Roland Garros ATP Recap 3: Day 7 - 9

Day 7: Sinner Storms, Draper Impresses, Djokovic Cruises

The top seed was simply untouchable on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, dismantling Jiri Lehečka 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 in just over 90 minutes. It was Sinner’s 17th consecutive Grand Slam match win, and he looks every bit the man to beat. He’ll next face Andrey Rublev, who advanced via walkover following Arthur Fils’ withdrawal due to injury.

Over on Court 14, Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor finally broke his third-round curse at the majors. After four failed attempts, the world No.35 edged past American Ethan Quinn 6-4 in a tense fifth set to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.

British No.1 Jack Draper continued his fine form, sweeping aside 18-year-old Joao Fonseca in straight sets. Draper was dominant throughout, never letting the talented Brazilian settle as he booked his spot in week two at Roland Garros for the first time.

Last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev also looked sharp, dispatching Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-1 in a clinical display. Meanwhile, Alexander Bublik made it back-to-back wins in straight sets, ending the dream run of 21-year-old qualifier Henrique Rocha, who simply ran out of gas after a grueling week.

In the “Battle of the Brits,” Cameron Norrie had too much consistency and experience for Jacob Fearnley, winning 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-2 to keep his quietly impressive run going.

Capping off the day was Novak Djokovic, who looked composed and focused in his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic. The defending champion has yet to drop a set and heads into the fourth round with plenty left in the tank.

With all third-round men’s singles action now complete, week two promises blockbuster matchups and plenty more intrigue on the red clay of Paris.

Key Results:

• No. 1 Jannik Sinner def. Jiri Lehecka, 6-0, 6-1, 6-2
• No. 3 Alexander Zverev def. Flavio Cobolli, 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-1
• No. 5 Jack Draper def. Joao Fonseca, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
• No. 6 Novak Djokovic def. Filip Misolic, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2
• No. 17 Andrey Rublev def. No. 14 Arthur Fils via W/O
• Tallon Griekspoor def. Ethan Quinn, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-4
• Alexander Bublik def. Henrique Roche, 7-5, 6-1, 6-2
• Cameron Norrie def. Jacob Fearnley, 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-2

Day 8: American Surge and Musetti’s Milestone

The drama at Roland Garros continued on Day 8 as the men’s quarterfinal lineup took shape, highlighted by a strong showing from the Americans and a milestone for Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (2) survived a four-set battle against young American Ben Shelton (13), prevailing 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Shelton pushed the world No. 2 to the limit, showcasing his power and tenacity, but Alcaraz’s experience and tactical play ultimately saw him through.

Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe (15) joined fellow American Tommy Paul (12) in the quarterfinals, marking a rare and exciting moment for U.S. men’s tennis at Roland Garros. Paul cruised past Alexei Popyrin in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday, becoming the first American quarterfinalist here since Andre Agassi’s run in 2003. Tiafoe followed up with a solid straight-sets win over Daniel Altmaier, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), ensuring the tournament will feature multiple American men in the quarters for the first time since 1996. Shelton had the chance to join them but fell just short in his thrilling clash with Alcaraz.

In the final match of the day, Lorenzo Musetti (8) secured his first career quarterfinal at Roland Garros with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune (10). After an early exchange of momentum, Musetti’s clever mix of spins and pace wore down Rune, who fought hard but couldn’t escape the Italian’s crafty game. Musetti will now face Tiafoe in what promises to be an intriguing battle of styles.

With the quarterfinals set, the stage is perfectly poised for an electrifying second week in Paris. The surge of American talent, combined with rising stars like Musetti, ensures Roland Garros 2025 will be remembered for its mix of power, grit, and finesse.

Key results:

• No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz def. No. 13 Ben Shelton, 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
• No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti def. No. 10 Holger Rune, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
• No. 12 Tommy Paul def. No. 25 Alexei Popyrin, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3
•  No. 15 Frances Tiafoe def. Daniel Altmaier, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4)

Day 9: Sinner, Djokovic Cruise; Bublik Shocks Draper

Day 9 at the 2025 French Open delivered a mix of expected dominance and a dash of chaos. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his flawless campaign in Paris, brushing aside Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to book his sixth straight Grand Slam quarterfinal. The Italian is yet to drop a set this fortnight and extended his Grand Slam win streak to 18 matches.

The surprise of the day came from Alexander Bublik, who stunned No. 5 seed Jack Draper in four sets on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. In a match full of flair and unpredictability, the unseeded Kazakh pulled off the biggest win of his career, sealing his first-ever Slam quarterfinal with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win — and a big, clay-streaked grin.

Awaiting Bublik in the last eight? Jannik Sinner. Not exactly a reward.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic quietly made more history. The Serb reached his 16th consecutive Roland-Garros quarterfinal and became only the second man to reach 100 wins at the tournament, joining Rafael Nadal in that rarefied club. Djokovic dismantled Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 — a scoreline as routine as his path so far.

Next up for Djokovic: Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Tallon Griekspoor retired midway through their match due to injury.

As the quarterfinals loom, all eyes are on a potential Sinner-Djokovic collision. But first, Bublik and Zverev have something to say about that.

• No. 1 Jannik Sinner def. No. 17 Andrey Rublev, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4
• No. 3 Alexander Zverev def. Tallon Griekspoor, 6-4, 3-0 (retired)
• Alexander Bublik def. No. 5 Jack Draper, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
• No. 6 Novak Djokovic def. Cameron Norrie, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2