Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-beats-roger-federer-to-reach-12th-final-225296">French Open</a> on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem.

The 32-year-old Serb will return to court at midday on Saturday trailing 6-2, 3-6, 3-1 and with plenty of work to do if he is to get a crack at Rafael Nadal in the final.

Top seed Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold the four big prizes in tennis simultaneously, having also done so in 2016.

In gusty winds, Thiem's powerful groundstrokes helped him dominate the first set and Djokovic was in trouble early in the second when he fended off a break point.

He got the crucial break in the eighth game of the second set, however, when a Thiem forehand kissed the net cord and flew long and Djokovic levelled the match.

With dark clouds closing in Thiem broke serve with a huge forehand early in the third, shortly before the rain started again.

Play was eventually cancelled for the day about 50 minutes later despite no rain falling -- leading to criticism from former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-ashleigh-barty-marketa-vondrousova-shrug-off-sexism-row-to-reach-their-maiden-final-225269">French Open</a> champion and pundit Jim Courier.

"This is going to sting. These conditions are very difficult for Novak, these are very advantageous for Dominic Thiem," the American, commentating for ITV, said.

"(Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer came ready to accept the conditions and so did Thiem. But Novak came ready to not like them. The happiest person right now would be Novak on his way back home,"&nbsp;Courier said.

Tournament director Guy Forget denied suggestions that Djokovic had left the grounds before play was postponed.

"I do not know who left first, but the two players were told exactly at the same time. They looked at each other and said 'OK',"&nbsp;Forget said.

The semi-final will resume at 1200 local time (1000GMT) on Saturday, organisers said.

With 11-times champion Nadal safely through, organisers said they still hope for a Sunday finish.

Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the first semi when strong winds also hampered the players.

Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the French Open on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem.

Novak Djokovic's hope of winning a fourth straight Grand Slam title was in jeopardy at the French Open on Friday when rain interrupted his semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem. The 32-year-old Serb will return to court at midday on Saturday trailing 6-2, 3-6, 3-1 and with plenty of work to do if he is to get a crack at Rafael Nadal in the final. Top seed Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold the four big prizes in tennis simultaneously, having also done so in 2016. In gusty winds, Thiem's powerful groundstrokes helped him dominate the first set and Djokovic was in trouble early in the second when he fended off a break point. He got the crucial break in the eighth game of the second set, however, when a Thiem forehand kissed the net cord and flew long and Djokovic levelled the match. With dark clouds closing in Thiem broke serve with a huge forehand early in the third, shortly before the rain started again. Play was eventually cancelled for the day about 50 minutes later despite no rain falling -- leading to criticism from former French Open champion and pundit Jim Courier. "This is going to sting. These conditions are very difficult for Novak, these are very advantageous for Dominic Thiem," the American, commentating for ITV, said. "(Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer came ready to accept the conditions and so did Thiem. But Novak came ready to not like them. The happiest person right now would be Novak on his way back home," Courier said. Tournament director Guy Forget denied suggestions that Djokovic had left the grounds before play was postponed. "I do not know who left first, but the two players were told exactly at the same time. They looked at each other and said 'OK'," Forget said. The semi-final will resume at 1200 local time (1000GMT) on Saturday, organisers said. With 11-times champion Nadal safely through, organisers said they still hope for a Sunday finish. Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the first semi when strong winds also hampered the players.

French Open: Thiem leads, Djokovic in trouble as rain stops play at semi-final

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to&nbsp;win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday.&nbsp;

Barty beat&nbsp;Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3.&nbsp;

It's Barty's maiden Grand Slam title and she also became the first Australian woman in 46 years to win the French Open singles.&nbsp;

After winning the match Barty sat on the floor and leaned&nbsp;her head on her racquet.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;eighth seed Barty joins 1969, 1970 and 1973 champion Margaret Court and 1971 winner Evonne Goolagong-Cawley on the list of Australian women who have lifted the trophy in the professional era.

Barty raced to a 4-0 lead as she breezed through the opening set, taking full advantage of 19-year-old Vondrousova's early jitters.

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Notre championne de Roland-Garros 2019... Ashleigh Barty ! 🙌🏆🇦🇺<a href="https://twitter.com/ashbar96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbar96</a> s'impose 6-1, 6-3 face à Marketa Vondrousova pour remporter son 1er titre en Grand Chelem 👏 
 
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Vondrousova, who was hoping to become the first teenager to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Iva Majoli in 1997, offered more of a challenge in the second set, but Barty was always in control.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. Barty beat Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. Barty beat Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3. It's Barty's maiden Grand Slam title and she also became the first Australian woman in 46 years to win the French Open singles. After winning the match Barty sat on the floor and leaned her head on her racquet. The eighth seed Barty joins 1969, 1970 and 1973 champion Margaret Court and 1971 winner Evonne Goolagong-Cawley on the list of Australian women who have lifted the trophy in the professional era. Barty raced to a 4-0 lead as she breezed through the opening set, taking full advantage of 19-year-old Vondrousova's early jitters. Notre championne de Roland-Garros 2019... Ashleigh Barty ! 🙌🏆🇦🇺@ashbar96 s'impose 6-1, 6-3 face à Marketa Vondrousova pour remporter son 1er titre en Grand Chelem 👏 📝 https://t.co/YmpNHqTHSU #RG19 pic.twitter.com/1N6rHCT82v — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 8, 2019 × Vondrousova, who was hoping to become the first teenager to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Iva Majoli in 1997, offered more of a challenge in the second set, but Barty was always in control.

Ashleigh Barty defeats Marketa Vondrousova to win French Open title

Novak Djokovic's dream of becoming just the second man in history to hold all Grand Slam titles at the same time twice was crushed by Dominic Thiem at Roland Garros on Saturday.

Thiem downed the world number one 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 to set up a repeat of last year's final against 11-time winner and defending champion Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, who was second best to Thiem when it came to mastering the gloom, wind and damp of Paris, was bidding to join Rod Laver in the Grand Slam history books.

However, it's 25-year-old Austrian fourth seed Thiem who goes on to face Nadal where he will be buoyed by having defeated the 17-time major winner four times on clay in his career.

He will also attempt to become just Austria's second Grand Slam men's champion after Thomas Muster won in Paris in 1995.

Thiem did it the hard way, squandering a 4-1 final set lead and two match points before he sealed his place in the final.

"It was an amazing match. It was my first five-set match at Roland Garros so it was a good one to have," said Thiem after the four hour 13-minute match which was played over two days.

"To be in the semi-finals with the three best players of all time (Nadal beat Roger Federer in the other semi on Friday) is really amazing."

On the challenge of facing Nadal, who has had a day more to recover, he added: "It seems that anyone who gets to the final here plays Rafa.

"He will be the favourite but I hope to just leave it all out on the court again and we will see."

The semi-final had been controversially suspended overnight Friday with Djokovic complaining about the 'extreme wind' in the stadium.

When play was halted, with the top seed trailing 1-3 in the third set, there was still around two hours of daylight remaining.

However, tournament organisers defended the decision after winds of up to 80km/h were forecast throughout the evening in Paris.

'Hurricane conditions'

"I congratulate Dominic, he played great, especially in the important moments," said Djokovic.

"Obviously, when you're playing in hurricane-like conditions it's hard to play your best."

On the resumption Saturday, Djokovic retrieved the break in the seventh game but slipped behind again in the match when Thiem converted a fourth set point.

For his pains, the Serb picked up a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct having already been slapped with a time violation.

Djokovic broke for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set only for the Austrian to level courtesy of an outrageous net cord which flew over the stranded Serb's head.

The top seed broke again for 3-2, held for 4-2 but the dogged Thiem would not relent and brought the set back on serve at 4-4.

However, Djokovic prevailed to send the match into a decider.

With the bulk of crowd support behind him, Thiem dug deep and stretched to a 4-1 lead in the decider as Djokovic's error count at the net piled up.

