Tim Henman, who was disqualified himself at Wimbledon in 1995 when he hit a ball girl in the face, is discussing a moment during the match when Musetti kicked the ball and it flew at the line judge. Musetti would have been very unlucky to have been defaulted, it wasn’t intentional, but by the letter of the law he could have been. Instead he’s through to the semi-finals, where he’ll face the winner of tonight’s match between Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul. That’s it from me for today, but do join Bryan later for coverage of that match. Abientot!

A classy interview from a classy competitor, who had just a bit too much clay-court craft, along with confidence in the crucial moments, to see off Tiafoe. Sinner may be the most famous Italian of them all, but Musetti is making quite a name for himself. And he joins select company in making the semi-finals or better at all three Masters events on clay and the French Open in the same season.

“Today it was really complicated to play well,” admits Musetti. “It was so windy. It was really tough but I found the extra energy to win the third set and the last set was the best." He talks about becoming a father last year – “I think that gave me an extra responsibility. Now I approach things in a more professional way, not just on the court, but the daily routine” – before dedicating the win to his son and wife, who’s pregnant with their second child.

Finally, he’s asked about being such an elegant player. “We’re Italian, we’re all elegant,” he smiles. “I have a bit of a retro style, there aren’t so many players unfortunately who play a one-handed backhand. When I first got my tennis racket, for me it was natural to play a one-handed backhand and my coach didn’t change it. For me it was the key to my success.”

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

A long discussion between the umpire and Tiafoe about a disputed line call on the opening point. The umpire prevails, of course. It’s another battle that Tiafoe seemingly can’t win today. And the American is staring down the barrel when Musetti holds to love.

Fourth set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

A forehand cross-court exchange ends when Tiafoe dispatches one of his best drop shots – and there have been approximately 589 drops from his racket already today. 15-0 turns into 40-15, and he goes on to secure a crucial hold to 30.

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 4-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe shows resolve to hold from 30-all. It’s still only one break, he’ll be telling himself. But Musetti is serving with new balls, as if he needs an extra assistance right now. And two quick strikes make it 30-0. His first-serve percentage is up at 92% for this set. At 40-0 Tiafoe goes a bit sweary, but he just looks subdued when Musetti nails a backhand winner down the line.

Fourth set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 3-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

The court is shrinking now for an increasingly error-strewn Tiafoe. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Musetti. After moving along in that third set without ever really getting out of third gear, except for at the end, Musetti has decided to press the accelerator. He wants to get this finished.

Fourth set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 2-0 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

A lovely pick-up from Musetti at the net and he holds at the start of the fourth. How will Tiafoe respond? He needs to keep his focus here, despite the disappointment of losing that third set having been the more assured player for much of it. Tiafoe tries to catch his breath under his towel after falling 0-15 down. It doesn’t work; it’s soon 0-30. And 0-40, after a loose forehand. A drop shot saves the first break point; he’s trying to drop shot Musetti to distraction here. But it’s not working. Another drop shot on the second break point and Musetti sprints forward and his angled backhand is too good! Musetti has the early break.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 6-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe takes on the Musetti second serve before calmly dispatching the volley. 15-30. But Musetti emphatically dismisses any sense of danger with an inside-out forehand winner and a wonderful smash while seemingly off-balance and stretching back! Bravo Lorenzo. That wasn’t at all easy to pull off. 40-30. Game.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 5-5 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe, having looked so serene on serve in this set, doesn’t change the script here, even though he’s serving to stay in it. Another quicker than quick hold and they’re locked at one set all, five games all. I really can’t call this set; Musetti is the more accomplished clay courter but Tiafoe is so focused right now.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 5-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Anything Tiafoe can do … Musetti seems set to reply with a love hold of his own. But Tiafoe thwacks a return and Musetti nets. Musetti then balloons a forehand long. He’s gesticulating. And grimacing when he then loops a backhand long! The wind is getting under his shots here. Deuce. He could do with hitting a foot or so within the lines, giving himself more margin for error, but he doesn’t even need to when Tiafoe misdirects his return. And then tonks out to give Musetti the hold.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 4-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, jeu Tiafoe. Move on; there’s not much to see. No break points in this set so far and we’re definitely not getting any here.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 4-3 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Superb defence from Tiafoe on the second point as he charges left and right but even better attack from Musetti as, airborne, he launches himself into a winning forehand. That’s the highlight of the game as Musetti holds to 15. This third set hasn’t really caught fire yet; they’re both holding too comfortably for that.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 3-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Mon dieu! At 30-15, Musetti makes the drop shot, Tiafoe hits deep, Musetti spins, sprints and slides to retrieve it … and Tiafoe, probably not expecting the ball to come back, nets! 30-all. But Tiafoe dismisses any sense of alarm by ripping through the next two points.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 3-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe’s results haven’t always kept pace with his immense likability, but here he is, at deuce on Musetti’s serve, continuing to ask questions, as he seeks one of the biggest wins of his career. He’s been to two US Open semi-finals, but reaching the last four here would be far more unexpected, especially as this isn’t his favoured surface and he had no real form to speak of coming into Roland Garros. Musetti makes his way to advantage on his serve, and then paints the line on the next point … or did he? Everyone’s looking at the mark. The umpire is out of his chair. Tiafoe comes to have a look. As does Musetti. They agree it was in, so Musetti nudges ahead in this set once more.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 2-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Tiafoe is a man transformed from the first set. He looks so confident, his serve is firing and Musetti is the one who looks a little agitated and annoyed. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Tiafoe.

