French Open news: Djokovic gets brutal crowd treatment as Becker makes 'mad' complaint

All the latest scores, news and updates from the 2024 French Open.

TENNIS: JUN 01 Roland-Garros

Novak Djokovic returns to action today after his late finish on Saturday. (Image: Getty)

We are into the second week of the French Open, the general target for most players aiming for success at Roland Garros, with Novak Djokovic back in action against Francisco Cerundolo. The Serb will be relieved that he is not scheduled for another late finish, having played until 3.07am in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Djokovic was unmoved by the late finish but several of his fellow players complained that the welfare of those competing was not taken seriously, with the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jamie Murray all disappointed with the scheduling.

But Djokovic returns to Court Philippe Chatrier to try and make a strong defence of his French Open title, similar to how Swiatek is setting the standard. The double-defending champion dropped just 10 points in her 6-0, 6-0 thrashing of Anastasia Potapova in a clear message to any rivals hoping to usurp the Polish star.

The likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina are in action today to prove that they can do just that, however, with fans in store for another blockbuster day of French Open action.

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KEY EVENTS

Thanks and goodnight!

That's all for Express Sport's live French Open coverage - but only for today.

Don't hesitate to come back bright and early tomorrow morning, when we'll keep you bang up to date during a bumper day of tennis action at Roland Garros.

Until then...

French Open scores: Women's round-up

Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva is into the French Open quarter-finals after beating home favourite Varvara Gracheva in straight sets.

Once there, she will face Aryna Sabalenka, who made light work of 22nd seed Emma Navarro with a 6-2 6-3 win.

Elena Rybakina also enjoyed a straightforward time on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with Elina Svitolina no match for the Kazakh competitor.

Completing the quarter-final line-up, with action getting underway tomorrow, is Jasmine Paolini. The Italian fell behind against Elina Avanesyan but came roaring back to win 4-6 6-0 6-1.

French Open scores: Men's round-up

There were tough battles all around on the men's side of the draw today as none of the four matches were decided in straight sets.

Casper Ruud defeated Taylor Fritz in four to seal his quarter-final spot, and Alex de Minaur took the same amount to dispense with Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic required the longest French Open match of his career - four hours and 39 minutes - to squeeze past Francisco Cerundolo.

And Alexander Zverev's match with Holger Rune is currently in the third set, with the two competitors tied up at one apiece.

Andreeva 'fired up' by French Open boos

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva silenced the boos to become the youngest woman to reach French Open quarter-finals since 2005. The world No.38 won 7-5 6-2 against Moscow-born Varvara Gracheva - the last French singles player left in the singles.

Gracheva was playing her first Roland Garros for her adopted country after taking French nationality in June last year and enjoyed vocal support.

Andreeva said: "In the beginning it bothered me a little bit, but then I just kind of adjusted it for my advantage. I think that I did a good job with it, and it actually was helping me a little bit to fire me up from inside."

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Djokovic gets brutal treatment as he scrapes past Cerundolo

Novak Djokovic survived an almighty scare at the French Open to come back from 2-1 down and beat Francisco Cerundolo in five sets.

The crowd got on Djokovic's back in the fifth-set decider as he got no sympathy for taking a nasty fall. Instead, boos and whistles rang out when he confronted officials due to the slip.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had already complained about the quality of the court earlier in the match.

Despite the tension on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Djokovic came through 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 to book his spot in the quarter-finals.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic survived a huge scare against Francisco Cerundolo (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic forces French Open decider

Novak Djokovic was on the brink of a French Open exit against Francisco Cerundolo but the Serb held his nerve in the fourth set to force a decider.

Cerundolo nearly took it to a tiebreak but Djokovic pulled off a crucial break of serve in the nick of time.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is still only one set from defeat, but now it's anyone's game.

Don't go anywhere...

Medvedev knocked out in major upset

Daniil Medvedev has been knocked out of the French Open by Alex de Minaur.

Medvedev took a one-set lead against the 11th seed, but the tide turned from then on, and De Minaur convincingly won 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3.

The Aussie has only dropped two sets en route to the quarter-finals, where his opponent is as yet undetermined.

Medvedev joins Alex Michelsen, Jaume Munar and Jan-Lennard Struff in tasting defeat against De Minaur at this year's French Open.

Zverev trial latest

Alexander Zverev's ex-girlfriend spoke in court today (Monday) but spectators and press were not allowed to hear her testimony. The German tennis player is accused of causing bodily harm in an incident which is alleged to have occurred in May 2020.

