Andy Murray racked up his 650th career win to reach the French Open quarter-finals Monday where he was joined by 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.

World number one Murray, the runner-up in Paris to Novak Djokovic in 2016, brushed aside Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

However, instead of discussing the match in the traditional on-court TV interview, Murray took the microphone to remember the 29 people who died in the recent outrages in London and Manchester.

&quot;Obviously there was terrible tragedy in London and Manchester. Paris has had its&nbsp;problems too in recent years,&quot; said Murray.

&quot;I am sure everyone will join me... we share our thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected.&nbsp;

&quot;I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis. I am grateful that I can still perform in front of everyone.&quot;

Murray broke the serve of the 21-year-old Russian, playing in a Slam fourth round for the first time, on five occasions.

Before Monday, Khachanov had held serve for 48 successive service games.

In his seventh Paris quarter-final, Murray will face Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori who defeated 33-year-old Fernando Verdasco of Spain 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.

Nishikori, a beaten quarter-finalist in Paris in 2015, has now made the last eight of a Slam for a seventh time, a record for a Japanese man.

Wawrinka, the third seed, booked a place in the quarter-finals for the fourth time with a comfortable 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 win over Gael Monfils, the last French player in the men&#39;s draw.

Marin Cilic completed the quarter-final line-up when South Africa&#39;s Kevin Anderson retired with a thigh injury trailing 6-3, 3-0.

It is Cilic&#39;s first Roland Garros last-eight spot while he is the first Croatian to get this far since Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic in 2006.

Seven of the top seeds have made the quarter-finals with Spain&#39;s Pablo Carreno Busta playing the role of gate-crasher having knocked out fifth seed Milos Raonic on Sunday.

Women&#39;s title favourite and 2014 runner-up Simona Halep trounced Spain&#39;s Carla Suarez-Navarro 6-1, 6-1 to make the last eight without dropping a set or breaking sweat.

Third seed Halep, who can become the new world number one if she wins the title, claimed her first win on clay in six attempts against the Spaniard.

&quot;I played my best match of the tournament. I served well and opened up the court,&quot; said Halep.

The 25-year-old Halep will tackle Ukraine&#39;s fifth seed Elina Svitolina for a semi-final place.

The two met in the Rome final on the eve of Roland Garros when Halep was beaten and suffered an ankle injury which threatened her appearance in Paris.

&quot;I sill feel the ankle some times but I am able to run. I don&#39;t think about it during the points,&quot; added Halep.

Martic magical run ends&nbsp;

Svitolina reached the quarter-finals for the second time, ending the dream run of world number 290 Petra Martic with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win.

However, Martic, bidding to become only the 10th qualifier to make the last eight in Paris threw away a golden chance for victory.

The 26-year-old led 5-2 in the final set before Svitolina rallied to race away with the last five games.

Later Monday, Czech world number two Karolina Pliskova, also in the running to become both a first time major winner and the new world number one, faces Veronica Cepede Royg in her last-16 tie.

Cepede Royg, ranked 97 in the world, is only the second Paraguayan to make the fourth round of a major.

The only other was Rossana de los Rios in Paris 17 years ago.

Argentina&#39;s Paola Suarez was the last South American woman to reach a quarter-final at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2004.

Before this year, Pliskova had never made it beyond the second round in Paris.

However, she has not yet had to face a player ranked in the top 65 in this tournament.

Monday&#39;s other last-16 clash sees an all-French battle between Alize Cornet and Caroline Garcia who are barely on speaking terms.

The two fell out after Garcia withdrew from the Fed Cup team earlier this year.

&quot;I think that the relationship is not very good,&quot; said 27-year-old Cornet.&nbsp;

&quot;I think she may have a grudge against us, so she&#39;s not ready to talk with me.&quot;

Cornet is playing in her 45th Slam but has yet to reach a quarter-final.

In the remaining men&#39;s last-16 ties, third seed and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka faces Gael Monfils of France while Marin Cilic tackles Kevin Anderson.

(AFP)

The world number one paid tributes to those who were killed in London and Manchester attacks recently right after he won his fourth-round match against Karen Khachanov

Andy Murray racked up his 650th career win to reach the French Open quarter-finals Monday where he was joined by 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka. World number one Murray, the runner-up in Paris to Novak Djokovic in 2016, brushed aside Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. However, instead of discussing the match in the traditional on-court TV interview, Murray took the microphone to remember the 29 people who died in the recent outrages in London and Manchester. "Obviously there was terrible tragedy in London and Manchester. Paris has had its problems too in recent years," said Murray. "I am sure everyone will join me... we share our thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected. "I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis. I am grateful that I can still perform in front of everyone." Murray broke the serve of the 21-year-old Russian, playing in a Slam fourth round for the first time, on five occasions. Before Monday, Khachanov had held serve for 48 successive service games. In his seventh Paris quarter-final, Murray will face Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori who defeated 33-year-old Fernando Verdasco of Spain 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0. Nishikori, a beaten quarter-finalist in Paris in 2015, has now made the last eight of a Slam for a seventh time, a record for a Japanese man. Wawrinka, the third seed, booked a place in the quarter-finals for the fourth time with a comfortable 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 win over Gael Monfils, the last French player in the men's draw. Marin Cilic completed the quarter-final line-up when South Africa's Kevin Anderson retired with a thigh injury trailing 6-3, 3-0. It is Cilic's first Roland Garros last-eight spot while he is the first Croatian to get this far since Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic in 2006. Seven of the top seeds have made the quarter-finals with Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta playing the role of gate-crasher having knocked out fifth seed Milos Raonic on Sunday. Women's title favourite and 2014 runner-up Simona Halep trounced Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro 6-1, 6-1 to make the last eight without dropping a set or breaking sweat. Third seed Halep, who can become the new world number one if she wins the title, claimed her first win on clay in six attempts against the Spaniard. "I played my best match of the tournament. I served well and opened up the court," said Halep. The 25-year-old Halep will tackle Ukraine's fifth seed Elina Svitolina for a semi-final place. The two met in the Rome final on the eve of Roland Garros when Halep was beaten and suffered an ankle injury which threatened her appearance in Paris. "I sill feel the ankle some times but I am able to run. I don't think about it during the points," added Halep. Martic magical run ends Svitolina reached the quarter-finals for the second time, ending the dream run of world number 290 Petra Martic with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win. However, Martic, bidding to become only the 10th qualifier to make the last eight in Paris threw away a golden chance for victory. The 26-year-old led 5-2 in the final set before Svitolina rallied to race away with the last five games. Later Monday, Czech world number two Karolina Pliskova, also in the running to become both a first time major winner and the new world number one, faces Veronica Cepede Royg in her last-16 tie. Cepede Royg, ranked 97 in the world, is only the second Paraguayan to make the fourth round of a major. The only other was Rossana de los Rios in Paris 17 years ago. Argentina's Paola Suarez was the last South American woman to reach a quarter-final at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2004. Before this year, Pliskova had never made it beyond the second round in Paris. However, she has not yet had to face a player ranked in the top 65 in this tournament. Monday's other last-16 clash sees an all-French battle between Alize Cornet and Caroline Garcia who are barely on speaking terms. The two fell out after Garcia withdrew from the Fed Cup team earlier this year. "I think that the relationship is not very good," said 27-year-old Cornet. "I think she may have a grudge against us, so she's not ready to talk with me." Cornet is playing in her 45th Slam but has yet to reach a quarter-final. In the remaining men's last-16 ties, third seed and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka faces Gael Monfils of France while Marin Cilic tackles Kevin Anderson. (AFP)

French Open: Emotional Murray to take on Nishikori in quarters

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and title-holder Novak Djokovic surged into the French Open quarter-finals for a record-equalling 11th time on Sunday, but reigning women&#39;s champion Garbine Muguruza crashed out in the last 16.

Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Roger Federer&#39;s mark of last-eight appearances in Paris.&nbsp;

The 14-time major winner has dropped just 20 games in four matches as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m happy because Roberto is a very good player. It&#39;s very important for me to be in the quarter-finals one more time,&quot; said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday.

&quot;Probably I didn&#39;t play as well as I did the other day, but I still played well.&quot;

The fourth seed will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his first Slam quarter-final, for spot in the last four after the latter stunned Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic.

Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed seven match points to clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the fifth-seeded Raonic.

Djokovic also became an 11-time quarter-finalist as he sauntered past Spain&#39;s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-3.

The Serb needed 75 minutes to clinch the opening set but then outclassed the 19th seed to set up a showdown with Dominic Thiem.

&quot;There&#39;s no easy match in a Grand Slam quarter-final, it will be very difficult for both of us,&quot; said Djokovic of his upcoming challenge.

The Serb also confirmed that coach Andre Agassi had, as planned, already left Paris.

Austrian sixth seed Thiem thrashed Argentina&#39;s Horacio Zeballos 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarters for a second straight year.

Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce challenge from South Korea&#39;s Hyeon Chung in an all-Asian tussle held over from Saturday following rain to clinch a place in the last 16.

Chung quickly forced the contest into a fifth set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world number 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory.

&quot;I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn&#39;t ready,&quot; admitted Nishikori, who faces Fernando Verdasco next.

New champion awaits 
 
Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray in the fourth round after the giant Russian beat American 21st seed John Isner 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3).

Kristina Mladenovic ensured the host nation will have two women in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994 after dumping out fourth seed Muguruza 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

&quot;I&#39;m sad. It&#39;s a very painful defeat here in the French Open,&quot; said Muguruza, who left Court Suzanne Lenglen angrily wagging her finger at the crowd.

&quot;I just think that they sometimes should be a little bit more respectful,&quot; she added, as Mladenovic thrived on the partisan support.

The French 13th seed is through to just her second Slam quarter-final -- after the 2015 US Open -- and will face Switzerland&#39;s Timea Bacsinszky for a spot in the last four.

The Swiss 30th seed, a 2015 semi-finalist, defeated 2002 runner-up Venus Williams 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 to guarantee a first-time major champion will be crowned next Saturday.

Danish 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki knocked off 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the last eight for just the second time.

Wozniacki, who made her only other quarter-final appearance at Roland Garros in 2010, will next meet Latvian teenager Jelena Ostapenko, a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 winner over 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova advanced to round four with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Germany&#39;s Carina Witthoeft.

Pliskova, who had won just twice in five previous French Open appearances before this year, will face Paraguay&#39;s Veronica Cepede Royg for a quarter-final spot.

World number 290 and qualifier Petra Martic reached the last 16 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova.

Croatia&#39;s Martic, a former top 50 player whose ranking slumped after a back injury sidelined her for 10 months, will face Ukraine&#39;s Elina Svitolina.

Fifth seed Svitolina downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 7-5.

