French Open day four: Alexander Zverev changes holiday plans, Sloane Stephens’ hot streak

Carlos Alcaraz in action

US Open champion Emma Raducanu’s hopes of a deep run at the French Open were ended by the world No 47 Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal eased through but Alexander Zverev had to come from two sets down and rising star Carlos Alcaraz also went the distance to reach the third round.

Here is a look back at day four at the French Open.

Picture of the day

Carlos Alcaraz in action

Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to the limit in his win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

Match of the day

Third seed Alexander Zverev found himself in the increasingly familiar position of trailing by two sets but battled back to beat Sebastian Baez of Argentina 2-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 7-5.

Shock of the day

Greek fourth seed Maria Sakkari came unstuck in two tie-breaks against world number 81 Karolina Muchova.

Quote of the day

“I was planning my holiday in Monaco, where I was going to go and who I was going with and that relaxed me, thinking about the beach.” – Alexander Zverev

Collision course

Djokovic and Nadal remain on course for a blockbuster meeting in the quarter-finals.

Defending champion Djokovic had few problems against Alex Molcan of Slovakia, the world No 1 winning 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

Rafael Nadal

Then Nadal, the 13-time Roland Garros king, dispatched Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in the night match.

Hot streak

Fallen seeds

Women: Maria Sakkari (4), Emma Raducanu (12), Sorana Cirstea (26), Petra Kvitova (32).
Men: Taylor Fritz (13).

Brit watch

Emma Raducanu made an excellent start against Aliaksandra Sasnovich but the British No 1 ran out of steam, going down 3-6, 6-1, 6-1. Cameron Norrie kept the British flag flying with a straight-sets win over Jason Kubler.

Next up

British No 2 Dan Evans will bid to reach the third round for the first time against Mikael Ymer of Sweden. The women take centre stage in the night match, with home hope Alize Cornet facing former champion Jelena Ostapenko. World No 1 Iga Swiatek is also up along with another former champion in Simona Halep.

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