Third set: Musetti 6-2, 4-6, 2-1 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

The winner here will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, sorry, Alcaraz or Tommy Paul. They’re on later in the night session. Paul’s presence in the quarter-finals, along with Tiafoe’s, makes it the first time since 1996 that the US has had two men at this stage. Back then it was Pete Sampras and Jim Courier, with Sampras then losing to Yevgeny Kafelnikov in his only semi at the only slam he never conquered. At 30-all, Musetti ups the ante with some big hitting to hold.

Third set: Musetti* 6-2, 4-6, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Oooohs and aaaaahs and sacré bleus from the crowd as Musetti holds with a sliced backhand winner. “It reminds me of Ken Rosewall,” enthuses McEnroe. Tiafoe responds with a hold to 15 of his own.

If you’re just joining us.

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 4-5 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, serving to stay in the second set, does all he can do, moving to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Tiafoe inconveniences the Italian at 40-15, and Musetti should really do better with his lob on the next point, but it doesn’t have nearly enough depth and Tiafoe gratefully puts away the smash. 40-30. Musetti holds from there but must now break Tiafoe if he’s to survive any longer in this set.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 3-5 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti leaves a scorch mark in the clay after a jet-propelled slide forward to put away the short ball. 0-30 on Tiafoe’s serve. But two terrible backhands and Musetti is cursing at himself. If he loses this set they could prove crucial. Tiafoe takes advantage by moving to 40-30, but Musetti has the net gods on his side as his answer to Tiafoe’s drop shot skims the net and trickles over. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. And the American’s triumphantly pumping his fist to the skies when it becomes game.

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 3-4 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Musetti, when Tiafoe gets in a tangle with the net post as he attempts to chase down the drop shot.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 2-4 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti holds to 15 to stay just the one break behind, and gets himself a glimmer on Tiafoe’s serve at 30-all. But a short, sharp punch from Tiafoe and it’s 40-30. Game, with another stinging, snarling serve.

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 1-3 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

In the women’s wheelchair singles, Diede de Groot, the five-times champion, has suffered her first loss at Roland Garros since 2020, beaten in straight sets in the first round by Li Xiaohui. Victory, though, for Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid in the men’s event … and an immediate break-back chance for Musetti at 30-40 on Tiafoe’s serve! Musetti sprints forward to the drop shot … but Tiafoe proves to be the Italian’s Big Foe as he puts away the volley. Deuce. Advantage Musetti, a second break point. Again it’s repelled with a drop shot. And Tiafoe takes the next two points for a gutsy hold. It took a while, but Tiafoe is very much part of this quarter-final now.

Tiafoe breaks: Musetti 6-2, 1-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

One of the points of the match at 0-30, Tiafoe has a couple of chances to close it out, but doesn’t and Musetti makes him pay with a forehand winner down the line. But Tiafoe’s aggression has left a doubt in Musetti’s mind and the Italian double faults. 15-40, two break points. On the second, Tiafoe thunders down a forehand, Musetti just about gets it back, along with the next missile or two from Tiafoe, but eventually the Italian is blown away! Tiafoe has his first break!

Second set: Musetti* 6-2, 1-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti channels the spirit of Federer with a lovely one-hander on Tiafoe’s serve, but it’s as good as it gets for the 8th seed in this game. McEnroe is musing whether Musetti can prompt a revival of the one-handed backhand, but reckons it’s still on its way out.