(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and title-holder Novak Djokovic surged into the French Open quarter-finals for a record-equalling 11th time on Sunday, but reigning women's champion Garbine Muguruza crashed out in the last 16. Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Roger Federer's mark of last-eight appearances in Paris. The 14-time major winner has dropped just 20 games in four matches as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam. "I'm happy because Roberto is a very good player. It's very important for me to be in the quarter-finals one more time," said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday. "Probably I didn't play as well as I did the other day, but I still played well." The fourth seed will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his first Slam quarter-final, for spot in the last four after the latter stunned Canada's Milos Raonic. Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed seven match points to clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the fifth-seeded Raonic. Djokovic also became an 11-time quarter-finalist as he sauntered past Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-3. The Serb needed 75 minutes to clinch the opening set but then outclassed the 19th seed to set up a showdown with Dominic Thiem. "There's no easy match in a Grand Slam quarter-final, it will be very difficult for both of us," said Djokovic of his upcoming challenge. The Serb also confirmed that coach Andre Agassi had, as planned, already left Paris. Austrian sixth seed Thiem thrashed Argentina's Horacio Zeballos 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarters for a second straight year. Japan's Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce challenge from South Korea's Hyeon Chung in an all-Asian tussle held over from Saturday following rain to clinch a place in the last 16. Chung quickly forced the contest into a fifth set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world number 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory. "I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn't ready," admitted Nishikori, who faces Fernando Verdasco next. New champion awaits Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray in the fourth round after the giant Russian beat American 21st seed John Isner 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3). Kristina Mladenovic ensured the host nation will have two women in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994 after dumping out fourth seed Muguruza 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. "I'm sad. It's a very painful defeat here in the French Open," said Muguruza, who left Court Suzanne Lenglen angrily wagging her finger at the crowd. "I just think that they sometimes should be a little bit more respectful," she added, as Mladenovic thrived on the partisan support. The French 13th seed is through to just her second Slam quarter-final -- after the 2015 US Open -- and will face Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky for a spot in the last four. The Swiss 30th seed, a 2015 semi-finalist, defeated 2002 runner-up Venus Williams 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 to guarantee a first-time major champion will be crowned next Saturday. Danish 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki knocked off 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the last eight for just the second time. Wozniacki, who made her only other quarter-final appearance at Roland Garros in 2010, will next meet Latvian teenager Jelena Ostapenko, a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 winner over 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur. Second seed Karolina Pliskova advanced to round four with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Germany's Carina Witthoeft. Pliskova, who had won just twice in five previous French Open appearances before this year, will face Paraguay's Veronica Cepede Royg for a quarter-final spot. World number 290 and qualifier Petra Martic reached the last 16 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova. Croatia's Martic, a former top 50 player whose ranking slumped after a back injury sidelined her for 10 months, will face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. Fifth seed Svitolina downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 7-5. (AFP)

Nadal, Djokovic enter French Open quarter-finals as champion Muguruza exits

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal surged into the French Open quarter-finals for a record-equalling 11th time on Sunday, while reigning women&#39;s title-holder Garbine Muguruza crashed out in the last 16.

Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Roger Federer&#39;s mark of last-eight appearances in Paris.&nbsp;

The 14-time major winner is yet to drop a set, conceding just six games in the last two rounds as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m happy because Roberto is a very good player. It&#39;s very important for me to be in the quarter-finals one more time,&quot; said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday.

&quot;Probably I didn&#39;t play as well as I did the other day, but I still played well.&quot;

The fourth seed will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his first Slam quarter-final, for spot in the last four after the latter stunned Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic.

Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed seven match points to clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the fifth-seeded Raonic in four hours and 17 minutes.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will also become an 11-time quarter-finalist in Paris if he defeats Spain&#39;s Albert Ramos-Vinolas later Sunday.

Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce five-set challenge from rising South Korean talent Hyeon Chung to clinch a place in the last 16.

Eighth seed Nishikori led two sets to one but trailed by a double break at 3-0 down in the fourth set when rain halted play on Saturday.

Chung forced the contest into a deciding set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world number 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory.

&quot;I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn&#39;t ready,&quot; admitted Nishikori.

&quot;I knew I had to change something to beat him today, so I think I made some adjustments to make little better than yesterday.&quot;

&#39;Second chance&#39;&nbsp;

It was the first third-round meeting between two Asian players at Roland Garros, with 2014 US Open finalist Nishikori going on to play Fernando Verdasco&nbsp;for a place in the quarter-finals.

Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray in the fourth round after the giant Russian beat American 21st seed John Isner 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3).

Wozniacki became the first woman through to the quarter-finals as the Danish 11th seed dumped out Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

Wozniacki, who made her only other last-eight appearance at Roland Garros in 2010, will meet either Australia&#39;s Samantha Stosur or Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia for a semi-final place.

&quot;Svetlana&#39;s a great player, especially on clay so I knew it wouldn&#39;t be easy,&quot; said Wozniacki, a two-time US Open runner-up.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova advanced to round four with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Germany&#39;s Carina Witthoeft.

Pliskova, who had won just twice in five previous French Open appearances before this year, will face Paraguay&#39;s Veronica Cepede Royg for a quarter-final spot.

World number 290 and qualifier Petra Martic reached the last 16 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova.

Croatia&#39;s Martic, a former top 50 player whose ranking slumped after a back injury sidelined her for 10 months, will face Ukraine&#39;s Elina Svitolina.

&quot;When I got injured, my only hope was that I would get a second chance so I can play some of my best tennis again,&quot; said Martic.

&quot;I still can&#39;t believe that I&#39;m sitting here.&quot;

Fifth seed Svitolina downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 7-5.

Switzerland&#39;s Timea Bacsinszky qualified for her third successive French Open quarter-final with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win over 2002 runner-up Venus Williams.

The 30th seed will take on France&#39;s Kristina Mladenovic for a place in the semi-finals.

Bacsinszky&#39;s best Grand Slam performance came when she reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2015, losing to eventual champion Serena Williams.

Her victory over Venus means a first-time major champion will be crowned next Saturday.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The 14-time major winner is yet to drop a set, conceding just six games in the last two rounds as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal surged into the French Open quarter-finals for a record-equalling 11th time on Sunday, while reigning women's title-holder Garbine Muguruza crashed out in the last 16. Nadal continued his ruthless form at Roland Garros by dispatching Spanish 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to match Roger Federer's mark of last-eight appearances in Paris. The 14-time major winner is yet to drop a set, conceding just six games in the last two rounds as he strives to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam. "I'm happy because Roberto is a very good player. It's very important for me to be in the quarter-finals one more time," said Nadal, who turned 31 on Saturday. "Probably I didn't play as well as I did the other day, but I still played well." The fourth seed will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, through to his first Slam quarter-final, for spot in the last four after the latter stunned Canada's Milos Raonic. Carreno Busta, seeded 20th, needed seven match points to clinch a thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 win over the fifth-seeded Raonic in four hours and 17 minutes. Defending champion Novak Djokovic will also become an 11-time quarter-finalist in Paris if he defeats Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas later Sunday. Japan's Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce five-set challenge from rising South Korean talent Hyeon Chung to clinch a place in the last 16. Eighth seed Nishikori led two sets to one but trailed by a double break at 3-0 down in the fourth set when rain halted play on Saturday. Chung forced the contest into a deciding set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world number 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory. "I think the rain helps me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn't ready," admitted Nishikori. "I knew I had to change something to beat him today, so I think I made some adjustments to make little better than yesterday." 'Second chance' It was the first third-round meeting between two Asian players at Roland Garros, with 2014 US Open finalist Nishikori going on to play Fernando Verdasco for a place in the quarter-finals. Karen Khachanov will play Andy Murray in the fourth round after the giant Russian beat American 21st seed John Isner 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3). Wozniacki became the first woman through to the quarter-finals as the Danish 11th seed dumped out Kuznetsova 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. Wozniacki, who made her only other last-eight appearance at Roland Garros in 2010, will meet either Australia's Samantha Stosur or Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia for a semi-final place. "Svetlana's a great player, especially on clay so I knew it wouldn't be easy," said Wozniacki, a two-time US Open runner-up. Second seed Karolina Pliskova advanced to round four with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Germany's Carina Witthoeft. Pliskova, who had won just twice in five previous French Open appearances before this year, will face Paraguay's Veronica Cepede Royg for a quarter-final spot. World number 290 and qualifier Petra Martic reached the last 16 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova. Croatia's Martic, a former top 50 player whose ranking slumped after a back injury sidelined her for 10 months, will face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. "When I got injured, my only hope was that I would get a second chance so I can play some of my best tennis again," said Martic. "I still can't believe that I'm sitting here." Fifth seed Svitolina downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 7-5. Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky qualified for her third successive French Open quarter-final with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win over 2002 runner-up Venus Williams. The 30th seed will take on France's Kristina Mladenovic for a place in the semi-finals. Bacsinszky's best Grand Slam performance came when she reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2015, losing to eventual champion Serena Williams. Her victory over Venus means a first-time major champion will be crowned next Saturday. (AFP)

French Open: Nadal motors on; Venus, Muguruza crash out

World number one Andy Murray set up a French Open blockbuster against Juan Martin del Potro on Thursday, the latest chapter in what has developed into an epic rivalry.

Murray, the 2016 runner-up, reached the third round with a bruising 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) win over Martin Klizan of Slovakia.

Del Potro, playing in Paris for the first time in five years, went through to the last 32 after Nicolas Almagro retired in tears with a knee injury.

The giant Argentine was immediately hailed for his sportsmanship when he embraced the sobbing, stricken Spaniard.

Out on Suzanne Lenglen court, world number 50 Klizan smashed 57 winners but 67 unforced errors as his all-or-nothing game proved in vain against top seed Murray.

&quot;I expected a tough match. Martin goes for his shots, he can hit winners with that forehand from anywhere on the court,&quot; said Murray.

The Scot beat Del Potro in a marathon Olympic final in 2016 before Del Potro, now 30 in the world, gained his revenge with a come-from-behind win in five sets in the Davis Cup semi-final.

&quot;It will be very tough. Juan Martin is playing a lot better than his ranking,&quot; said Murray as he looked ahead to Saturday&#39;s clash.

Del Potro, no stranger to injury after a career-long battle with wrist problems, made the third round after Spanish opponent Almagro quit in tears during the third set with a left knee injury.

In a moving conclusion on Court Two, Del Potro sat next to a sobbing Almagro, offering him water while trying to to console the heartbroken 31-year-old.

Del Potro had also gone to the Spaniard&#39;s aid when he had collapsed at the back of the court, weeping, just moments earlier.

&#39;Heart first&#39;&nbsp;

&quot;I tried to find good words for him at that moment. I say to him, try to be calm. Try to think about his family, his baby,&quot; said Del Potro.

&quot;Sometimes the heart is first more than the tennis match.&quot;

Del Potro, 28, had taken the first set 6-3 before Almagro claimed the next by the same score.

They were locked at 1-1 in the third when Almagro quit.

Del Potro also suffered an injury scare himself when he pulled up, holding his left groin in the second set.

Third seed Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, reached the last 32 for the 10th time with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine.

Wawrinka will face Italy&#39;s Fabio Fognini for a place in the fourth round.

Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori routed France&#39;s Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) and set up a rare all-Asian clash with South Korean Hyeon Chung.

Chung, the 21-year-old world number 67, followed up his first round win over US 27th seed Sam Querrey with a&nbsp;6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

Nick Kyrgios&#39;s Australian Open ended in a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 loss to big-serving Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

Anderson, ranked at 56 in the world, made the most of the 18th-seeded Australian&#39;s 42 unforced errors to progress to the third round where he will face Britain&#39;s Kyle Edmund.

Unseeded 21-year-old Karen Khachanov of Russia continued his impressive debut, beating Czech 13th seed Tomas Berdych, a semi-finalist seven years ago, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

In the women&#39;s event, crowd favourite Eugenie Bouchard&#39;s struggles continued with a 6-3, 6-0 loss to Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova.

Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova and third-seeded Simona Halep of Romania, both firm women&#39;s title favourites after the first round exit of world number one Angelique Kerber, look for places in the last 32.

Pliskova has never got beyond the second round in six previous attempts.

The 25-year-old Czech faces Russian world 86 Ekaterian Alexandrova who has never beaten a top five rival.

Halep, the 2014 runner-up, faces German world number 102 Tatjana Maria who is bidding to make the third round for the first time.

Fifth seed Elina Svitolina, a quarter-finalist in 2015 and recent Rome champion, made the third round by beating Bulgaria&#39;s Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Poland&#39;s Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded nine, saw off Belgian qualifier Alison Van Uytvanck 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3.

