FRENCH OPEN 2019 - Women

[cazza99]

WTA French Open

[cazza99]

First big seed goes out - Kerber beaten by Potapova 6-4 6-2

[Jane]

Johanna takes the first set against Lottner 6-4 :GBflag: :cheer:

[Jane]

Johanna wins the match 6-4, 6-4 - very well done:cheer::cheer::cheer::clap::clap::GBflag:

[patlowe]

Well done Johanna! Got the monkey off her back and has won a match at RG!:clap:

[exislander]

A competent performance by Johanna - hope she can go further here!

[Hawkeye]

Petra Kvitova withdraws.

[Stell]

I watched it and was so pleased for Jo.

[exislander]

Wozniacki loses.

[JAMES4578]

Good to see Jo with a win, Pity Petra had to withdraw and bit of blow for Caroline.

[RoastLamb]

What was Serena wearing??? And I'm already tiring of all the shrieking - Serena and her opponent were both OTT today as was Bianca's opp. Both Russian. :grrr:

[Alis]

The Russian teenager who beat Kerber was a screeching nightmare - I had to stop watching.

[JAMES4578]

Osaka was in all sorts out of trouble, Schmiedlova twice served for the match but Naomi won TB and then raced through the 3rd getting the win 0-6, 7-6,6-1.

[Hawkeye]

Johanna last up on Court 1 tomorrow.

[Sallydaisy]

Jo takes the first set 6'3.

[Sallydaisy]

Kiki Bertens out of RG after retiring in her R2 match due to illness. "I don't have any power and I don't feel well." Her opponent, Viktoria Kuzmova, plays the winner of Konta v Davis in R3.

[Sallydaisy]

:oops:
Jo down a break in the 2nd set, 0-2

Make that a double break!!! Davis serving at 4-0 ...

[Sallydaisy]

3rd set for Konta v Davis.
Jo has just broken and is serving at 2-0 ...
Just needs to hold her serve and keep holding it.

[Sallydaisy]

Bertens has stomach 'flu.

Andreescu has withdrawn from her R2 match vs. Sofia Kenin.
Kenin gets a walkover into the 3R and will face either Serena or Nara.

[Sallydaisy]

Jo 4-0 in the 3rd set. What a topsy turvy match!

[Sallydaisy]

Davis holds, Jo serving for the match at 5-1.

[Sallydaisy]

Davis breaks ... still serving to stay in the match at 2-5.

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Jo wins 6'3, 1'6, 6'3.

:phew:
Davis was really coming back strong after winning 3 games in a row but Jo prevailed.

[exislander]

Phew!!

[Teresa]

A bit tense. However she came through. Another shot of pure Fed Cup inspired confidence there me thinks.

Well done Jo.

[Stell]

I know Dimitri Zavialoff helped Wawrinka on the clay, I'm so glad that it's going fantastically well for Jo with him.

[themass15]

Phew!!

Phew indeed

[JAMES4578]

Got a bit tight in the end but still had a big enough cushion,played well when it mattered-well done Johanna! Will play Kuzmova next as 4th seed Kiki Bertens retired early in that match due to illness. Bianca Andreescu pulled out prior to 2nd round match due to ongoing shoulder injury unfortunately.

[Jan]

Phew! I was out of phone signal for much of the match. Looks like a real rollercoaster!

[Alis]

A bit of a nail biter but great that Jo came through in the end! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[JAMES4578]

Another tough one for Osaka, Azarenka lead by a set and 4-2 but Naomi got through 6-3 in the 3rd.

[Sallydaisy]

Womens R3 matchups

Osaka-Siniakova
Blikova-Keys/Hon
Serena-Kenin
Barty-Petko

Halep-Krunic/Tsurenko
Puig-Swiatek
Anisimova-Begu
Alexandrova-Bolsova

Stephens-Hercog
Muguruza-Svitolina
Bencic-Vekic
Konta-Kuzmova

Vondrousova-CSN
Mertens-Sevastova
Kudermetova-Kanepi
Pliskova-Martic

[Hawkeye]

Johanna's match has just started.