Second set: Musetti 6-2, 1-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

“The wind played a part, Musetti played a part, what exactly is the plan for Tiafoe right now?” asks John McEnroe. “His intensity and concentration need to pick up. He’s got to make every point count here early. I’d like to see him come in behind some of his serves given how far Musetti’s standing back on the return.” We won’t get to see straight away if Tiafoe has somehow telepathically heard the pleas of his fellow American, because Musetti is serving at the start of the second set. The wind is kicking up even more, and the clay is flying into Tiafoe’s face at 30-0. Musetti’s shots are blowing right at him too, and here’s an easy hold for the Italian.

First set: Musetti 5-2 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, serving at 30-15, misdirects a backhand into the net. 30-all … a little opening, perhaps for Tiafoe, which becomes a break point when he biffs a backhand down the line that Musetti can’t get back into court! Tiafoe – once more wearing his head-to-toe blue number, even down to his socks and shoes – steps in to return the second serve, and is in charge, bossing Musetti, but they then get involved in a backhand cross-court face-off, before Musetti knifes a backhand slice down the line! Deuce. Advantage Musetti. Jeu Musetti, who has just too much clay-court nous for the American right now.

First set: Musetti* 4-2 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

Musetti gets himself another comfortable hold, and there’s a big roar of approval on the opening point of Tiafoe’s serve as Musetti’s racket turns into a wand to conjure up a forehand winner. Both of these men have superb forehands; expect them to run around their backhands whenever they can, even though Musetti does have the now-delightful rarity of a one-hander – which Musetti flashes down the line for a winner for 40-30. But Tiafoe hits his best shot of the match, a ferocious forehand down the line, to win the game.

First set: Musetti* 3-1 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

In contrast, Tiafoe’s four wins this fortnight equal his win total in nine previous appearances at the French Open. He starts this game messily too, but recovers from 15-30 with three straight points to at least get his side of the scoreboard moving.

First set: Musetti 3-0 Tiafoe* (*denotes next server)

These two have played each other five times before, by the way, with Musetti winning their only meeting on clay, in Rome two years ago. Musetti is certainly the more natural of the two on the red dirt. He reached the Monte Carlo Masters final in the buildup to the French Open, along with the semi-finals in Madrid and Rome. Oh, and he once had a two sets to love lead over Djokovic at Roland Garros. And an unwieldy slide from Tiafoe and a forehand shank into the stands allows Musetti to back up the break.

First set: Musetti* 2-0 Tiafoe (*denotes next server)

But let’s get down to business. After a hold to 30 for Musetti, the Italian pushes and probes his way to deuce on Tiafoe’s serve. The wind is still strong, and Tiafoe is at the end where he’s playing against it. He looks uneasy. And he hits wide not once but twice to hand Musetti the early break.

Musetti, meanwhile, the stylish 23-year-old Italian who recently broke in the top 10, had his big breakthrough at Wimbledon last year, when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic. Go back a few years and his name was often mentioned alongside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he’s taken a little longer to find his way to near the top of the game.

“He’s a hugger,” says John McEnroe of the man known as Big Foe and one of the most popular players in the locker room. McEnroe says the 27-year-old’s main issue in the past has been the lack of a killer instinct, with only one grand slam quarter-final appearance away from the US Open before today, back at the Australian Open in 2019.

These two are both playing in their first French Open quarter-final, Musetti after his impressive four-set win over Holger Rune in the fourth round, and Tiafoe after becoming the first American man since Andre Agassi in 1995 to reach this stage without dropping a set.

Time to turn our attention to the first of the men’s quarter-finals, though, as Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe warm up on Chatrier.

Thanks Yara. Well, Swiatek’s win over Rybakina the other day seems to have had a transformative effect on her confidence, and the fifth seed (it still seems strange to be writing that) is now just one win away from her first final since the French Open last year. I say “just” – but with that semi-final being against Sabalenka, she’ll need to be at her Nadalian best on the clay as she attempts to become the first woman in history to win the singles title four times in a row.

And it is time for me to hand you back to Katy before the later sessions. Enjoy!

Yesterday Jack Draper looked crushed after his transformative clay swing ended in defeat to Alexander Bublik. But Tumaini Carayol thinks grass is the perfect surface to make amends.