(AFP)

World number one Andy Murray will face former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the third round

World number one Andy Murray set up a French Open blockbuster against Juan Martin del Potro on Thursday, the latest chapter in what has developed into an epic rivalry. Murray, the 2016 runner-up, reached the third round with a bruising 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) win over Martin Klizan of Slovakia. Del Potro, playing in Paris for the first time in five years, went through to the last 32 after Nicolas Almagro retired in tears with a knee injury. The giant Argentine was immediately hailed for his sportsmanship when he embraced the sobbing, stricken Spaniard. Out on Suzanne Lenglen court, world number 50 Klizan smashed 57 winners but 67 unforced errors as his all-or-nothing game proved in vain against top seed Murray. "I expected a tough match. Martin goes for his shots, he can hit winners with that forehand from anywhere on the court," said Murray. The Scot beat Del Potro in a marathon Olympic final in 2016 before Del Potro, now 30 in the world, gained his revenge with a come-from-behind win in five sets in the Davis Cup semi-final. "It will be very tough. Juan Martin is playing a lot better than his ranking," said Murray as he looked ahead to Saturday's clash. Del Potro, no stranger to injury after a career-long battle with wrist problems, made the third round after Spanish opponent Almagro quit in tears during the third set with a left knee injury. In a moving conclusion on Court Two, Del Potro sat next to a sobbing Almagro, offering him water while trying to to console the heartbroken 31-year-old. Del Potro had also gone to the Spaniard's aid when he had collapsed at the back of the court, weeping, just moments earlier. 'Heart first' "I tried to find good words for him at that moment. I say to him, try to be calm. Try to think about his family, his baby," said Del Potro. "Sometimes the heart is first more than the tennis match." Del Potro, 28, had taken the first set 6-3 before Almagro claimed the next by the same score. They were locked at 1-1 in the third when Almagro quit. Del Potro also suffered an injury scare himself when he pulled up, holding his left groin in the second set. Third seed Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, reached the last 32 for the 10th time with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. Wawrinka will face Italy's Fabio Fognini for a place in the fourth round. Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori routed France's Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) and set up a rare all-Asian clash with South Korean Hyeon Chung. Chung, the 21-year-old world number 67, followed up his first round win over US 27th seed Sam Querrey with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. Nick Kyrgios's Australian Open ended in a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 loss to big-serving Kevin Anderson of South Africa. Anderson, ranked at 56 in the world, made the most of the 18th-seeded Australian's 42 unforced errors to progress to the third round where he will face Britain's Kyle Edmund. Unseeded 21-year-old Karen Khachanov of Russia continued his impressive debut, beating Czech 13th seed Tomas Berdych, a semi-finalist seven years ago, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. In the women's event, crowd favourite Eugenie Bouchard's struggles continued with a 6-3, 6-0 loss to Latvian 17th seed Anastasija Sevastova. Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova and third-seeded Simona Halep of Romania, both firm women's title favourites after the first round exit of world number one Angelique Kerber, look for places in the last 32. Pliskova has never got beyond the second round in six previous attempts. The 25-year-old Czech faces Russian world 86 Ekaterian Alexandrova who has never beaten a top five rival. Halep, the 2014 runner-up, faces German world number 102 Tatjana Maria who is bidding to make the third round for the first time. Fifth seed Elina Svitolina, a quarter-finalist in 2015 and recent Rome champion, made the third round by beating Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded nine, saw off Belgian qualifier Alison Van Uytvanck 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3. (AFP)

French Open: Wawrinka, Murray overcome stiff test; Kyrgios crashes out

French Open title rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32 on Wednesday, while women&#39;s defending champion Garbine Muguruza survived a second-round scare.

Nadal outclassed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier to continue his quest for an incredible 10th Roland Garros triumph.

&quot;I was more or less under control during the whole match, so I&#39;m very happy. Winning in straight sets is always good news,&quot; said Nadal.

&quot;I think I did a lot of things well this afternoon.&quot;

The Spaniard will face Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in round four after the Georgian matched his best ever run at a Grand Slam.

Defending champion Djokovic battered Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to make it four wins in as many meetings with the world number 59.

The second seed plays Argentina&#39;s Diego Schwartzman for a place in the last 16.

&quot;I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult,&quot; said Djokovic.

&quot;Generally, I felt better than the first round, so that&#39;s exactly what I wanted.&quot;

Sixth seed Dominic Thiem charged into round three with a routine win over Simone Bolelli, sweeping the Italian aside 7-5, 6-1, 6-3.

The Austrian, who is the only player to defeat Nadal on clay this season, will meet American 25th seed Steve Johnson next as he looks to build on last year&#39;s run to the semi-finals.

Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin sailed through, but French hopes suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out to Renzo Olivo in his opening match.

Serving to stay in the contest when darkness halted their tie on Tuesday, Tsonga was broken immediately when play resumed as the Argentine world number 91 wrapped up a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 win.

Reigning champion Muguruza survived another tough examination from 53rd-ranked Anett Kontaveit, who beat the Spaniard in Stuttgart last month.

Muguruza has endured a difficult 2017 and again found herself in trouble after falling a set and a break behind against the Estonian.

But the fourth seed recovered to claw out a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 win and book a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

&quot;I knew it was going to be a battle out there,&quot; said Muguruza, who beat Serena Williams in last year&#39;s final.

&quot;I knew that losing to her not long ago I did something different this time. I think something different in a good way. So I won the match.

American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands halted Petra Kvitova&#39;s comeback, defeating the popular Czech 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5)&nbsp;in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack in December.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m disappointed, for sure. I came here to win the matches,&quot; said twice former Wimbledon champion Kvitova.

&quot;But I really fought. I mean, after the match, I didn&#39;t feel that bad as normally I probably do.

&quot;I&#39;m still happy I&#39;m here and playing. The fairytale ended. Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual.&quot;

Venus Williams shook off a slow start to ease into the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan&#39;s Kurumi Nara.

Williams, the 2002 runner-up who turns 37 next month, will play Belgium&#39;s Elise Mertens in the third round.

&quot;Do I sense (the draw) is open? I just am really focused on me and nothing&#39;s a given, or else I&#39;d win every match,&quot; said Venus, who has sister Serena in Paris supporting her.

Caroline Wozniacki dished out a chastening 6-0, 6-0 thrashing to Canadian qualifier Francoise Abanda in just 52 minutes.

The 20-year-old blamed the exertions of coming through three qualifying rounds in order to reach the main draw.&nbsp;

&quot;I wasn&#39;t impressed at all,&quot; Abanda retorted when asked if she was struck by anything in Wozniacki&#39;s game.

&quot;As I told you, fitness-wise and physically, I was tired.

&quot;I think that she played her second match. I played five matches.&quot;

Lucky loser Ons Jabeur of Tunisia stunned Slovak sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Arab woman to reach the third round of a Grand Slam.

(AFP)

Meanwhile, defending champion on the women's side, Garbine Muguruza, struggled to win her second round match

French Open title rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32 on Wednesday, while women's defending champion Garbine Muguruza survived a second-round scare. Nadal outclassed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier to continue his quest for an incredible 10th Roland Garros triumph. "I was more or less under control during the whole match, so I'm very happy. Winning in straight sets is always good news," said Nadal. "I think I did a lot of things well this afternoon." The Spaniard will face Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in round four after the Georgian matched his best ever run at a Grand Slam. Defending champion Djokovic battered Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to make it four wins in as many meetings with the world number 59. The second seed plays Argentina's Diego Schwartzman for a place in the last 16. "I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult," said Djokovic. "Generally, I felt better than the first round, so that's exactly what I wanted." Sixth seed Dominic Thiem charged into round three with a routine win over Simone Bolelli, sweeping the Italian aside 7-5, 6-1, 6-3. The Austrian, who is the only player to defeat Nadal on clay this season, will meet American 25th seed Steve Johnson next as he looks to build on last year's run to the semi-finals. Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin sailed through, but French hopes suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out to Renzo Olivo in his opening match. Serving to stay in the contest when darkness halted their tie on Tuesday, Tsonga was broken immediately when play resumed as the Argentine world number 91 wrapped up a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 win. Reigning champion Muguruza survived another tough examination from 53rd-ranked Anett Kontaveit, who beat the Spaniard in Stuttgart last month. Muguruza has endured a difficult 2017 and again found herself in trouble after falling a set and a break behind against the Estonian. But the fourth seed recovered to claw out a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 win and book a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan. "I knew it was going to be a battle out there," said Muguruza, who beat Serena Williams in last year's final. "I knew that losing to her not long ago I did something different this time. I think something different in a good way. So I won the match. American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands halted Petra Kvitova's comeback, defeating the popular Czech 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack in December. "I'm disappointed, for sure. I came here to win the matches," said twice former Wimbledon champion Kvitova. "But I really fought. I mean, after the match, I didn't feel that bad as normally I probably do. "I'm still happy I'm here and playing. The fairytale ended. Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual." Venus Williams shook off a slow start to ease into the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan's Kurumi Nara. Williams, the 2002 runner-up who turns 37 next month, will play Belgium's Elise Mertens in the third round. "Do I sense (the draw) is open? I just am really focused on me and nothing's a given, or else I'd win every match," said Venus, who has sister Serena in Paris supporting her. Caroline Wozniacki dished out a chastening 6-0, 6-0 thrashing to Canadian qualifier Francoise Abanda in just 52 minutes. The 20-year-old blamed the exertions of coming through three qualifying rounds in order to reach the main draw. "I wasn't impressed at all," Abanda retorted when asked if she was struck by anything in Wozniacki's game. "As I told you, fitness-wise and physically, I was tired. "I think that she played her second match. I played five matches." Lucky loser Ons Jabeur of Tunisia stunned Slovak sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Arab woman to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. (AFP)

French Open: Nadal, Djokovic storm into round 3; Kvitova's fairytale over

A French tennis player who tried to kiss a television reporter against her will during a live broadcast at Roland Garros was banished from the tournament on Tuesday for his &quot;reprehensible behaviour&quot;.

Maxime Hamou, 21, grabbed Eurosport journalist Maly Thomas around the neck and shoulders while she interviewed him following his first round defeat on Monday.

&quot;It was frankly unpleasant. If it hadn&#39;t been live on air, I would have punched him,&quot; Thomas told the French edition of the Huffington Post.

Hamou, the world number 287, was subsequently banned from the Roland Garros site by organisers.

&quot;The tournament directors have decided to cancel the accreditation of Maxime Hamou following his reprehensible behaviour with a journalist on Monday,&quot; said a Roland Garros statement.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6arenw50i-E" width="560"></iframe>

(Courtesy: Love Tennis, YouTube)

A Eurosport spokesman told AFP that Hamou`s actions were &quot;highly inappropriate&quot;.

&quot;We sincerely regret the incident that occurred during yesterday evening&#39;s interview between Maly Thomas and Maxime Hamou. The behaviour of the interviewee was highly inappropriate and we do not condone such conduct in any way,&quot; the spokesman said.

&quot;Maly is a highly respected journalist and we are pleased that a full apology is being offered. We apologise to any viewers who may have been affected.&quot;

Hamou had already come under fire for his behaviour during a qualifying match last week when he screamed at an umpire: &quot;Why are you here?&quot;

But it was the incident with Thomas which was causing outrage and on Twitter especially as it prompted laughs and applause from studio guests on the Eurosport programme, &quot;Avantage Leconte&quot;.

&quot;He kisses her by force, she tries to get away, he holds her by the neck and everyone... laughs ...#tired,&quot; tweeted French politician Cecile Duflot.

French journalist Claude Askolovitch tweeted in French: &quot;In a normal world, Maxime Hamou would be in court for sexual assault&quot;.

Hamou later Tuesday made a public apology to Thomas.

