Live Comments
- -
So that ends a day of high drama in Paris - join us for more of the same tomorrow for the quarter-finals.Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
6-7 -
Incredible scenes. Not only has Del Potro won the tie-break - HE HAS WON THE MATCH!!! He needs four set points to take the set but then after finally winning it Gonzalez tells the umpire he cannot continue and it is Del Potro who will face Radek Stepanek in the quarter-finals.Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
6-6 - It is hard to know where Del Potro is finding this energy from. He manages to save another two match points before taking the set to a tie-break. SEVEN match points he has now saved.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
6-5 - Gonzalez looks the fresher man now though. He has fired a quick service hold to put the pressure right back on Del Potro.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
5-5 - Del Potro survives but God only knows how. He had to save FIVE MATCH POINTS in that game and looked tired and languid against an at times inspired Gonzalez. However, the Argentine found something in reserve on each of the match points and as the match ticks over two hours we carry on.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
5-4 - Gonzalez responds with a quick hold to love of his own and now Del Potro has to serve to stay in the match.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
4-4 - The trainer was actually out for both players but it seems that Del Potro will have to wait until the next changeover before getting full treatment. He still manages to hold to 15 with some good work off the backhand helping him to win that game.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
4-3 - Gonazlez gets out of jail time and time again in yet another long game. He needed to save three break points before finally winning the game. He serve was sharp on the key points though and on and on we go. Looks like Gonazlez has the trainer out though.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
3-3 - Del Potro wins a long game of over seven minutes as he finds a forehand into the corner. Gonzalez will be kicking himself though. He got a break point at 30-40 but could not take advantage and he must be asking himself what he has to do.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
3-2 - A 158kph serve from Gonzalez is followed by a really lucky shot that almost takes the top of the next off but somehow bounces in to put Gonzalez 40-15 up. He takes the game with a lovely soft-handed shot across the line, 3-2.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-2 - A mammoth ace from Del Potro to finally edge ahead in this game, advantage to the Argentine. But a double fault! Bah! Deuce again, but he turns it on with the next two serves to hold.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Gonzalez goes 30-15 ahead in this game looking to get a relatively early break. First serve is out but Del Potro challenges, somewhat pointlessly at this stage. 30-30 after he follows it up with a very aggressive second serve. Break point for Gonzalez now after his return just edged the line. But back to deuce as he fails to get his next return clear. A ferocious next return though gives him another advantage and break point! Del Potro bosses the point though, sending Gonzalez to the deck as he shanks it high in the air.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-1 - Gonzalez battles back from 15-30 down to ease ahead but, unforced, he bats one into the net while trying a change of bodyshape to fire it down the line. Deuce. Great little rally follows but just wide from Del Potro, who is beaten by a dinked shot across the net anyway. Gonzalez holds.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
1-1 - A similarly straightforward hold of serve for Del Potro. What odds on a late break in this set?
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
1-0 - Gonzalez rounds off a comfortable hold with a forehand smash into the right corner. An astonishing double fightback really, overcoming set point and being two down in that tie-break.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
7-6 -
The luck is with Gonzalez as a mis-hit baseline forehand clips the net but lands just on Del Potro's side! What a swing fortune's pendulum has taken! And after a poor serve Gonzalez recovers to pound it down the line, the Chilean takes the first set 7-6(6)!Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Set point to Del Potro though, 6-4 after a superb return that Gonzalez can't match. But Gonzalez brings it back by winning the next one with a trademark cross-court forehand too wide for Del Potro. Still set point though, with Del Potro on serve... brilliant rally and Del Potro calling the shots up at the net, playing it right into the corner and Gonzalez falling can only flick it up but a howler from Del Potro! Too casual at the net with the volley, right down into it and 6-6!
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - A moron yells something as Gonzalez is about to serve, although Del Potro's return is long anyway. Gonzalez wins the next point too, and with a superb, aggressive piece of play at the net takes one against serve to make it 4-5 and back on to serve!
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Lovely shot from Gonzalez as he flies into the left corner and powers a cross-court forehand that zips away from Del Potro. Del Potro bosses the next two points though and is 5-1 up. Looks plain sailing now...