One of Draper’s most admirable qualities, however, is the perspective he maintains in difficult moments. Even as he processed a crushing defeat, he was still able to recognise how it could propel him forward. Since he has arrived on the professional circuit, navigating physical issues, anxiety and doubt, few things have come easily for him. This is no different.

Read the full analysis here.

Swiatek loves clay and especially at the French Open and the stats tell it all.

She is the second-fastest player to claim 40 singles main draw wins at the French Open in the open era (equalling Björn Borg) – only Rafael Nadal did it in less matches (41).

She has also won her last 26 matches at Roland Garros equalling the longest winning streak in a single women’s singles grand slam event this century (Serena Williams at the US Open between 2012 and 2015).

Swiatek and Sabalenka have had some fantastic matches over the years. Most would agree last year’s Madrid final on clay was their best in an epic 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) Swiatek win.

The last time they met at a grand slam was back in 2022 at the US Open which Swiatek eventually won.

Swiatek speaks after her win:

I should have had better intensity in the begging of the second set. When Elena loses she steps up. I wanted to be proactive and be in the game and I am happy I did that.

At the end of the set the wind went down a bit. So I just went all in [to serve three aces]. It was nice to win some points for free.

[On her semi-final game against the world No 1 Sabalenka] With her it is always a challenge. She has a game for every surface. I will practice tactically tomorrow. It will be a challenge.

She then ends with a quick thank you for her fans in Polish.

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 5-6 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

Swiatek is on a mission. She goes 30-0 up and all Svitolina can do is look at her box helplessly.

But all of a sudden, Svitolina capitalises on a rare Swiatek mistake and hits a big forehand in the corner. She takes us to deuce before hitting straight into the net. Another mistake, this time a long return, gives Swiatek the hold.

Second set: *Svitolina 1-6, 5-5 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

Swiatek serving to stay in the set. She hits a backhand winner to get to game point … but then double faults.

Svitolina forces deuce with a fizzing forehand, she receives warm applause from the crowd for that, but then hits a return into the net as Swiatek takes the game.

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 5-4 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

Svitolina holds to love! Wow! She holds her own in a rally and then a fiery smash combined with some big serves gives her the game.

One more game like that and she will take the set.

Second set: *Svitolina 1-6, 4-4 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

Swiatek goes up 40-0 but two great forehands from her opponent make if 40-30. Swiatek though then hits a rocket of a forehand to take the game.

All tied again in this set. Who is going to blink first?

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 4-3 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

Svitolina has apparently seen my reporting and said: “Don’t count me out yet!”

Svitolina’s forehands in this game have been killer but Swiatek – what a player – manages to deal with them. Svitolina then opts for a drop shot but Swiatek can read her game and wins the point.

Svitolina goes back to the forehand, this time with success, before ending a long rally with a backhand that Swiatek can only hit wide. Big hold!

Second set: *Svitolina 1-6, 3-3 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

How quickly has the defending champion turned this around? She is just toying with her opponent at times, hitting shots just out of Svitolina’s reach and acing her first serves.

Tim emails from Japan saying he thinks Iga will win this match and I am inclined to agree!

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 3-2 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

We get to 30-30 after a precise forehand from Svitolina before Swiatek fires long, her ninth unforced error of the match. Svitolina then slips and is unable to hit her return over the net. Another mistake then seals the game for Swiatek.

As swiftly as Svitolina had the break it has been snatched back from her!

Second set: *Svitolina 1-6, 3-1 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

At this level, players have to be sure when they make their shots. Swiatek hesitates for a moment in this game before opting to get close to the net. The extra moment she took in making her decision leads to her netting a drop shot … The defending champion then does it again and Svitolina will take the break! She beams towards her box. A decisive moment?

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 2-1 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

A welcome love hold for Svitolina. She gets a cheap point after Swiatek nets and is up 30-0 and then 40-0 as the Pole hits a return well-long – the ball almost hits the broadcast centre! Think the wind may have played a part there.

Second set: *Svitolina 1-6, 1-1 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

Hello all! We’re tied in the second set. Svitolina is visibly frustrated as she has just been a bit short in key moments against the defending champion. She hits two returns back-to-back to concede a game that she was initially leading.

