile a French lesson from Owen Dakin: “Yesterday ‘il a plu’ or ‘il plut’. The imperfect ‘il pleuvait’ is used as in ‘it was raining when...’ or ‘as it was raining...’”
Gah. Damn Google Translate. Maybe I’ll stick to Anglais from now on.
Halep is looking to assert her authority from the start. The Romanian gets to deuce on Anisimova’s serve – she’s won 16 CONSECUTIVE return games coming into the match – but two slaps into the net mean the run will not be extended. Anisimova, by the way, is the first player born in the 2000s, male or female, to be playing in a slam quarter-final. The 17-year-old American’s also the youngest player in the women’s top 100. She’s chasing shadows as Halep holds serve for 1-1, which is also the score in Keys v Barty.
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It’s tough to know which match to focus on here. Halep is, of course, the defending champion and highest-profile player left in the women’s draw, while Keys v Barty could prove to be the better contest. It’s an intriguing match-up between last year’s semi-finalist who goes for all-out power and the popular Australian Barty, whose bag of tricks means she can mix the play up so well. I think I need four hands and 16 fingers to cover these quarter-finals.
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Here they come, Simona Halep and Amanda Anisimova on Philippe Chatrier, and Madison Keys and Ashleigh Barty on Suzanne Lenglen. The Parisian patrons don’t seem too impressed with the early start; there’s only a smattering of spectators in the stands. There’s been a very brief rain shower but the forecast for the rest of the day is pretty good.
While we wait for the players to step on to court:
Order of play
Court Philippe Chatrier
11am BST/12pm local time
Simona HALEP (ROU) [3] v Amanda ANISIMOVA (USA)
Not before 1.30pm BST/2.30pm local time
Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB) [1] v Alexander ZVEREV (GER) [5]
Jeremy CHARDY and Fabrice MARTIN (FRA) v Juan Sebastian CABAL and Robert FARAH (COL) [3]
Court Suzanne Lenglen
11am BST/12pm local time
Madison KEYS (USA) [14] v Ashleigh BARTY (AUS) [8]
Not before 1.30pm BST/2.30pm local time
Dominic THIEM (AUT) [4] v Karen KHACHANOV (RUS) [10]
Kevin KRAWIETZ and Andreas MIES (GER) v Guido PELLA and Diego SCHWARTZMAN (ARG)
Court Simonne Mathieu
Not before 11am BST/12pm local time
Nicole MELICHAR (USA) and Bruno SOARES (BRA) [1] v Latisha CHAN (TPE) and Ivan DODIG (CRO)
Elise MERTENS (BEL) and Aryna SABALENKA (BLR) [6] v Lyudmyla KICHENOK (UKR) and Jelena OSTAPENKO (LAT)
Court 1
Nadiia KICHENOK (UKR) and Aisam-ul-haq QURESHI (PAK) v Gabriela DABROWSKI (CAN) and Mate PAVIC (CRO) [2]
Preamble
Yesterday il pleuvait. Beaucoup. So today is a rollover of the four remaining quarter-finals: Simona Halep v Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys v Ashleigh Barty, Novak Djokovic v Alex Zverev and Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov. The women’s semi-finals, including Johanna Konta’s match with Marketa Vondrousova, have been pushed back until tomorrow, when they’ll share a packed schedule with the men’s last four, including Rafa v Roger XXXIX.
If the weather holds for the rest of the week, the woman emerging from the top half of the draw faces three matches in three days to win the title, which is perhaps not a significant disadvantage given they’re used to playing best-of-three-set matches in consecutive days on the WTA Tour. But on the men’s side it means three best-of-five matches in four days, which is not something that happens too often. Advantage Monsieur Nadal over Monsieur Djokovic? Peut-être.
Today’s play begins: très bientôt.
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