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Del Potro races 3-0 ahead in the tie-break and Gonzalez hurls his racquet to the floor in disgust. Safin-esque histrionics from Gonzalez, who gets a mild jeer from the French.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
6-6 - Gonzalez is pegged back to 40-30 after being two points clear of a tie-break and he again makes an unforced error to go long and bring it to deuce. The duo trade blows with Gonzalez finally getting the advantage and winning the game to force the tie break, smashing Del Potro's spooned return as the Argentine stands Christ-like with his arms aloft in mock fear at the shot.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
5-6 - Easy hold for Del Potro though as this set edges towards a tie break.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
5-5 - Gonzalez is back on it now, easing 30-0 ahead with a wicked slice towards Del Potro's backhand but the Argentine hits back with a nasty return that leaves Gonzalez floundering. He holds comfortably in the end though.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
4-5 -
Gonzalez with a really aggressive forehand that Del Potro cannot match and it's break point again. And he breaks back right when it counted, sending Del Potro all over the court before deftly poking it down the middle.Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - After a superb rally sees Del Potro spin a great cross-court forehand over, Gonzalez tries an ambitious lofted effort angled wide but sends it out. Gonzalez uses his big forehand to battle back to 30-30 though, but Del Potro earns set point... and fails to take it, unforced error to play it past the baseline, but he challenges... very close but out. Deuce.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
3-5 - Gonzalez holds to make Del Potro serve for the set.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-5 - Advantage to Gonzalez again though, fooling Del Potro with a subtle return he doesn't get to the net for. Ah but AGAIN an unforced error slicing into the net from Del Potro. Advantage Gonzalez again now but another slice into the net. This is just going round and round, a cool backhand down the line that Del Potro slips in reaching for, Gonzalez break point again but a powerful serve eludes him. Advantage Del Potro now and a mistimed backhand ends this long game, the Argentine holds.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Great disguised forehand into the right from Gonzalez, bossing the baseline to level 30-30 as he looks to bright right back. But Del Potro repays the compliment with an aggressive move inside and forehand across Gonzalez. It's at deuce though after a somewhat unorthodox backhand loops up in the air and beyond Del Potrol down the baseline. And advantage Gonzalez with an immense return with his forehand, two inches inside the line! But back to deuce as Del Potro sends Gonzalez scuttling after a poor second-serve return.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-4 -
Another unforced error from Gonzalez gives Del Potro the advantage. He played it weak and low into the net, and changes racquet in response. And AGAIN he plays a weak shot into the net and Gonzalez gives up a break with a whimper.Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- - Couple of unforced errors from Gonzalez to go 30-0 down but he fights his way to the next point, taking the game to Del Potro. Some swashbuckling play from both sees Del Potro go just out and Gonzalez level. Brilliant point to get a break point by Del Potro, massive reach to pull out a winner after all seemed lost following Del Potro's smash into the corner. But it's deuce again after a long return from Del Potro. Advantage Gonzalez but unforced error to spin the backhand down the line but out.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-3 - A powerful love service game from Del Potro as this match, rather quickly, goes with serve from the off.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
2-2 - An ace from Gonzalez to set this game rolling. Del Potro responds with an excellent return, but the next point is Gonzalez's as they trade blows. 40-15 now as Del Potro gets over-excited trying to hit a forehand winner, sending it wildly out and he repeats the favour to bring it level again.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
1-2 - Big serving and rapid movement to the net from Del Potro as he holds again to go 2-1 up.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
1-1 - Great shot beyond Del Potro on the baseline to put Gonzalez 40-0 up. He loses one point but holds anyway, casually passing it down the line.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
0-1 - Del Potro holds serve on the first game as these big-hitting Spanish speakers get underway.
Gonzalez F. - Del Potro J.
- -
So one-time Grand Slam champ Juan Martin Del Potro takes on Fernando Gonzalez in the final last-16 clash, starting very late at 9.30 UK time.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-7 -
A panicky double-handed backhand across court flies well out from Nadal though. No matter as Nadal earns match point with a super return... Second serve for Robredo after spanking the net and sending it out... He saves the match point by forcing Nadal on to his haunches to send an attempted half-volley well wide. But after a mini-rally Robredo over-hits an attempted winner and that's it! Nadal wins! A scare but he is through to the quarters.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
- - This is a great response from Nadal after being so close to crashing out, smashing his way 30-0 up against serve, sensing the win...
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-6 - Massive game from Nadal, a love service game of power and precision that blows Robredo away and leaves him serving to stay in the match.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-5 -
Robredo with some unforced errors hands Nadal break-back point at 40-30 but a good serve brings it to deuce. Then two more unforced errors hand Nadal the break! Poor game from Robredo, bottling it when serving for the set.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
- - Robredo serving for the match then, and a place in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters. This could be another big upset in this tournament...
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-4 -
Lovely shot from Nadal into the corner, shaping his body perfectly before letting rip with the forehand, as he saves the first break point. BUT NADAL DOUBLE FAULTS! Break to Robredo, horrible from Nadal.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
4-4 - Robredo takes the first two points off Nadal's serve, with Nadal forcing his pass down the line wide. Power serve from Nadal though, into the net from Robredo, 30-15. But the next point sees Nadal put it out and it's a double break point for Tommy Robredo, at the business end of the final set!!
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
4-4 - This service game is looking easy as pie for Robredo, who races 40-0 up with an ace and a couple of sweet shots into the corners, and another great serve gives him a love hold.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-4 - Cracking backhand across court from Robredo to take the first point - he looks the more likely right now but is exactly level-pegging with Nadal. Big serve from Nadal though, 15-15. He uses that as a platform for a great backhand volley diving towards the net, 30-15, now an ace and he makes it 4-3, with serve as Robredo spoons his return up and out.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-3 - Nadal challenges a call that his return was out and, as expected, it is overruled. Great play at the net by Robredo, rushing in to anticipate Nadal's return in an old-school serve and volley. Big ace to win the game, three each, the set going totally with serve so far.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
2-3 - Robredo holds as does Nadal as we enter the midway point of this set...