&quot;I want to offer my deepest apologies to Maly Thomas if she felt hurt or shocked by my attitude during her interview,&quot; he was quoted a saying by L`Equipe daily.&nbsp;

&quot;I just had a wonderful week at Roland Garros, living my most beautiful emotions as a tennis player, and I let my enthusiasm be expressed awkwardly towards Maly who I know and respect. I am at her disposal to apologise to her in person if she so desires.&quot;

The incident echoed West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle&#39;s behaviour with a female reporter after a match in Australia in January, 2016. 
Gayle opted to ignore questions on the game from Network Ten journalist Mel McLaughlin and instead told her: &quot;Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well. Don`t blush, baby.&quot;

(AFP)

Maxime Hamou, 21, grabbed Eurosport journalist Maly Thomas around the neck and shoulders while she interviewed him

A French tennis player who tried to kiss a television reporter against her will during a live broadcast at Roland Garros was banished from the tournament on Tuesday for his "reprehensible behaviour". Maxime Hamou, 21, grabbed Eurosport journalist Maly Thomas around the neck and shoulders while she interviewed him following his first round defeat on Monday. "It was frankly unpleasant. If it hadn't been live on air, I would have punched him," Thomas told the French edition of the Huffington Post. Hamou, the world number 287, was subsequently banned from the Roland Garros site by organisers. "The tournament directors have decided to cancel the accreditation of Maxime Hamou following his reprehensible behaviour with a journalist on Monday," said a Roland Garros statement. (Courtesy: Love Tennis, YouTube) A Eurosport spokesman told AFP that Hamou`s actions were "highly inappropriate". "We sincerely regret the incident that occurred during yesterday evening's interview between Maly Thomas and Maxime Hamou. The behaviour of the interviewee was highly inappropriate and we do not condone such conduct in any way," the spokesman said. "Maly is a highly respected journalist and we are pleased that a full apology is being offered. We apologise to any viewers who may have been affected." Hamou had already come under fire for his behaviour during a qualifying match last week when he screamed at an umpire: "Why are you here?" But it was the incident with Thomas which was causing outrage and on Twitter especially as it prompted laughs and applause from studio guests on the Eurosport programme, "Avantage Leconte". "He kisses her by force, she tries to get away, he holds her by the neck and everyone... laughs ...#tired," tweeted French politician Cecile Duflot. French journalist Claude Askolovitch tweeted in French: "In a normal world, Maxime Hamou would be in court for sexual assault". Hamou later Tuesday made a public apology to Thomas. "I want to offer my deepest apologies to Maly Thomas if she felt hurt or shocked by my attitude during her interview," he was quoted a saying by L`Equipe daily. "I just had a wonderful week at Roland Garros, living my most beautiful emotions as a tennis player, and I let my enthusiasm be expressed awkwardly towards Maly who I know and respect. I am at her disposal to apologise to her in person if she so desires." The incident echoed West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle's behaviour with a female reporter after a match in Australia in January, 2016. Gayle opted to ignore questions on the game from Network Ten journalist Mel McLaughlin and instead told her: "Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well. Don`t blush, baby." (AFP)

French Open: Uproar as player tries to kiss reporter on air

Alexander Zverev, the man seen as a potential French Open champion, crashed out in the first round Tuesday as world number one Andy Murray and former winner Stan Wawrinka moved through.

Zverev, just 20 and fresh from his sensational Rome Masters demolition of Novak Djokovic, slumped to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Spain&#39;s Fernando Verdasco, 13 years his senior.

&quot;I played absolute shit, that&#39;s why I lost,&quot; said Zverev bluntly.

&quot;But life goes on, it&#39;s not a tragedy. In Rome I played fantastic, I won the tournament. Here I played bad, I lost first round. That&#39;s the way it goes.&quot;

In a match controversially suspended on Monday at one set each, Zverev was defeated in a fog of mistakes and despondency.

The beanpole German committed 50 unforced errors and drew jeers from the Philippe Chatrier court crowd when he took out his frustration by hammering his racquet into the clay.

Left-handed Verdasco, playing his 14th Roland Garros and 56th consecutive major, had lost to Zverev in the first round on clay in Madrid earlier this year.

But he is an experienced Grand Slam competitor, making the last 16 in Paris on five occasions.

&quot;I practised really hard before this match against a great player like Alexander and I am super happy to be here on this court,&quot; said Verdasco who next plays France&#39;s Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

&quot;Maybe it was my experience. You have to be ready emotionally and physically because it can be a long match.&quot;

Murray, the 2016 runner-up to Djokovic, shrugged off a second set wobble to defeat Russia&#39;s Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.

&quot;He goes for his shots, he plays very aggressively and quite close to the baseline. He hits the ball pretty flat, but it was quite windy today and that can make things difficult when you try to play that way,&quot; said Murray, who showed few effects of the fever he carried into the event.

Handshake snub&nbsp;

Top seed Murray will play Martin Klizan of Slovakia who was accused a faking an injury in his five-set win over French wildcard Laurent Lokoli.

Lokoli was so angry at Klizan&#39;s actions on court that he refused to shake hands with his opponent.

Third seed and 2015 champion Wawrinka was an easy winner, defeating Slovakian qualifier Jozef Kovalik 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

Wawrinka saved two set points in the second set tiebreaker before going on to down the 152nd-ranked qualifier.

Juan Martin del Potro marked his return to the French Open after an absence of five years by defeating Argentine compatriot Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

&quot;I love to be playing this tournament again after five years,&quot; said 2009 US Open champion Del Potro, who reached the quarter-finals in his last appearance in Paris before blowing a two-set lead against Roger Federer.&nbsp;

Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori was also a first round winner, beating unranked Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Taiwan&#39;s Hsieh Su-Wei, the world number 109, stunned seventh seed Johanna Konta 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.

Konta is the second top 10 woman to lose in the first three days after world number one Angelique Kerber was also dumped out in the first round.

&quot;I tried very hard and gave myself a big chance. Every time I tried to run as fast as I can and get the ball back,&quot; said Hsieh, who won for the just the second time in seven trips to Roland Garros.&nbsp;

Konta has yet to win one match in the main draw in three attempts.

There were no such problems for fifth-seeded Rome champion Elina Svitolina as the 2015 quarter-finalist defeated Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-3.

Later Tuesday, 2014 runner-up Simona Halep, seeded three, faces Jana Cepelova of Slovakia whose only two wins at the tournament came four years ago.

(AFP)

Nishikori also started slow but eventually progressed to round of 64 in four sets

Alexander Zverev, the man seen as a potential French Open champion, crashed out in the first round Tuesday as world number one Andy Murray and former winner Stan Wawrinka moved through. Zverev, just 20 and fresh from his sensational Rome Masters demolition of Novak Djokovic, slumped to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Spain's Fernando Verdasco, 13 years his senior. "I played absolute shit, that's why I lost," said Zverev bluntly. "But life goes on, it's not a tragedy. In Rome I played fantastic, I won the tournament. Here I played bad, I lost first round. That's the way it goes." In a match controversially suspended on Monday at one set each, Zverev was defeated in a fog of mistakes and despondency. The beanpole German committed 50 unforced errors and drew jeers from the Philippe Chatrier court crowd when he took out his frustration by hammering his racquet into the clay. Left-handed Verdasco, playing his 14th Roland Garros and 56th consecutive major, had lost to Zverev in the first round on clay in Madrid earlier this year. But he is an experienced Grand Slam competitor, making the last 16 in Paris on five occasions. "I practised really hard before this match against a great player like Alexander and I am super happy to be here on this court," said Verdasco who next plays France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert. "Maybe it was my experience. You have to be ready emotionally and physically because it can be a long match." Murray, the 2016 runner-up to Djokovic, shrugged off a second set wobble to defeat Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. "He goes for his shots, he plays very aggressively and quite close to the baseline. He hits the ball pretty flat, but it was quite windy today and that can make things difficult when you try to play that way," said Murray, who showed few effects of the fever he carried into the event. Handshake snub Top seed Murray will play Martin Klizan of Slovakia who was accused a faking an injury in his five-set win over French wildcard Laurent Lokoli. Lokoli was so angry at Klizan's actions on court that he refused to shake hands with his opponent. Third seed and 2015 champion Wawrinka was an easy winner, defeating Slovakian qualifier Jozef Kovalik 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. Wawrinka saved two set points in the second set tiebreaker before going on to down the 152nd-ranked qualifier. Juan Martin del Potro marked his return to the French Open after an absence of five years by defeating Argentine compatriot Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-4. "I love to be playing this tournament again after five years," said 2009 US Open champion Del Potro, who reached the quarter-finals in his last appearance in Paris before blowing a two-set lead against Roger Federer. Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori was also a first round winner, beating unranked Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Taiwan's Hsieh Su-Wei, the world number 109, stunned seventh seed Johanna Konta 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Konta is the second top 10 woman to lose in the first three days after world number one Angelique Kerber was also dumped out in the first round. "I tried very hard and gave myself a big chance. Every time I tried to run as fast as I can and get the ball back," said Hsieh, who won for the just the second time in seven trips to Roland Garros. Konta has yet to win one match in the main draw in three attempts. There were no such problems for fifth-seeded Rome champion Elina Svitolina as the 2015 quarter-finalist defeated Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-3. Later Tuesday, 2014 runner-up Simona Halep, seeded three, faces Jana Cepelova of Slovakia whose only two wins at the tournament came four years ago. (AFP)

French Open: Murray, Wawrinka advance, Zverev crashes out

Rafael Nadal launched his pursuit of a record 10th French Open title in convincing fashion, while defending champion Novak Djokovic eased to victory under the gaze of new coach Andre Agassi.

Reigning women&#39;s champion Garbine Muguruza began her Roland Garros defence with a straight-sets triumph over 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone.

Nadal, who was forced to withdraw before last year&#39;s third round with a wrist injury, brushed aside 45th-ranked Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 inside two hours.

&quot;I&#39;m very happy to be back here after what happened last year. It&#39;s great to feel the support,&quot; said the 14-time major champion.

Nadal broke Frenchman Paire eight times and recovered from a slight second-set wobble when he dropped serve twice in a row to surge into a round two meeting with Dutchman Robin Haase.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s always at the start, happy for the victory. Was not an easy opponent in the first round, obviously. He&#39;s an uncomfortable opponent that already he had some good victories this year,&quot; added Nadal.

Title-holder Djokovic strolled through his opener against Marcel Granollers of Spain, advancing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

With 1999 French Open champion Agassi in the players box for the first time after agreeing a short-term coaching role, Djokovic experienced some trouble against the world number 77, being broken four times.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s great to have Andre Agassi as coach and as a mentor. I will try to learn as much as I can from him,&quot; said Djokovic.

The Serb, seeking to become the first man in the Open era to win all four majors on at least two occasions, will take on Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa next.

&quot;Coming to this tournament for first time as a defending champion gave me, probably more than anything else, relief, because the anticipation and the pressure and expectations that I had also for myself but all the other people around me in the last three, four, five years before 2016 Roland Garros trophy was really big,&quot; added Djokovic.

&#39;Earn confidence&#39;&nbsp;

Muguruza&#39;s middling form this season saw her arrive in Paris with just three wins on clay, but the Spaniard dispatched former Paris champion Schiavone 6-2, 6-4.

The fourth seed will meet Estonia&#39;s Anett Kontaveit for a place in round three as Schiavone, who turns 37 in June, bid farewell to the tournament for possibly the final time.&nbsp;

&quot;I cannot believe in the first round we have two ex-champions. Not only that but Francesca is a legend and I was very excited to play on Philippe Chatrier court with her,&quot; said Muguruza.

