Mirra Andreeva stunned the World No 2 Aryna Sabalenka to reach the French Open semi-finals, where the 17-year-old rising star will face the Italian Jasmine Paolini after a day of upsets at Roland Garros.
Andreeva defeated an out-of-sorts Sabalenka 6-7 6-4 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to claim the win of her life, a year on from reaching the third round as a qualifier. The Russian will play another first-time grand slam semi-finalist, after Paolini upset Elena Rybakina. The 28-year-old Italian and 12th seed prevailed 6-2 4-6 6-4 against the former Wimbledon champion.
The evening’s action saw Alexander Zverev book his place in the French Open semi-finals for a fourth year in a row. The German fourth seed defeated Alex de Minaur in straight-sets to set up a meeting with two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud on Friday. Ruud advanced automatically after Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the quarter-final due to a knee injury, which will require surgery.
Follow live updates and the latest scores from the French Open below
French Open LIVE: Latest tennis scores and results from Roland Garros
French Open quarter-finals are underway at Roland Garros
Alexander Zverev defeats Alex de Minaur and will play Casper Ruud in semi-finals
Novak Djokovic withdraws from French Open, sending Ruud through
Mirra Andreeva stuns Aryna Sabalenka to reach French Open semi-finals
Elena Rybakina beaten by Jasmine Paolini in first match on Court Philippe Chatrier
Andreeva to face Paolini, with Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff in the other semi-final
French Open
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Casper Ruud defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in last year’s semi-finals. You’d have to think Zverev is a different player coming into their fifth career meeting.
French Open: Semi-final line-up complete
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Thursday 6 June
Not before 2pm
Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff
Not before 4pm
Jasmine Paolini vs Mirra Andreeva
Friday 7 June
Times TBC
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev vs Casper Ruud
French Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 6-3 Alex de Minaur
Let’s hear from Zverev, after two five-setters in a row, this was more straight-forward:
“Everybody in the press keeps asking me what I do for recovery, but you recover during the off-season. My mindset is you have to work harder than everyone. I’m happy it’s still paying off and I’m in another semi-final. Hopefully I can win one.”
French Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 6-3 Alex de Minaur
De Minaur nods as he shakes hands with Zverev at the net. The German was just a bit too good tonight and progresses to his fourth French Open semi-final in a row. The Aussie is still without a grand slam semi, but he is getting there.
Zverev will play Casper Ruud, the two-time French Open finalist, in the semi-finals on Friday. That wasn’t a classic but the 27-year-old battled through.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 5-3 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:30 , Jamie Braidwood
The crowd are right behind De Minaur here. They want more.
Zverev forces De Minaur into a stretched backhand, which goes long. Back to 30-30.
Zverev goes on the attack, finding depth, and De Minaur can’t return!
Match point: this could be it.
A long rally, but De Minaur nets!
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 5-3 Alex de Minaur* - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev looks like he’s feeling the pressure and a double fault confirms it! Suddenly De Minaur gets to 0-30.
Zverev steadies on the baseline, as two De Minaur forehands drift long, but then Zverev misses on 30-30! Break point.
Stunning volley from De Minaur! Zverev can’t blast his way through!
The Aussie is still alive. Just.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 5-2 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:20 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur forces Zverev to serve it out.
A fourth French Open semi-final is a game away.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 5-2 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:14 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur goes aggressive and although he goes long on the forehand on 15-30, closes the net well to set up a break point.
Good depth from De Minaur, but he doesn’t do enough with the drop shot and Zverev can put away the volley.
Deuce.
And Zverev gets the hold with an excellent point behind his serve, working De Minaur from side to side.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 4-2 Alex de Minaur - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:09 , Jamie Braidwood
The errors pile up for De Minaur as a slumped backhand into the net hands Zverev two break points.
You can feel the wind come out of De Minaur’s sails - and the double fault facing break point confirms it.