[Hawkeye]

First set to Johanna, 6-2!

And already a break up in the second set!

[Sallydaisy]

Jo took the first set 6'2 and has just broken to lead 2-0 in the 2nd set.

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Jo wins 6'2, 6'1, and into the 4th round at RollyG for the first time!

[Jan]

Great match by Jo!!
:GBflag::GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Jo wins 6'2, 6'1, and into the 4th round at RollyG for the first time!
It's 36 years (1983) since a British woman got this far at the French Open.
And there were 2!
Jo Durie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Durie) (who went on to the Semi-Final) and Anne Hobbs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Hobbs)(who lost in the 4th round).

[Sallydaisy]

Womens R16, bottom half.

Stephens[7] - Muguruza[19]
Vekic[23] - Konta[26]

Vondrousova - Sevastova[12]
Kanepi - Martic[31]

[patlowe]

Thank you Johanna for a nice relaxed, comfortable watch this evening. Well done! :clap::clap:

[themass15]

Was on my way back from another wonderful day at Roland Garros when I saw JK had won. Just couldn't believe how easy it was!!!!

[Stell]

I was able to watch it and I then found that she's five points behind, in the live WTA rankings, of her next opponent.

[JAMES4578]

Jo finding some great form, Vekic though can be tough -had a few close encounters in the past. Meanwhile word no1 Osaka has been upset 6-4,6-2 by Siniakova. Had struggle in previous matches though and clay not best surface.

[cazza99]

Serena Williams knocked out in 2 sets by Kenin

Osaka knocked out in 2 by Siniakova

[JAMES4578]

it's all happening today- some great play by kenin,even if Serena not played great deal lately.

[patlowe]

All the best to Johanna tomorrow. I remember vividly her very close match with Vekic at Wimbledon a few years ago. That really was edge of seat stuff. As you said James, all happening today. After round 3, 7 of the top 10 women seeds are gone. (All top 10 men seeds still there.)

[Teresa]

3 breaks so far, but Jo held, and held again. Now 4:2

[Teresa]

And Jo breaks again 5:2. Can she serve out the first set?

[exislander]

it was never going to be as easy as yesterday but a long game to hold for 6-2!

[lovetennis]

Woohoo come on Jo :GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Jo breaks to edge into the lead 4-3 in the 2nd set.
Must hold serve twice....
:pierre:

[Sallydaisy]

Vekic breaks back, Konta breaks again.
Konta to serve for the match.

[Sallydaisy]

:jitterbug::jitterbug::jitterbug:

Jo wins 6'2, 6'4 and into the Quarter Final at RollyG.

[lovetennis]

Well done Jo :GBflag:

[themass15]

Wonderful win by Jo!

[lynne]

Bravo Johanna!!!!... Well Done!!! :clap::clap:

[Teresa]

Excellent performance, even though it has hindered my gardening. Well done

[david1610]

She was so good today that even when broken back in the second, the difference in quality between the two players on the day was not really in doubt.

[Jan]

Fabulous win for Jo!! Been out so will enjoy watching the recording:GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Bit closer in the 2nd but an emphatic win for Jo against quality opponent, pretty strong throughout even if Donna's serve let her down a bit. Now has reached quarters of all slams, faces Stephens or Muguruza next.:clap::clap:

[patlowe]

This is a dream run from Johanna. And a treat for us! Well done to her.:clap::clap:

[karanga]

Certainly is a treat for us. Well done Johanna!!! :boogie: :boogie: :boogie::GBflag: :roland:

[goldfish]

Superb from Jo. Very happy that she's filling the gap whilst Andy and Kyle aren't performing.

[Stell]

She's now ranked at 19 in the live WTA rankings and I'm now expecting, and hoping, a lot more for her.

[Jan]

Just enjoyed watching my recording of the match. So impressive from Jo!:roland::roland:

[Hawkeye]

Johanna first up on Chatrier tomorrow.

[Hawkeye]

So far so good, Johanna leads 4-1*.

[Jane]

Jo on fire 5 - 1

[Jane]

First set to Jo - 6-1 - fantastic :GBflag::cheer::cheer:

[Teresa]

Just been changing trains in Edinburgh to head to Inverness. To say my flabber is gasted is an understatement of several orders of magnitude.

