French Open.
Aryna Sabalenka next. Gracheva’s defeat means that French interest in the singles is over.French Open title, he’s also in a fight to keep his world No1 ranking. He has to reach the semi-finals – otherwise he’ll surrender his position to Jannik Sinner. But if Sinner reaches the final, the Italian will be assured of the ranking even if Djokovic wins the title. Probably permutations not at the forefront of Djokovic’s mind right now, though, as he holds his leg and looks in discomfort. It’s not clear if he’s pulled something or if his leg is cramping. The trainer is on…French Open quarter-finals for the first time in his career and he becomes the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to reach the last eight at Roland Garros. He’s delighted, as he should be. He screams “I love it here!” and soaks in the applause of the Suzanne Lenglen crowd, as Medvedev trudges off to rest his blister.
Novak Djokovic on Court Philippe-Chartier, so stay tuned. Thanks for joining me!
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 2-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server) A lob from De Minaur does not make it in the lines and after an ace from the Russian he goes up 40-0.
He drops a point but then a sneaky forehand to win the game.
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 2-2 Medvedev (*denotes server) It is all square again. De Minaur is visibly bouncing around, trying to shake the nerves and while Medvedev has looked better, he still seems to be in pain. De Minaur is making him move around, and the Russian nets a couple shots.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-2 Medvedev* (*denotes server) De Minaur hits two backhand slices in a row but they are no problem for Medvedev and his third slice goes out, making it 30-15 for Medvedev. The Russian then double faults to make it 30-all but quickly makes up for it before hitting an ace. At first, it is called out, but De Minaur confirms that it was in and the Russian goes up in the fourth set.
*De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes server) Medvedev takes a 40-15 lead after a very patient rally with 30 shots (!) after the Australian misses a forehand crosscourt. The crowd starts to get excited and the world No 5 takes the game after his opponent again misses a forehand, it going wide at the baseline.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-0 Medvedev* (*denotes server) Break! The Russian is back on the court but he hits two long serves and one long forehand to lose the first game.
De Minaur has dropped just three games since the second set.
Medvedev hands his opponent the set after a looping forehand that goes well out. The 11th seed is so calm and composed. He is surely thinking that he can win this now.
This is already his best result on the clay. His best result at a grand slam was at the US Open in 2020, where he made the quarter-finals. Will he match that today?
Before the fourth set, Medvedev leaves the court to compose himself and maybe get some more treatment.
De Minaur 4-6, 6-2, 5-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server) Break! De Minaur’s forehand is so effective. He takes that game with ease, again. Medvedev’s team is urging him on but he is struggling to move on the court.
Source: theguardian.com