Zverev breaks and stands two games from the semi-finals.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 3-2 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev moves a step closer after putting away a clever slide volley. De Minaur is hardly getting a look at the German’s serve now.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 2-2 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 22:01 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur looked to be cruising towards his hold before locking up, and his third double fault sees Zverev get to deuce. De Minaur recovers behind his forehand to get the hold, and is going aggressive in this third set.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 2-1 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev can see the finish line and has upped his level from the end of the second and start of the tiebreak. That was the moment for De Minaur to strike.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 1-1 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:49 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s a long way back for De Minaur now, and the Australian is yet to win a match from two sets down in his career.
He catches out Zverev with two drop shots on his way to an opening hold in the third.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 1-0 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev was complaining about the time violation he was given at the end of the second set, and then exchanged words with De Minaur. It seems Zverev he is having to wait until De Minaur is ready before he starts his long routine, making the process even longer.
Zverev holds serve to start the third set.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-6 Alex de Minaur - SET!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev finds his range to win back-to-back points on serve and cut De Minaur’s lead to 4-3 in the tiebreak.
Zverev coughts up another wild forehand error, but De Minaur is getting tight too and lands a forehand ito the net.
A wild forehand from De Minaur! Now it’s 5-5.
RALLY OF THE MATCH SO FAR! And it’s goes Zverev’s way, after the German reacts quickly to De Minaur’s forehand at the net! 39 shots!
And now a set point for Zverev. It’s long from De Minaur, as the forehand gives away another error!
Zverev points to his ear after coming from 4-0 down to win the tiebreak!
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-6 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:28 , Jamie Braidwood
What a get from De Minaur to read the Zverev forehand! De Minaur picks it back up and Zverev can’t control the volley. It’s 0-2 to De Minaur.
And now a wayward forehand from Zverev! 0-3 to De Minaur, with two points won against the Zverev serve.
Another big forehand error from Zverev, this one a foot long of the baseline! 0-4 to De Minaur.
The Australian hands one back as he nets on the backhand slice.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-6 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:26 , Jamie Braidwood
We’re back to deuce after De Minaur cracks a brilliant forehand winner. Zverev is finally given a warning for the time he is taking over his serves but the umpire, to cheers from the crowd.
De Minaur nets on the backhand pass and we’re heading for a tiebreak.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 5-6 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:21 , Jamie Braidwood
The tiebreak looked there for Zverev to claim but the German fires long on the backhand! It brings up deuce, and a pressure point for the 27-year-old at the end of this set.
De Minaur brings Zverev in with the drop shot, followed by the lob! De Minaur will have a set point!
De Minaur clips the netcord, and I don’t think it helped him! Zverev has the smash, which De Minaur reads, but he can’t keep the forehand in play.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 5-6 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:14 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s brilliant from De Minaur! He misses the lob from Zverev but is still quick enough to get back and meet the forehand on the turn. The crowd loved that.
Great hitting now from the pair, and as Zverev drifts wide on the backhand, De Minaur holds! He’s into the tiebreak at least.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 5-5 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:11 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur made the perfect start to this ninth game as he raced to flick a forehand for a winner, but he lost his advantage as a second-serve return drifted long. Zverev can serve it out to hold fairly comfortably.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 4-5 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:06 , Jamie Braidwood
But De Minaur holds with his first ace of the match! It feels like the Austalian is dealing with thse baseline rallies a little better now, offering a problem for Zverev with the backhand slice.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 4-4 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 21:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Brilliant defence from De Minaur on the baseline to stay in the rally as he pressed for the break - but the Australian then spins a drop shot into the net from midcourt.