Rain then forced the players off for just over an hour.

Djokovic rallied to break for 3-4 but handed the initiative right back, allowing Thiem to serve for the match.

The Austrian had two match points but choked as Djokovic went to 5-5.

There was one final twist as Djokovic's 53rd unforced error on a wild forehand set up a third match point which the Austrian gobbled up with his 52nd winner.

Nadal had powered past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 as the 33-year-old booked a 12th appearance in the championship match.

He could also move to within two of Federer on the all-time Grand Slam title winners' list with an 18th major on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic's dream of becoming just the second man in history to hold all Grand Slam titles at the same time twice was crushed by Dominic Thiem at Roland Garros on Saturday.

Novak Djokovic's dream of becoming just the second man in history to hold all Grand Slam titles at the same time twice was crushed by Dominic Thiem at Roland Garros on Saturday. Thiem downed the world number one 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 to set up a repeat of last year's final against 11-time winner and defending champion Rafael Nadal. Djokovic, who was second best to Thiem when it came to mastering the gloom, wind and damp of Paris, was bidding to join Rod Laver in the Grand Slam history books. However, it's 25-year-old Austrian fourth seed Thiem who goes on to face Nadal where he will be buoyed by having defeated the 17-time major winner four times on clay in his career. He will also attempt to become just Austria's second Grand Slam men's champion after Thomas Muster won in Paris in 1995. Thiem did it the hard way, squandering a 4-1 final set lead and two match points before he sealed his place in the final. "It was an amazing match. It was my first five-set match at Roland Garros so it was a good one to have," said Thiem after the four hour 13-minute match which was played over two days. "To be in the semi-finals with the three best players of all time (Nadal beat Roger Federer in the other semi on Friday) is really amazing." On the challenge of facing Nadal, who has had a day more to recover, he added: "It seems that anyone who gets to the final here plays Rafa. "He will be the favourite but I hope to just leave it all out on the court again and we will see." The semi-final had been controversially suspended overnight Friday with Djokovic complaining about the 'extreme wind' in the stadium. When play was halted, with the top seed trailing 1-3 in the third set, there was still around two hours of daylight remaining. However, tournament organisers defended the decision after winds of up to 80km/h were forecast throughout the evening in Paris. 'Hurricane conditions' "I congratulate Dominic, he played great, especially in the important moments," said Djokovic. "Obviously, when you're playing in hurricane-like conditions it's hard to play your best." On the resumption Saturday, Djokovic retrieved the break in the seventh game but slipped behind again in the match when Thiem converted a fourth set point. For his pains, the Serb picked up a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct having already been slapped with a time violation. Djokovic broke for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set only for the Austrian to level courtesy of an outrageous net cord which flew over the stranded Serb's head. The top seed broke again for 3-2, held for 4-2 but the dogged Thiem would not relent and brought the set back on serve at 4-4. However, Djokovic prevailed to send the match into a decider. With the bulk of crowd support behind him, Thiem dug deep and stretched to a 4-1 lead in the decider as Djokovic's error count at the net piled up. Rain then forced the players off for just over an hour. Djokovic rallied to break for 3-4 but handed the initiative right back, allowing Thiem to serve for the match. The Austrian had two match points but choked as Djokovic went to 5-5. There was one final twist as Djokovic's 53rd unforced error on a wild forehand set up a third match point which the Austrian gobbled up with his 52nd winner. Nadal had powered past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 as the 33-year-old booked a 12th appearance in the championship match. He could also move to within two of Federer on the all-time Grand Slam title winners' list with an 18th major on Sunday.

Dominic Thiem stuns Novak Djokovic, faces Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros final

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-face-dominic-thiem-in-his-ninth-roland-garros-semi-final-225086"> French Open</a> was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday.

However, the semi-final between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-australias-ashleigh-barty-outplays-madison-keys-reaches-her-first-semi-finals-225046">Ashleigh Barty</a> and&nbsp;Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu.

The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned.

"We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon.

"The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said.

Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday.

Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match.

But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule.

Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday.

'Lack of respect'

Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial.

"You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said.

"Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added.

However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals.

"It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old.

"Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal.&nbsp;But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?"&nbsp;

Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen.

"It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's,"&nbsp;Mauresmo said.

Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court.

"Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court.

"Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major.

"I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">Anisimova </a>said.

Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen.

"Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old.

"For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on.&nbsp; Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it,"&nbsp;Barty said.

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful". After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday. However, the semi-final between Ashleigh Barty and Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu. The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned. "We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon. "The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said. Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday. Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match. But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule. Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday. 'Lack of respect' Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial. "You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said. "Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added. However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals. "It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old. "Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal. But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?" Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen. "It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's," Mauresmo said. Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court. "Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court. "Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major. "I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts," Anisimova said. Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen. "Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old. "For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on. Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it," Barty said.

French Open sinks in 'sexism row' over women's semi-finals switch from show court

French Open sexism row: 'Unfair', 'shameful' shift of women's semi-finals

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title.

The 33-year-old produced a masterful performance to get past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the last four on Court Philippe Chatrier and set up a final clash with either world number one Novak Djokovic or Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

Federer had won the last five meetings in their 38-match rivalry, but Nadal got the better of him in the semi-final.

In their five previous meetings at Roland Garros, including four finals, Federer had never managed more than one set.

Nadal will face the winner from the second semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals on Friday, claiming his first win over his old rival in five years to move within one victory of a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title. The 33-year-old produced a masterful performance to get past Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the last four on Court Philippe Chatrier and set up a final clash with either world number one Novak Djokovic or Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday. Federer had won the last five meetings in their 38-match rivalry, but Nadal got the better of him in the semi-final. In their five previous meetings at Roland Garros, including four finals, Federer had never managed more than one set. Nadal will face the winner from the second semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday.

French Open: Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer to reach 12th final

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-ashleigh-barty-ends-amanda-anisimovas-run-to-reach-final-225255">Barty </a>reached her first final at the majors, coming back from a set and 0-3 down to defeat 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a rollercoaster semi-final.

Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova also made sure of her place in a maiden final at the Slams by edging out Britain's Johanna Konta 7-5, 7-6 (7/2).

Vondrousova is the first teenager in a Paris final since Ana Ivanovic in 2007.

Eighth seed Barty, 23, is the first Australian in a French Open final since Samantha Stosur finished runner-up in 2010.

"That was amazing, both good and bad," said Barty who will rise to the top three in the rankings next week.

"It was the hardest thing that I ever had to do. I am really proud of the way I fought especially in the conditions which were cold and windy. Now I can't wait for the final, it's incredible,"&nbsp;Barty said.

Both semi-finals got underway after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-sexism-row-unfair-shameful-shift-of-womens-semi-finals-225161">accusations of sexism</a> were made against French Open organisers who had decided to shift the matches away from the showpiece Court Philippe Chatrier.

The main arena had already been scheduled to stage the men's semi-finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic against Dominic Thiem.&nbsp;

The WTA said the decision, taken after Wednesday's play was washed out and prompted by fears of more rain Friday, was "unfair and inappropriate".

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo of France said it was a "disgrace".

Barty, 23, raced into a 4-0 lead with successive breaks as Anisimova, plagued with nerves, managed just one point.

The 17-year-old saved two set points in the sixth game to finally get on the board and retrieved a break for 2-5.

She broke twice again for 6-5 but faltered when she served for the set before securing the tiebreak.

Anisimova then led 3-0 in the second set, with Barty failing to win a point.

However, in a perfect capsule of the unpredictable semi-final, played out in front of a half-full Court Suzanne Lenglen, Barty claimed the next six games to level the tie.

The Australian, who once famously took a break from tennis to pursue a cricket career, even recovered from a break at 1-2 down in the decider.

She eventually held her nerve as Anisimova, bidding to become the youngest finalist in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997, fell apart despite gamely saving five match points.

