French Open order of play, Day 5 – Djokovic, Sabalenka in action as Zverev faces Goffin

The French Open continues on Thursday, May 30 at Roland-Garros, with some of the sports’ biggest stars in second-round action on the clay courts of Paris.

Reigning men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a fourth Paris title against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

The world No. 1 earned a straight-sets win in his opening match without convincing everyone that he was back to his best after a disappointing season so far, so all eyes will be on Philippe-Chatrier when Djokovic returns to the court looking to find his top level.

World No. 2 and current Australian Open champion Aryna Sabelanka plays on Thursday morning when she takes on ITF Spain champion Moyuka Uchijima.

Elena Rybakina, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev are also all in action in the French capital.

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‘Better questions please’ – Rybakina responds to reporters following first-round win

Top men’s match – Novak Djokovic v Roberto Carballes Baena

Djokovic was not as his best as he battled past Pierre-Hugues Herbert, but the world No. 1 has not always needed to be anywhere near that to still prevail at major tournaments.

It seems unlikely. Carballes Baena is an experienced player in his own right at 31, but his highest-ever ranking comes in at No. 49.

The Spanish journeyman would normally pose no threat at all to Djokovic, but the pressure is on the serial winner to prove age is not getting the better of him at last.

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‘I delivered’ – Djokovic satisfied with opening Roland-Garros showing

Top women’s match – Moyuka Uchijima v Aryna Sabalenka

The first match-upon Philippe-Chatrier sees 2024’s only Grand Slam winner look to make it two out of two.

Sabalenka won the Australian Open back in January, and she is ranked No. 2 in the world as she trails Iga Swiatek.

The Belarusian had little difficulty as she swept past Erika Andreeva in straight sets on Tuesday, and she is favourite once more on Thursday when she takes on Moyuka Uchijima in the second round.

Twenty-two year old Japanese player Uchijima is the clear underdog here but her preparation for the tournament came at the ITF Spain event, which went extremely well for her as she won the tournament itself.

Few would expect anything but a win for Sabalenka but she has never won the French Open, with her best effort a semi-final last year.

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‘A tough challenge for me’ – Sabalenka on playing Swiatek again at Roland-Garros

Brit Watch

With British interest in the singles already over, attention turns to the doubles tournaments.

Brits Henry Patten and Luke Johnson are paired with Harri Heliovaara and Skander Mansouri in the men’s doubles and resume their postponed matches

Show courts order of play, singles – Thursday May 30 (All UK times)

Court Philippe Chatrier – From 11:00

  • Moyuka Uchijima v Aryna Sabalenka (2)
  • Elina Svitolina (15) v Diane Parry
  • Novak Djokovic (1) v Roberto Carballes Baena

From 19:15

  • Gael Monfils v Lorenzo Musetti (30)

Court Suzanne Lenglen – From 10:00

  • Miomir Kecmanovic v Daniil Medvedev (5)
  • Arantxa Rus v Elena Rybakina (4)
  • Alexander Zverev (4) v David Goffin
  • Madison Keys (14) v Mayar Sherif

Court Simonne Mathieu – From 10:00

  • Hubert Hurkacz (8) v Brandon Nakashima
  • Corentin Moutet v Alexander Shevchenko
  • Varvara Gracheva v Bernarda Pera
  • Alejandro Davidovich Fokina v Casper Ruud (7)

Court 14 – From 10:00

  • Fabian Marozsan v Grigor Dimitrov (10)
  • Katie Volynets v Marketa Vondrousova (5)
  • Flavio Cobolli v Holger Rune (13)
  • Victoria Azarenka (19) v Mirra Andreeva
Stream the French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.

French Open order of play, Day 4 – Alcaraz, Sinner in action as Swiatek faces Osaka

The French Open continues on Wednesday, May 29 at Roland-Garros, with some of the sports’ biggest stars in second-round action on the clay courts of Paris.

Second seed Jannik Sinner faces French favourite Richard Gasquet in a night session showdown as the Italian star hunts a second straight Grand Slam title.

Carlos Alcaraz, another pin-up of the new generation, is also in action against Jesper de Jong, while the women’s draw features some blockbuster battles.

World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek locks horns with Naomi Osaka in an unmissable tussle between two four-time major champions.

Third seed Coco Gauff also returns to the court, as does fan favourite Ons Jabeur in another packed day of tennis in the French capital.

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French Open highlights: Rune sees off Evans in straight sets

Top men’s match – Richard Gasquet v Jannik Sinner

A generational battle awaits in the night session on Philippe Chatrier when veteran home favourite Gasquet faces rising star Sinner.