Zverev gets his hold and now De Minaur will look to stay ahead as he returns to the side of the court where he has been broken three times so far.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 3-4 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:57 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur pumps his fist as Zverev sends a backhand return long off the Australian’s second serve, earning him the hold. Zverev is looking frustrated and De Minaur has got a bit more of a spring in his step.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 3-3 Alex de Minaur* - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev hands the break straight back! The German double faults on break point, in what was a sloppy game from the fourth seed. Right out of nowhere, too, having just taken the advantage in the second set.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 3-2 Alex de Minaur* - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:47 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur has struggled at the end to the left of the umpire and double faults on 30-30, to hand Zverev break point. De Minaur then loses the track of the ball on the forehand side - a gift for the German, who is in total control now.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 2-2 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev keeps cool to put away an excellent backhand volley into the corner on 30-30, just as De Minaur was starting to ask some questions. Zverev closes it out from there, and we’re still on serve.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 6-4 1-2 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev is shouting up to his box as De Minaur holds to lead. He’s looking irritated with something.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 1-1 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Two quick holds of serve to start the second set. De Minaur looks like he needs a bit of a spark. I don’t think the length of time Zverev is taking over his serves is helping.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 6-4 Alex de Minaur* - SET
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:24 , Jamie Braidwood
The first set goes to Zverev as he slams a backhand winner past De Minaur! The Australian had given himself a half-chance after racing to a drop-shot and catching Zverev by surprise. But the fourth seed has taken over in the rallies, simply through power in several moments.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 5-4 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:18 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur forces Zverev to serve it out. The Australian had to battle from a set down against Daniil Medvedev in the previous round, so won’t get too down if he falls behind here.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 5-3 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:14 , Jamie Braidwood
A big chance for De Minaur after getting to 0-30 on the Zverev serve, as De Minaur coughs up two poor errors in a row. De Minaur that was an opportunity and Zverev slams down a big ace to get the hold.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 4-3 Alex de Minaur - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:08 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur gets a little wayward from the baseline as Zverev becomes solid against the serve. De Minaur goes long and Zverev gets a look at three break points: De Minaur looks up to the sky as he double faults to give the German the break.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 3-3 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 20:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev double faults on 40-15 but is able to get his hold after digging in on the baseline and forcing the error from De MInaur. The Australian is playing some sublime shots around the net and put away another clever angled volley earlier in the game.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 2-3 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:59 , Jamie Braidwood
A good hold from De Minaur after Zverev had an opportunity as he flicked a forehand pass down the line. From there, De Minaur was solid and Zverev blinked on the forehand.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 2-2 Alex de Minaur* - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:54 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur gets off to a super start against the Zverev serve, with two excellent volleys at the net. Zverev replies to win two punishing baseline rallies, holding firm, but a backhand error gives De Minaur another break point chance.
Zverev saves as De Minaur nets on the return, but a double fault brings up another break point.
LOB FROM DE MINAUR! Stunning! The Australian breaks straight back with a brilliant topspin lob.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 2-1 Alex de Minaur - BREAK!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev gets the opening break as his backhand takes charge, with De Minaur coughing up a couple of errors against the big Zverev strike. The German landed a big winner down the line to get to break point, before De Minaur lands a slice into the net.
French Open: Alexander Zverev 1-1 Alex de Minaur*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:41 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur gets a very early look at break point after landing an excellent sliced drop shot, in the rally of the match so far.
But Zverev closes the door behind huge serving. He takes an age to serve, though, particulary on the break point.
French Open: *Alexander Zverev 0-1 Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:35 , Jamie Braidwood
De Minaur holds to get on the board as Zverev goes long on a couple of returns.
De Minaur’s young fan, Paul. is just beside his players’ box, and is all kitted out in the Australian’s outfit.
French Open: Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev has spent more than 13 hours on court so far this tournament, which is more than four hours more than De Minaur through their first rounds.
Can the 11th seed pull of the shock here? Let’s find out.
French Open: Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go: the players are making their way out onto court.
I have a feeling this could be a long one. Will Zverev or De Minaur join Ruud in the semi-finals?
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be watching on, as well.
French Open: Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev has the advantage in the head-to-head. The German has won seven of their nine matches, but it’s 1-1 this year. Both matches, in the United Cup and Indian Wells, went to three sets: De Minaur won at the United Cup but Zverev got one back in California.
Alexander Zverev and the allegations hanging over the French Open as assault trial begins
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Last week, Alexander Zverev claimed one of the biggest victories of his career as the world No 4 became just the third player in 19 years to defeat Rafael Nadal at the French Open. The 27-year-old announced himself as the favourite to win the title during the fortnight in Paris, beating the 14-time champion and the ‘King of Clay’ in straight sets.
But by Friday morning in Berlin, Zverev’s attention turned to a very different court. The German No 1 and reigning Olympic champion faces of trial at the Tiergarten District Court in Berlin, where he is charged with physically abusing a former girlfriend.
