French Open day six: Stefanos Tsitsipas’ unreal shot of the day, Taylor Frits earns Mac approval
We look back at day six of the 2023 French Open as British interest in singles ended after Cameron Norrie lost meekly to Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, castigating his attitude and performance in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 defeat.
Novak Djokovic survived the longest three-set match of his Grand Slam career, battling past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in three hours and 36 minutes, while Carlos Alcaraz had a much easier time against Denis Shapovalov.
In the women’s event, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka reached round four for the first time as she defeated Kammila Rakhimova but third seed Jessica Pegula was bundled out by Elise Mertens.
Meanwhile new mother Elina Svitolina continued her excellent run with a three-set win while former Roland Garros finalist Sloane Stephens is also into the round of 16.
Picture of the day
Novak Djokovic, pictured, celebrates winning the second set against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Christophe Ena/AP)
Shot of the day
THIS. SHOT. 🤯
No words. #RolandGarros | @steftsitsipas pic.twitter.com/LEL1TqQaLD
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 2, 2023
Stat of the day
2 – For the 2nd time in the Open era (after 2021), there will be no French players (men or women) in the third round of the French Open. Downfall. #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @WTA @WTA_insider @atptour
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) June 1, 2023
A disastrous first week for the home country, who began with 28 players in the main singles draws.
Fritz earns Mac approval
TAYLOR SAYS: 🤫@Taylor_Fritz97 takes out home favourite Arthur Rinderknech 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to reach the third round in Paris!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Iqe9Vl0zSa
— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 1, 2023
Not surprisingly, Taylor Fritz’s baiting of the French crowd in his late-night win over Arthur Rinderknech was right up John McEnroe’s street. “I like to see a little confrontation,” said Eurosport pundit McEnroe. The booing was so loud that the on-court interview was limited to one question.
China return
Introducing our destinations after the US Open this year 🗺️
Click for more details 👇
— wta (@WTA) June 2, 2023
The WTA announced earlier this year that it would be ending its boycott of China over the Peng Shuai affair. Details of the autumn calendar have now been announced, with seven tournaments taking place in the country, including the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.
Fallen seeds
Men: Andrey Rublev (7), Hubert Hurkacz (13), Cameron Norrie (14), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (29).
Women: Jessica Pegula (3), Anastasia Potapova (24), Irina-Camelia Begu (27).
Who’s up next?
The boot will be on the other foot for 19-year-old Coco Gauff when she takes on Russian Mirra Andreeva, three years her junior, in the third round on Saturday.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek meets Wang Xinyu of China while fourth seed Elena Rybakina plays Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo. The night session again features a men’s match – Alexander Zverev up against Frances Tiafoe – while Casper Ruud and Holger Rune are also in action.