Keep going lass.

[Jan]

Trying not to count chickens!

[patlowe]

This is so unreal. Johanna is so good. She's like the Konta of a couple of years ago...and then some. But not over yet....

[Sallydaisy]

:nailbiter:

[Jane]

Jo wins 6-1, 6-4 - fabulous - very well done - :GBflag::cheer::cheer::cheer::clap::clap::clap:

[Jan]

Wow wow wow!!!!!!!!
:GBflag:

[david1610]

Wow wow wow!!!!!!!!
:GBflag:
Yep!
But it was not just the victory, it was like an exhibition!
A few years ago at Estoril I had the privilege to meet Sloane face-to-face, having met Heather's mother ("that girl has got serious weapons") and also cheer Joanna to a qualifying round win on clay. What a difference! :)

[patlowe]

Johanna: "I feel really proud of myself..." And so you should Jo. So you should. You were amazing! Well done! :clap::clap::clap:

[Teresa]

Well done. Superb performance. Awesome

[exislander]

C'est magnifique! Even Chris Evert was speechless at times!

[themass15]

Only saw first few games as I had to have another tooth taken out but well done by Jo!

[Hawkeye]

Just been changing trains in Edinburgh to head to Inverness. To say my flabber is gasted is an understatement of several orders of magnitude.

Keep going lass.I always say that my gast is flabbered! No idea why...

[fah51]

Well done Jo! Looking forward to seeing her live on Thursday!

[themass15]

Well done Jo! Looking forward to seeing her live on Thursday!
I hope to see her live at the Wimbledon semis

[RosieBear]

Well done Jo! Looking forward to seeing her live on Thursday!

Fantastic. Hope you have a great time. Jo looks like she's brimming with confidence at the moment, so likely to be another great match. Enjoy!

[Alis]

Wow!!:cheer::cheer::cheer: Take a bow, Johanna - that was a superb performance. It's so good to see her back on form after being in the doldrums for a while. :thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Awesome display from Johanna , really seemed in control throughout-really good to see her in this form. Must admit after last season wondered how likely would it be to hit the heights again, however this was just about the best performance I've seen from her. Sloane never really had much of a look in.:clap::clap: Not taking anything for granted but she avoids big names in semis -will be 31st seed martic (though she did put out Pliskova) or Vondrousova in semis. Halep in the other half.

[Stell]

I would like to see Jo in the final.

[Alis]

It's possible ..... dare we hope??

[Hawkeye]

Vondrousova in the semis it is.

[patlowe]

Highly entertaining match between Martic and Vendrousova. Really enjoyed it. It was a 'match' in the true sense if the word in that they were more or less at the same level. So nice to watch a match when it's not a foregone conclusion and there's no runaway winner. Really looking forward to Jo and Marketa on Thurs.

[david1610]

C'est magnifique! Even Chris Evert was speechless at times!


“I am speechless and not many matches make me speechless. The way Konta played that match, not giving Sloane a chance, thinking maybe she could come back... Jo Konta, I take my hat off to you. I have never seen her play that kind of tennis. The thing I am most impressed with is the mental toughness. There was always this stigma around Konta – get her in an annoying situation and it’s hard for her to close matches out. But she would have beaten anybody, the way she played in this match.”

- Chris Evert, on Eurosport, reveals how much she is in awe of Johanna Konta.

[RoastLamb]

JoKo served at an exceptionally high standard even if her serving looks very robotic. So impressive. Keeping everything crossed for her to go all the way.

[Hawkeye]

Today's washout sees Johanna's semi moved to Friday.

[sir coolerking]

Am I right in thinking Jo had signed up to 3 grass court events between Paris and Wimbledon? Have a feeling she may withdraw from next week now...

[Hawkeye]

Halep has lost the first set to Anisimova, if this continues then the draw just keeps opening up...

Ashleigh Barty a set up on Madison Keys.

[Jan]

Halep loses
Barty wins
Not sure who would have predicted the SF line-up!