Zverev denies the allegations and is not required to appear at the trial in person, unless he is summoned by the judge. The fourth seed has continued to play at the French Open now proceedings are underway and said before the start of the tournament: “I believe in the German system. I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do. That’s, at the end of the day, what’s going to come out, and I have to trust in that. I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure. There’s absolutely no chance I am.”
Alexander Zverev and the allegations hanging over tennis as assault trial begins
French Open: Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Alex De Minaur was roared on by his young superfan as he upset Daniil Medvedev to reach his first French Open quarter-final.
The Australian had launched an appeal on social media to find the boy who had cheered every point he won throughout his rain-interrupted third-round win over Jan-Lennard Struff.
And the boy was given a front row seat on Court Suzanne Lenglen to watch his hero reach the last eight after a 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 victory.
“He’s managed a miracle. I might have to get him on tour week in, week out,” said the 11th seed.
“No, we found him obviously through the beautiful world of social media, we ended up finding him. We got him to the match. He came with his whole crew, with his mates and his coach. It was great to see him out there.
“Again, even on that big court, I could hear him after every single point. It’s a distinctive voice, so it’s great to see.
“He’ll be around. I think he’ll be chilling with me tomorrow in my practice day and of course he’ll be there for the very next match.”
One set away from his first Roland-Garros QF 😈🇦🇺#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/SSVcX2IFCD
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2024
French Open: Up next
Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Very shortly we’ll have the final match of the day and the last of the quarter-finals as Alexander Zverev takes on Alex de Minaur. Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal means Casper Ruud, runner-up in 2022 and 2023, is waiting in the last four.
Zverev has come through two five-setters in a row, battling from two sets to one down against Holger Rune in the previous round. De Minaur, who has enjoyed a brilliant 2024, was excellent in beating fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in four sets.
Zverev has reached the French Open semi-finals in his previous two appearances in Paris, while De Minaur is the first Australian to reach the quarters since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004.
French Open: Women’s semi-finals are set!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:48 , Jamie Braidwood
After Iga Swiatek set up a rematch with Coco Gauff yesterday, I think everyone was expecting Ayrna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina to make it through today. It would have put the top four seeds into the semi-finals.
But Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini have ripped up the script. We’ll have two grand slam champions in one semi-final, and two first-time semi-finalists in the other! They will both be played tomorrow.
French Open: Who is Mirra Andreeva?
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Teenage tennis star Mirra Andreeva is at it again on the grand slam stage. After reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon last season, the 17-year-old is through to the semi-finals of the French Open after stunning second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
The Russian teeanger reached the third round of Roland Garros as a qualifier in 2023, in what was her grand slam debut. She followed it up with appearances in the main draw at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open, while her ranking improved to inside the top-50.
On her return to the French Open in 2024, Andreeva knocked out former World No 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka. A victory over the French player Varvara Gracheva set up a clash with Australian Open champion Sabalenka, who had won 12 matches in a row at the grand slams.
But Andreeva claimed the biggest win of her life against an out-of-sorts Sabalenka, winning 6-7 6-4 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Russian will play another first-time grand slam semi-finalist, after Jasmine Paolini upset Elena Rybakina.
Who is Mirra Andreeva? The 17-year-old taking French Open by storm
French Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Mirra Andreeva 6-7 6-4 6-4 Aryna Sabalenka
Andreeva is asked if she had a plan for beating Sabalenka:
“I just see the game, I play where I want! I don’t have a plan. If I see a space, I hit there. My and my coach, we ‘had a plan’ today, but I forgot during the match.”
Andreeva has started working with Conchita Martinez, her coach.
“She’s giving me great support. Sometimes I can’t remember information but having her by my side is an amazing advantage for me.
Andreeva is asked about her semi-final opponent, Jasmine Paolini.
“I played her in Madrid. It was a tough match, she plays and moves really fast and goes for it, it doesn’t matter about the score.
“I will try and do the same today and play with a cold head. Let’s see what happens.”
French Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Mirra Andreeva 6-7 6-4 6-4 Aryna Sabalenka
Let’s hear from Andreeva, the French Open semi-finalist!
