Key events
That’s it from us for today, though, many thanks for your company. We’ll be back for those semi-finals tomorrow – and we’ll have a report on the site on Sinner’s win and Zverev v Djokovic. A demain!
Still no order of play for tomorrow’s women’s semi-finals, with Lois Boisson, the story of the tournament, taking on Gauff, and Swiatek and Sabalenka facing off in part XIII. I guess organisers are debating whether they’d rather have a guaranteed full crowd for Boisson if they put her on first, which would be at 3pm Paris time/2pm UK, or whether they’d rather have her in a potentially more TV-friendly early evening slot.
If you want to catch up on today:
Breaking down Sinner’s run: round one vs Rinderknech conceded 12 games, round two vs Gasquet seven games, round three vs Lehecka three games, round four vs Rublev eight games, quarter-final vs Bublik six games. It’s staggering when you consider he didn’t even play tennis for three months up until a few weeks ago.
With Sinner in this form – he’s on a 19-match winning streak in grand slams, it’s like early Roger Federer, before Rafa rocked the boat – I think he’ll have too much for Zverev or Djokovic. But Alcaraz, most likely, in the final is too tough to call. Sinner blazed a path to the Italian Open final last month, his first event back from his ban, before running into Alcaraz, who beat him in straight sets.
“He can have some ups and downs,” says Sinner, making something of an understatement. “So I tried to stay very consistent, which I’ve done. It was a good performance from my side, as things were very windy and breezy. I’m very happy. Against these types of players you have to be very consistent. I’ll maybe watch a bit [of the quarter-final later], but I’ll try to switch off too. It’s going to be a great match [the semi-final], hopefully I’ll be ready. The fans want a high-quality match, we’ll try to make it happen.”
Sinner defeats Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0
15-0, 30-0 and – you know the drill – 40-0 and game, set and match with another seemingly effortless winner. Bublik is grinning; he’s had fun despite the defeat and third-set rout. For Sinner, it’s a second consecutive French Open semi-final, where he’ll face either Alexander Zverev or Novak Djokovic, who play this evening.
Sinner breaks: Sinner* 6-1, 7-5, 5-0 Bublik (*denotes next server)
It’s been entertaining, and he’ll always have those wins over Jack Draper and Alex De Minaur, but Bublik’s run in Paris is about to end, as Sinner, from 40-30 down on Bublik’s serve, skips through the next three points with his usual efficiency. The world No 1 will serve for a place in the semi-finals. And Bublik almost congratulates Sinner at the changeover; he’s already accepted his fate.
Third set: Sinner 6-1, 7-5, 4-0 Bublik* (*denotes next server)
It’s remarkable given how little tennis Sinner had under his belt coming into Roland Garros, after that three-month doping ban, how at ease he’s been this fortnight. Close out this set and it’ll be a fifth consecutive win in straight sets. From 40-15, Sinner does the business with an easy putaway at the net, and Bublik needs a miracle, or at least to summon several of his trademark jaw-dropping winners, to inconvenience the Italian winning machine for much longer.
Sinner breaks: Sinner* 6-1, 7-5, 3-0 Bublik (*denotes next server)
0-15, 0-30, 0-40, as Bublik misdirects a backhand volley. Bublik is shaking his head; the crowd are almost silent. But Bublik does better at the net on the next point, putting away a winner. And from 0-40, he gets back to deuce! A lovely pick-up from Bublik at the net … Sinner lobs … but it’s long! Bublik has a game point, which may do little more at this stage than prevent a third-set whitewash, but he doesn’t capitalise. Deuce. Advantage Sinner. Deuce. Advantage Bublik. Deuce. Advantage Bublik. He allows himself a little smile, while also wincing at the pain Sinner is putting him through. Deuce. Advantage Sinner. Game set and match Sinner after yet more clean, consistent and clinical ball striking.
Third set: Sinner 6-1, 7-5, 2-0 Bublik* (*denotes next server)
Bublik said he hated the sport “with all my heart” back in 2020. The enigmatic Kazakh is Kyrgios-like when it comes to his wavering focus, combustible temperament and his natural but unfulfilled talent. He’s gesticulating at 40-15; he really can’t catch a break at the moment. And Sinner swiftly holds.