&quot;I know I played good here before. That doesn&#39;t make me extra confident this year. I think I just have to earn that confidence here, and, like today, going out there, trying to deal with things. That&#39;s what brings me confidence. Not remembering how I played last year.&quot;

Muguruza defeated Serena Williams to win her maiden Grand Slam a year ago, but the 23-year-old needs to return to the final to stay in the world&#39;s top 10.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova won for just the third time in six visits to Roland Garros with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over China&#39;s Zheng Saisai.

Former French Open runners-up Sam Stosur and Sara Errani, the latter coming through qualifying, also moved into round two.

Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic raced through with a routine 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Steve Darcis of Belgium.

Raonic fired 15 aces and 44 winners to book a meeting with Brazil&#39;s Rogerio Dutra Silva, who saved two match points before overcoming Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in five sets.

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Belgian 10th seed David Goffin also progressed, but American 14th seed Jack Sock was blown away in three sets by towering Czech left-hander Jiri Vesely.

Rising German star Alexander Zverev, seeded ninth, begins his campaign against veteran Spaniard Fernando Verdasco later.

The 20-year-old Zverev defeated Djokovic in Rome a week ago to become the first player born in the 1990s to land a Masters title.

(AFP)

1999 French Open champion Andre Agassi was in the players' box for the first time after agreeing a short-term coaching role with Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal launched his pursuit of a record 10th French Open title in convincing fashion, while defending champion Novak Djokovic eased to victory under the gaze of new coach Andre Agassi. Reigning women's champion Garbine Muguruza began her Roland Garros defence with a straight-sets triumph over 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone. Nadal, who was forced to withdraw before last year's third round with a wrist injury, brushed aside 45th-ranked Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 inside two hours. "I'm very happy to be back here after what happened last year. It's great to feel the support," said the 14-time major champion. Nadal broke Frenchman Paire eight times and recovered from a slight second-set wobble when he dropped serve twice in a row to surge into a round two meeting with Dutchman Robin Haase. "It's always at the start, happy for the victory. Was not an easy opponent in the first round, obviously. He's an uncomfortable opponent that already he had some good victories this year," added Nadal. Title-holder Djokovic strolled through his opener against Marcel Granollers of Spain, advancing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. With 1999 French Open champion Agassi in the players box for the first time after agreeing a short-term coaching role, Djokovic experienced some trouble against the world number 77, being broken four times. "It's great to have Andre Agassi as coach and as a mentor. I will try to learn as much as I can from him," said Djokovic. The Serb, seeking to become the first man in the Open era to win all four majors on at least two occasions, will take on Portugal's Joao Sousa next. "Coming to this tournament for first time as a defending champion gave me, probably more than anything else, relief, because the anticipation and the pressure and expectations that I had also for myself but all the other people around me in the last three, four, five years before 2016 Roland Garros trophy was really big," added Djokovic. 'Earn confidence' Muguruza's middling form this season saw her arrive in Paris with just three wins on clay, but the Spaniard dispatched former Paris champion Schiavone 6-2, 6-4. The fourth seed will meet Estonia's Anett Kontaveit for a place in round three as Schiavone, who turns 37 in June, bid farewell to the tournament for possibly the final time. "I cannot believe in the first round we have two ex-champions. Not only that but Francesca is a legend and I was very excited to play on Philippe Chatrier court with her," said Muguruza. "I know I played good here before. That doesn't make me extra confident this year. I think I just have to earn that confidence here, and, like today, going out there, trying to deal with things. That's what brings me confidence. Not remembering how I played last year." Muguruza defeated Serena Williams to win her maiden Grand Slam a year ago, but the 23-year-old needs to return to the final to stay in the world's top 10. Second seed Karolina Pliskova won for just the third time in six visits to Roland Garros with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over China's Zheng Saisai. Former French Open runners-up Sam Stosur and Sara Errani, the latter coming through qualifying, also moved into round two. Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic raced through with a routine 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Steve Darcis of Belgium. Raonic fired 15 aces and 44 winners to book a meeting with Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva, who saved two match points before overcoming Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in five sets. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Belgian 10th seed David Goffin also progressed, but American 14th seed Jack Sock was blown away in three sets by towering Czech left-hander Jiri Vesely. Rising German star Alexander Zverev, seeded ninth, begins his campaign against veteran Spaniard Fernando Verdasco later. The 20-year-old Zverev defeated Djokovic in Rome a week ago to become the first player born in the 1990s to land a Masters title. (AFP)

French Open: Nadal, Djokovic sail into round 2

World number one Angelique Kerber was dumped out of the French Open on Sunday, going down 6-2 6-2 in a first-round defeat to Russia&#39;s Ekaterina Makarova.

The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968.

After briefly threatening a recovery in the eighth game, in which she held two break points, Kerber meekly surrendered the first set with a forehand that never looked like clearing the net.

The German dropped serve in the next game, with Makarova hitting four clean forehand winners to take a hold on the match that she rarely looked like relinquishing.

(Reuters)

The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968

World number one Angelique Kerber was dumped out of the French Open on Sunday, going down 6-2 6-2 in a first-round defeat to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova. The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968. After briefly threatening a recovery in the eighth game, in which she held two break points, Kerber meekly surrendered the first set with a forehand that never looked like clearing the net. The German dropped serve in the next game, with Makarova hitting four clean forehand winners to take a hold on the match that she rarely looked like relinquishing. (Reuters)

Top seed Kerber crashes out of French Open

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;semi-final on Friday.

Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds.

&quot;Rafa is the number one favourite,&quot; said Djokovic.

World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four.

Murray starts against Russia&#39;s world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round.

Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012.

If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori in the last eight.

The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week.

The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process.

Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009.

&#39;No magic pattern&#39;&nbsp;

On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev.

&quot;It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here,&quot; said Djokovic at the draw on Friday.

&quot;It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams.&quot;

Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause.

He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini.

Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow &#39;NextGen&#39; star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.

Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In the women&#39;s draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round.

Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals.

&quot;I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern,&quot; said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week.

Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone.

Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China.

Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as &quot;50-50&quot; earlier this week.

The women&#39;s event is regarded as being wide&nbsp;open&nbsp;with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent.

If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova.

Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta would be Pliskova&#39;s last-eight rival.

(AFP)

World number one Andy Murray, meanwhile, has a potential third round against Juan Martin del Potro

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster French Open semi-final on Friday. Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds. "Rafa is the number one favourite," said Djokovic. World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four. Murray starts against Russia's world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire. Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round. Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012. If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the last eight. The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada's Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem. Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week. The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process. Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009. 'No magic pattern' On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev. "It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here," said Djokovic at the draw on Friday. "It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams." Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause. He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini. Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow 'NextGen' star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. In the women's draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round. Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals. "I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern," said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week. Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone. Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China. Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as "50-50" earlier this week. The women's event is regarded as being wide open with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent. If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova. Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain's Johanna Konta would be Pliskova's last-eight rival. (AFP)

French Open draw: Nadal, Djokovic set on collision course

Two-time champion Maria Sharapova will miss Roland Garros this year after the French tennis federation denied her a wild card, FFT president Bernard Guidicelli said on Tuesday.

The former world number one, who only returned from a 15-month doping ban last month, will sit out the French Open, which she won in 2012 and 2014, for the second year in a row.

&quot;Nobody can deprive her of her two titles at Roland Garros, but today I can&#39;t grant her the wild card requested,&quot; Guidicelli said on Facebook Live, ahead of the May 28-June 11 tournament.

&quot;The titles won here, she won within the rules without owing anything to anyone.

&quot;While wild cards exist for players returning from injury, there is nothing for a return from a doping ban,&quot; he added.

The five-time Grand Slam champion was banned for two years for using meldonium, with the penalty later reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which ruled she was not an intentional doper.

After the ban expired on April 26, the Russian returned to competition at the Stuttgart Open, reaching the semi-finals, and progressed to the last 32 of the Madrid Open, too late to earn herself a qualifying spot for Paris.

&quot;I am very sorry for Maria, and very sorry for her fans. They might be very disappointed and she might be disappointed. But it is my responsibility and my mission to respect the high standards of the game to be played without any doping,&quot; said Guidicelli.

&#39;Very controversial&#39;

The federation chief had hinted Sharapova would not be welcome after agreeing with comments made by Andy Murray in March, in which the Briton said she should have to work her way back to the top.

&quot;Integrity is one of our main commitments. We can&#39;t decide to increase funds in the fight against doping and then...(invite her),&quot; Guidicelli said at the time.

&quot;I know the media dimension of Maria and I&#39;m measuring the expectations of the public and sponsors, but in all conscience it didn&#39;t appear possible to me to go beyond the strict application of the world anti-doping code,&quot; he explained on Tuesday.

&quot;The code doesn&#39;t have rules regarding wild cards. These invitations are given at the discretion of the organisers.&quot;

French Open tournament director Guy Forget had earlier said the decision over whether Sharapova would receive a wild card was going to be &quot;very controversial&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Some say she shouldn&#39;t get it, others say she served her time,&quot; tournament director Guy Forget told the BBC.

&quot;As you talk with players, it&#39;s very controversial. So no matter what happens, there will be a lot of questions around that wildcard.&quot;

Last month former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard blasted Sharapova as a &quot;cheater&quot; and suggested the Russian should be kicked out of tennis for life.

&quot;I don&#39;t think that&#39;s right. She&#39;s a cheater and so to me, I don&#39;t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play that sport again,&quot; Bouchard, the world number 52, told TRT World while playing at the Istanbul Cup.

Sharapova&#39;s absence leaves the women&#39;s French Open field wide open with Serena Williams, a three-time champion in Paris, sitting out the rest of the season as she prepares to give birth to her first child.

Sharapova is though guaranteed a qualifying spot at Wimbledon in July after winning her opening match in Rome, and she could earn a slot in the main draw if she reaches the semi-finals of the event she has won three times.

However Tuesday&#39;s decision could damage her hopes of being awarded direct entrance to Wimbledon, which runs from July 3 to 17.

&quot;We&#39;re keeping an eye on the French Open,&quot; said Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, who will reveal the Wimbledon wild card recipients on June 20.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The former world number one will sit out the French Open, which she won in 2012 and 2014, for the second year in a row

Two-time champion Maria Sharapova will miss Roland Garros this year after the French tennis federation denied her a wild card, FFT president Bernard Guidicelli said on Tuesday. The former world number one, who only returned from a 15-month doping ban last month, will sit out the French Open, which she won in 2012 and 2014, for the second year in a row. "Nobody can deprive her of her two titles at Roland Garros, but today I can't grant her the wild card requested," Guidicelli said on Facebook Live, ahead of the May 28-June 11 tournament. "The titles won here, she won within the rules without owing anything to anyone. "While wild cards exist for players returning from injury, there is nothing for a return from a doping ban," he added. The five-time Grand Slam champion was banned for two years for using meldonium, with the penalty later reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which ruled she was not an intentional doper. After the ban expired on April 26, the Russian returned to competition at the Stuttgart Open, reaching the semi-finals, and progressed to the last 32 of the Madrid Open, too late to earn herself a qualifying spot for Paris. "I am very sorry for Maria, and very sorry for her fans. They might be very disappointed and she might be disappointed. But it is my responsibility and my mission to respect the high standards of the game to be played without any doping," said Guidicelli. 'Very controversial' The federation chief had hinted Sharapova would not be welcome after agreeing with comments made by Andy Murray in March, in which the Briton said she should have to work her way back to the top. "Integrity is one of our main commitments. We can't decide to increase funds in the fight against doping and then...(invite her)," Guidicelli said at the time. "I know the media dimension of Maria and I'm measuring the expectations of the public and sponsors, but in all conscience it didn't appear possible to me to go beyond the strict application of the world anti-doping code," he explained on Tuesday. "The code doesn't have rules regarding wild cards. These invitations are given at the discretion of the organisers." French Open tournament director Guy Forget had earlier said the decision over whether Sharapova would receive a wild card was going to be "very controversial". "Some say she shouldn't get it, others say she served her time," tournament director Guy Forget told the BBC. "As you talk with players, it's very controversial. So no matter what happens, there will be a lot of questions around that wildcard." Last month former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard blasted Sharapova as a "cheater" and suggested the Russian should be kicked out of tennis for life. "I don't think that's right. She's a cheater and so to me, I don't think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play that sport again," Bouchard, the world number 52, told TRT World while playing at the Istanbul Cup. Sharapova's absence leaves the women's French Open field wide open with Serena Williams, a three-time champion in Paris, sitting out the rest of the season as she prepares to give birth to her first child. Sharapova is though guaranteed a qualifying spot at Wimbledon in July after winning her opening match in Rome, and she could earn a slot in the main draw if she reaches the semi-finals of the event she has won three times. However Tuesday's decision could damage her hopes of being awarded direct entrance to Wimbledon, which runs from July 3 to 17. "We're keeping an eye on the French Open," said Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, who will reveal the Wimbledon wild card recipients on June 20. (AFP)

Maria Sharapova denied French Open wild card

<p content="Johannesburg [South Africa], May 1 (ANI): Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month." data-reactid="11" type="text">Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month.