“Honestly, at the moment I forgot the score! I tried not to focus on that. On the second match point, I tried to imagine saving break point. I tried to stay brave, and I managed to win!
“I was really nervous before the match and playing Sabalenka here. I was surprised, you guys cheered for me - I didn’t expect that!”
French Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Mirra Andreeva 6-7 6-4 6-4 Aryna Sabalenka
STUNNING! That’s the win of Mirra Andreeva’s life! Aryna Sabalenka was out of sorts and we’ll have to wait and see what exactly was wrong with the World No2, but Andreeva takes her chance!
The 17-year-old is into the French Open semi-final, where she will face Jasmine Paolini of Italy!
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 4-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Deuce. A backhand winner down the line from Andreeva! Stunning, and she will have another match point.
Sabalenka goes on the attack, but Andreeva puts up brilliant defence...
LOB FROM ANDREEVA!
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 4-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:17 , Jamie Braidwood
This is all or nothing from Sabalenka. From a comfortable position at 30-0, she lets Andreeva back into the game with two wild swings. On 30-30, she lands a stunning backhand winner down the line. A forehand long means Andreeva is still only two points from the match.
Sabalenka nets on the drop shot! It will be MATCH POINT Andreeva!
Sabalenka saves as she punishes the forehand and Andreeva can’t return!
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 4-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Andreeva is helped through another potentially difficult game, as Sabalenka misfires on the return. Sabalenka needs to hold now.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 4-4 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka hangs on to hold a tricky game! She finds the passing winner by meeting a forehand volley on the stretch, whipping it past Andreeva.
On we go.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 3-4 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Andreeva gets in front in style! She races to reach a Sabalenka drop shot, flicking it back over the net! A lovely touch from the teenager, who is suddenly two games away from the semi-finals.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 3-3 Mirra Andreeva* - BREAK!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Another twist! Sabalenka can’t keep the foot down, and lets Andreeva back into with a string of misses from the baseline. Three break points for the Russian - and she takes it! Andreeva finds good depth to the baseline and Sabalenka misses another one. The break goes straight back.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 3-2 Mirra Andreeva - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Chance for Sabalenka now! She continues the momentum of the last game as Andreeva feels the pressure and nets on 0-30. The return from Sabalenka is brilliant. It’s right at Andreeva’s feet and she can’t reply!
Break! Another twist.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 2-2 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:56 , Jamie Braidwood
A chance for Andreeva as she jumps to 0-30 on the Sabalenka serve, but she can’t keep her return in play. Sabalenka then punishes the backhand winner.
Superb from Sabalenka - she found her level there from 0-30 down. She holds with a big winner.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 1-2 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s getting very nervy again, all of a sudden. Sabalenka, despite her obvious struggles, is hanging on. Andreeva holds serve as she is able to guide a forehand into the open court - Sabalenka was not able to do much on the returns in that game.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 0-1 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Andreeva holds in convincing fashion at the start of the third set, as Sabalenka continues to go for make-or-break shots on the returns.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 Mirra Andreeva* - SET!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Wild! Sabalenka has dropped a set for the first time this season at the grand slams, after a run of 23 sets won in a row.
And it’s the 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva who has done it. Sabalenka is struggling with her stomach but the teenger is taking her chance.
Can she get over the line?
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-6 Mirra Andreeva* - SET!
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Woah! Brilliant from Andreeva as a spinny drop shot is followed by a forehand return right onto the line. A wayward forehand from Sabalenka and suddenly it’s set point at 30-40!
Sabalenka saves with the forehand strike from midcourt! She took charge there.
Deuce. Great defence from Sabalenka at first, but then the forehand gets wild! Another set-point to come.
Sabalenka nets! It’s a set-all!
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Relief for Andreeva after a straight-forward game because a complicated one. But Sabalenka’s return sails long, and Andreeva moves a game away from the set.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 4-4 Mirra Andreeva *
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:29 , Jamie Braidwood
A tough moment for Sabalenka to face at 30-30, but she reponds brilliantly with two superb backhands in row. The first was a clean winner down the line, and the second was angled so sharply that Andreeva was sent wide of the doubles lines to try and return it back.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 3-4 Mirra Andreeva - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:24 , Jamie Braidwood
I’m not sure where Sabalenka is producing this from: a brilliant break-back from the World No 2, as she crushes the backhand winner and then plays an excellent drop shot that Andreeva can’t keep in.