Zverev was fined approximately £383,000 late last year but the case returned to court when he and his legal team appealed the verdict. The 27-year-old, who has always denied the allegations, is currently at the French Open and has not been required to attend the Tiergarten District Court in Berlin personally since the trial started last Friday.

Day one was swiftly adjourned after the defence team requested that spectators and media personnel be excluded from attending the plaintiff's testimony.

Zverev's team successfully argued that members of the public attending the testimony would leave the world No 4 at risk of 'public exposure' and 'a degradation of his professional position', and that proceeding behind closed doors would be in the best interest of his three-year-old child.

The plaintiff testified until lunchtime on Monday, with details set to be kept under wraps, and the ongoing trial was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday.

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Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev is into the fourth round of the French Open (Image: Getty)

Sabalenka 'feels so sorry' for French Open star

Aryna Sabalenka admitted she felt 'so sorry' for Anastasia Potapova after watching her French Open thrashing at the hands of Iga Swiatek.

Swiatek dropped 10 points in the entire match as she stormed through 6-0 6-0 - the fifth double-bagel win of her career.

Sabalenka watched the match on her day off and originally compared herself to the world No. 1. But she changed her mind and says she wants to be 'nicer' to her opponents.

The Belarussian said: "I was watching that match actually, and I was like, oh, wow, that's just another level that's so intense, and I felt so sorry to Anastasia because it was just too good from Iga."

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Daniil Medvedev takes medical time-out

Daniil Medvedev took a medical time-out and is in real trouble during his last 16 clash with Alex de Minaur.

Medvedev won the first set 6-4 but lost the next two 6-2, 6-1, calling for the doctor after suffering from pain caused by blisters.

He needed to take his shoes off between points but De Minaur won't mind, as he bids to reach his first-ever quarter-final at Roland Garros, breaking Medvedev again to begin the fourth.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa withdraw

Tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have officially withdrawn from the French Open mixed doubles competition.

Fans had been hoping to see them back on court together after confirming that they had reunited their relationship last month, but the Greek star will no longer be playing three times in the same day as per the original schedule.

Mixed doubles has been pushed back consistently by organisers as a result of heavy rain last week in Paris, forcing Tsitsipas and Badosa to drop out of the competition.

Court Philippe Chatrier blunder

French Open organisers have been left with egg on their faces as those in attendance at Court Philippe Chatrier have no match to watch for over two hours.

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina raced to victories over Emma Navarro and Elina Svitolina respectively, but Novak Djokovic is not scheduled to start his match against Francisco Cerundolo before 3.00pm.

Organisers could have scheduled another match from a different court to come and play in front of the Chatrier crowd, but opted against doing so and now spectators have a lengthy wait on the main stage.

Court Philippe Chatrier.

No play on Court Philippe Chatrier until Novak Djokovic takes to the clay. (Image: Getty.)

Aryna Sabalenka downs Emma Navarro in last 16

Aryna Sabalenka ensured that all four top women's singles seeds would make the French Open for the first time in 11 years with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over American star Emma Navarro.

The Belarussian led 4-0 early and did not look back, setting up a final-eight clash with either France's Varvara Gracheva or Russia's Mirra Andreeva.

"First of all, I wanna say thank you so much for the atmosphere really enjoyed playing in front of you all today," Sabalenka reflected on court. "And yeah, I played really tough battle against her at Indian Wells, was really tough match, was going here today ready to fight for every point.

"Was really full on rallies I knew I would have to work really hard to get this win. I’m happy with the level I played today, she’s such a tough opponent."

Ellen Perez quit singles because of Iga Swiatek

Ellen Perez joked that Iga Swiatek was the reason she quit playing singles tennis, after the Polish star demolished Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-0 in the last-16.

Swiatek has been in breathtaking form as she bids to defend her French Open title for a second time, with Perez wanting no part of coming up against the 23-year-old.

“See this is why I stopped playing singles. I refuse to be a victim,” she wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) in reaction to Swiatek reaching the quarter-finals.

Elena Rybakina into quarter-finals

Elena Rybakina has continued her impressive 2024 form by reaching the French Open quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-3 win over Elina Svitolina.

She has lost just five matches since the turn of the year and proved that her serve is a formidable weapon on clay, sending a clear message that she should not be underestimated in Paris.

“Really happy with the performance," the 2022 Wimbledon champion said. "Elina is a tough opponent. We played a couple times. She’s a great fighter. It’s always difficult matches against her. I’m really happy with how I played today and how I served also.”