Gasquet, 37, is competing at Roland-Garros for the 21st time this year and is a former quarter-finalist at the event, but the No. 124-ranked wildcard will be a huge underdog in this second-round clash.

Sinner is the form player on the tour this season and could even rise to world No. 1 by the time the tournament is over as he looks to kick on from claiming his maiden Slam in Australia at the start of the year.

Boasting a 29-2 record this season and titles in Rotterdam and Miami to add to the Melbourne triumph, the only doubt surrounding the 22-year-old Italian is over his recovery from a hip injury that forced him to retire in Madrid and ruled him out of Rome to disrupt his preparation.

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French Open highlights – Sinner sinks Eubanks with classy opening display

Top women’s match – Iga Swiatek v Naomi Osaka

The match third up on Philippe-Chatrier is a mouth-watering contest as two multiple Grand Slam champions go head-to-head.

Top seed Swiatek is the runaway favourite to defend her crown in Paris this year, but faces a tough early task against fellow four-time major champion Osaka.

Osaka is returning to her top level after missing all of last year on maternity leave and she showed her threat on clay by taking out top-20 seeds Marta Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina on a run to the last 16 in Rome.

But Swiatek is in her element on the clay courts of Paris, where she has won in three of the last four years, and the 22-year-old came to France in flying form after claiming back-to-back titles in Madrid and Rome.

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French Open highlights – Swiatek storms past Jeanjean to reach second round

Brit Watch

There are no Brits left standing in the singles draws after Dan Evans and Katie Boulter suffered defeats to Holger Rune and Paula Badosa on Tuesday.

Boulter is back in action on Wednesday in the first round of the women’s doubles, where she teams up with fellow Brit Heather Watson against 12th seeds Hao-Ching Chan/Veronika Kudermetova.

Luke Johnson and Henry Patten get their men’s doubles campaigns underway with partners Skander Mansouri and Harri Heliovaara, facing Romain Arnoeodoo/Sam Weissborn and fifth seeds Santiago Gonzalez/ Edouard Roger-Vasselin respectively.

Show courts order of play, singles – Wednesday May 29 (All UK times)

Court Philippe Chatrier – From 11:00

  • Sofia Kenin v Caroline Garcia (21)
  • Jesper De Jong v Carlos Alcaraz (3)
  • Iga Swiatek (1) v Naomi Osaka

From 19:15

  • Richard Gasquet v Jannik Sinner (2)

Court Suzanne Lenglen – From 10:00

  • Daniel Altmaier v Stefanos Tsitsipas (9)
  • Camila Osorio v Ons Jabeur (8)
  • Andrey Rublev (6) v Pedro Martinez
  • Coco Gauff (3) v Tamara Zidansek

Court Simonne Mathieu – From 10:00

  • Hubert Hurkacz (8) Brandon Nakashima
  • Katerina Siniakova (32) v Chloe Paquet
  • Danielle Collins (11) v Olga Danilovic
  • Corentin Moutet v Alexander Shevchenko

Court 14 – From 10:00

  • Katie Volynes v Marketa Vondrousova (5)
  • Denis Shapovalov v Francis Tiafoe (25)
  • Donna Vekic v Marta Kostyuk (18)
  • Pavel Kotov v Stan Wawrinka
Stream the French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.

'I value it more this year' – Djokovic eases past Hurkacz to book semi-final place

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the defence of his French Open title continue to gather pace as he eased past Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to book a spot in the last four at the Madrid Masters.

The World No.1 looked sharp and in-tune as he roared to a 6-3 6-4 victory to reach the 72nd Masters 1000 semi-final of his career.

Djokovic improved to 7-3 for what has so far been a disrupted 2022 season and will meet Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz next after improving his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 4-0.

ATP Madrid

Murray withdraws before Djokovic match due to food poisoning

YESTERDAY AT 09:13

Speaking to Amazon Prime after reaching his first Masters 1000 semi final of the year, Djokovic said: “I value it this year more than in previous years because of the circumstances of everything. Look, I still feel motivated to play and be competitive on court, competing with most of the young guys. Obviously there’s a change in generation, but the oldies, we’re still out there. We are guys with experience trying to make them run on the court. One thing is for sure, I will definitely play as long as I enjoy it.”

Reflecting on what turned into a routine quarter-final success, he added: “In the first set, we both didn’t play so great, there were a lot of unforced errors. It took us both time to really adjust and adapt to the conditions because it was different from the other days as well. In the second set, there was a better quality of tennis.

“I was serving really well in the second. That really kept me alive. He was serving good too. I was pleased with the way I was constructing the point, trying to make him run and overall it was a solid performance. You have to adapt and accept the circumstances and make the most out of them.”