Second set: Svitolina 1-6, 1-0 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

Svitolina has more wins on clay this season than any other woman. She reached the semi-finals in Madrid, won in Rouen and is playing some of the best tennis of her career, defeating Paolini in the fourth round after saving three match points. But still it’s not enough against a champion reignited. Again Svitolina can’t breathe on serve as she’s taken to deuce. But she shows admirable fight to find a way to hold for the first time since her opening service game. Will it give her anything to hold on to? Yara will take you through the next games to find out …

Swiatek breaks: Svitolina 1-5 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

A subdued Svitolina, perhaps disheartened by not getting what perhaps she deserved on Swiatek’s serve, slumps 0-30 down. And while she fights back to 30-all, is then break point down at 30-40. This time she finds a first serve to save it. And she repels a second break point at Swiatek’s advantage. Much of the problem for Svitolina here is finding the right balance; she knows she needs to attack Swiatek more than perhaps feels natural to her, but if she attacks too much the errors rack up. A third and fourth break point. Monfils looks on much more pensively than he ever looked during his hugely entertaining defeat by Jack Draper in the second round. And Swiatek eventually prevails on the fifth break point.

First set: Svitolina* 1-4 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

… before saving a second break point, wasting a game point of her own and then having another game point taken away by her when Svitolina calmly finishes off a 20-shot rally with a delicate forehand winner! Swiatek finally consolidates the break when Svitolina pushes into the net!

Svitolina was punished in that previous game for not landing enough first serves, and Swiatek has the same problem on the first two points here, but is still able to win them. 30-0. Swiatek rediscovers her first serve but her forehand then goes missing in action, with one shot so wild it probably landed in the River Seine, and it’s 30-all. After another Swiatek error it’s deuce. And yet another makes it Svitolina’s advantage, break point. Svitolina takes matters into her own hands by sprinting forward to the net, but Swiatek pulls off the pass …

Swiatek breaks: Svitolina 1-3 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

Swiatek replies with a hold to 15 of her own, finishing it with a flourish, as she nails a cross-court forehand. The four-times champion, and three-times defending champ, then hits a blistering backhand return winner to help her get to 30-all on Svitolina’s serve. Swiatek punishes another second serve and she has her first break point. And Svitolina swats long!

First set: Svitolina 1-1 Swiatek* (*denotes next server)

As for the head-to-head, Swiatek leads it 3-1, having won their only clay-court encounter in Rome four years ago, but losing their only grand slam meeting at Wimbledon in 2023. Swiatek can be such a fast starter (though not against Rybakina, when Swiatek said it felt as if she was up against Jannik Sinner in the first set), so Svitolina will want to settle quickly here. And that she does, with a confident hold to 15.

First set: Svitolina* 0-1 Swiatek (*denotes next server)

Maybe Swiatek’s mind is still on Sunday’s spectacle, because she falls break point down in the opening game at 30-40. She gathers her focus in time to save it, and then whips a forehand winner for her advantage. And that may be Svitolina’s problem this afternoon; Swiatek boasts a bit more power. Svitolina’s footwork, athleticism, fitness and fight are among the best in the game, but she doesn’t hit as hard as the top, top players, and that’s why she’s yet to win a slam. Even though I’d love for her to do so. After another deuce Swiatek holds.

And here are Swiatek and Svitolina, who are both probably still buzzing from their fourth-round comebacks against Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini. For Swiatek, after a barren run since her third French Open title in a row last year, it brought back some of her aura of invincibility; for Svitolina, it made her even more admired for the results she’s had since returning from maternity leave a couple of years ago. The Ukrainian is such a popular player wherever she goes, even more so in France because of her husband Gael Monfils, who’s taken his place in the player’s box today.

That was Sabalenka’s toughest test yet – and she passed it in style. She was more consistent and patient than Zheng, who made twice as many unforced errors, and then showed breathtaking attack in the final five points to settle matters. It’ll be Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals, and I reckon she could still find another level too if she needed to.

“That was a true battle,” says a smiling Sabalenka. “Honestly I have no idea how I was able to break her back in that first set. I didn’t start well and I’m really glad I found my rhythm.”

Marion Bartoli then asks her about losing to Zheng a few weeks ago in Rome. “Last tournament I was pretty exhausted. I was actually glad I lost that match because I needed a break before Roland Garros. Today I was more fresh and ready to battle and fight. I’m really glad I have another opportunity and another semi-final. I’m ready to go out and compete for every point.”

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 5-3 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

“It’s a two games a set advantage if you know how to play the wind,” says Evert as Sabalenka’s hopes of wrapping up the game are blown off-course when serving at 40-30. “You can’t get set with your feet too soon.” From deuce, Sabalenka regroups, and takes the next two points. Zheng must hold serve to inconvenience Sabalenka any longer.