<p content="Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015." data-reactid="12" type="text">Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015.

&quot;I am registered and my intention is to play Roland Garros,&quot; Sport24 quoted him as saying.

<p content="The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year's event while dealing with knee and back injuries." data-reactid="14" type="text">The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year&#39;s event while dealing with knee and back injuries.

<p content="He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles." data-reactid="15" type="text">He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles.

&quot;I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court,&quot; Federer said.

<p content="&quot;Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months." data-reactid="17" type="text">&quot;Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months.

<p content="&quot;But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off." data-reactid="18" type="text">&quot;But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off.

<p content="Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)" data-reactid="19" type="text">Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019.

<p content="Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)" data-reactid="19" type="text">(ANI)

The 18-time grand slam champion said after beating John Isner in an exhibition match

Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month. Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015. "I am registered and my intention is to play Roland Garros," Sport24 quoted him as saying. The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year's event while dealing with knee and back injuries. He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles. "I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court," Federer said. "Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months. "But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off. Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)

Roger Federer intends to play French Open

Thailand&#39;s Thongchai Jaidee opened his British Open campaign with an even-par round of 71 and believes his putter must improve drastically if he is to climb up the leaderboard at Royal Troon. 
 
The 46-year-old, who became the oldest winner in European Tour&#39;s French Open this month, made two birdies on Wednesday, but a double bogey on the 15th hole left him with much ground to cover, as he trails leader Phil Mickelson by eight shots. 
 
The three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner said he needs to read the greens better to challenge the leaders. 
 
&quot;I missed a couple of chances on the second and third holes, hit good putts and didn&#39;t find the hole,&quot; Jaidee said in an Asian Tour statement. 
 
&quot;The greens are a bit tricky and you need to read the lines well. It&#39;s a putting challenge this week.&quot; 
 
&quot;You can attack the par fives on the front nine which are reachable and if you can score on those, it helps. Then you have to be careful on the back nine.&quot; 
 
Jaidee was happy with his overall game. 
 
&quot;I played well except that I didn&#39;t get many birdies,&quot; Jaidee said. &quot;Even par is a good start but I expect tomorrow (Friday) to be harder. 
 
&quot;I tried to make it confident, trying to hit fairways and greens but the winds were switching direction. 
 
&quot;Just two bad tee shots. I think it&#39;s still a good start.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The 46-year-old became the oldest winner in European Tour's French Open this month

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee opened his British Open campaign with an even-par round of 71 and believes his putter must improve drastically if he is to climb up the leaderboard at Royal Troon. The 46-year-old, who became the oldest winner in European Tour's French Open this month, made two birdies on Wednesday, but a double bogey on the 15th hole left him with much ground to cover, as he trails leader Phil Mickelson by eight shots. The three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner said he needs to read the greens better to challenge the leaders. "I missed a couple of chances on the second and third holes, hit good putts and didn't find the hole," Jaidee said in an Asian Tour statement. "The greens are a bit tricky and you need to read the lines well. It's a putting challenge this week." "You can attack the par fives on the front nine which are reachable and if you can score on those, it helps. Then you have to be careful on the back nine." Jaidee was happy with his overall game. "I played well except that I didn't get many birdies," Jaidee said. "Even par is a good start but I expect tomorrow (Friday) to be harder. "I tried to make it confident, trying to hit fairways and greens but the winds were switching direction. "Just two bad tee shots. I think it's still a good start." (Reuters)

Thailand's Thongchai eyes improved putting at British Open

World number two Andy Murray has set his sights on overtaking Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings after capturing his second Wimbledon crown on Sunday. 
 
Murray, who reunited with coach Ivan Lendl last month, has reached the finals of his last five tournaments, winning in Rome and at Queen&#39;s Club before beating Milos Raonic in straight sets to end a 36-month hunt for a third grand slam title. 
 
Murray&#39;s triumph and Djokovic&#39;s third-round loss means 4845 ATP ranking points now separate them. 
 
&quot;I would love to get to number one, for sure, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event,&quot; Murray told British media. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s definitely a goal. It&#39;s something I spoke to my team about, something I chatted to Ivan about. 
 
&quot;This has been a great tournament for me but, if I want to win a few slams over the next few years, I am going to have to get better. I know that he (Djokovic) will come back strong from this because of the player he is.&quot; 
 
Djokovic arrived in London as the holder of all four grand slams and the Serb had not been beaten on the big stage since losing to Switzerland&#39;s Stan Wawrinka in the 2015 French Open final. 
 
&quot;Novak is still clearly number one in the world right now. He is not just going to go away because he has had one bad tournament. You can&#39;t forget what he has done in the last 18 months or so - it has been incredible,&quot; Murray added. 
 
(Reuters)

'I would love to get to number one, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event,' Murray said

World number two Andy Murray has set his sights on overtaking Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings after capturing his second Wimbledon crown on Sunday. Murray, who reunited with coach Ivan Lendl last month, has reached the finals of his last five tournaments, winning in Rome and at Queen's Club before beating Milos Raonic in straight sets to end a 36-month hunt for a third grand slam title. Murray's triumph and Djokovic's third-round loss means 4845 ATP ranking points now separate them. "I would love to get to number one, for sure, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event," Murray told British media. "It's definitely a goal. It's something I spoke to my team about, something I chatted to Ivan about. "This has been a great tournament for me but, if I want to win a few slams over the next few years, I am going to have to get better. I know that he (Djokovic) will come back strong from this because of the player he is." Djokovic arrived in London as the holder of all four grand slams and the Serb had not been beaten on the big stage since losing to Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka in the 2015 French Open final. "Novak is still clearly number one in the world right now. He is not just going to go away because he has had one bad tournament. You can't forget what he has done in the last 18 months or so - it has been incredible," Murray added. (Reuters)

Murray eyes top ranking after Wimbledon triumph

Thongchai Jaidee credited his time as a paratrooper in the Thai army for giving him the physical and mental strength to hold off Europe&#39;s finest golfers and win the French Open at the weekend. 
 
The 46-year-old ended his &quot;perfect week&quot; at Le Golf National near Paris with a closing round three-under-par 68 to finish four strokes ahead of Italy&#39;s Francesco Molinari and five ahead of world number four Rory McIlroy. 
 
&quot;It was a special week,&quot; Thongchai said after becoming the oldest winner in French Open history. 
 
&quot;It was my perfect week because I didn&#39;t miss many shots. Anything I miss, I make a good recovery shot and make par.&quot; 
 
Thongchai began his final round with a two-shot lead over McIlroy and mixed four birdies with a single bogey at the final hole to clinch his eighth European Tour title. 
 
The three times Asian Tour Order of Merit winner said a recent focus on psychology had built upon the toughness he acquired in the Thai military.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I worked in the army for 14 years. I trained in the army camp about two years as an air bomb paratrooper, that&#39;s why I have to be strong,&quot; Thongchai added.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;When I play golf, I think it is really easy. Because training with the army, I had to wake up at five in the morning, run about two hours every morning and in the evening for two years.&quot; 
 
Thongchai&#39;s victory was a record seventh for Asian golfers on the European Tour in a single season and will provide him with a confidence boost as he heads to Troon for the British Open.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

A recent focus on psychology had built upon the toughness the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner acquired in the Thai military

Thongchai Jaidee credited his time as a paratrooper in the Thai army for giving him the physical and mental strength to hold off Europe's finest golfers and win the French Open at the weekend. The 46-year-old ended his "perfect week" at Le Golf National near Paris with a closing round three-under-par 68 to finish four strokes ahead of Italy's Francesco Molinari and five ahead of world number four Rory McIlroy. "It was a special week," Thongchai said after becoming the oldest winner in French Open history. "It was my perfect week because I didn't miss many shots. Anything I miss, I make a good recovery shot and make par." Thongchai began his final round with a two-shot lead over McIlroy and mixed four birdies with a single bogey at the final hole to clinch his eighth European Tour title. The three times Asian Tour Order of Merit winner said a recent focus on psychology had built upon the toughness he acquired in the Thai military. "I worked in the army for 14 years. I trained in the army camp about two years as an air bomb paratrooper, that's why I have to be strong," Thongchai added. "When I play golf, I think it is really easy. Because training with the army, I had to wake up at five in the morning, run about two hours every morning and in the evening for two years." Thongchai's victory was a record seventh for Asian golfers on the European Tour in a single season and will provide him with a confidence boost as he heads to Troon for the British Open. (Reuters)

Army training prepared Thongchai for French Open win

Second seed Garbine Muguruza, gunning to add the Wimbledon crown to her French Open title, was sensationally beaten in the second round on Thursday by a Slovakian qualifier, removing one of the biggest obstacles to Serena Williams defending her title. 
 
Jana Cepelova pulled off the shock of the tournament so far, downing the Spaniard 6-3 6-2 in a nerveless Court One display. 
 
Spaniard Muguruza, who lost to Williams in last year&#39;s final, looked lacklustre and struggled with the accuracy of her powershots that had thrilled the French crowds. 
 
&quot;I think my energy was missing a little bit today,&quot; she told reporters. 
 
&quot;Today during the match, and after the match, I&#39;m like, it&#39;s a tough day today. I feel empty a little bit, and I start to be sick. But I think it was a little bit of a combination,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp; 
 
Muguruza had laboured in the first round against Italy&#39;s Camila Giorgi on Monday, eventually winning through in three sets, but had not lost against a player ranked outside the top 100 since last August on the hardcourts of Cincinnati. 
 
Cepelova played fearlessly:&nbsp;Muguruza 
However, Cepelova, ranked 124th and having come through three rounds of qualifying, had served notice that she could cause an upset, having a two-two record over top-five players. 
 
The 23-year-old brought all the pedigree that helped her down then world number three Simona Halep in the first round last year, racing through the match in 59 minutes. 
 
&quot;I like to play on the big courts and today and also last year, my performance on the big court was pretty good. I think I played today well,&quot; Cepelova told reporters. 
 
She broke Muguruza at the first opportunity, forcing a backhand error, and never looked back, sassing her opponent at the net, outdoing her on the baseline and sealing both sets on the first set points. 
 
&quot;I think she played great, with no fear. She was trying a lot of stuff that was working. My energy was not really there. I was trying, but didn&#39;t work at all,&quot; Muguruza, 22, said. 
 
Her defeat removes one of the major challengers to Williams&#39;s bid the equal Steffi Graf&#39;s Open era record of 22 grand slams by lifting the trophy next Saturday. 
 