Djokovic, who received a walkover in the previous round due to Andy Murray’s illness, rarely seemed troubled in what proved to be an underwhelming and one-sided opening set.

Hurkacz appeared strangely nervous and compounded a very leaky start with a double fault and a loose backhand that allowed the 20-time Grand Slam champion to break and roar into a 3-0 lead.

The Polish No.12 seed finally found his service rhythm but paid the price for giving the Serbian top seed a head start as Djokovic remained untroubled to claim the opener in just 33 minutes.

Hurkacz, who was appearing in his third straight Masters 1000 quarter final, survived a break point in the opening game of Set 2 with some clutch tennis but his propensity for leaking unforced errors returned soon after as he handed Djokovic the initiative. The Serb did not have to do much to break for a 3-2 lead and continued to play with real authority until a slight wobble in game eight. Hurkacz pushed the three-time Madrid champion to deuce but could not carve out a break opening.

The world No.14 then fought off two match points against his own serve before Djokovic served it out on his fourth opportunity to comfortably reach the semi final in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2019.

ATP Madrid

Nadal’s frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory – Madrid Open Diary

YESTERDAY AT 07:54

Tennis

Can ‘different’ Murray take his chance against Djokovic?

YESTERDAY AT 07:23

'I value it more this year' – Djokovic eases past Hurkacz to book semi-final place

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the defence of his French Open title continue to gather pace as he eased past Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to book a spot in the last four at the Madrid Masters.

The World No.1 looked sharp and in-tune as he roared to a 6-3 6-4 victory to reach the 72nd Masters 1000 semi-final of his career.

Djokovic improved to 7-3 for what has so far been a disrupted 2022 season and will meet Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz next after improving his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 4-0.

ATP Madrid

Djokovic on ‘amazing’ Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Spanish clash – Madrid Open diary

AN HOUR AGO

Speaking to Amazon Prime after reaching his first Masters 1000 semi final of the year, Djokovic said: “I value it this year more than in previous years because of the circumstances of everything. Look, I still feel motivated to play and be competitive on court, competing with most of the young guys. Obviously there’s a change in generation, but the oldies, we’re still out there. We are guys with experience trying to make them run on the court. One thing is for sure, I will definitely play as long as I enjoy it.”

Reflecting on what turned into a routine quarter-final success, he added: “In the first set, we both didn’t play so great, there were a lot of unforced errors. It took us both time to really adjust and adapt to the conditions because it was different from the other days as well. In the second set, there was a better quality of tennis.

“I was serving really well in the second. That really kept me alive. He was serving good too. I was pleased with the way I was constructing the point, trying to make him run and overall it was a solid performance. You have to adapt and accept the circumstances and make the most out of them.”

Djokovic, who received a walkover in the previous round due to Andy Murray’s illness, rarely seemed troubled in what proved to be an underwhelming and one-sided opening set.

Hurkacz appeared strangely nervous and compounded a very leaky start with a double fault and a loose backhand that allowed the 20-time Grand Slam champion to break and roar into a 3-0 lead.

The Polish No.12 seed finally found his service rhythm but paid the price for giving the Serbian top seed a head start as Djokovic remained untroubled to claim the opener in just 33 minutes.

Hurkacz, who was appearing in his third straight Masters 1000 quarter final, survived a break point in the opening game of Set 2 with some clutch tennis but his propensity for leaking unforced errors returned soon after as he handed Djokovic the initiative. The Serb did not have to do much to break for a 3-2 lead and continued to play with real authority until a slight wobble in game eight. Hurkacz pushed the three-time Madrid champion to deuce but could not carve out a break opening.

The world No.14 then fought off two match points against his own serve before Djokovic served it out on his fourth opportunity to comfortably reach the semi final in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2019.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Murray withdraws before Djokovic match due to food poisoning

YESTERDAY AT 09:13

ATP Madrid

Nadal’s frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory – Madrid Open Diary

05/05/2022 AT 07:54

'I value it more this year' – Djokovic eases past Hurkacz to book semi-final place

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the defence of his French Open title continue to gather pace as he eased past Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to book a spot in the last four at the Madrid Masters.

The World No.1 looked sharp and in-tune as he roared to a 6-3 6-4 victory to reach the 72nd Masters 1000 semi-final of his career.

Djokovic improved to 7-3 for what has so far been a disrupted 2022 season and will meet Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz next after improving his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 4-0.

ATP Madrid

Djokovic on ‘amazing’ Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Spanish clash – Madrid Open diary

AN HOUR AGO

Speaking to Amazon Prime after reaching his first Masters 1000 semi final of the year, Djokovic said: “I value it this year more than in previous years because of the circumstances of everything. Look, I still feel motivated to play and be competitive on court, competing with most of the young guys. Obviously there’s a change in generation, but the oldies, we’re still out there. We are guys with experience trying to make them run on the court. One thing is for sure, I will definitely play as long as I enjoy it.”