Sabalenka breaks: Sabalenka* 7-6, 4-3 Zheng (*denotes next server)

But Zheng is so hot and cold. She’s capable of blistering winners but also moments of indecision and doubt. She quickly drops 0-30 down and hands Sabalenka three break points with a double fault, her fifth of the match. And a wild, wayward shot concedes the game. It’s a third consecutive break; this second set is proving as changeable as the blustery Parisian wind.

Zheng breaks back: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-3 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

Mon dieu! A backhand return to take the breath away from Zheng, quite possibly the shot of the match, and it’s 15-40, two break-back points for the eighth seed. Even Sabalenka is applauding. But Sabalenka is furious when her volley is called out and she immediately concedes the break.

Sabalenka breaks: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-2 Zheng (*denotes next server)

With the wind really whipping around now, here’s the first break point of the set at 30-40 on Zheng’s serve. Zheng serves to Sabalenka’s backhand … and after a few more strikes, thwacks it back to Saba’s backhand, who slides and spins to retrieve the ball, but she can’t sprint to the overhead that is sent to her forehand. Deuce. Advantage Sabalenka, a second break point. And she tightens her grip on the match with a clean winner off the return!

Tomorrow’s order of play is out:

Madison Keys (7) v Coco Gauff (2)
Mirra Andreeva (6) v Lois Boisson
Jannik Sinner (1) v Alexander Bublik
Night session: Alexander Zverev (3) v Novak Djokovic (6)

Second set: Sabalenka 7-6, 2-2 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka’s feet stop moving on the first point; it’s as though they’ve been set into the clay. She’s stalled further at 0-30, but shows great acceleration with a backhand winner for 15-30. B2B aces from 30-all and that’s the game.

Second set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 1-2 Zheng (*denotes next server)

Back on Chatrier, two holds open the second set. A big serve out wide then gets Zheng out of trouble at 30-all. Zheng serves to the same spot on game point and Sabalenka’s backhand return bashes the net.

Elsewhere: Britain’s Henry Patten and Finland’s Harri Heliovaara, the Wimbledon and Australian Open champions in the men’s doubles and big favourites of this blog, are out in the quarter-finals, beaten 6-3, 6-4 by the American pair Evan King and Christian Harrison. But another favourite of mine and Daniel’s, Jasmine Paolini (who doesn’t love her? ), is into the women’s semi-finals with her fellow Italian Sara Errani, after defeating Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-3.

A rejuvenated Zheng, back from the brink, wins her fourth point on the spin and the first of the tie-break. And it’s on Sabalenka’s serve, so she has the mini break. But given the amount of points won by the returner during this match, I doubt that will prove decisive. And it quickly evaporates on the third point, before Sabalenka strikes on Zheng’s serve. It’s now four points in a row for Sabalenka, who leads 4-2 as they change ends …

First set: Sabalenka 6-5 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

When Zheng is feeling the pressure, she double faults (as most of us would do, to be fair). When Sabalenka enters the big moments, she comes out hitting even harder. Which is what she does here, by bossing a hold to 15. The world No 1 has got herself at the very least a tie-break in this set.

First set: Sabalenka* 5-5 Zheng (*denotes next server)

Zheng’s shot clips the tape at 30-0 and flies over … Sabalenka reacts quickly with the drop shot, which Zheng doesn’t anticipate at all. 30-15. And then another double, 30-all. To be fair to Zheng, it’s pretty windy, and that may be affecting her ball toss, but this is more to do with nerves than the elements. From deuce, Zheng finds a superb angle for a breathtaking winner, but it’s so hit and miss from the Olympic champion right now; the good is punctuated by the very bad. Eventually she atones for her doubles with an ace to take the game.

First set: Sabalenka 5-4 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

At 30-all, Sabalenka throws the whole kitchen sink at Zheng on the first serve but it’s well wide. She lands the second and goes on to win the point. 40-30. Jeu Sabalenka, when Zheng hits her backhand return into the net. For the first time since the opening game, Sabalenka is in the lead. Will she now relinquish it? She’s such a formidable frontrunner after all.