French open champ dismisses defeat as &#39;no drama&#39; 
Muguruza had achieved the rare feat of overpowering world Williams to claim her maiden grand slam title on the Paris clay with a 7-5 6-4 win over the world number one and many had thought she could go all the way at Wimbledon. 
 
She ruefully dismissed Thursday&#39;s defeat as no drama, and the sunny, relaxed demeanour that has won her legions of fans was still in evidence. She scotched suggestions she had buckled under pressure heaped on her after her Paris triumph. 
 
&quot;No, not pressure. I think for sure more expectations from other people. But honestly, for me, I just was very clear it was going to be a rough tournament for me after winning a grand slam and coming here. Everybody likes looking at me,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;One day it&#39;s going to go my way, another day no. Hopefully, my consistency will improve and I&#39;ll be able to be deep in all the tournaments.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

With the second seed out of the tournament, Serena Williams' path to defending her title just got easier

Second seed Garbine Muguruza, gunning to add the Wimbledon crown to her French Open title, was sensationally beaten in the second round on Thursday by a Slovakian qualifier, removing one of the biggest obstacles to Serena Williams defending her title. Jana Cepelova pulled off the shock of the tournament so far, downing the Spaniard 6-3 6-2 in a nerveless Court One display. Spaniard Muguruza, who lost to Williams in last year's final, looked lacklustre and struggled with the accuracy of her powershots that had thrilled the French crowds. "I think my energy was missing a little bit today," she told reporters. "Today during the match, and after the match, I'm like, it's a tough day today. I feel empty a little bit, and I start to be sick. But I think it was a little bit of a combination,” she added. Muguruza had laboured in the first round against Italy's Camila Giorgi on Monday, eventually winning through in three sets, but had not lost against a player ranked outside the top 100 since last August on the hardcourts of Cincinnati. Cepelova played fearlessly: Muguruza However, Cepelova, ranked 124th and having come through three rounds of qualifying, had served notice that she could cause an upset, having a two-two record over top-five players. The 23-year-old brought all the pedigree that helped her down then world number three Simona Halep in the first round last year, racing through the match in 59 minutes. "I like to play on the big courts and today and also last year, my performance on the big court was pretty good. I think I played today well," Cepelova told reporters. She broke Muguruza at the first opportunity, forcing a backhand error, and never looked back, sassing her opponent at the net, outdoing her on the baseline and sealing both sets on the first set points. "I think she played great, with no fear. She was trying a lot of stuff that was working. My energy was not really there. I was trying, but didn't work at all," Muguruza, 22, said. Her defeat removes one of the major challengers to Williams's bid the equal Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 grand slams by lifting the trophy next Saturday. French open champ dismisses defeat as 'no drama' Muguruza had achieved the rare feat of overpowering world Williams to claim her maiden grand slam title on the Paris clay with a 7-5 6-4 win over the world number one and many had thought she could go all the way at Wimbledon. She ruefully dismissed Thursday's defeat as no drama, and the sunny, relaxed demeanour that has won her legions of fans was still in evidence. She scotched suggestions she had buckled under pressure heaped on her after her Paris triumph. "No, not pressure. I think for sure more expectations from other people. But honestly, for me, I just was very clear it was going to be a rough tournament for me after winning a grand slam and coming here. Everybody likes looking at me," she said. "One day it's going to go my way, another day no. Hopefully, my consistency will improve and I'll be able to be deep in all the tournaments." (Reuters)

French Open champ Muguruza faces shock defeat in second round of Wimbledon

Australia&#39;s Bernard Tomic thinks he is playing some of the best grasscourt tennis of his career, and is in a good place off the court, as he heads into the Wimbledon championships main draw for the seventh time. 
 
The 23-year-old&#39;s campaign at the All England Club ended in the third round last year and was followed by a very public and bitter row with Tennis Australia over what he said was their lack of backing for him. 
 
Since then, there have been rows over his suitability to be part of Australia&#39;s Olympic team, which he defused by withdrawing his name from consideration, and the now traditional woes of his claycourt season. 
 
After a second-round departure at the French Open that surprised few given his dislike of the Roland Garros surface, however, Tomic has rediscovered his form on grass at &#39;s-Hertogenbosch and Queen&#39;s Club. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d say probably it&#39;s the best it&#39;s been leading into Wimbledon,&quot; the 19th seed told Australia&#39;s Fox Sports TV. 
 
&quot;I managed to play two grasscourt tournaments, played really well, making the quarters in the Netherlands and the semis at Queen&#39;s.&nbsp;I feel like I&#39;m playing some of my best tennis on grass and now we&#39;re here at the famous Wimbledon tournament and I&#39;m ready to go.&quot; 
 
Tomic made his grand slam breakthrough when he reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as a qualifier in 2011, and it remains his favourite of the sport&#39;s four majors. 
 
&quot;It was a huge moment for my career that turned everything around and I always look back on that leading into any grasscourt tournament,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I take back that memory and I&#39;m always in a position to play my best tennis on grass. On grass, I always seem to be intense and on my feet and I always seem to play really well.&quot; 
 
Lapses of concentration and intensity have been a problem for Tomic throughout a career that promised so much when he won two junior grand slam titles. 
 
Allegations of giving up, or tanking, have dogged him in recent years and reached fever pitch when he faced match point at the Madrid Open in May with his racket upside down. 
 
He knows, however, that he will have to be on his toes for his first round match against tricky Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, who he beat at Queen&#39;s Club to take a 4-1 lead in their career head-to-head. 
 
&quot;Last week was an incredible match,&quot; Tomic said. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s going to come out swinging, doing some different things, he knows he&#39;s down in the record against me but that&#39;s not going to stop him playing well.&quot; 
 
Off court, the presence of Lleyton Hewitt in London should also ensure no repeat of the rows with Tennis Australia. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy now, I&#39;ve got a good team around me, and I&#39;m at my favourite tournament as well,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

After a second-round departure at the French Open, Bernard Tomic rediscovered his form on grass at 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's Club

Australia's Bernard Tomic thinks he is playing some of the best grasscourt tennis of his career, and is in a good place off the court, as he heads into the Wimbledon championships main draw for the seventh time. The 23-year-old's campaign at the All England Club ended in the third round last year and was followed by a very public and bitter row with Tennis Australia over what he said was their lack of backing for him. Since then, there have been rows over his suitability to be part of Australia's Olympic team, which he defused by withdrawing his name from consideration, and the now traditional woes of his claycourt season. After a second-round departure at the French Open that surprised few given his dislike of the Roland Garros surface, however, Tomic has rediscovered his form on grass at 's-Hertogenbosch and Queen's Club. "I'd say probably it's the best it's been leading into Wimbledon," the 19th seed told Australia's Fox Sports TV. "I managed to play two grasscourt tournaments, played really well, making the quarters in the Netherlands and the semis at Queen's. I feel like I'm playing some of my best tennis on grass and now we're here at the famous Wimbledon tournament and I'm ready to go." Tomic made his grand slam breakthrough when he reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as a qualifier in 2011, and it remains his favourite of the sport's four majors. "It was a huge moment for my career that turned everything around and I always look back on that leading into any grasscourt tournament," he said. "I take back that memory and I'm always in a position to play my best tennis on grass. On grass, I always seem to be intense and on my feet and I always seem to play really well." Lapses of concentration and intensity have been a problem for Tomic throughout a career that promised so much when he won two junior grand slam titles. Allegations of giving up, or tanking, have dogged him in recent years and reached fever pitch when he faced match point at the Madrid Open in May with his racket upside down. He knows, however, that he will have to be on his toes for his first round match against tricky Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, who he beat at Queen's Club to take a 4-1 lead in their career head-to-head. "Last week was an incredible match," Tomic said. "He's going to come out swinging, doing some different things, he knows he's down in the record against me but that's not going to stop him playing well." Off court, the presence of Lleyton Hewitt in London should also ensure no repeat of the rows with Tennis Australia. "I'm happy now, I've got a good team around me, and I'm at my favourite tournament as well," he added. (Reuters)

All England grass a tonic for Tomic

Fans spent more time looking at the murky Parisian sky than watching&nbsp;tennis on Tuesday as French Open organisers were accused of &quot;not caring about the players&quot; after the event was disrupted by more rain following the previous day&#39;s washout.

Czech seventh seed Thomas Berdych summed up everyone&#39;s frustration on a day when nine hours of play was lost by tweeting: &quot;Hey @AustralianOpen can you send us one roof here to Paris?! You have 3 down there.&quot;

The inability to play under cover, with Roland Garros being the only one of the four grand slam venues that does not have a court with a retractable roof, certainly proved costly for Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep -- fourth-round losers in the only two matches that were completed on day 10.

With the fixture list piling up, the women in top seed Serena Williams&#39; half of the draw would now need to play on four successive days to win the title if the final takes place on Saturday as scheduled -- though more rain is forecast.

World number one Novak Djokovic and the men in his half of the draw, including Berdych, can also forget about enjoying the traditional rest days between each round as they would have to play on four of the next five days to contest Sunday&#39;s final.

Radwanska, the world number two, and 2014 runner-up Halep --who both started their last-16 matches on Sunday -- were forced to play in misty rain on Tuesday as organisers made a desperate attempt to clear the huge backlog.

&quot;No one cares about the players in my opinion,&quot; sixth seed Halep said after she was beaten 7-6(0) 6-3 by Australian Sam Stosur in a battle of former finalists.

&quot;It was impossible to play. To play&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;matches during the rain is a bit too much. I was close to getting injured with my back... but no one cares.&quot;

Radwanska had been leading Bulgaria&#39;s Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2 3-0 when rain halted play on Sunday.

When the match resumed more than 40 hours later, the Polish second seed suffered a monumental meltdown as she lost 10 successive games in a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat by an opponent ranked 100 places below her.

&quot;I&#39;m just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain. I mean, it&#39;s not a $10,000 tournament. It&#39;s a grand slam,&quot; said Radwanska, the highest seed to exit the tournament.

&quot;How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in that condition. They really don&#39;t care what we think.&quot;

Ernests Gulbis and David Goffin did get on court for their fourth round showdown but took matters into their own hands by marching back into the locker room even before organisers had a chance to make a call.

It was a decision that Halep welcomed. &quot;Good. Well done to them,&quot; the Romanian said as she gave them a thumbs-up.

While matches at the three other majors -- Wimbledon (grass), Australian and U.S. Opens (both hardcourts) -- are halted at the first sight of any raindrops, the brittle claycourt surface at Roland Garros means competitors are often told to play on in drizzle.

Roger Federer did just that in the 2009 men&#39;s final when he beat Robin Soderling to win his solitary French Open trophy.

Unsurprisingly, Pironkova did not think Tuesday&#39;s conditions were unplayable, though she acknowledged they were far from ideal.

&quot;Well, it&#39;s happened before, of course. We have played in all sorts of conditions,&quot; said the Bulgarian, a semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2010.

&quot;Usually if the court is not fit for play, like if it&#39;s slippery, they would cancel the match right away. But today the court was still hanging in, it was okay. We could have played, and so we did.&quot;

Radwanska and Halep&#39;s exit meant that at least five of the top eight women&#39;s seeds failed to make their allotted quarter-final spots.

Only two of 10 scheduled matches were completed as the claycourt major suffered its sixth day of showers, with Djokovic -- leading Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-4 4-1 -- one of 16 players still stranded in the fourth round.