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-2 - Love game for Nadal though, as Robredo tees up but sends a straightforward pass down the line very long.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-1 - Lovely crosscourt pass from Robredo right on the far line, off his forehand as he arched back, to take the first point. 40-15 now as the crowd sense a possible upset, cheering every shot by Robredo. Held by Robredo.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
0-1 - Nadal lets a two-point lead in the final-set opener slip and it's at deuce. Second serve after he fires into the net... but Robredo returns into the net for Nadal to take the advantage and hold with a powerful forehand to sent Robredo falling into the corner.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
6-3 -
Ferocious forehand takes him to 4-0 and a set point for Tommy Robredo, which he almost takes with an ace but just out! Boo. The second serve is weakly fluffed into the net and Robredo gets the set, one apiece!Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-3 - 30-0 up, Nadal just declines to go that extra yard to meet Robredo's forehand that clips the baseline as it skips away. Then Robredo sends a wild one well out, 40-15 and Nadal holds when his adversary fails to clear the net as he struggled to meet his backhand.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
5-2 - Booming ace from Robredo to start off this service game but Nadal smashes a winner after Robredo's legs gave up during a testing rally. After another rally, Robredo sells Nadal a disguised backhand pass to put him to the right and the ball down the left. Robredo wins the next point after challenging Nadal's return then pounds an ace down the middle to make it 5-2.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
4-2 -
BRILLIANT BREAK FROM ROBREDO! Nadal seemed like he had done it, driving Robredo back with a great crosscourt pass but as he fell at the net he somehow spun and volleyed back across the net to go ahead!Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-2 - Break point to Robredo as, following a failed challenge, Nadal makes a couple of errors to hand his pal a route back into this match... but a crisp backhand volley at the net from Nadal brings it level. Nadal has the advantage after a powerful serve but an unforced error brings it level again - although he was aggressively looking for the winner in the corner but just missed out. And after a cracking rally Robredo, forced wide, sprints back inside and plays a super lob that sends Nadal scuttling and his lob long! Advantage and break point again to Robredo!
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-2 - But some hard punching from Robredo sees him hold too, convincing groundstrokes from the 'other' Spaniard and set two stays with serve.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
2-2 - Cool as you like from Nadal to stand still and backhand Robredo's on-the-hoof smash down the middle after some firm groundstrokes from Rafa. 30-15 and he gives Robredo the runaround on the next shot and pound an ace in on the line to hold with relative ease. Starting to come together for Nadal now.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
2-1 - Wonderful shot by Nadal! He somehow got across to send a diagonal forehand across his opponent's rear after Robredo thought he had struck a winning smash! It puts him 30-0 up but Robredo gets it together to avoid being broken.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-1 - A bright start from Robredo but Nadal holds with some powerful shots from the baseline.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-0 - Nadal almost levels at deuce with a powerful forehand but it's just out and Robredo holds, having been made to work to do so.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-6 -
Two set points to Nadal, 40-15 after some good shots and unforced errors, and as Robredo returns into the net Nadal holds to take the first set 6-3Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-5 -
A scintillating rally is won by Robredo to bring it back to 15-15 on his serve, great anticipation to place the pass down the line. A brilliant rally sees Nadal smash Robredo's slightly weak volley down the middle to earn two break points and he takes the second as Robredo drags his shot wide, Nadal to serve for the first set.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-4 - Nadal does his bit now and holds with ease. This will be a tight match it seems, Robredo playing decently well and Nadal looking a touch sluggish all round.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
3-3 - Easy hold as Robredo whips out a few aces to take a love game.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
2-3 - Great rally as Robredo takes the game to Nadal, following up some superb hitting by stepping in from the baseline and forcing him long to earn a break point... Nadal brings it back to deuce but, on his second serve, ends up slicing it long after his weak strokes allow Robredo to come to the net and force the error... Nadal holds in the end though, finally bringing some confident first serves into play and winning the game with an ace. Well played to overcome two break points!
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
2-2 - Lovely double-handed backhand down the line from Nadal after Robredo seemed to have given him the runaround with some cool, alternating forehands and backhands. 30-15 against Robredo's serve... Break point now after an unforced error from Robredo, going long following a spectacular return on the spin from Nadal. Deuce though now, Nadal unable to keep it in after stretching to his left. Robredo holds.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-2 - A super rally with Nadal leading 30-0 culminates in a worryingly poor baseline forehand from Nadal, too much topspin as it doesn't go near clearing the net. Robredo follows up with a lightning service return to level. Nadal holds though to lead 2-1.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
1-1 - Great forehand drive this time from Robredo followed up by a cracking first serve to go 40-15 up. One game apiece after Nadal slices it into the net.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
0-1 - Robredo takes a 30-15 lead against serve but goes long with a fairly straightforward forehand pass to bring it level. He repeats the error to hand Nadal the chance to take the opening game with a hold, and the former World number one does so with a third consecutive poor shot from Robredo, into the net this time under no pressure.
Robredo T. - Nadal R.
- -
Welcome then to the all-Spanish clash between out-of-sorts World number two Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo.Robredo T. - Nadal R.
4-6 -
Murray's aggression sees him defend the first one but he can't return the second and Stepanek is through! You could not have predicted that an hour ago!Robredo T. - Nadal R.
4-5 -
stepanek has a second go at serving this match out, this time with new balls. Murray miss hits one return, and fails on challenging an ace on the next point. A long return gives Stepanek three match points!Robredo T. - Nadal R.