Sabalenka was doubling over in between each point. And the trainers are back on to see Sabalenka at the changeover. She’s looking frustrated - punching her stomach as she comes back onto the court.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 2-4 Mirra Andreeva* - BREAK
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Now Andreeva senses her moment: thrashing a return down the line for a winner! Another Andreeva winner as she steps into the court, flashed crosscourt.
Sabalenka is broken to love! She whacks a ball out of the stadium in frustration! Huge chance for Andreeva now.
French Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 2-3 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:17 , Jamie Braidwood
A scrappy game, but Andreeva holds as Sabalenka fires a return long. It’s hard to call where the momentum is right now, with both players giving each other opportunities with unforced errors.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 2-2 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Andreeva finds two excellent returns to jam Sabalenka at the back of the court, then reaches a Sabalenka drop shot to flick a lovely winner down the line.
On break point, Andreeva can’t keep her return in play, and the net return flies long as well. Andreeva nets and Sabalenka escapes with the hold.
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 1-2 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:08 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka found a good level at the end of the first set and into the tiebreak, but she’s clearly not happy again.
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 1-2 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:06 , Mike Jones
Mirra Andreeva is being repeatedly told to get Aryna Sabalenka moving across the court. The teenager moves up to the net and takes another point to move 40-0 up.
She mish*ts a forehand and pings a return into the net giving a bit of hope to Sabalenka.
Yet, a decent serve to body forces Sabalenka to punt one too long and secures Andreeva a hold of serve. This second set is shaping up nicely.
Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 1-1 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 17:03 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka is starting to turn up the heat. She’s in no-nonsense mode and wants to get her service games over and done with quickly.
Andreeva ploughs on with a fine backhand down the line to keep the game going before blitzing a forehand past the Belarusian to make it deuce.
Sabalenka is forced to sprint forward to meet a spinning drop shot and she pushes her return wide. Andreeva latches onto another poor drop shot and breaks back immediately!
*Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 1-0 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:57 , Mike Jones
Mirra Andreeva starts off the second set with the serve. She’s under pressure as Aryna Sabalenka goes after it. The defence that Andreeva needs to do, in turn, affects her rhythm and Sabalenka breaks her without too much trouble.
Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 0-0 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:53 , Mike Jones
Mirra Andreeva’s serve let her down in that set. Aryna Sabalenka was there for the taking as she felt very uncomfortable and needed the doctor’s help to get through it.
Sabalenka will be hoping to pile the pressure on and get a few breaks under her belt early in the next set.
Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7-5) Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:51 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka takes the first set and lets out an almighty roar. She’s had to battle with herself and against a superb player in Mirra Andreeva.
Sabalenka wins it with a fine drop shot that Andreeva forces wide when going across the court.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-6 (5-4) Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:49 , Mike Jones
Andreeva isn’t giving the tiebreak up and hits a lovely drop volley to keep in touching distance of Sabalenka. The Belarusian then sweeps the next rally with a wonderful forehand that gets whipped across court.
Andreeva smokes home an inside out backhand that lands in play. The pressure moves back onto Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-6 (4-2) Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:46 , Mike Jones
Oh nice! Andreeva steps inside the baseline and nails a backhand winner down the line when meeting a second serve from Sabalenka.
The Belarussian then serves out wide and watches Andreeva slice a forehand into the net. With the teenager back on serve, Sabalenka falls back on power.
She tries to work over Andreeva but doesn’t get it right. Still, she wins the point as Andreeva nails a backhand into the net.
*Aryna Sabalenka 6-6 (2-1) Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:43 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka smashes home the first point with an overhead from behind the baseline, that was some shot. Andreeva responds though by sprinting up to a drop shot and pushing a winner wide of her opponent.
A double fault from the 17-year-old gifts the mini break to Sabalenka.
*Aryna Sabalenka 6-6 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:41 , Mike Jones
A fourth drop shot winner from Andreeva sends her ahead in a game she needs to win. She then adds a fifth to move to 40-15.