Sinner breaks: Sinner* 6-1, 7-5, 1-0 Bublik (*denotes next server)
Alas, as so often happens in tennis, Bublik, having pushed so hard in that second set, quickly surrenders at the start of the next. Sinner surges to 15-40, two break points. And that’s the break, when Bublik can’t dig a volley out from his feet.
Thanks Daniel. It’s hard to see a way back for Bublik from here, as hard as seeing a French wildcard ranked 361 in the world on their grand slam debut making … er wait … OK, it’s not impossible, but highly implausible. Bublik could probably do with a restorative mid-match Hangover-style trip to Vegas, which is what he did to reignite his career when he felt like jacking it all in during the spring, but instead he’ll have to make do with a quick drink and rub of his towel.
*Sinner 6-1 7-5 Bublik As we said earlier, it’s close until it isn’t; offer someone like Sinner a finger, he’ll take your whole hand. He serves out to love and it’s a long way back for Bublik from here. As for me, I’m off to see Tina Knowles; here’s Katy to croon you through the rest of this match,
Sinner 6-1 6-5 Bublik* A terrific backhand return, on the stretch, gives Sinner 0-15, then another sets up a forehand winner down the line for 15-30. I fear I can see where this is going and, shonuff, he gets low to carve a forehand winner that raises two break points. Bublik, though, has put so much into this set and he’s not keen that it be for nothing, a fine point ended with two massive forehands to the corner. And I hate to say it, but you can probably guess what happens next: a double fault that hands over the break and that’s the difference between good players and the best. Sinner will now serve for a two-set lead.
*Sinner 6-1 5-5 Bublik Serving to stay in the set, Sinner finds himself passed by a backhand winner, lazily annihilated cross-court; a netted return restores parity. And from there, the game disappears, Sinner making 5-5, but this is an even contest and if Bublik could nab the set, we’d really be talking.
Sinner 6-1 4-5 Bublik* Bublik has lovely hands, another cunning drop making 30-0 and an ace behind it raising three game points. And, though Sinner makes 15, a further ace secures the hold, and this is getting interesting.
*Sinner 6-1 4-4 Bublik OK, Bublik makes 15-30 … then goes long on the return before being wrong-footed by a forehand. The Kazakh, though, fancies the task, a disguised drop bringing us to deuce … so Sinner closes out in short order. He’s not playing as well, though, and Bublik is serving better while making more of an impression on the return.
Sinner 6-1 3-4 Bublik* At 30-all, Bublik marches in only to put an inside-out forehand just wide … then lets go a decent drop, cleaning up at the net for deuce. From there, though, he coaxes a gorgeous forehand winner down the line for advantage before opening the court, hitting towards – but not to – the corner, allowing the putaway for a conclusive hold. It’s hard to see him breaking, but in a breaker his serve and one-shot kill power would make him a live dog.
*Sinner 6-1 3-3 Bublik Er, no. His only hope really is to do what Wawrinka did in winning his three major finals against Djokovic and Nadal, just going for everything. He’s not going to outlast Sinner from the back, but he does have big shots and a fine eye; the world no 1 holds easily once more.
Sinner 6-1 2-3 Bublik* Up 40-0, Bublik tosses in a well-timed double, then redeems it with an ace. This is much more enjoyable now, the Kazakh, in his first grand slam quarter, playing like he belongs. But can he get something going on the Sinner serve?
*Sinner 6-1 2-2 Bublik On Lenglen,Sander Arends and Luke Johnson have levelled at a set apiece in their men’s doubles quarter against Huge Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin; I note this because Luke is, like Henry Patten – the Wimbledon and Aussie Open champ – coached by Calvin Betton, our resident expert. Sinner holds to 15, and he’s so solid he should have his own MC pseudonym.
Sinner 6-1 1-2 Bublik* At 15-all Bublik strays long but having opened the channel for the pass down the line, Sinner nets and we move to 30s. From there, a service-winner down the T underlines the underdog’s improvement … then a double reminds us of his nature. No matter, he holds again, and this is now a contest (until it isn’t).
*Sinner 6-1 1-1 Bublik Bublik is, I guess, an example of just how much the very best sportsfolk are defined by their mentality. It’s easy for the likes of us to say if we were blessed with talent, we’d give everything while staying calm under pressure, but actually doing that is almost impossible. Sinner holds easily and the match might just have settled into a pattern.