Over on a damp and windy Court Simonne Mathieu, world number 38 Vondrousova battled past 26th seed Konta who was bidding to become Britain's first female French Open finalist since Sue Barker won the 1976 title.

Konta looked the stronger player for large periods of the match but a staggering 41 unforced errors proved costly.

The match was played in an atmosphere more associated with first-round ties rather than semi-finals -- in front of a smattering of spectators on the 5,000-capacity arena.

Konta made a quick start as Vondrousova struggled with the wind and her nerves on serve -&nbsp;the Briton forging 5-3 ahead.&nbsp;

But the 28-year-old stuttered with a one-set lead in sight, missing three set points and then being broken when serving for the opener.&nbsp;

Vondrousova took full advantage, reeling off four straight games to make Konta pay.&nbsp;

Konta gathered herself, though, and took total control of the second set with an early break, moving 5-3 in front again.&nbsp;

But she tightened up once more when the pressure was on, dropping serve when one game from forcing a decider in a downpour of errors.&nbsp;

With light rain falling on Roland Garros, Vondrousova sealed victory by racing through the tie-break and into the final.

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court.

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court. Barty reached her first final at the majors, coming back from a set and 0-3 down to defeat 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a rollercoaster semi-final. Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova also made sure of her place in a maiden final at the Slams by edging out Britain's Johanna Konta 7-5, 7-6 (7/2). Vondrousova is the first teenager in a Paris final since Ana Ivanovic in 2007. Eighth seed Barty, 23, is the first Australian in a French Open final since Samantha Stosur finished runner-up in 2010. "That was amazing, both good and bad," said Barty who will rise to the top three in the rankings next week. "It was the hardest thing that I ever had to do. I am really proud of the way I fought especially in the conditions which were cold and windy. Now I can't wait for the final, it's incredible," Barty said. Both semi-finals got underway after accusations of sexism were made against French Open organisers who had decided to shift the matches away from the showpiece Court Philippe Chatrier. The main arena had already been scheduled to stage the men's semi-finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic against Dominic Thiem. The WTA said the decision, taken after Wednesday's play was washed out and prompted by fears of more rain Friday, was "unfair and inappropriate". Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo of France said it was a "disgrace". Barty, 23, raced into a 4-0 lead with successive breaks as Anisimova, plagued with nerves, managed just one point. The 17-year-old saved two set points in the sixth game to finally get on the board and retrieved a break for 2-5. She broke twice again for 6-5 but faltered when she served for the set before securing the tiebreak. Anisimova then led 3-0 in the second set, with Barty failing to win a point. However, in a perfect capsule of the unpredictable semi-final, played out in front of a half-full Court Suzanne Lenglen, Barty claimed the next six games to level the tie. The Australian, who once famously took a break from tennis to pursue a cricket career, even recovered from a break at 1-2 down in the decider. She eventually held her nerve as Anisimova, bidding to become the youngest finalist in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997, fell apart despite gamely saving five match points. Over on a damp and windy Court Simonne Mathieu, world number 38 Vondrousova battled past 26th seed Konta who was bidding to become Britain's first female French Open finalist since Sue Barker won the 1976 title. Konta looked the stronger player for large periods of the match but a staggering 41 unforced errors proved costly. The match was played in an atmosphere more associated with first-round ties rather than semi-finals -- in front of a smattering of spectators on the 5,000-capacity arena. Konta made a quick start as Vondrousova struggled with the wind and her nerves on serve - the Briton forging 5-3 ahead. But the 28-year-old stuttered with a one-set lead in sight, missing three set points and then being broken when serving for the opener. Vondrousova took full advantage, reeling off four straight games to make Konta pay. Konta gathered herself, though, and took total control of the second set with an early break, moving 5-3 in front again. But she tightened up once more when the pressure was on, dropping serve when one game from forcing a decider in a downpour of errors. With light rain falling on Roland Garros, Vondrousova sealed victory by racing through the tie-break and into the final.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty, Marketa Vondrousova shrug off sexism row to reach their maiden final

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-sexism-row-unfair-shameful-shift-of-womens-semi-finals-225161">French Open</a> to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday.

The eighth-seeded Barty, the first Australian woman to play a final here since Sam Stosur in 2010, will take on Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday.

Anisimova, who had knocked out defending champion Simona Halep in the previous round, rallied from 5-0 down to take the opening set and open a 3-0 lead in the second, only for the momentum to shift again in favour of Barty.

Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight or semi-finals at a Grand Slam, put up a great fight to save five match points but Barty sealed the win on her sixth in light drizzle.

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the French Open to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday.

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the French Open to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday. The eighth-seeded Barty, the first Australian woman to play a final here since Sam Stosur in 2010, will take on Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. Anisimova, who had knocked out defending champion Simona Halep in the previous round, rallied from 5-0 down to take the opening set and open a 3-0 lead in the second, only for the momentum to shift again in favour of Barty. Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight or semi-finals at a Grand Slam, put up a great fight to save five match points but Barty sealed the win on her sixth in light drizzle.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty ends Amanda Anisimova's run to reach final

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final.

Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov.

"It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic.

"It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again."

The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather.

Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout.

"I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb.

Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open.

The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title.

He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris.

However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017.

Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start.

The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead.

But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault.

Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip.

The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2.

Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final.

"I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German.

"When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason.

"I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult."

The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points.

Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners.

"The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set.

He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track.

Novak Djokovic reached his ninth Roland Garros semi-final Thursday, sweeping past Alexander Zverev to keep his bid to become just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice firmly on track. Top seed and world number one Djokovic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and will face Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in what will be his 35th Grand Slam semi-final. Thiem reached the semi-finals for a fourth successive year with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov. "It was a big challenge for me today but I was hitting the ball more cleanly," said 32-year-old Djokovic. "It's a great joy to be in the semi-finals again." The problem for Djokovic now in his pursuit of a second title in Paris and 16th major is the weather. Heavy rain is forecast to hit Paris again on Friday after Wednesday's washout. "I just have to keep my concentration and stay in the moment. I hope to continue like this," said the Serb. Friday's other semi-final will see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resume their great rivalry, meaning this is the first time the top four seeds have all reached the last four at a Grand Slam since the 2013 Australian Open. The last time Djokovic made the semi-finals was 2016 when he went on to win the title. He has a 6-2 career lead over Thiem and beat the Austrian in the Rome semi-finals in the run-up to Paris. However, Thiem came out on top in the Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets in 2017. Fifth seed Zverev, bidding to reach a maiden Slam semi-final and become the first German in the last-four in Paris since Michael Stich in 1996, made the stronger start. The 22-year-old had break points in the third and fifth games of the opening set and finally broke through for a 5-4 lead. But top seed Djokovic levelled immediately before claiming the set on a Zverev double fault. Djokovic dominated the second set as breaks in the second and eighth games were enough to tighten his grip. The world number one saved two more break points in the opening game of the third set and again made the German pay with a break for 4-2. Zverev's 40th and last unforced error proved to be the final point of the one-sided quarter-final. "I had chances in the first set but he broke back and was in control," said the German. "When he's in control, he's tough to beat. He's number one for a reason. "I expected more from this tournament but once the first set slipped away, it was difficult." The world number five finished with eight double faults while converting just one of eight break points. Thiem was utterly dominant on Court Suzanne Lenglen, hammering 29 winners, as his erratic opponent contrived to tally 37 unforced errors and only 17 winners. "The key was to control the points. I'll be ready to maybe come back here tomorrow. This is one of my favourite courts in the world," said the 25-year-old, who is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title. Khachanov had impressed in a fourth-round victory over Juan Martin del Potro, but was never in with a chance in the quarter-final, which was delayed from Wednesday due to rain, dropping serve twice in the opening set. He managed to get to 4-4 in the second, only to see Thiem reel off eight of the next 10 games and seal a last-four spot without even facing a break point in the match.

Novak Djokovic to face Dominic Thiem in his ninth Roland Garros semi-final

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-to-meet-in-french-open-semi-finals-224365">French Open</a> on Thursday.