A missed first serve allows Sabalenka to attack and force Andreeva wide to the right before switching to the opposite side of court to claim the point.
However, a wayward forehand gives the game to Andreeva and means the first set will be settled by a tiebreak.
Aryna Sabalenka 6-5 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:36 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka looks more energetic. She comes up the court and cuts a drop shot winner over the net. Andreeva then gets one to clip the back of the baseline but the ball is called out as she meets the return with a winning volley.
The point is replayed and Sabalenka goes on the attack. She forces Andreeva deeper and deeper before smoking home a winning cross court forehand.
Sabalenka holds serve with a delicious drop shot that spins away from Andreeva. She’s now just one game away from winning the first set. What a turnaround.
*Aryna Sabalenka 5-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:32 , Mike Jones
Can Mirra Andreeva hold serve and win the first set now?
It’ll be tough as Sabalenka seems to be slowly improving. She takes on the serve and, helped with too many errors from Andreeva, takes the break and draws level in the set.
Aryna Sabalenka 4-5 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:28 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka still looks uncomfortable and may be thinking about retiring here. That said, she starts this next service game with some gusto and powers to a 30-0 lead.
Sabalenka wants to make these rallies short and is backing her power to get it done. Andreeva fights back with a fine return of serve to keep this game going.
A double fault from the Belarussian takes the game to 40-30 but she smashes her way to a hold!
*Aryna Sabalenka 3-5 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:25 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka is being given some tablets from the doctor but doesn’t need any extra time to get back onto court. Mirra Andreeva can’t get distracted and needs to hold here.
The teenager starts off by winning the point as Sabalenka hooks a backhand too long. She then totally misses Andreeva’s serve and floats her return high and wide.
Andreeva persists and targets the backhand. She looks for a drop shot but doesn’t quite get it over the net. 30-15.
Another error from Sabalenka puts a backhand slice over the back as Andreeva’s coach tells her to make Sabalenka run. The teenager holds serve and is closing in on the first set.
*Aryna Sabalenka 3-4 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:21 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka has had a word with the umpire and doesn’t look completely happy out there. She’s called for the trainer and keeps on grimacing.
Mirra Andreeva is being forced to wait as a doctor comes out too.
Aryna Sabalenka 3-4 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:20 , Mike Jones
Things are going wrong for Sabalenka. She’s hittin too many balls flat and heavy with errors gifting points to Andreeva. Sabalenka’s worry seems to be her own serve and sees losing focus during the rally.
Andreeva challenges her with a drop shot that Sabalenka gets to this time. Her return comes across court but Andreeva whips it back to take the point.
Andreeva has a couple of break points. Sabalenka manages to save the first one. She can’t save the second one and pings a forehand into the net.
Mirra Andreeva has the break and takes the lead!
Aryna Sabalenka 3-3 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:16 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka is really struggling to find her mojo. She’s hanging back behind the baseline allowing Andreeva to play a fairly standard drop shot and move ahead in the game.
A change of raquet for Sabalenka doesn’t help her and she gives up the ghost when another shot is dropped over the net. Andreeva tries to see out this game and does so after Sabalenka punts one over the back.
Aryna Sabalenka 3-2 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:11 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka continues to struggle with her own serve as Andreeva starts to find her feet. She meets Sabalenka’s power shots then flicks a backhand drop shot over the net to move 15-30 ahead.
However, that only seems to spur on her opponent. The next rally is won by Sabalenka with a smash before she miscues an attempted volley and hits the net.
Sabalenka blazes a backhand across the court to save the break point. She faults twice from deuce to put Andreeva back on serve. It’s strange that Sabalenka is struggling with her serve so much.
*Aryna Sabalenka 3-1 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:05 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka doesn’t let the previous game get to her as she takes the attack to Andreeva’s serve. It’s a quick game with every point coming to Sabalenka who even gets a shot to clip the tape and fall onto the teenager’s side of court.
There’s work for Andreeva to do from her own serve as this match goes on.
Aryna Sabalenka 2-1 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 16:01 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka doesn’t look settled on her own serve. She’s already made three double faults in this set. Another error from the world No. 2 sees her punt a backhand out of play leaving Andreeva with two break points.