Sinner 6-1 1-0 Bublik* Bublik might just’ve settled. He holds to 15 and, in comms, Mac – told his coach is behind his decision to put effort in – chuckles at the apparently revelatory nature of this advice. At 27, he’s still got time to explore its full extent.
*Sinner 6-1 Bublik Is Bublik growing into it? more so than his neck-beard, I guess and, as I type, Sinner overhits a forehand at 30-all; the comeback is on. And soon, the world no 1 is break point down, a big serve averting immediate danger, likewise one to the body. Then, when up advantage himself, he’s passed by Bublik’s backhand … but closes out thereafter. Sinner leads by a set and it’s impossible to even conceive of a way in which he loses this.
Sinner 5-1 Bublik* Sinner makes 0-30 and Bublik, your streaky and occasional wonder-shot feel-merchant just cant cope ; understandably so. he’s good enough to beat almost everyone when playing well, but the best are impervious to purple patches from his ilk. Still, a big serve digs him out of a set point at 30-40, then on advantage, Sinner overhits a putaway, and Bublik salutes the crowd upon winning his first game. The world no 1 will have to serve for the first set.
*Sinner 5-0 Bublik Better from Bublik, who stops in a long rally, playing four or five superb shots to win one point when he guess correctly and blocks back a pick-up into space; 015. From there, we wind up at deuce and this is better from the underdog – for all the good it does him. A service winner, an ace, and that’s 5-0. The problem Bublik – and everyone else – has is that Sinner and Alcaraz ares streets ahead and going away. Only Jack Draper is improving in any kind of meaningful way and he’s still a way off, especially on the red stuff.
Sinner 4-0 Bublik* At 15-30, Bublik telegraphs a drop, it sits up, and Sinner lanks in to stick it away. He’s so comfy out there, and though i’m not sure his best level is the best around, his modal level is stratospheric and he quickly swats a backhand pass down the line for the double break. This could be over very quickly.
Greetings all. My internet decided to forsake me, but we’re back now and Sinner is already a break to the good at 3-0.
The crowd really did blow the roof off. It’s open as Jannik Sinner and Alexander Bublik take to the court. Daniel is back to take you through this – though I’ll be back for some more later …
Stat attack. Boisson had won just one match on the WTA Tour before this tournament. Her ranking will jump from 361 to around 65 after this win. She’s gone from a wildcard to a French No 1 in less than a fortnight. And she’s into the semi-finals after beating three seeds, including two in the top 10.
Next up for Boisson: Coco Gauff. If Gauff is as error-strewn as she was today against Keys, Boisson really has a chance of taking one of the craziest stories in tennis history all the way to Saturday’s final. Yes, Andreeva fell apart in the eye of a Parisian storm, but the way Boisson was able to hold her nerve, and do what so many French players have struggled to do in front of a demanding home crowd, suggests she will be very much up for the challenge of facing the world No 2. I don’t think Gauff will let the crowd get to her in the way Andreeva did though.
Boisson, with a look a total disbelief, speaks:
It was amazing to feel supported like this. There are no words to describe that feeling. Whatever the situation for me last year, it’s unbelievable to come from there. Thanks to all my team. I was so tense, I fought hard, the first set was very intense and at the beginning of the second set I was very tired. But I was able to recover.
She then talks about how she’ll recover for tomorrow’s semi-final, and talks of having six physios. Six?! Maybe a money-spinning Dove collab is happening.
Boisson beats Andreeva 7-6, 6-3
Andreeva appears as if she wants to be put out of her misery. 0-15. 0-30. 0-40. Points that Andreeva lost more than Boisson won. 15,000 fans in Chatrier are once again losing their minds. And they’re blowing the roof off when Boisson’s strong strike draws the error! Boisson is on her back on the clay; she can’t believe it. The French world No 361 wildcard is improbably into the semi-finals, having never even played a grand slam before!
Second set: Andreeva* 6-7, 3-5 Boisson (*denotes next server)
Andreeva is usually able to problem solve so well on court, thinking on her feet, putting the pieces of the puzzle together, coming up with plan A, B, C, D and even E if needed. But having to fight against 15,000 French fans, she can’t think straight. The magnitude of the moment, however, is starting to affect Boisson. She’s shaking at 15-30, even more so at 30-40 … a long rally plays out, Boisson suddenly ups the ante with an injection of pace and Andreeva nets! A second break point for Andreeva at her advantage. Boisson holds her nerve once more. And Boisson backs up the break with her fifth straight game when Andreeva’s meek drop shot is nowhere near to clearing the net!