In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine.

Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments.

A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set.

Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second.

Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match.

But the respite was shortlived.

Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">defending champion Simona Halep</a>.

"Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court.

"It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow,"&nbsp;Barty said.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday. In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine. Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments. A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set. Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second. Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match. But the respite was shortlived. Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out defending champion Simona Halep. "Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court. "It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow," Barty said.

French Open: Australia's Ashleigh Barty outplays Madison Keys, reaches her first semi-finals

Defending champion Simona Halep was knocked out of the French Open 6-2, 6-4 by 17-year-old American Amanda Anisimova in a quarter-final shock on Thursday.

The third seed from Romania had been looking to become the first woman to retain her title at Roland Garros since Belgian Justine Henin won three times in a row from 2005-07.

Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight at a Grand Slam, can become the first teenager to lift the trophy here since Iva Majoli of Croatia prevailed in 1997.

She next faces either fellow American Madison Keys or Australian Ashleigh Barty.

"This is honestly more than I could ever have asked for. That was one of the best matches I have ever played,'' the teenager said on the court at the finish.

Defending champion Simona Halep was knocked out of the French Open 6-2, 6-4 by 17-year-old American Amanda Anisimova in a quarter-final shock on Thursday. The third seed from Romania had been looking to become the first woman to retain her title at Roland Garros since Belgian Justine Henin won three times in a row from 2005-07.

Defending champion Simona Halep was knocked out of the French Open 6-2, 6-4 by 17-year-old American Amanda Anisimova in a quarter-final shock on Thursday. The third seed from Romania had been looking to become the first woman to retain her title at Roland Garros since Belgian Justine Henin won three times in a row from 2005-07. Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight at a Grand Slam, can become the first teenager to lift the trophy here since Iva Majoli of Croatia prevailed in 1997. She next faces either fellow American Madison Keys or Australian Ashleigh Barty. "This is honestly more than I could ever have asked for. That was one of the best matches I have ever played,'' the teenager said on the court at the finish.

French Open: Defending champion Simona Halep's run ended by teenager Anisimova

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-to-meet-in-french-open-semi-finals-224365">French Open</a> has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear.

Having dismantled 18-year-old Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-1, 6-0 in the last round, defending champion Halep faces a potentially tricky encounter against American Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

While she may not like to be reminded of the 10-year age gap between Anisimova and herself, Halep is confident she can handle whatever the world number 51 throws at her.

"I feel old... very old. To play against someone 10 years younger than me, that's not easy... they're young, they have nothing to lose so every match is tough," Halep said.

"When you face someone that is higher ranked than you, you don't have, you know, fear. You just go and want to show your best tennis. So I feel like they have this feeling all the time when they play with someone better ranked. But also, I take my advantage and I say that I'm experienced. So we'll see," added Halep.

Anisimova announced herself on the big stage in January by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and won her maiden WTA title in Bogota in April.

She has moved into the last eight in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/johanna-konta-first-british-woman-in-roland-garros-semis-in-36-years-224347">Paris </a>without dropping a set, scoring a comprehensive 6-3, 6-0 win over Aliona Bolsova in the fourth round to set up a dream meeting with Halep.

"I can't describe how excited I am. It's amazing playing her. She won it the previous year. So honestly, I couldn't ask for a better match," Anisimova said.

"I'm just extremely happy and excited for the next round... I'm just gonna go out there... I have no pressure. Hopefully, I can bring my best game," added Anisimova.

In the other quarter-final, American Madison Keys squares off against Ashleigh Barty.

In the men's draw, top seed Novak Djokovic continues his quest to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold all four major titles simultaneously when he takes on Alexander Zverev.

Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem faces Russia's Karen Khachanov. 
&nbsp;

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the French Open has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear.

Facing two teenagers in as many rounds in the French Open has left Simona Halep feeling "old", but the 27-year-old said the experience of being a Grand Slam winner can help her tackle youthful rivals, who show no fear. Having dismantled 18-year-old Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-1, 6-0 in the last round, defending champion Halep faces a potentially tricky encounter against American Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday. While she may not like to be reminded of the 10-year age gap between Anisimova and herself, Halep is confident she can handle whatever the world number 51 throws at her. "I feel old... very old. To play against someone 10 years younger than me, that's not easy... they're young, they have nothing to lose so every match is tough," Halep said. "When you face someone that is higher ranked than you, you don't have, you know, fear. You just go and want to show your best tennis. So I feel like they have this feeling all the time when they play with someone better ranked. But also, I take my advantage and I say that I'm experienced. So we'll see," added Halep. Anisimova announced herself on the big stage in January by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and won her maiden WTA title in Bogota in April. She has moved into the last eight in Paris without dropping a set, scoring a comprehensive 6-3, 6-0 win over Aliona Bolsova in the fourth round to set up a dream meeting with Halep. "I can't describe how excited I am. It's amazing playing her. She won it the previous year. So honestly, I couldn't ask for a better match," Anisimova said. "I'm just extremely happy and excited for the next round... I'm just gonna go out there... I have no pressure. Hopefully, I can bring my best game," added Anisimova. In the other quarter-final, American Madison Keys squares off against Ashleigh Barty. In the men's draw, top seed Novak Djokovic continues his quest to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold all four major titles simultaneously when he takes on Alexander Zverev. Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem faces Russia's Karen Khachanov.

French Open: Simona Halep counting on experience to tame teenager Anisimova to reach semis

French Open 2019: Know all the quarter-finalists of Men's singles

Defending champion Simona Halep hurried into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-reaches-10th-successive-french-open-quarter-final-223939">French Open quarter-finals</a> by sweeping aside Polish teenager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1, 6-0 victory on Monday.

Third seed Halep produced a nearly flawless performance on Court Philippe Chatrier against a bold opponent who turned 18 last Friday.

The Romanian will now face another teenager, American Amanda Anisimova, who thrashed Spain's Aliona Bolsova 6-3, 6-0.

"I feel old," joked the 27-year-old Halep.

The former world number one said she had been coping well with the pressure of being defending champion at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-ashleigh-barty-defeats-sofia-kenin-to-enter-quarter-finals-223887">Roland Garros.</a>

"I saw it different since the beginning. I felt different. I felt more relaxed, even if the pressure was on," she said. I feel good in this position and I always say that even if you're No. 1, you win a Grand Slam, you have to enjoy the moment,'' said Halep.

"So I did that pretty well this year. Back to the quarter-finals is not easy, so I'm thinking just to give my best again next round. It's just what I'm thinking about," Halep added.

Swiatek came out with all guns blazing but failed to master her raw power, bowing out after 45 minutes when Halep whipped a forehand winner down the line.

Defending champion Simona Halep hurried into the French Open quarter-finals by sweeping aside Polish teenager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1, 6-0 victory on Monday. Third seed Halep produced a nearly flawless performance on Court Philippe Chatrier against a bold opponent who turned 18 last Friday.

Defending champion Simona Halep hurried into the French Open quarter-finals by sweeping aside Polish teenager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1, 6-0 victory on Monday. Third seed Halep produced a nearly flawless performance on Court Philippe Chatrier against a bold opponent who turned 18 last Friday. The Romanian will now face another teenager, American Amanda Anisimova, who thrashed Spain's Aliona Bolsova 6-3, 6-0. "I feel old," joked the 27-year-old Halep. The former world number one said she had been coping well with the pressure of being defending champion at Roland Garros. "I saw it different since the beginning. I felt different. I felt more relaxed, even if the pressure was on," she said. I feel good in this position and I always say that even if you're No. 1, you win a Grand Slam, you have to enjoy the moment,'' said Halep. "So I did that pretty well this year. Back to the quarter-finals is not easy, so I'm thinking just to give my best again next round. It's just what I'm thinking about," Halep added. Swiatek came out with all guns blazing but failed to master her raw power, bowing out after 45 minutes when Halep whipped a forehand winner down the line.