- -
The all-Spanish tie between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo is set to start on Court Centrale soon. We'll bring you full commentary of that as soon as Murray-Stepanek is over.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
4-5 -
Stepanek deceives Murray with a delicious drop shot, but Murray responds with another huge ace. Stepanek fires a forehand wide, and that's followed by another ace from Murray. Stepanek hits the net once more and Murray is right back in this match.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
3-5 -
Stepanek recovers from 15-30 down, but hits then hits the net to give Murray a rare break point, which he duly wallops back past him! Where did that come from? That's one break back for Murray - can Stepanek hold on a close out?Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-5 -
At 30-30 Murray misses a crucial forehand, giving Stepanek a break point. He then serves up his third double fault, and Stepanek will serve for the match!Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-4 - Stepanek's serving is too much for Murray at the moment, and the Brit sends several returns all over the place, anywhere except back into play. Stepanek races through that game in no time.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-3 - Murray holds in more convincing style this time, but until he can pose a threat on Stepanek's serve then it is the Czech who is destined for a quarter-final date with either Gonzalez or del Potro.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
1-3 - Murray looks as though he is finally threatening again, but at 40-30 he returns long and Stepanek has a two-game cushion.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
1-2 - Murray gets himself on the board, but is looking distinctly second best to Stepanek at the moment. After blitzing him in the first set, is last night catching up with him?
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
0-2 - A good old bit of serve-volley sees Stepanek hold to 15 against a Murray who looks as though he is rapidly losing interest.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
0-1 -
Murray opens the third set, and soon finds himself defending a break point, which he does with an ace. Stepanek wins another rally with a two-hander that's put right out of Murray's reach. Stepanek converts the second break point, and Murray has got some catching up to do it seems.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
3-6 -
Another lengthy rally opens this game, and Stepanek is put off as the ball clips the net and he shoots wide. Murray is caught flat-footed at the net by a marvellous lob, but a wayward frehand brings the score to 30-30. Stepanek is not perturbed, and goes on to take the game and the set!Murray A. - Stepanek R.
3-5 - Murray is pushed to 30-30 on his serve. He fires in one serve that Stepanek can't send back, but the Czech hammers a two-hander down the line for deuce - cracking shot. Murray tamely finds the net, but Stepanek can't convert. A long rally ends with Murray timing his run to the net to perfection and volleying past his opponent, and Stepanek hooks wide to end the game, much to Murray's relief.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-5 - Stepanek is now coming out on top of rallies which in the first set he was losing to unforced errors, and he again holds to 15 and has this set virtually in the bag.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-4 - A quick reminder to Radek Stepanek that Murray is still there - the world number four holds to love.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
1-4 -
Stepanek wins a challenge to go 40-0 up, but then casually slcies into the net. A solid serve on the next point is played into the net buy Murray, and Stepanek remains in the driving seat.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
1-3 - Murray manages to stop the rot as he holds to 15.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
0-3 - The crowd are making themselves heard now as Stepanek drills another forehand winner home. A deft backhand across court plus Muray hitting the net twice so him go three games up.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
0-2 -
Murray casually flicks a crafty drop shot over the net that skips away from Stepanek. His fourth ace of the match but Stepanek fires across court for deuce. Another ace gets Murray the advantage, but a double fault restores parity. Murray hits the net for advantage Stepanek, and the Czech fires a passing winner to notch up his first break of the match!Murray A. - Stepanek R.
0-1 - A rejuvenated Stepanek comes out to start the second set and holds to 15, with Murray shanking a return into the stands to seal the game.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
6-1 -
Stepanek's two-handed reutrn is out and Murray has two set points. He gallops to the net and lifts a cross-court drop shot over the net to take the first set in just 20 minutes!Murray A. - Stepanek R.
5-1 - Threatened with the ignominy of going a whole set without getting on the board, Stepanek moves up a level. A good selection of shots including a wonderful low volley at the net see the Czech finally hold.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
5-0 - More wayward shots from the baseline from Stepanek plus a solid winner from Murray see the Brit open another three-point gap in a game. The Czech sends Murray wide before tapping into an empty court, and then makes him hit the net before finally hitting long once more and Murray holds to 30. Bagel, anyone?
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
4-0 -
Aggresive rallying from Murray stops Stepanek from coming in to the net on his serve, and the Czech soon finds himself 0-40 down. Murray whips an early half-volley forehand past Stepanek to break him to love!Murray A. - Stepanek R.
3-0 -
A fairly routine service game for Murray as he holds to 15, rounded off with an ace right down the middle.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
2-0 -
Stepanek hits a wayward forehand on his first service point, and then finds himself 0-30 following an awful drop shot. A two-hander into the net gives Murray three break points - Stepanek smashes at the net to defend one, Murray returns long on the second but third time's the charm as Stepanek hits another forehand wide! An early break for Murray.Murray A. - Stepanek R.
1-0 - Murray nips in to volley at the net for the first point, and then Stepanek hits long for 30-0. The Czech pulls it back to 30-30, before two poor returns see the Brit hold.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
- - Just 15 hours after that clash with Blake ended, Murray will get this match underway...