Boisson breaks: Andreeva 6-7, 3-4 Boisson* (*denotes next server)
Andreeva’s mind is gone when she whacks a ball into row Z after falling 0-30 down. The teenager receives a code violation. She’s then dicing with death with a couple of shots that just graze the line, but no, Boisson stops the point, the umpire checks the mark, and the ball was out! Andreeva’s arguing, but it’s in vain. 0-40. Which in Andreeva’s current state of mind may as well be match points. Boisson breaks on the second! Her latest French revolution is almost complete! If she can hold her nerve …
Second set: Andreeva* 6-7, 3-3 Boisson (*denotes next server)
With Boisson serving at 30-15, Martinez is absolutely screaming at Andreeva to “TAKE THE BALL EARLY”. Andreeva isn’t too impressed, and appears to ask her to leave. Martinez doesn’t listen and is still barking instructions to her charge when the game goes to deuce. It does the trick, though, because here’s a break point! Boisson saves it with a sliding serve out wide. Boisson puffs out her cheeks; she perhaps looks a little tired. But still calm, unlike Andreeva, who can’t believe it when Boisson takes the next two points to hold!
Boisson breaks: Andreeva 6-7, 3-2 Boisson* (*denotes next server)
Andreeva is furious with herself, slapping her thighs, as Boisson holds to 30. She doesn’t look as if she’s shaken off that frustration, when she opens up her service game with an eighth double fault. The umpire pleads with the partisan Parisians to be quiet during Andreeva’s service action. But Andreeva is still shaky, and her feet aren’t quite moving quickly enough, as she drops 15-40 behind. The first break point is saved, but Boisson blasts a backhand winner down the line on the second! This jerking drama has another sudden twist!
Second set: Andreeva 6-7, 3-0 Boisson* (*denotes next server)
Boisson taking that first set means the wildcard has remarkably won three consecutive sets against top-six players on her grand slam debut. Her ranking of 361 is slightly misleading, though, given she had an extended period out with an ACL injury, which she suffered just before Roland Garros last year; she couldn’t even face watching the tournament from home, so upset she was at not being able to take the wildcard she’d been offered. Wonder what she’d have said back then if someone had told her she’d be where she is now. But she looks as if she believes she belongs out there, pushing Andreeva to deuce, but the Russian shakes her off on the next two points to hold. Andreeva is in the ascendancy.
Andreeva breaks: Andreeva* 6-7, 2-0 Boisson (*denotes next server)
A wonderful game of cat and mouse at 30-all on Boisson’s serve, and Andreeva pings a winning lob. 30-40, break point. Andreeva sorely needs this. And she gets it with a deep strike to Boisson’s backhand, which isn’t coming back into play. After all the tension and tumult of that first-set finale, the atmosphere has calmed and Andreeva is working her way back into this.
Second set: Andreeva 6-7, 1-0 Boisson* (*denotes next server)
This is a wonderful, improbable story for Boisson – who knows it could be turning into a Raducanu at the 2021 US Open one – but I do feel for the 18-year-old Andreeva right now, fighting against the crowd. Her seventh double fault hands Boisson a break point in the opening game of the second set. And so many of her doubles have come at crucial moments. She does, at least, find the strength to resist the double fault before taking the next two points for a much-needed hold.
Boisson wins the first-set tie-break 8-6
… and Andreeva can probably barely hear the encouragement of her coach Conchita Martinez to “keep going” over the screams of the crowd. Now it’s Boisson with set point at 7-6 … and Andreeva hoiks wide! Sacre bleu! Boisson has the first set, having been 5-3 and set point down. The Parisian patrons are chanting “LOIS, LOIS, LOIS, LOIS, LOIS, LOIS”. I’m surprised they can breathe.
… make that 4-3, and a ripper of an inside-out forehand gets her to 5-3! She’s hit 15 winners off that wing already. But Andreeva wrests back the mini-break and takes the two points on her serve, and suddenly it’s the Russian with a set point at 6-5 … about 30 minutes after her first. Boisson is serving .. and Andreeva prods out! It’s 6-6 as they again change ends …