French Open: Defending champion Simona Halep swings into last eight

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-into-12th-roland-garros-semi-final-224354">Rafael Nadal</a> on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years.

The 37-year-old Swiss beat his compatriot 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach his 43rd major semi-final and eighth at Roland Garros.

He trails his head-to-head record with Nadal 23-15, but has won their last five meetings.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal, bidding for a 12th title at the French Open, blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in his quarter-final.

"It was hard, really, really hard. Stan played a really good match, I'm very happy to play him here at Roland Garros," said Federer.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion is the oldest man to make the semis at one of the big four tournaments since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open aged 39.

Wawrinka saved 16 of 18 break points in a thrilling encounter, but Federer quickly finished off the match after a rain delay to progress.

Watch Federer's reaction after winning:

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Quelques mots sur la "petite" demi-finale à venir... 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dd8UXYrgkZ">pic.twitter.com/Dd8UXYrgkZ</a>
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It is the third seed's first appearance at the French Open since 2015 after taking time away from clay to focus on Wimbledon, but he has been in fine form in Paris and has only lost one set so far -- as has Nadal.

Nadal, who turned 33 on Monday, is three behind Federer in the all-time list of Grand Slam singles titles heading into their 39th career clash.

It will be Federer's first Roland Garros semi-final since a defeat by Novak Djokovic in 2012.

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years.

Roger Federer set up a mouthwatering French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal on Tuesday when he defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets to become the oldest men's Grand Slam semi-finalist in 28 years. The 37-year-old Swiss beat his compatriot 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach his 43rd major semi-final and eighth at Roland Garros. He trails his head-to-head record with Nadal 23-15, but has won their last five meetings. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, bidding for a 12th title at the French Open, blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in his quarter-final. "It was hard, really, really hard. Stan played a really good match, I'm very happy to play him here at Roland Garros," said Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is the oldest man to make the semis at one of the big four tournaments since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open aged 39. Wawrinka saved 16 of 18 break points in a thrilling encounter, but Federer quickly finished off the match after a rain delay to progress. Watch Federer's reaction after winning: Quelques mots sur la "petite" demi-finale à venir... 😉@rogerfederer | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/Dd8UXYrgkZ — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2019 × It is the third seed's first appearance at the French Open since 2015 after taking time away from clay to focus on Wimbledon, but he has been in fine form in Paris and has only lost one set so far -- as has Nadal. Nadal, who turned 33 on Monday, is three behind Federer in the all-time list of Grand Slam singles titles heading into their 39th career clash. It will be Federer's first Roland Garros semi-final since a defeat by Novak Djokovic in 2012.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal to meet in French Open semi-finals

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer.

Nadal, bidding to win a 12th French Open, took his record in Paris to 91 wins and just two defeats, a day after he celebrated his 33rd birthday.

In what will be his 31st appearance in a Slam semi-final, the world number two will face either 2009 champion Federer.

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Rafael. Nadal. 👑🙌 
 
5 jeux. C'est tout ce que <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> a concédé à Kei Nishikori aujourd'hui. L'Espagnol se qualifie 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 pour les demi-finales de Roland-Garros pour la 12e fois. Nouveau record.<a href="https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX">https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQv3X82Vlu">pic.twitter.com/rQv3X82Vlu</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1135954492728520704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As Federer reached&nbsp;his first Roland-Garros semi-final since 2012 in a gritty 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Stan Wawrinka.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal blitzed a weary Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals for the 12th time and a possible dream clash with Roger Federer. Nadal, bidding to win a 12th French Open, took his record in Paris to 91 wins and just two defeats, a day after he celebrated his 33rd birthday. In what will be his 31st appearance in a Slam semi-final, the world number two will face either 2009 champion Federer. Rafael. Nadal. 👑🙌 5 jeux. C'est tout ce que @RafaelNadal a concédé à Kei Nishikori aujourd'hui. L'Espagnol se qualifie 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 pour les demi-finales de Roland-Garros pour la 12e fois. Nouveau record.https://t.co/OlDbkOArRX | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/rQv3X82Vlu — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2019 × As Federer reached his first Roland-Garros semi-final since 2012 in a gritty 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Stan Wawrinka.

Rafael Nadal into 12th Roland Garros semi-final

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final.

Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983.

The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits.

However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017.

"To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens.

"I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match.

"So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points."

Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set.

The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener.

The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough.

Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday.

Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 36 years to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals when she swept past Sloane Stephens of the United States on Tuesday. Konta, the 26th seed, downed last year's runner-up 6-1, 6-4 and will face either Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova or Croatian 31st Petra Martic for a place in the final. Jo Durie was the last British woman to make the French Open semi-finals in 1983. The 28-year-old Konta had not won a match at Roland Garros in any of her previous four visits. However, she now finds herself in her third semi-final at a major after runs to the last-four at the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017. "To play on the new Chatrier court for the first time was wonderful especially against one of the world's best players," said Konta after her third win in 2019 over Stephens. "I am super happy because the conditions were so windy and Sloane is the kind of player who can run away with a match. "So I had to be prepared to keep her on the back foot and control the points." Konta made sure of emulating Durie by breaking former US Open champion Stephens in the fourth and sixth games of the first set. The Briton fired four aces and 12 winners past her 26-year-old opponent in the 35-minute opener. The 26th seed tightened her grip with a break in the opening game of the second set and that proved more than enough. Such was Konta's domination that she allowed Stephens just one point on her serve in the entire second set which ended with a whimper when the American sent a groundstroke wide of the mark.

Johanna Konta first British woman in Roland Garros semis in 36 years

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=french+open">French Open</a> fourth round on Sunday.

Tsitsipas, 20, had looked the man most likely to threaten the establishment this week with dazzling tennis, but Wawrinka proved they will not make way easily as he gritted out a 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 to set up a clash with Roger Federer.

After a five-hour battle between two of the best one-handed backhands in the business it seemed Tsitsipas, 14 years younger than Wawrinka, was on the brink of victory when he had three break points at 5-5 in the deciding set.

But the Greek could not convert any of them and wavered at 6-7, allowing Wawrinka two match points, the second of which he took with a backhand slice that Tsitsipas thought was going wide but which clipped a line, the umpire confirming his fate.

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, warmly embraced his opponent but the hurt was plain for all to see as Tsitsipas headed off.

"I feel exhausted. I don't know. Never experienced something like this in my life," Tsitsipas told reporters.

"I feel very disappointed at the end. Long time since I cried after a match, so emotionally wasn't easy to handle. I will try to learn from it as much as I can.

"It's the worst feeling ever. Especially when you lose.

You don't want to be in my place."

Tsitsipas converted only five of 27 break points -- a statistic that ultimately cost him his chance.

"I was so close, so close. So many break points. So many.

Didn't play. I was expecting someone else to play it for me. I didn't play," he said.

Asked what he would learn, he said: "I have no idea. My mind is so empty right now. I cannot even think."

Tsitsipas had arrived in Paris as one of the form players on clay after reaching the final in Madrid and semis in Rome.

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the French Open fourth round on Sunday.

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the French Open fourth round on Sunday. Tsitsipas, 20, had looked the man most likely to threaten the establishment this week with dazzling tennis, but Wawrinka proved they will not make way easily as he gritted out a 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 to set up a clash with Roger Federer. After a five-hour battle between two of the best one-handed backhands in the business it seemed Tsitsipas, 14 years younger than Wawrinka, was on the brink of victory when he had three break points at 5-5 in the deciding set. But the Greek could not convert any of them and wavered at 6-7, allowing Wawrinka two match points, the second of which he took with a backhand slice that Tsitsipas thought was going wide but which clipped a line, the umpire confirming his fate. Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, warmly embraced his opponent but the hurt was plain for all to see as Tsitsipas headed off. "I feel exhausted. I don't know. Never experienced something like this in my life," Tsitsipas told reporters. "I feel very disappointed at the end. Long time since I cried after a match, so emotionally wasn't easy to handle. I will try to learn from it as much as I can. "It's the worst feeling ever. Especially when you lose. You don't want to be in my place." Tsitsipas converted only five of 27 break points -- a statistic that ultimately cost him his chance. "I was so close, so close. So many break points. So many. Didn't play. I was expecting someone else to play it for me. I didn't play," he said. Asked what he would learn, he said: "I have no idea. My mind is so empty right now. I cannot even think." Tsitsipas had arrived in Paris as one of the form players on clay after reaching the final in Madrid and semis in Rome.

French Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas says worst feeling ever after loss to Stan Wawrinka

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved.

Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger.

It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot.

He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners.

After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout.

He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final.

Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals.

Top seed Novak Djokovic's untroubled progress continued at the French Open as he chalked up a fourth successive straight-sets victory on Monday, this time outclassing Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the quarter-finals. His 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of the 45th-ranked German means Djokovic is the first man to reach 10 successive quarter-finals at Roland Garros -- a feat even Rafael Nadal has not achieved. Struff was bidding to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and provided some early resistance in drizzly conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic had an early chance to break in the second game but Struff won a fierce baseline rally to avert the danger. It felt like only a matter of time before Djokovic moved up a gear though, and in the seventh game he brought up two more break points with a stunning backhand passing shot. He duly converted with a smash after softening up Struff with a series of punishing groundstrokes into the corners. After holding serve to take the opening set, Djokovic rolled through the next two in cruise control, making only 11 unforced errors in the one-hour 33-minute workout. He will face either Italian Fabio Fognini or German's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final. Djokovic is bidding to become only the second man to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice, having first achieved the feat three years ago when he won his only French Open title.

Novak Djokovic reaches 10th successive French Open quarter-final

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys.

The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

"I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year.

Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back.

The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand.

But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle.

After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals. The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys. The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova. "I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year. Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back. The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round. She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand. But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run. On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle. After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty defeats Sofia Kenin to enter quarter-finals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals.

In hot and breezy conditions, the Spaniard looked once again produced claycourt tennis of the highest quality to make the last eight of a Grand Slam event for the 38th time.

The tone was set when he broke the 25-year-old Londero's serve in the second game of the Court Philippe Chatrier duel and while his 78th-ranked opponent never threw in the towel he could only try to delay the inevitable.

Londero had a break point early in the third set but Nadal stamped out that danger and broke in the very next game to close in on victory.

With his eyes fixed firmly on claiming a 12th French Open title next Sunday he seemed eager to finish the job swiftly, but after moving 4-1 ahead in the third set he dropped serve for the first time in the match.

Nadal's pace appeared to drop ever so slightly and Londero even sensed another break two games later when heavy hitting got him to 0-30 on the second seed's serve, but Nadal reeled off four consecutive points, holding with an ace.

He finished the match with a signature forehand to set up a clash with Kei Nishikori or Benoit Paire.

Rafael Nadal ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals.

Rafael Nadal ended the dream run of French Open debutant Juan Ignacio Londero with a typically dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory on Sunday to power into the quarter-finals. In hot and breezy conditions, the Spaniard looked once again produced claycourt tennis of the highest quality to make the last eight of a Grand Slam event for the 38th time. The tone was set when he broke the 25-year-old Londero's serve in the second game of the Court Philippe Chatrier duel and while his 78th-ranked opponent never threw in the towel he could only try to delay the inevitable. Londero had a break point early in the third set but Nadal stamped out that danger and broke in the very next game to close in on victory. With his eyes fixed firmly on claiming a 12th French Open title next Sunday he seemed eager to finish the job swiftly, but after moving 4-1 ahead in the third set he dropped serve for the first time in the match. Nadal's pace appeared to drop ever so slightly and Londero even sensed another break two games later when heavy hitting got him to 0-30 on the second seed's serve, but Nadal reeled off four consecutive points, holding with an ace. He finished the match with a signature forehand to set up a clash with Kei Nishikori or Benoit Paire.

Rafael Nadal ends Juan Ignacio Londero's run to reach quarter-finals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-eases-into-12th-french-open-quarter-final-223671">Roger Federer</a> said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday.

However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin.

It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible.

"It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room.

"I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want."

Watch the video:

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video of Dominic his press <a href="https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY">https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY</a>
— t (@slaycoric) <a href="https://twitter.com/slaycoric/status/1134910695735214081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar".

"I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors.

"There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre.&nbsp;

"I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation."

There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night.

However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference.

"Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said.

With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room.

"That's really impolite," she was heard to say.

Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin.

There was a backlash on social media over the incident.

"Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth.

"Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams. Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday. However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin. It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible. "It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room. "I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want." Watch the video: video of Dominic his press https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY — t (@slaycoric) June 1, 2019 × Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar". "I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors. "There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre. "I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation." There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night. However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference. "Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said. With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room. "That's really impolite," she was heard to say. Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin. There was a backlash on social media over the incident. "Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth. "Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer says Thiem right to fume over Serena Williams press conference row

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Roger+Federer">Roger Federer</a> reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam.

The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

"It's fabulous that I can spend this time in&nbsp;Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka.

The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January.

"I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance.

"I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas."

Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list.

Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago.

"I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts!

"But he played really great that year and won the title."

Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.

Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot.

Roger Federer reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time on Sunday, becoming the oldest man in 28 years to make the last eight of a Slam. The 37-year-old eased past Argentina's Leonardo Mayer 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will face either close friend and Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a semi-final spot. "It's fabulous that I can spend this time in Paris," said Federer who last played the tournament in 2015 when he made the quarter-finals -- where he lost to Wawrinka. The Greek star, meanwhile, defeated Federer in the last 16 of the Australian Open in January. "I was prepared for the worst scenario, losing in the first round in three sets. But I am super happy with my performance. "I will need to play like this again against either Stan or Tsitsipas." Federer will be playing in his 54th quarter-final at a Slam, cementing his place on top of the all-time men's list. Despite leading Wawrinka 23-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Federer said he still remembers his quarter-final loss to his friend in Paris four years ago. "I have a bad memory of it. Stan beat me in three sets with his terrible shorts! "But he played really great that year and won the title." Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, is the oldest man to make the quarter-finals of a Slam since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open. Federer didn't face a break point in the fourth round match against the outclassed world number 68 played in a sweltering 32 degrees on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Roger Federer eases into 12th French Open quarter-final

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Serena Williams's quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold on Saturday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin. Chasing Margaret Smith Court's all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier. In the players' first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent's unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty. Williams won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open.

Serena Williams's pursuit of 24th major title on hold after French Open exit

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-incredible-fantastic-feels-rafael-nadal-after-demolishing-goffin-sweeps-into-fourth-round-223315">French Open</a> on Friday.

Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets.

"I'm the first one to be surprised because honestly, I can't say I did work that hard, but I feel good. I feel fit. And I want to surf that wave," Paire told a post-match news conference.

"After the (second round) match against Pierre-Hugues (Herbert), I didn't know what state I was going to be in. The next day I already felt okay. Physically I wasn't too tired so I was rather satisfied," Paire said.

The bearded 30-year-old has a propensity to blow hot and cold but arrived in Paris on the back of a hot streak in Lyon where he claimed his second clay-court title of the season.

Paire said he was hungry for a win against Nishikori, having lost their most recent encounters, including a second-round clash at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-roger-federer-wins-his-400th-grand-slam-match-blazes-into-fourth-round-223311">Roland Garros</a> last year.

"Every time I feel he starts strongly and then our level balances, and I lose in the end," the world number 38 said.

Paire's compatriot and wildcard Nicolas Mahut on Friday failed in his bid to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, crashing out in four sets against Argentina's Leonardo Mayer, who won 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(3).