[exislander]

Both semis will be first tomorrow at 10.00 BST.

[JAMES4578]

Am I right in thinking Jo had signed up to 3 grass court events between Paris and Wimbledon? Have a feeling she may withdraw from next week now...


Certainly would be wise for Jo to withdraw next week now draw certainly opened up but not looking past semis for now! Certainly surprised Halep lost to Amisova, Barty still one to watch out for!

[Hawkeye]

Is the forecast for tomorrow still dodgy?

[exislander]

Is the forecast for tomorrow still dodgy?

Yes, dry early then some rain followed by showers. Better than Wednesday though.

[themass15]

Both semis will be first tomorrow at 10.00 BST.
Rain permitting

[RoastLamb]

My dream final is Ash vs JoKo. Fingers crossed. Ash played the right kind of game against such a big striker as Keys and her variety is what sets her apart from the others.

[fah51]

We will be watching Konta and then off to Chatrier for the men's semis.

[Alis]

Why am I not surprised that the men's semis are on the show courts and the women's semis aren't?????

[Hawkeye]

Friday is Men's semis day.

The women's semis, being a day late, have to be played at the same time as there is no rest day, in the interest of fairness, so have to be on different courts. Lenglen is a show court.

Roland Garros has given equal billing for a while now, so you're insinuation is unfair, IMO.

[Alis]

Friday is Men's semis day.

The women's semis, being a day late, have to be played at the same time as there is no rest day, in the interest of fairness, so have to be on different courts. Lenglen is a show court.

Roland Garros has given equal billing for a while now, so you're insinuation is unfair, IMO.

Okay - I accept that. I do wonder if it would have happened the other way round though.

[Stell]

It's my birthday, today, and the best present would be Jo getting to the final. BBC radio five live will be doing live commentary on the match, so I'll have the TV and radio going at the same time.

[anor]

Happy birthday, Stell and hope your wish (and mine) comes true.

[fah51]

Friday is Men's semis day.

The women's semis, being a day late, have to be played at the same time as there is no rest day, in the interest of fairness, so have to be on different courts. Lenglen is a show court.

Roland Garros has given equal billing for a while now, so you're insinuation is unfair, IMO.

Not only is Friday men's semis but also Roland Garros sell the semis separately so they couldn't really not have both semis on Chatrier.

[Jan]

I do hope Jo hasn't been reading and listening to all the hype!
I'm sure she's studiously ignoring it and all the associated pressure.
We all know what's possible, but I, for one, am trying not to count too many chickens!

[Stell]

Thanks anor. Russell Fuller claims Vondrousova suffered from nerves in the first game, as Jo breaks her serve.

[Stell]

Jo wins the first eight points.

[Stell]

Russell Fuller has said Barty is winning the first set, in her match, 5 - 0.

[Stell]

Jo saves a break point in the fourth game.

[Stell]

Another break point for Vondrousova.

[Stell]

Jo saves it.

[Stell]

Vondrousova has a third break point.

[Stell]

Saved again by Jo.

[Stell]

Break point number four.

[Stell]

Saved.

[Stell]

Fifth break point.

[Stell]

Konta serves a double fault. Now 2 -2.

[Stell]

After Jo breaks Vondrousova's serve, Jo holds on and makes it 4 - 2.

[Stell]

Russell Fuller goes off and talks about Vondrousova's shoes.

[Stell]

Two set points for Jo.

[Stell]

Vondrousova saves one.

[Stell]

The other one saved.

[Stell]

Fourth double fault for Vondrousova.

[Stell]

Saved.

[Stell]

5 - 4.

[Stell]

As Barty plays in a tie break, Jo faces a break point.

[Stell]

5 - 5.

[Stell]

Anisimova wins the first set.

[Stell]

5 - 6.

[Jan]

:sofa:

[Stell]

Vondrousova wins the first set.

[JAMES4578]

Jo definitely got tight after the missed opportunities (particularly that overhead) and has now lost the first 7-5-come on! Errors were creeping up though Vondrousova with some good play.

[Stell]

Jo breaks to make it 2 - 1 in the second set.