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
- - Murray has never lost to the Czech world number 14 in three previous meetings.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
- - So, we can concentrate fully on Murray's match now. The world number four is knocking up now. Murray survived a real scare last night before overcoming James Blake 6-3 6-7(5) 7-6(4) in the second round. Murray battles past Blake
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
3-6 -
Monfils actually broke a string as he played that last shot. After a swap of racquets, we're back at deuce. monfils earns another match point... This time he takes it! Monfils will face Marin Cilic in the next round!Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
3-5 - Monfils's performance is going downhill first - he seems incapable of hitting any winners he tries at the moment. However, a vengeful smash at the net at deuce gives him a match point - he hits the net again.
Murray A. - Stepanek R.
- -
Andy Murray and Radek Stepanek are out on court and about to get going. A quarter-final place against either Fernando Gonzalez or Juan Martin del Potro is in the offing for the winner.Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
3-5 - Benneteau hits the net, but then Monfils can't control his return of serve. Monfils hits the net again, and then overhits in a nice rally to lose the game. Can he serve the match out now?
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
2-5 -
A valiant display from Benneteau here, as he forces a stuttering Monfils to deuce on his serve. Monfils hits another wayward forehand wide, but saves it with an ace. Monfils then wins and wastes an advantage of his own. Another break point eludes Benneteau, and a pair of aces finally seal the game for Monfils.Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
2-4 - Benneteau gains advantage, but Monfils pulls him back with a delicate drop shot. Benneteau benefits from a couple of Monfils mistakes and eventually holds.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
1-4 - The Paris crowd are really getting behind Benneteau. They make the biggest noise of the day during the changeover for the man who beat Federer yesterday. It doesn't appear to help though, as Monfils goes 0-30 up. A couple of errors see Benneteau recover, but Monfils recovers brilliantly from a lob to beat Benneteau with a shot through the legs! Monfils has the break point, but hits the net.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
1-4 - Monfils is putting in a formidable performance on his serve now, and it's too much for Benneteau, who falls to love.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
1-3 - World number 49 Benneteau holds serve for the first time in this set to keep himself vaguely in touch.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
0-3 - Monfils, spurred on by taking the opening set at the first opportunity, has raced into a three-game lead in the second set.
Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
6-4 -
Cilic converts his third match point of the game to reach to last eight! Fernando Verdasco's place at the World Tour is now out of his hands. However, his loss is good news for Nikolay Davydenko, as it confirms his spot at the O2.Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
5-4 - Cilic shanks a two-hander wide and Verdasco is level at 30-30, but he returns into the net to give Cilic his second match point, but he can't convert. Cilic successfully challenges an 'out' call to earn another shot at victory, but he hits another shot long for deuce once more...
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
4-6 -
Monfils threatens Benneteau's serve for the first time in the match, and he converts the first of his two set points! Benneteau allowed a lapse at precisely the wrong moment, and it cost him dear.Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
5-4 - A lame service game from Verdasco has given Cilic a match point. Verdasco challenges a 'out' call on his first serve, but it was out. Cilic can attack the second serve. He does, but fires wide. He then returns into the net and Verdasco drills a forehand past him to stay alive.
Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
5-3 - Verdasco is struggled to return Cilic's tough serve, and the Croat moved to within a game of the quarter-finals by holding to 15.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
4-4 - Benneteau is matching the more powerful Monfils, and he holds serve again to level. He has lost just four points in his first four service games.
Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
4-3 -
Verdasco has been wild with some of his shots, but he steps forward to leather a rprecise volley past cilic to get his service game up and running. He swipes a forehand wide before Cilic fires a two-hander past him at the net for deuce. Cilic has earned what could be a crucial break point... Verdasco hits the net and the Spaniard is a break down!Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
3-3 - Verdasco takes the first point on Cilic's serve, but a series of loose shots lets the Croat back in to hold and level the set once more.
Benneteau J. - Monfils G.
2-2 - It's also close in the second all-French encounter of the day, with Monfils and Benneteau squared at 2-2 in the first set of their match.
Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
1-2 - The deciding set is going with serve. The world number 13 is could force an upset against the Spaniard.
Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
6-3 -
Cilic seals the second set against Verdasco - this one's going to a decider!Cilic M. - Verdasco F.
- - Meanwhile, Fernando Verdasco is currently a set up against Marin Cilic. The Croat is 3-2 up in the second set, with Verdasco serving.
- - Next up on Court One it's another All-French clash, as Gael Monfils takes on the conquerer of Roger Federer, Julien Benneteau.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
6-3 -
Simon doesn't even flinch as Tsonga thunders a series of aces past him to earn three match points... Simon returns wide and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is through to the quarter-finals!Tsonga J. - Simon G.
5-3 - Simon skips across to steer a backhand back past Tsonga with real guile. Tsonga blasts a shot into the net to see Simon hold to 15, and he'll now serve for the match.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
5-2 - The crowd has gone quiet as the inevtiable is coming to pass - Tsonga races through another service game, and he's on the verge of a quarter-final spot.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
4-2 - A mini-revival of sorts for Simon, who holds serve again, although Tsonga seems content to seal this match on his own serve.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
4-1 -
Another bullet ace from Tsonga sends him on the way to another love hold.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
3-1 - Simon holds serve for the first time in five games, but only after Tsonga forces him to deuce.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
3-0 - A solid two-hander down the line beats Simon for 30-0, and Simon hits the net twice in a row to lose the game to 15.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
2-0 -
Simon, carrying a knee injury, doesn't look at the races right now. He concedes to break points to Tsonga and is led a merry dance around the court before Tsonga smashes past him to break again!Tsonga J. - Simon G.