Still, Paire is not alone in shouldering the weight of home expectations. Gael Monfils, seeded 14, goes head-to-head against another Frenchmen, wildcard Antoine Hoang, in their third-round tie.

France's women players suffered a torrid tournament, with none making it to the third round, something that has only happened twice previously in the professional era, in 1981 and 1986.

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets.

Frenchman Benoit Paire was surprised by how fit he felt as he advanced for the first time into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Paire went through after Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta retired at the start of the fourth set when trailing 2-1, and now faces seventh-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan who was forced to dig deep to pull through his third-round game against Serb Laslo Dere in five sets. "I'm the first one to be surprised because honestly, I can't say I did work that hard, but I feel good. I feel fit. And I want to surf that wave," Paire told a post-match news conference. "After the (second round) match against Pierre-Hugues (Herbert), I didn't know what state I was going to be in. The next day I already felt okay. Physically I wasn't too tired so I was rather satisfied," Paire said. The bearded 30-year-old has a propensity to blow hot and cold but arrived in Paris on the back of a hot streak in Lyon where he claimed his second clay-court title of the season. Paire said he was hungry for a win against Nishikori, having lost their most recent encounters, including a second-round clash at Roland Garros last year. "Every time I feel he starts strongly and then our level balances, and I lose in the end," the world number 38 said. Paire's compatriot and wildcard Nicolas Mahut on Friday failed in his bid to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, crashing out in four sets against Argentina's Leonardo Mayer, who won 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(3). Still, Paire is not alone in shouldering the weight of home expectations. Gael Monfils, seeded 14, goes head-to-head against another Frenchmen, wildcard Antoine Hoang, in their third-round tie. France's women players suffered a torrid tournament, with none making it to the third round, something that has only happened twice previously in the professional era, in 1981 and 1986.

French Open: France's Benoit Paire surprised by his own fitness as he enters last 16

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-karolina-pliskova-knocked-out-of-french-open-223175">French Open</a> since 1972.

The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999.

Federer lost that year in the first round.

The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set.

The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win.

"I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference.

"The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said.

Federer was making his first appearance at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-novak-djokovic-cruises-into-third-round-after-convincing-win-over-henri-laaksonen-223046">Roland Garros</a> since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015.

He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass.

"I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said.

As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said,&nbsp;"Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy."

Federer quipped back,&nbsp;"I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!"

Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era.

He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972.

Roger Federer celebrated his 400th Grand Slam match with an easy victory on Friday over Norway's Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(10-8) to become the oldest male player to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 1972. The 37-year-old Swiss showed little mercy to his 20-year-old opponent, whose father Christian reached the third round when Federer first played on the 'terre battue' of Roland Garros as a wild-card entrant in 1999. Federer lost that year in the first round. The world no. 3 needed little more than an hour to pick up the first two sets, but a rare lapse in concentration allowed Ruud, ranked 63, to pick up an early break in the third set. The Swiss reeled the youngster back in, forcing the game to a tie-break where he squandered three match points before going on to win. "I liked how he figured things out after going on a tough run thereof nine games," Federer said in a post-match press conference. "The third set could have gone either way. He had chances early, then later, and then again after. It was nice to see him hang in there. He's got a great attitude, very calm, very quiet, maybe very Norwegian," Federer said. Federer was making his first appearance at Roland Garros since he reached the quarter-finals in 2015. He withdrew from the event in 2016 and missed the entire clay court season in 2017 and 2018 to focus on grass. "I thought (today's game) was tough, even though I had a good run there for a while. That also is very important for me, to know... that I can run through a set and a half and just take care of business. Gives me confidence for the next match, that's for sure," Federer said. As he signed autographs at the end, a female fan said, "Roger, I've never seen you sweat before, this is crazy." Federer quipped back, "I know, I don't know what's going on, I must be getting old!" Federer is vying for his second French Open title 10 years after his first in 2009, which would set a record for the longest gap between winning a second title at a Grand Slam in the Open era. He will meet Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the fourth round.

French Open: Roger Federer wins his 400th Grand Slam match, blazes into fourth round

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-gael-monfils-thanks-girlfriend-svitolina-as-new-french-clash-against-antoine-hoang-looms-223056">Roland Garros</a> since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday.

With the temperature soaring and the Spaniard's forehand at its devastating best, Goffin never really stood a chance, although it is to the Belgian's immense credit that he became the first person to take a set off Nadal in Paris this year.

Nadal's 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory was never really in doubt once the marauding Mallorcan took the opener in 31 sublime minutes during which he dropped one point on serve.

Try as he might, former world number seven Goffin could not get much closer in the second.

It had looked like the tennis equivalent of a heavyweight boxer taking on a lightweight, but the silky Goffin punched a few dents in Nadal's guard in the third set and delighted the crowd by extending the contest into the evening sunshine when he broke Nadal's serve out of nowhere at 4-4.

It was 10 years to the day that Nadal had lost to Robin Soderling, one of only two defeats he has suffered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-williams-as-she-swings-into-round-three-223053">Paris </a>during his long reign as the king of clay, but any flicker of hope Goffin had of making it three was quickly extinguished.

Nadal stamped his authority back on the contest and opened up a commanding lead in the fourth that he never remotely looked like relinquishing.

"The first set and a half, I would say, it was really fantastic, incredible. It's difficult to play so well," Nadal, who will face Argentina's Juan Ignacio Londero next, in his 14th French Open fourth round, told reporters.

"I did everything perfectly," Nadal said.

Asked if his concentration had dipped slightly, he said the concession of the set was more about Goffin's excellence.

"You need to be realistic. The level that I kept during the first 45 minutes, you can't really maintain that easily. It's very difficult, because it was almost the top level, the highest level I could play," Nadal added.

Londero edged a five-setter against French wildcard Corentin Moutet to become the first debutant to get this far since Goffin managed it in 2012.

If Londero does not know what is heading his way, then Goffin spelt it out succinctly.

"He makes you feel like you hit the ball so slowly," Goffin said.

"It looks like you serve at 120kph, it looks like you hit with softballs because it doesn't go. He's so fast and he's behind and he's playing so heavy. This is his courtyard. It's very difficult to follow his pace," Goffin added.

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday.

Rafael Nadal has set absurdly high standards at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 and claiming 10 more but even he was excited by his level in beating David Goffin in the third round on Friday. With the temperature soaring and the Spaniard's forehand at its devastating best, Goffin never really stood a chance, although it is to the Belgian's immense credit that he became the first person to take a set off Nadal in Paris this year. Nadal's 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory was never really in doubt once the marauding Mallorcan took the opener in 31 sublime minutes during which he dropped one point on serve. Try as he might, former world number seven Goffin could not get much closer in the second. It had looked like the tennis equivalent of a heavyweight boxer taking on a lightweight, but the silky Goffin punched a few dents in Nadal's guard in the third set and delighted the crowd by extending the contest into the evening sunshine when he broke Nadal's serve out of nowhere at 4-4. It was 10 years to the day that Nadal had lost to Robin Soderling, one of only two defeats he has suffered in Paris during his long reign as the king of clay, but any flicker of hope Goffin had of making it three was quickly extinguished. Nadal stamped his authority back on the contest and opened up a commanding lead in the fourth that he never remotely looked like relinquishing. "The first set and a half, I would say, it was really fantastic, incredible. It's difficult to play so well," Nadal, who will face Argentina's Juan Ignacio Londero next, in his 14th French Open fourth round, told reporters. "I did everything perfectly," Nadal said. Asked if his concentration had dipped slightly, he said the concession of the set was more about Goffin's excellence. "You need to be realistic. The level that I kept during the first 45 minutes, you can't really maintain that easily. It's very difficult, because it was almost the top level, the highest level I could play," Nadal added. Londero edged a five-setter against French wildcard Corentin Moutet to become the first debutant to get this far since Goffin managed it in 2012. If Londero does not know what is heading his way, then Goffin spelt it out succinctly. "He makes you feel like you hit the ball so slowly," Goffin said. "It looks like you serve at 120kph, it looks like you hit with softballs because it doesn't go. He's so fast and he's behind and he's playing so heavy. This is his courtyard. It's very difficult to follow his pace," Goffin added.