Sabalenka breaks back: Sabalenka* 4-4 Zheng (*denotes next server)

Evert says Sabalenka has made much progress in being better able to control her emotions and not getting so down on herself when she’s behind. And even here, with Zheng serving at 30-15, Sabalenka isn’t chuntering or cursing. It’s Zheng who appears to be struggling emotionally when she hits her second double of the match for 30-all. And a third for break-back point! And a roar and requisite fist pump from Sabalenka as she punishes Zheng’s back-to-back doubles by smacking away a backhand winner!

First set: Sabalenka 3-4 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

Last year at the French Open Sabalenka had her equivalent of Tottenham’s lasagne moment, losing in the quarter-finals to Mirra Andreeva after being laid low by a stomach upset. “I’m definitely not going to go for the same meal I had before that quarter-finals match,” Sabalenka said before this. “The lesson is learned.” She must find it hard to stomach Zheng’s winner for 30-all, though, when Zheng nails a forehand winner down the line with pinpoint precision. But Sabalenka steadies herself and holds from there.

First set: Sabalenka* 2-4 Zheng (*denotes next server)

Zheng looks a little wobbly in the early exchanges of this game, and throws in a double. But then a couple of great serves get her to 40-30, and she makes Sabalenka pay for a weak return with a drilled backhand down the line. She then complains to the umpire about spectators moving around during points; many are still to find their seats with the stadium not yet even half full.

First set: Sabalenka 2-3 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka stems the flow with a love hold. And there’ll be more questions about Nick Kyrgios’s future after news of his withdrawal from Wimbledon. The 2022 runner-up has said on Instagram that he’s hit a “small setback” on his latest return from injury – but it means he remains with only one grand slam appearance to his name since 2022.

First set: Sabalenka* 1-3 Zheng (*denotes next server)

Much credit to Zheng for the way she’s started this match. Both are excellent ball strikers, though Sabalenka usually has a touch more power and panache, but the fairly slow conditions in Paris this year – and as I type that the sun flickers in and out – have neutralised that a little, along with her serve. Zheng consolidates the break by holding to 15, the highlight the final point, when she’s drawn forward by a drop shot and wins the exchange on her second volley.

Zheng breaks: Sabalenka 1-2 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

A lovely touch drop volley from Zheng and she’s got a sniff at 0-30 on Sabalenka’s serve. “It’s a good tactic on the slow clay,” says Chris Evert on the commentary. I could listen to her all day. And there’s an “ooooh” from Chrissie when Zheng’s forehand smacks the sideline for a winner! 15-40, two break points. Zheng unwinds with an inside-out forehand … and then comes forward a few steps to wallop another inside-outer and there’s the break!

First set: Sabalenka* 1-1 Zheng (*denotes next server)

A commanding opening service game for Zheng. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0 … and it really should be game, but her shot deep to Sabalenka’s right wing is called out. Zheng constructs the next point well, moving Sabalenka around before coming forward … but the Chinese world No 7 nets. The longest rally of the match so far plays out, 16 shots, and it’s Zheng who is victorious. They’re both on the board.

First set: Sabalenka 1-0 Zheng* (*denotes next server)

Sabalenka, serving, wins the opening point. Not that I saw it because I was busy laughing at Rafa’s birthday video. Has there ever been a tennis player who was such a warrior on the court but so unassuming off it? Anyway, 15-0 on Sabalenka’s serve progresses to 30-all. And then 40-30. Zheng, with her right arm heavily strapped, gets a backhand return in, but it doesn’t have too much power and it gives Sabalenka the initiative in the point, and the Belarusian biffs away a winner.

Here Sabalenka and Zheng come, on a sunny and warm-ish day in Paris. It’s the world No 1, top seed and reigning Australian Open and US Open champ against the last woman to win at Roland Garros – after Zheng’s Olympic gold medal last summer. Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 6-1 but (and it’s a reasonably big but) Zheng did get the better of the Belarusian on the clay in Rome in straight sets last month.

HB Rafa!

Some more catching-up on yesterday:

Jack Draper will, of course, be hurting after his exit yesterday, but sometimes you simply have to say too good to your opponent – Alexander Bublik was inspired and played probably the match of his life. This has still been a clay-court season of real progress for Draper, reaching the fourth round for the first time, having never won a match at Roland Garros previously, as well as getting to the final of the Madrid Open and moving up to No 5 in the world. He can now turn his focus to grass, a surface that has brought him more success than clay so far in his career, having won his first ATP title, at the Stuttgart Open, last year. He’ll very much be in the mix at Wimbledon if he can handle the expectation.