Reflecting on what turned into a routine quarter-final success, he added: “In the first set, we both didn’t play so great, there were a lot of unforced errors. It took us both time to really adjust and adapt to the conditions because it was different from the other days as well. In the second set, there was a better quality of tennis.

“I was serving really well in the second. That really kept me alive. He was serving good too. I was pleased with the way I was constructing the point, trying to make him run and overall it was a solid performance. You have to adapt and accept the circumstances and make the most out of them.”

Djokovic, who received a walkover in the previous round due to Andy Murray’s illness, rarely seemed troubled in what proved to be an underwhelming and one-sided opening set.

Hurkacz appeared strangely nervous and compounded a very leaky start with a double fault and a loose backhand that allowed the 20-time Grand Slam champion to break and roar into a 3-0 lead.

The Polish No.12 seed finally found his service rhythm but paid the price for giving the Serbian top seed a head start as Djokovic remained untroubled to claim the opener in just 33 minutes.

Hurkacz, who was appearing in his third straight Masters 1000 quarter final, survived a break point in the opening game of Set 2 with some clutch tennis but his propensity for leaking unforced errors returned soon after as he handed Djokovic the initiative. The Serb did not have to do much to break for a 3-2 lead and continued to play with real authority until a slight wobble in game eight. Hurkacz pushed the three-time Madrid champion to deuce but could not carve out a break opening.

The world No.14 then fought off two match points against his own serve before Djokovic served it out on his fourth opportunity to comfortably reach the semi final in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2019.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Murray withdraws before Djokovic match due to food poisoning

05/05/2022 AT 09:13

ATP Madrid

Nadal’s frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory – Madrid Open Diary

05/05/2022 AT 07:54

'I value it more this year' – Djokovic eases past Hurkacz to book semi-final place

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the defence of his French Open title continue to gather pace as he eased past Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to book a spot in the last four at the Madrid Masters.

The World No.1 looked sharp and in-tune as he roared to a 6-3 6-4 victory to reach the 72nd Masters 1000 semi-final of his career.

Djokovic improved to 7-3 for what has so far been a disrupted 2022 season and will meet Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz next after improving his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 4-0.

ATP Madrid

Djokovic on ‘amazing’ Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Spanish clash – Madrid Open diary

5 HOURS AGO

Speaking to Amazon Prime after reaching his first Masters 1000 semi final of the year, Djokovic said: “I value it this year more than in previous years because of the circumstances of everything. Look, I still feel motivated to play and be competitive on court, competing with most of the young guys. Obviously there’s a change in generation, but the oldies, we’re still out there. We are guys with experience trying to make them run on the court. One thing is for sure, I will definitely play as long as I enjoy it.”

Reflecting on what turned into a routine quarter-final success, he added: “In the first set, we both didn’t play so great, there were a lot of unforced errors. It took us both time to really adjust and adapt to the conditions because it was different from the other days as well. In the second set, there was a better quality of tennis.

“I was serving really well in the second. That really kept me alive. He was serving good too. I was pleased with the way I was constructing the point, trying to make him run and overall it was a solid performance. You have to adapt and accept the circumstances and make the most out of them.”

Djokovic, who received a walkover in the previous round due to Andy Murray’s illness, rarely seemed troubled in what proved to be an underwhelming and one-sided opening set.

Hurkacz appeared strangely nervous and compounded a very leaky start with a double fault and a loose backhand that allowed the 20-time Grand Slam champion to break and roar into a 3-0 lead.

The Polish No.12 seed finally found his service rhythm but paid the price for giving the Serbian top seed a head start as Djokovic remained untroubled to claim the opener in just 33 minutes.

Hurkacz, who was appearing in his third straight Masters 1000 quarter final, survived a break point in the opening game of Set 2 with some clutch tennis but his propensity for leaking unforced errors returned soon after as he handed Djokovic the initiative. The Serb did not have to do much to break for a 3-2 lead and continued to play with real authority until a slight wobble in game eight. Hurkacz pushed the three-time Madrid champion to deuce but could not carve out a break opening.

The world No.14 then fought off two match points against his own serve before Djokovic served it out on his fourth opportunity to comfortably reach the semi final in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2019.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Murray withdraws before Djokovic match due to food poisoning

05/05/2022 AT 09:13

ATP Madrid

Nadal’s frantic sprint to watch Real beat City after his own victory – Madrid Open Diary

05/05/2022 AT 07:54