French Open: 'Incredible, fantastic' feels Rafael Nadal after demolishing Goffin, sweeps into fourth round

World number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Naomi+Osaka">Naomi Osaka</a>'s hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech.

Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches.

"It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova.

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First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. <a href="https://twitter.com/K_Siniakova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@K_Siniakova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgAnzJ2x5e">pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e</a>
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"I played my best tennis and I hope it continues."

Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all.

Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set.

The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set.

Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match.

Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand.

The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors.

Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris.

She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two.

Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

World number one Naomi Osaka's hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam ended Saturday when she was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by unheralded Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic. Japanese top seed Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, crashed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 42nd-ranked Czech. Osaka was undone by a shocking 38 unforced errors as she finally ran out of luck in Paris having had to come back from a set down in her first two matches. "It's amazing, I can't believe it, I am so happy now," said Siniakova, who was the women's doubles champion in Paris in 2018 alongside Barbora Krejcikova. First win over a World No.1. First time into the R16 at a Slam. @K_Siniakova | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/vgAnzJ2x5e — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2019 × "I played my best tennis and I hope it continues." Osaka dropped the first set for the third successive match at the tournament, squandering seven break points in all. Siniakova made her pay, breaking for 5-4 and taking the opener when Osaka sent back her 16th unforced error of the set. The Czech, who is the world's number one doubles player, kept up the pressure on the misfiring top seed, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second set. Siniakova backed it up with another break for 5-2 off Osaka's third double fault of the match. Victory was hers on Court Suzanne Lenglen when Osaka unleashed another misguided forehand. The Czech goes on to face either Madison Keys of the United States or Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova for a place in the quarter-finals in what will be her first appearance in the last 16 of the majors. Despite being seeded top for the first time at a Slam, the 21-year-old Osaka had never looked convincing in Paris. She was two points away from defeat in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and came back from a set and break down to see off Victoria Azarenka in round two. Her defeat also means that only four of the top 10 seeds in the women's singles are left in the tournament.

World number one Naomi Osaka knocked out of French Open

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-incredible-fantastic-feels-rafael-nadal-after-demolishing-goffin-sweeps-into-fourth-round-223315">French Open</a> on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko.

Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds.

Playing her best match of the tournament, she had no trouble against an error-strewn Tsurenko, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes to extend her win streak against the No. 27 seed from Ukraine to 8-0.

After a relatively cool start to the first week of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-roger-federer-wins-his-400th-grand-slam-match-blazes-into-fourth-round-223311">French Open</a>, temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) at the end of the afternoon at Roland Garros in Paris.

Taking advantage of the balls kicking up higher on the clay of the main Court Philippe-Chatrier, Halep took the first set in just 28 minutes as she dominated her opponent from the back of the court.

Tsurenko, who had won her previous match 11-9 in the decider against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic playing with a broken racket, requested a medical timeout as she trailed 3-0 in the second set.

Watched by Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac, Halep’s intensity never dropped, as she took a 4-0 lead with aggressive shot-making.

Serving for the match at 5-0, Halep got broken, but booked a spot in the fourth round in the next game with a volley, her ninth winner.

She made 14 errors, while Tsurenko had just 8 winners and made 32 unforced errors.

"It was a tough match even if the scoreline does not show it," Halep said.

"Every day in my life I have that image of me winning last year in my mind, it was my greatest moment of my career and it was all the more satisfying for having won here in the juniors as well,"&nbsp;Halep added.

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko. Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds.

A ruthlessly efficient Simona Halep marched into the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday, dropping just three games against Lesia Tsurenko. Halep, the defending champion from Romania, had been forced to go the distance in the first two rounds. Playing her best match of the tournament, she had no trouble against an error-strewn Tsurenko, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes to extend her win streak against the No. 27 seed from Ukraine to 8-0. After a relatively cool start to the first week of the French Open, temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) at the end of the afternoon at Roland Garros in Paris. Taking advantage of the balls kicking up higher on the clay of the main Court Philippe-Chatrier, Halep took the first set in just 28 minutes as she dominated her opponent from the back of the court. Tsurenko, who had won her previous match 11-9 in the decider against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic playing with a broken racket, requested a medical timeout as she trailed 3-0 in the second set. Watched by Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac, Halep’s intensity never dropped, as she took a 4-0 lead with aggressive shot-making. Serving for the match at 5-0, Halep got broken, but booked a spot in the fourth round in the next game with a volley, her ninth winner. She made 14 errors, while Tsurenko had just 8 winners and made 32 unforced errors. "It was a tough match even if the scoreline does not show it," Halep said. "Every day in my life I have that image of me winning last year in my mind, it was my greatest moment of my career and it was all the more satisfying for having won here in the juniors as well," Halep added.

French Open: Simona Halep ruthlessly races past Tsurenko to move into fourth round

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes.

The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu.

However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord.

The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point.

That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide.

The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight.

He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Juan Martin del Potro was pushed to the limit before eventually taming Japan's plucky Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday. Joy was etched all over the face of the Argentine when he put away a forehand winner to finally eclipse his opponent after an absorbing match lasting three hours and 46 minutes. The eighth-seeded Del Potro has twice reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros, including last year, and had plenty of support in overcast conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu. However, he found it hard to get going in a first set that saw both players struggle on serve before the 72nd-ranked Nishioka edged ahead and held to open his account. The 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro, more at home on hard courts than clay, settled down in the second though and levelled the match with a forehand winner courtesy of a net cord. The 30-year-old matched his two breaks in that set with two more in the third to get on top in the match, but Nishioka, 23, won the fourth set tiebreak on his second set point. That setback spurred Del Potro into action and, having beaten his Japanese opponent in their only other meeting, at Delray Beach in February, he was not about to let this one slide. The world number nine raced into a 5-2 lead and, although clouds enveloped the court, the outlook was bright for Del Potro as he wrapped up the win before punching the air in delight. He next faces Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat 40-year-old Croat Ivo Karlovic -- the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years when he made the second round on Wednesday.

French Open: Del Potro prevails in five-set battle with Nishioka

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-williams-as-she-swings-into-round-three-223053">French</a> clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang.

Asked at a news conference if his relationship with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina was helping him with his game, Monfils said it was a positive factor but arguably not as important as the role of his coach Liam Smith.

"My love life is going very, very well," he said.

"But I reckon it's probably more due to my coach than my girlfriend," he added, having begun working with Smith since the beginning of the year.

Monfils beat Mannarino in straight sets while Hoang, ranked 146 in the world, beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco by three sets to one.

Despite being compatriots, Monfils had no preconceptions about what to expect from Hoang.

"To be quite frank, I have no particular forecasts. I just don't know him that well," Monfils said.

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-French clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang.

Gael Monfils paid tribute to both his girlfriend and his new coach on Thursday after he won his all-French clash against Adrian Mannarino which set up another Gallic tie in the third round against lowly-ranked Antoine Hoang. Asked at a news conference if his relationship with Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina was helping him with his game, Monfils said it was a positive factor but arguably not as important as the role of his coach Liam Smith. "My love life is going very, very well," he said. "But I reckon it's probably more due to my coach than my girlfriend," he added, having begun working with Smith since the beginning of the year. Monfils beat Mannarino in straight sets while Hoang, ranked 146 in the world, beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco by three sets to one. Despite being compatriots, Monfils had no preconceptions about what to expect from Hoang. "To be quite frank, I have no particular forecasts. I just don't know him that well," Monfils said.

French Open: Gael Monfils thanks girlfriend Svitolina as new French clash against Antoine Hoang looms

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