Another double fault sends the game Andreeva’s way.
*Aryna Sabalenka 2-0 Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:58 , Mike Jones
Andreeva unleashes a fine forehand that beats Sabalenka to get her on the board. A solid serve next up puts the teenager into the lead before Sabalenka responds with a fizzing backhand that Andreeva can only work into the net.
An attempted drop shot from Sabalenka doesn’t work with Andreeva flying up the pitch and winning with her return. Sabalenka draws level at deuce putting a ton of pressure on the youngster.
A powerful backhand winner takes Sabalenka up to a break point and she clinches it with a fierce forehand return.
Aryna Sabalenka 1-0 Mirra Andreeva*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:53 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka makes quick work of the first game despite opening up with a double fault. Andreeva has a poor record against Sabalenka and has never beaten her.
Can she come up with a solid gameplan today?
Aryna Sabalenka vs Mirra Andreeva
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:49 , Mike Jones
The final women’s quarter-final is about to begin. Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva have been warming up on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Sabalenka will have the first serve.
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:48 , Mike Jones
A final word from Paolini: “Merci beaucoup! Merci beaucoup! It is my first time playing on this beautiful court. It’s a pleasure, really a privilege and I’m happy that I got the win in my first match here. This is one of the best courts in tennis, for sure.”
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:44 , Mike Jones
More from Paolini who spoke about recovering after losing the second set: “I just tried to stay there every point, to forget what happened in the second set because it can happen, it’s tennis, so it’s normal.
“I managed to come back and I just accept that and fight again. Thank you guys, thank you very much for cheering for me.”
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:43 , Mike Jones
Jasmine Paolini’s reaction: “Thank you, it’s an unbelievable feeling. It was a really tough match. I was a bit too emotional in the second set. I said to myself ‘ok, it is good’.
“She [Elena Rybakina] is a great champion so it can happen. I tried to hit every ball and it worked, I am here.”
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:37 , Mike Jones
According to Opta, Jasmine Paolini and Jannik Sinner’s success means there will be Italian players in the semi-finals of both the men’s and women’s singles at a Grand Slam for the first time in the Open era.
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:35 , Mike Jones
Elena Rybakina beaten in three sets 2-6 6-4 4-6 by Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:29 , Mike Jones
What a result for Jasmine Paolini. The Italian started in rapid fashion and flew through the first set with aplomb. Elena Rybakina then fought back and claimed the second set.
Paolini stuch to her guns and responded. Despite her serve being under threat constantly in the third set, she held her own and managed to get over the line.
Paolini is now in the French Open semi-finals for the first time.
Elena Rybakina 2-6 6-4 4-6 Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:27 , Mike Jones
It’s another error from Rybakina to start this crucial game. She pumps the ball too long. Paolini’s next serve is smoked back by Rybakina who lands one on the baseline which the Italian drills too long on her own return. 15-15.
A miscue from Rybakina then goes flying off her raquet and hits the umpire. Paolini edges in front. Rybakina draws level after executing a perfect forehand to whip the ball past Paolini as she darts the wrong way. 30-30.
Now then. Rybakina is just trying to stay in the rally but loops a forehand too long and there’s a match point for Paolini here...
... she gets it! Elena Rybakina punts a backhand too long and Jasmine Paolini wins the match!
Elena Rybakina 2-6 6-4 4-5 Jasmine Paolini*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:22 , Mike Jones
Oh here we go. Rybakina’s errors have crept back into her game meaning she goes 15-40 behind on her own serve. There’s two chances for Paolini to break but she only needs one!
Paolini will be serving to win the match.
*Elena Rybakina 2-6 6-4 4-4 Jasmine Paolini
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:18 , Mike Jones
Paolini is re-introducing the levels she had in the first set. She’s working Rybakina around the court and taking on the winning shots when they’re available.
Another hold to love!
Elena Rybakina 2-6 6-4 4-3 Jasmine Paolini*
Wednesday 5 June 2024 15:15 , Mike Jones
That’s superb from Rybakina. A hold of serve to love to edge her closer to winning the match. She’ll be hoping to break Paolini now so that the opportunity is there to serve for the win.
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