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.
Latest
-
News
Ronnie O’Sullivan compared to Roger Federer but snooker legend admires another tennis legend
O’Sullivan is a big tennis fan, but his favourite player is one of Roger Federer’s great rivals.
-
Tennis News
More big names confirmed for final big tennis event of the year as attendance boom continues
Keith Prowse are offering you a chance to play on court with the big name stars compete at the UTS Grand Final in London.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 predicts who could topple Novak Djokovic and highlights a rising British youngster
Djokovic remains the undisputed king of tennis, but a new rival could topple him.
-
News
Andy Murray’s £21m business empire – five of his key successes as Scot adds to social media portfolio
Murray is already prominent on Instagram and Twitter and now the Scot has confirmed his arrival on the business network LinkedIn.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner described as a ‘shark’ as key to his matchup with Novak Djokovic is revealed
Jannik Sinner has been labelled a “shark”, while the key to his matchup with Novak Djokovic has been explained.
-
Tennis News
Taylor Fritz addresses ‘cocky’ allegations labelled against Holger Rune
“I like Holger,” says Taylor Fritz.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Novak Djokovic as he addresses Golden Slam prospect
Carlos Alcaraz has sent a warning to Novak Djokovic as he addressed the ‘Golden Slam’ talk.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz reveals his biggest career goal and explains how he must improve in 2024
Carlos Alcaraz has divulged a goal that is “the biggest thing right now”
-
WTA Tour
Jessica Pegula laments gender pay gap and highlights how women’s tennis can improve
“The pay gap is still very big,” says Jessica Pegula.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic hailed as the ‘most complete player’ who has ‘evolved at a level yet to be reached’
A former world No 5 has lauded Novak Djokovic’s completeness and the way he has evolved.