1-0 -
After a Tsonga ace, Simon hits an elementary shot into the net to see his opponent hold to love.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
6-2 -
Tsonga sprints across court to lift a drop shot over that Simon can only guide back into his path for the winner - great point. Simon hits long again and it's three set points for Tsonga. Simon saves two and then the third after both players successfully challenged different shots. Simon concedes another break point and drills it right intot he corner... Tsonga challenges the 'in' call and Hawkeye agrees! Tsonga goes a set up.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
5-2 - Tsonga opens his serve with an aggressive push to the net and slams past Simon. He pulls his cross-court shot wide but wins the next three points.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
4-2 -
Tsonga drills a winner down the line with Simon nowhere near it. That's two more break points for Tsonga. Simon fires into the net to drop his serve!Tsonga J. - Simon G.
3-2 -
Tsonga rattles through his service game, holding to love with another ace, but only after challenging the call.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
2-2 -
Simon looks a lot more confident in his second service game, holding to 15 with an ace.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
2-1 - Tsonga's ease at holding serve is in stark contrast to Simon's opening struggle, and once more the world number nine wins his service game without to many problems.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
1-1 - Simon sends Tsonga scrambling across court, but his shot drops just the worng side of the side line. Tsonga earns two break points - Simon saves them both. Tsonga earns another at deuce, but again Simon saves it with a huge smash at the net. Simon hits a wayward shot to give Tosnga a third bite at the cherry, but rescues his serve once more with a solid forehand winner. Simon eventually struggles through.
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
1-0 -
Tsonga blasts into the net fromt hematches' first rally to put Simon 15-30 up, but responds with an emphatic ace. The powerful Frenchman doesn't drop another point as he holds.Tsonga J. - Simon G.
- - Tsonga will get us underway...
- - Earlier on, Swede Robin Soderling kept alive his slim hopes of making the World Tour Finals in London by beating Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 3-6 6-4 Soderling tames Davydenko
Tsonga J. - Simon G.
- - World number nine Tsonga and number 12 Simon are out on court warming up now. ATP world rankings
- -
Next up on court, it's a French head-to-head as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga faces Gilles Simon.Clement A. - Djokovic N.
2-6 -
Djokovic earns another match point, this time on his own serve... Clement picks his shot perfectly and passes a forehand behind the Serb for deuce! Nole does it at the second time of asking, and books his place against Robin Soderling in the quarter-finals!Clement A. - Djokovic N.
2-5 - It was out! Clement survives, and he wins the next three points to hold serve and save a little more face.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-5 -
Clement steals in at the net and this time spins a wonderful lob over Djokovic's head - a little something to remember him by. and so it proves as Djokovic takes the next two points before Clement makes it 30-30. There are still a few spirited cries of "Allez!" from the home fans, but Clement hits wide to give Djokovic match point. Djokovic beats Clement with a lob, called out! Djokovic challenges the call...Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-5 - Nole is cruising into the last eight now, and he once more holds to put one foot in the next round.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-4 - Clement smashes a volley with Djokovic on the run, but he slams it the wrong side of the line! That brings Djokovic up to 30-30, but the Frenchman pushes on to finally hold serve in this set.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
0-4 - After a spirited and impressive start to the match, Clement has lost the wind from his sails. His sprint to the net, followed by failing to clear it, sums up his performance since losing the first set. Djokovic once mor eholds without too many worries.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
0-3 - The home crowd are becoming muted now as Djokovic eases to another break of serve.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
0-2 - Djokovic compliments his opening break with a hold of serve after he launches a delightful lob over Clement. The Frenchman scampers back in time to return it, but it's an easy finish for Novak at the net.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
0-1 -
Djokovic slams past Clement at the net to earn himself two break points at the start of the second set. Clement sends a shot long and Djokovic takes another early lead!Clement A. - Djokovic N.
- -
Eurosport-Yahoo! readers believe that the one-year bans handed to Xavier Malisse and Yanina Wickmayer for missing drug tests were harsh. Your view: Belgian bans were harshClement A. - Djokovic N.
2-6 -
Djokovic pings a volley at the net out of Clement's reach for 30-0, before two unforced errors bring the Frenchman back into the game. Clement returns the favour with two wayward shots of his own and Djokovic goes a set up!Clement A. - Djokovic N.
2-5 -
Djokovic is at full stretch as he flicks a backhand over that Clement leaves, only for it to drop just inside the tramline! That's for 30-30, and then Clement's error is compounded by and overhit shot in the rally. Djokovic returns into the net for deuce, but goes on to break once more and take a 5-2 lead!Clement A. - Djokovic N.