Elena Rybakina.

Elena Rybakina celebrating her win over Elina Svitolina. (Image: Getty.)

Novak Djokovic in sweet 3am gesture

Footage of Novak Djokovic making a young fan's evening has emerged after the Serb finished playing in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Even though Djokovic was understandably exhausted from a five-set victory over Lorenzo Musetti, he still took the time to jump into the stands to give the supporter a big hug, likely thanking him for staying up until 3am to show his support.

Carlos Alcaraz would make same Stefanos Tsitsipas decision

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he too would compete alongside his girlfriend, as Stefanos Tsitsipas plans to do at the French Open, if he were dating.

Tsitsipas is scheduled to play alongside his girlfriend Paula Badosa in the mixed doubles AND with his brother in the men's doubles today, before taking on Alcaraz tomorrow.

And Alcaraz admits that he would do the same. "If I had a girlfriend and If she asked me to play the mixed one, I would have to evaluate many things to be able to decide,” he said, after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday.” If everything is good, why not?”

Emma Navarro has 'uncomfortable' message for Aryna Sabalenka

The second match on Court Philippe Chatrier today sees French Open dark horse Emma Navarro aim to cause an upset against second seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka is yet to lose a Grand Slam match this year, but she was defeated by the American in Indian Wells in March, with Navarro planning to repeat her efforts in Paris.

“Going to try to go into it and play an aggressive game and try to make her uncomfortable so [it’s] different but I’m excited,” Navarro exclusively revealed to Express Sport.

“Maybe [it will be] a little overwhelming, just it being my first time playing on that court and first time playing on a centre court at a Grand Slam.

"But I’d be really excited for the opportunity and everything is a learning experience so just excited to get another learning experience under my belt.”

Emma Navarro.

Emma Navarro previewed her clash with Aryna Sabalenka. (Image: Getty.)

Boris Becker makes 'mad' complaint

Boris Becker says it is 'mad' for organisers to allow Novak Djokovic to play until 3.07am on Sunday morning.

The German agreed with the suggestion that Roland Garros should push the final back to be played on Monday, rather than Sunday, to extend the schedule.

And he insisted that no other sport would treat their top talents in such a manner, writing: “Think it’s mad and frankly unprofessional from the organisers to allow matches past 1am …which other sport has to deal with something similar? Maybe boxing but they have 1 fight every 6 month!”

Today's order of play

Novak Djokovic leads the way today, perhaps relieved he won't be required to play until 3am again...

Court Philippe Chatrier - From 10.00am

Elina Svitolina (15) v Elena Rybakina (4)

Emma Navarro (22) v Aryna Sabalenka (2)

From 15:00

Novak Djokovic (1) v Francisco Cerundolo (23)

From 19:15

Alexander Zverev (4) v Holger Rune (13)

Court Suzanne Lenglen - From 10.00am

Elina Avanesyan v Jasmine Paolini (12)

Alex de Minaur (11) v Daniil Medvedev (5)

Varvara Gracheva v Mirra Andreeva

Taylor Fritz (12) v Casper Ruud (7)

Hubert Hurkacz asks for umpire change

Hubert Hurkacz was far from impressed with the chair umpire's performance in his 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-7(3) defeat to Grigor Dimitrov and asked for the official to be removed.

Hurkacz went over to Dimitrov during a break in play and asked whether he would also like to see a change in umpire.

However, Dimitrov was unbothered by who was calling the match and Hurkacz returned to his seat, before losing in a close top-10 affair.

Hubert Hurkacz.

Hubert Hurkacz asking for a change in umpire. (Image: Eurosport.)

Rafael Nadal Olympics decision slammed

Spanish tennis star Pedro Martinez has criticised the decision to allow Rafael Nadal to compete at the Paris Olympics through his protected ranking.

Martinez is set to miss out on Spain's squad, with Nadal's protected ranking giving leniency to players who have dropped down the world rankings such as Nadal.

Martinez claimed that the protected ranking is an "injustice" despite wanting to watch Nadal in action at the Olympics himself.

"In this case, the protected ranking is an injustice because neither of us has missed the Olympic Games due to being injured," he said.

"Regardless of whether it is Rafa, who we all want to see in the Olympic Games, including me as a fan, I don’t see it as entirely fair. It’s as if I get injured now and in four years I use the protected ranking in the Los Angeles Games."

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the French Open, where we will be bringing you all the latest action across the second Grand Slam of the year.

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