[Stell]

3 - 1.

[Stell]

3 - 2.

[Stell]

Barty wins the second set 6 - 3.

[Stell]

4 - 3.

[Stell]

5 - 3.

[Stell]

5 - 4.

[Stell]

Vondrousova has two break points.

[Stell]

Konta saves the first one.

[Stell]

Konta serves a double fault.

[Jane]

:sofa::nailbiter:

[Stell]

2 - 2 between Barty and Anisimova in the third set.

[Stell]

5 - 6.

[Jan]

:sofa: again

[JAMES4578]

A 3rd looked like it might be on cards but Konta faltered again, now down 5-6 and really needs to step up to have a shot.

[Stell]

Tie break.

[Stell]

0 - 1.

[Stell]

0 - 2.

[Stell]

1 - 2.

[Stell]

1 - 3.

[Stell]

2 - 3.

[Stell]

2 - 4.

[Stell]

2 - 5.

[Stell]

Four match points for Vondrosova.

[Hawkeye]

Sorry Johanna, but's that's purely down to bottle.

[Stell]

Vondrosova wins.

[Jane]

:crying: Sadly, Johanna lost, but very well done getting this far:GBflag:

[Jan]

Not at the same level today. My nerves are shot.
Semi is a great achievement but what a missed opportunity.

[sir coolerking]

That was quite the choke. Served for both sets, missed a sitter at set point in the first. Pretty depressing to watch. Persisted with drop shots which achieved nothing, utterly mindless by the end. 2019 Konta turned into 2018. No doubt she was the better player but found a way to lose it. Needs to sort her head out because that's where she lost it.

[JAMES4578]

Now over for Johanna, so disappointing as it was a match she looked to have control of really but she became edgy with questionable tactics at times such as the droppers (may not be same opportunity too often), however some great play from Vondrouslova when it mattered. Still credit for reaching semi in a slam on surface Konta has previously found challenging,can hopefully build on it (though this one will still hurt).

[Stell]

Barty winning 5 - 3 in the other semi.

[Stell]

Barty wins 6 - 3.

[themass15]

Not to be for JK. What went wrong when she was serving for both sets.

[patlowe]

Johanna...definitely a much tighter, tenser match today and that unreal feeling we had up to now while watching her was very absent. Jo had to work hard and it's such a shame she couldn't capitalise on her chances. To be fair, there were times when she wasn't allowed to. Commiserations Jo. Well played Marketa.

[supergran]

So disappointing. She choked.

[exislander]

Sad for Johanna. I think it was always unlikely she would play as well as she did against Sloane for two days in a row.

Pleased for Ash Barty, a great comeback for her.

[Rosalind]

What a wasted first set. I feel she lost that match when she really shouldn't have. Disappointed :(

[lynne]

Come On Barty!!!!

[JAMES4578]

Certainly rooting for Ash Barty. Maybe not best performance in semi but found way through and is tough, Marketa has been playing well (even with some help in semi) but Barty with just a bit more experience though first slam final for both.

[lynne]

Well Done Ashley...deserved!!!!:thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Well done Ashleigh in taking first slam and certainly an interesting player!:clap::clap: Not challenged too much though, Vondrousova took a awhile to get going but suppose the lack of big time experience showed.

[patlowe]

Although final was a bit disappointing in terms of excitement, overall it was a great women's tournament. So many exciting players coming through. Well done Ashleigh. Onto the green now.

[Jan]

Thought I'd already posted here - must have dreamt it!
Well done to Ashleigh - I'm very pleased for her :clap:

[Alis]

Fantastic! Well done Ash Barty - very well deserved!!!

[karanga]

Congratulations to Ashleigh, a brilliant achievement. :bravo:

[RoastLamb]

Well my dream final was squashed but so happy for Ash. And the other best thing about this final was that neither screamed or wailed or had a tantrum - so it can be done (are you listening Serena?).

[fah51]

Well my dream final was squashed but so happy for Ash. And the other best thing about this final was that neither screamed or wailed or had a tantrum - so it can be done (are you listening Serena?).

Barty played a great match and NO GRUNTING! Excellent!