2-4 - Clement can't get a run going, and Djokovic holds to 30 to retain his two-game lead.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
- - Guy Forget gets a cheer from the crowd as he pops up on the big screen, and he salutes them with a peace sign. Bon.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
2-3 - At 30-30 Djokovic flukes a point as his return clips the net. Clement responds by lashing a forehand out of the world number three's reach. Djokovic then stretches to send back a defensive lob that just drops out, but Clement guides his cross-court flick just too long for deuce. Clement gets advantage once more and Djokovic hits the net to give the Frenchman his first hold.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-3 -
For once, a competent service game in this match, with Djokovic holding to love, the last point coming via a successful challenge.Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-2 -
Great shots from Clement here, as first he leaves Djokovic flat-footed with a forehand before firing another winner past him for 40-30. Djokovic responds with a fabulous cross-court winner before firing a backhand past Clement to force deuce. Clement's volley at the net doesn't cross it, and Djokovic takes his break point! Three games and no holds of serve yet.Clement A. - Djokovic N.
1-1 -
Djokovic's start is just as shaky, and the Serb is 0-40 down before he even blink! Nole pulls it back to 30-40, but Clement comes out on top of a long rally with a great forehand into the corner! What a start to this match.Clement A. - Djokovic N.
0-1 -
The Palais Omnisports is finally starting to fill up as the French fans watch their man, but he gets off to an awful start. Djokovic earns two break points, and a wayward Clement backhand sees him broken in the opening game!Clement A. - Djokovic N.
- - It will be Clement to serve first...
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
- - Clement looks like something off of Venice Beach - he's sporting a bandana, shades and designer stubble. Interesting.
Clement A. - Djokovic N.
- - The two players are warming up out on court. They have played each other three times, with Djokovic coming out on top twice, including their most recent meeting at last year's US Open.
- - So Robin Soderling with a bit of an upset in the first match of the day. The Swede has enjoyed himself in Paris this year. He will face the winner of the next match - Novak Djokovic or Arnaud Clement - in the quarter-final. Paris Masters drawsheet
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
6-4 -
Davydenko hits a loose forehand long and suddenly finds himself 0-30 down. Soderling rallies down the middle, trying to force the error, but Davydenko wrong-foots him superbly with a winner! Soderling smells blood, though blitzes two points past the russian to knock him out!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
5-4 - Soderling misfires another ambitious forehand winner across court and Davydenko is at 30-30. The Swede regains his composure to take the game.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
4-4 - Both players are not willing to give anything away at this late stage, and Davydenko holds against a cagey Soderling.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
4-3 - The thrilling start to this set is running low on steam just now. Soderling holds again - he's dropped just three points so far in this set.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
3-3 - This one looks to be heading for a tense finish as Davydenko holds his serve now.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
3-2 - The Swede is still looking impenetrable on his serve though, and his latest game is not different.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
2-2 - Soderling's aggressiveness can be a hindrance as well as a help, and he is over-zealous with a two-handed winner down the line and the ball drops out, putting him 0-40 down. A cross-court shot pitched wide sees Davydenko draw level again.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
2-1 - Not to be disheartened, Soderling storms through Davydenko on his next serve, holding to love.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-1 -
A monster rally down the middle of the court ends with Soderling hitting the net, and then swearing contemptuously at his hand! Davydenko holds on to level the set.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-0 - Soderling has come out with real intent this set, and hammers another pile driver of a forehand into the corner well out of Davydenko's reach. The Swede is 15-40 up - the first is an awkward two-hander at the net that he hits wide, the second is volleyed back past him at the net!
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-0 -
Soderling hammers a volleyed smash and follows that up with an ace as he holds the opening game of the final set.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
- -
World number one Roger Federer is worried about his recent form after his surprising defeat at the Paris Masters VIDEO - Federer: I'm losing too muchDavydenko N. - Soderling R.
3-6 -
Davydenko's drop shot is hammered right back past him by Soderling. Davydenko continues to attack the net - he wants to serve this set out asap. Soderling matches him until the Russian earns a set point via a successful challenge, and then blocks at the net to force a deciding set!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
3-5 -
Soderling comes into the net but Davydenko puts him with a superb passing backhand. Soderling responds with another ace. The Swede holds with his second of the game.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
2-5 - Soderling has a break point but is denied by Davydenko. The Russian gains advantage and Soderling returns down the wrong side of the line. He now has three chances to take the set and level the match.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
2-4 - Soderling misses the chance to hold at deuce with a wild forehand. The Swede gains another advantage, and this time Davydenko fires a two-handed return wide to keep Soderling in touch.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-4 - Davydenko recovers from an early stutter on this game, and hits his second ace to maintain his three-game advantage.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-3 - At 30-30, possibly the point of the match as Davydenko defends doggedly from a Soderling smash, and then sprints to the net but can't clear it following the Swede's drop shot. Soderling sees it out to get on the board in this set.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
0-3 - That dose of meds looks to have done Davydenko the world of good, as he cruises to a hold of serve and with it a three-game lead.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
0-2 -
Davydenko fires a two-hander right into the corner, and then whacks a stunning return back past Soderling to earn three break points! He drills another two-handed return down the line to get his first break of the match!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
0-1 -
World number seven Davydenko is first to serve in the second set. He races to a 40-0 lead, before Soderling hits a winner that the russian challenges unsuccessfully. No matter, Davydenko holds on the next point. He does look a little lethargic though. Well, it's been a long season.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
- -
In the first of a series of guest blogs, 37-year-old Fabrice Santoro talks about bringing down the curtain on his career at the Paris Masters after 21 years on the ATP Tour. Guest blog: Santoro on retirementDavydenko N. - Soderling R.