Rain has caused havoc at the clay courts leaving players and spectators unhappy

Fans spent more time looking at the murky Parisian sky than watching tennis on Tuesday as French Open organisers were accused of "not caring about the players" after the event was disrupted by more rain following the previous day's washout. Czech seventh seed Thomas Berdych summed up everyone's frustration on a day when nine hours of play was lost by tweeting: "Hey @AustralianOpen can you send us one roof here to Paris?! You have 3 down there." The inability to play under cover, with Roland Garros being the only one of the four grand slam venues that does not have a court with a retractable roof, certainly proved costly for Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep -- fourth-round losers in the only two matches that were completed on day 10. With the fixture list piling up, the women in top seed Serena Williams' half of the draw would now need to play on four successive days to win the title if the final takes place on Saturday as scheduled -- though more rain is forecast. World number one Novak Djokovic and the men in his half of the draw, including Berdych, can also forget about enjoying the traditional rest days between each round as they would have to play on four of the next five days to contest Sunday's final. Radwanska, the world number two, and 2014 runner-up Halep --who both started their last-16 matches on Sunday -- were forced to play in misty rain on Tuesday as organisers made a desperate attempt to clear the huge backlog. "No one cares about the players in my opinion," sixth seed Halep said after she was beaten 7-6(0) 6-3 by Australian Sam Stosur in a battle of former finalists. "It was impossible to play. To play tennis matches during the rain is a bit too much. I was close to getting injured with my back... but no one cares." Radwanska had been leading Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2 3-0 when rain halted play on Sunday. When the match resumed more than 40 hours later, the Polish second seed suffered a monumental meltdown as she lost 10 successive games in a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat by an opponent ranked 100 places below her. "I'm just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain. I mean, it's not a $10,000 tournament. It's a grand slam," said Radwanska, the highest seed to exit the tournament. "How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in that condition. They really don't care what we think." Ernests Gulbis and David Goffin did get on court for their fourth round showdown but took matters into their own hands by marching back into the locker room even before organisers had a chance to make a call. It was a decision that Halep welcomed. "Good. Well done to them," the Romanian said as she gave them a thumbs-up. While matches at the three other majors -- Wimbledon (grass), Australian and U.S. Opens (both hardcourts) -- are halted at the first sight of any raindrops, the brittle claycourt surface at Roland Garros means competitors are often told to play on in drizzle. Roger Federer did just that in the 2009 men's final when he beat Robin Soderling to win his solitary French Open trophy. Unsurprisingly, Pironkova did not think Tuesday's conditions were unplayable, though she acknowledged they were far from ideal. "Well, it's happened before, of course. We have played in all sorts of conditions," said the Bulgarian, a semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2010. "Usually if the court is not fit for play, like if it's slippery, they would cancel the match right away. But today the court was still hanging in, it was okay. We could have played, and so we did." Radwanska and Halep's exit meant that at least five of the top eight women's seeds failed to make their allotted quarter-final spots. Only two of 10 scheduled matches were completed as the claycourt major suffered its sixth day of showers, with Djokovic -- leading Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-4 4-1 -- one of 16 players still stranded in the fourth round.

French Open organizers under fire for growing backlog

Sam Stosur powered into the French Open quarter-finals on Tuesday with a straight sets win against Simona Halep, adapting better to damp and heavy conditions that her higher-ranked Romanian opponent called unsafe.

In a match between two former Roland Garros finalists that spanned three days, which was often punctuated by drizzle and twice suspended due to rain, the 21st-seeded Australian overcame a slow start to beat Halep 7-6(0) 6-3.

In her fourth Roland Garros quarter-final, Stosur will face 102nd-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova after the Bulgarian&#39;s shock three-set win over world number two Agnieszka Radwanska, who also criticised Tuesday&#39;s playing conditions.

Organisers lost a whole day&#39;s play on Monday, the tournament&#39;s first washout since 2000.

Stosur&#39;s win was her first against Halep in their last five encounters and marked a sharp turnaround from their previous clash in April, also on clay, in the Madrid Open semi-final, which the Romanian won 6-2 6-0.

&quot;Madrid was not a good night for me, and ...obviously you get this opportunity to play her again in a big match,&quot; Stosur told a news conference.

&quot;Heavy, wet conditions like this don&#39;t typically help me too much, but I think today I was able to use them better (than Halep).&quot;

Halep agreed.

&quot;It was impossible to play, in my opinion,&quot; she told reporters while praising her opponent. &quot;I don&#39;t care that I lost the match today, but I was close to injuring my back... I didn&#39;t feel safe on court.&quot;

The first rain stoppage in the match was late on Sunday with Halep leading 5-3, the Romanian&#39;s steady pummelling of Stosur&#39;s weaker backhand side having paid off in the seventh game when she took the Australian&#39;s serve on her third break point.

But Stosur, who lost the 2010 final in Paris to Italy&#39;s Francesca Schiavone, was much the sharper when the players resumed on Tuesday.

She consistently served around 20 km/h (12 mph) faster than her opponent and peppered the lines on both sides of the court with forehand groundstrokes that gradually wore down Halep&#39;s defences.

Stosur broke back in the 10th game before, after two service holds, blitzing the tiebreak 7-0.

Stosur then broke again at the start of the second set and led 3-2 until play was suspended again when steady drizzle turned heavier, dropping just one further game to close out the match as Halep continued to struggle in the rain-sodden conditions.

Samantha Stosur defeated number six seed Simona Halep to book her berth in the last eight

Sam Stosur powered into the French Open quarter-finals on Tuesday with a straight sets win against Simona Halep, adapting better to damp and heavy conditions that her higher-ranked Romanian opponent called unsafe. In a match between two former Roland Garros finalists that spanned three days, which was often punctuated by drizzle and twice suspended due to rain, the 21st-seeded Australian overcame a slow start to beat Halep 7-6(0) 6-3. In her fourth Roland Garros quarter-final, Stosur will face 102nd-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova after the Bulgarian's shock three-set win over world number two Agnieszka Radwanska, who also criticised Tuesday's playing conditions. Organisers lost a whole day's play on Monday, the tournament's first washout since 2000. Stosur's win was her first against Halep in their last five encounters and marked a sharp turnaround from their previous clash in April, also on clay, in the Madrid Open semi-final, which the Romanian won 6-2 6-0. "Madrid was not a good night for me, and ...obviously you get this opportunity to play her again in a big match," Stosur told a news conference. "Heavy, wet conditions like this don't typically help me too much, but I think today I was able to use them better (than Halep)." Halep agreed. "It was impossible to play, in my opinion," she told reporters while praising her opponent. "I don't care that I lost the match today, but I was close to injuring my back... I didn't feel safe on court." The first rain stoppage in the match was late on Sunday with Halep leading 5-3, the Romanian's steady pummelling of Stosur's weaker backhand side having paid off in the seventh game when she took the Australian's serve on her third break point. But Stosur, who lost the 2010 final in Paris to Italy's Francesca Schiavone, was much the sharper when the players resumed on Tuesday. She consistently served around 20 km/h (12 mph) faster than her opponent and peppered the lines on both sides of the court with forehand groundstrokes that gradually wore down Halep's defences. Stosur broke back in the 10th game before, after two service holds, blitzing the tiebreak 7-0. Stosur then broke again at the start of the second set and led 3-2 until play was suspended again when steady drizzle turned heavier, dropping just one further game to close out the match as Halep continued to struggle in the rain-sodden conditions.

Stosur overpowers Halep to make French quarters

Fans were left wet and miserable at a soggy Roland Garros on Tuesday -- but not as drenched or depressed as Agnieszka Radwanska, after the world number two&#39;s French Open hopes fizzled out following a monumental meltdown against Tsvetana Pironkova.

Leading her Bulgarian rival 6-2 3-0 when rain halted play on Sunday, Radwanska appeared to have one foot in the quarter-finals.

However, when the fourth-round tussle resumed more than 40 hours later following Monday&#39;s washout, the Polish second seed seemed all at sea as the players were forced to play through misty rain.

She lost 10 games in a row as she fell to a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat by an opponent ranked 100 places below her.

&quot;I&#39;m just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain,&quot; Radwanska told reporters.

&quot;I mean, it&#39;s not a $10,000 tournament. It&#39;s a grand slam. How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in that conditions.&quot;

While Radwanska became the highest-ranked player to exit this year&#39;s French Open tournament, her defeat also meant that at least five of the top eight women&#39;s seeds failed to make their allotted quarter-final spots.

Radwanska, playing with a full-sleeved white top over her sleeveless pink dress, struggled to handle the heavy conditions and the sodden balls on Court Suzanne Lenglen and lost six games in a row to surrender the second set with a forehand error.

A further two hour 45 minute rain disruption failed to improve Radwanska&#39;s mood or her fortunes as she fell 4-0 behind in the third set.

The 27-year-old, who called on the trainer to get treatment on her right hand midway through the decider, eventually halted Pironkova&#39;s run by breaking the Bulgarian in the fifth game.

But Radwanska could not avoid the embarrassment of being beaten by a player ranked outside the top 100 for the first time in more than seven years when she netted a forehand on Pironkova&#39;s second match point.

&quot;I had hand surgery few years ago and I couldn&#39;t really play&nbsp;in that conditions. End of story,&quot; a fuming Radwanska said.&nbsp;&quot;For me, playing with those balls in that kind of court is pretty much impossible.&quot;

A match that lasted just two hours and 12 minutes on court finally finished at 4.18 pm local time on Monday, almost 46 hours after it had started on Sunday.

&quot;It was very difficult with all the rain as we were waiting almost two days to finish the match,&quot; a beaming Pironkova said after becoming the first Bulgarian woman to reach the quarter-finals since Sesil Karantantcheva in 2005.

&quot;But I can&#39;t complain.&quot;

World number two Agnieszka Radwanska suffered a shock defeat at the hands of 102-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova

Fans were left wet and miserable at a soggy Roland Garros on Tuesday -- but not as drenched or depressed as Agnieszka Radwanska, after the world number two's French Open hopes fizzled out following a monumental meltdown against Tsvetana Pironkova. Leading her Bulgarian rival 6-2 3-0 when rain halted play on Sunday, Radwanska appeared to have one foot in the quarter-finals. However, when the fourth-round tussle resumed more than 40 hours later following Monday's washout, the Polish second seed seemed all at sea as the players were forced to play through misty rain. She lost 10 games in a row as she fell to a 2-6 6-3 6-3 defeat by an opponent ranked 100 places below her. "I'm just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain," Radwanska told reporters. "I mean, it's not a $10,000 tournament. It's a grand slam. How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in that conditions." While Radwanska became the highest-ranked player to exit this year's French Open tournament, her defeat also meant that at least five of the top eight women's seeds failed to make their allotted quarter-final spots. Radwanska, playing with a full-sleeved white top over her sleeveless pink dress, struggled to handle the heavy conditions and the sodden balls on Court Suzanne Lenglen and lost six games in a row to surrender the second set with a forehand error. A further two hour 45 minute rain disruption failed to improve Radwanska's mood or her fortunes as she fell 4-0 behind in the third set. The 27-year-old, who called on the trainer to get treatment on her right hand midway through the decider, eventually halted Pironkova's run by breaking the Bulgarian in the fifth game. But Radwanska could not avoid the embarrassment of being beaten by a player ranked outside the top 100 for the first time in more than seven years when she netted a forehand on Pironkova's second match point. "I had hand surgery few years ago and I couldn't really play in that conditions. End of story," a fuming Radwanska said. "For me, playing with those balls in that kind of court is pretty much impossible." A match that lasted just two hours and 12 minutes on court finally finished at 4.18 pm local time on Monday, almost 46 hours after it had started on Sunday. "It was very difficult with all the rain as we were waiting almost two days to finish the match," a beaming Pironkova said after becoming the first Bulgarian woman to reach the quarter-finals since Sesil Karantantcheva in 2005. "But I can't complain."

Radwanska crashes out of French Open

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