Roger Federer survives late-night war against German Dominik Koepfer
The story of the seventh day of action at Roland Garros.
Roger Federer scrapped until nearly 1am in an empty stadium to defeat Dominik Koepfer and reach the fourth round of the French Open.
The eighth seed joined Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who had much easier days in beating Ricardas Berankis and Cameron Norrie, respectively – the latter’s defeat ending British singles hopes for the tournament.
Another leading seed fell in the women’s event in the shape of Elina Svitolina but defending champion Iga Swiatek and fourth seed Sofia Kenin both won, as did 17-year-old Coco Gauff.
Picture of the day
Take a bow Lorenzo Musetti.
Norrie’s all white
“I’m looking forward to at least going to practise and there’s not clay all over my bag and there’s clay everywhere,” he said. “I’ll be looking forward to getting on the grass and being in the whites and being clean.”
Halep back on court
Fallen seeds
Women: Elina Svitolina (5), Jennifer Brady (13), Elise Mertens (14), Karolina Muchova (18), Jessica Pegula (28), Kontaveit (30)
Men: None
Who’s up next?
Daniil Medvedev faces a big test of his new-found affinity for the red stuff against clay-court specialist Cristian Garin while Stefanos Tsitsipas meets reliable Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.
Victoria Azarenka opens proceedings on Court Philippe Chatrier against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, with Alexander Zverev and Kei Nishikori given night-time duties.