6-3 -
Soderling knocks a backhand wide of the line at the net, and grunts in frustration. He fires another ace, but then hits long on the next point. He moves to 40-30, and Davydenko can only return wide and Soderling wins the first set!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
5-3 - If nothing else, the placebo effect of that pill seems to have taken hold - Davydenko holds to 15 with authority.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
5-2 -
Davydenko is still sat down, taking a medical break. In the end, though, he takes a dose of medication. Perhaps an attempt to disrupt Soderling's flow as much as anything.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
5-2 -
Soderling guns another 200km/h+ ace past his opponent to open this game. The Swede sweeps past the Russian to move to the verge of taking the opening set.Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
4-2 - Davydenko finds himself two breaks and 15-40 down, but he fights back well for deuce. The margins between these two are not as big as the score suggests, and this time Davydenko comes out on top.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
4-1 -
Soderling is 40-30 up, and hits a forehand winner. Davydenko challenges, and correctly too, it was miles out. Soderling challenges another out call, and gets it wrong, again out by inches. Davydenko's advantage, but scrubbed out with an ace! After an dogged battle at deuce, Sodelring finally confirms his three-game lead!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
3-1 -
Davydenko goes 0-30 down. He attacks aggressively at the net to reduce the gap, but then hooks a backhand just wide of the tramline to give Soderling two break points. The Swede fails to capitalise on either, and we're at deuce. Davydenko fails to convert an advantage, and Soderling makes the break!Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
2-1 - Both men have begun the match storng on their serve, and Soderling holds to 15.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-1 - Soderling hits his return down the line but wide, and Davydenko holds his first service game to 15.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
1-0 - Soderling opens the match with an ace. After hitting another shot long he whips a forehand into the far corner. Davydenko overhits a return, but then Soderling does the same with a two-hander. The Swede wins the next point to take the game.
Davydenko N. - Soderling R.
10:10 - Soderling will open the serving...
10:07 - Here's how the draw has panned out thus far: Paris Masters drawsheet
10:05 -
The last 16 of the Paris Masters begins today. First up it's Russia's Nikolay Davydenko against Sweden's Robin Soderling.
ATP Standing 2009
| Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roger Federer | 10550 |  |
| 2 | Rafael Nadal | 9205 | |
| 3 | Novak Djokovic | 8310 | |
| 4 | Andrew Murray | 7030 | |
| 5 | Juan Martin Del Potro | 6785 | |
| 6 | Nikolay Davydenko | 4930 | |
| 7 | Andy Roddick | 4410 | |
| 8 | Robin Soderling | 3410 | |
| 9 | Fernando Verdasco | 3300 | |
| 10 | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 2875 | |
This site is Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! and Eurosport. All rights reserved.
- Terms of Service
- Updated Privacy Policy
- Copyright/IP Policy
- Remarks and Suggestions
- Corporate info
- Jobs at Eurosport
Notice: We collect personal information on this site. To learn more about how we use your information, see our Privacy Policy.
Comment 27 - 46 of 46
Nadal is very lucky to be in the tournament still as he is nowhere near his best. Come on Del Potro I say!
COME ON NADAL
VAMOS RAFA!! V for Victory...again not a good performance but a fine example of mental toughness just like yestrday..Yeterday's win has certainly helped Nadal to come back right back into the game and @#$% the victory...hope u do better in upcoming matches..Vamos!
Go RAFA!!!
Where are you now Simon Reed ? ? Your "true number one","Murray the best in the world", was again lost ! ! ! I hope that you now someone from "Murraysport," excuse me,"Eurosport", finally a fire ! !
eurosport: such a pathetic website!...at 4-5 down in the 3rd for murray, after posting "oh and murray is right back n this match"...we don't see another live play-by-play, minute-to-minute post by your damn experts cause your stupid little ugly fang-boy LOST!!!!!!...
you are so biased and such a disgrace to journalism, you should fold!!!! boo to you
i know why he won the other day and lost today,,,today there are real players and this overated t w a t is out, yeeeeepppppppppppppppeeeeeee.
Where is simon reed now haha, the best player in the world indeed.
STEPANEK IS THE BEEEEST!!! THANK YOU
Just a few days ago "Genius" Reed said Murray is "The Best Player" and look what happened. Lost to a player outside top 30...hahahahahah! Reed u r unbelievable....twice Murray and once Sharapova...I dunno who is your next target!
Simon Reed will have to think seriously about his responsibility for pasting Murray with the label "the real Nș1": now he's done it twice, and the poor kid can't live with the pressure. This melt-down to Stepanek proves, of course, that Andy's present ranking is about right.
I predicted this more than an hour ago, MANDY,,MANDY,,, go and practice, you need it!
So long, Murray, and good by!
I don't care if you reach headline again, you've deserve it!
choked again HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSER,to many deep fried mars bars up his *ss me thinks
2 of the ugliest ppl on the tour playing each other. no part of me wants to watch this.
choke Mcturd
Its all over, MANDY has lost to player outside the top 30, brilliant STEPANEK, I knew you could beat this BRAT!
Well done STEPANEK, beat this liitle no-name and show him who is the BOSS.
Looks like Mandy is going to lose this one, go STEPANEK GO MATE, kick MANDY'S you know what!!!
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account