For personal reasons I’m keeping this one short.
It was another day of drama in Paris, the contenders delivered on their hype by and large, but amidst some easy wins and a couple of epic marathon matches, we had yet more withdrawals.
Kiki Bertens, the 4th seed, winner in Madrid and many pundits’ pick for her maiden Slam here bowed out with gastroenteritis just 5 games into her match against Kuzmova.
Indian Wells sensation Bianca Andreescu also retired with a flare up of her shoulder.
But there was much to savour still, not least from the French pairing of Herbert and Paire who provided much finesse and force in a 4.5hr classic which the bearded Frenchman took 11-9 in the fifth.
Herbert’s fellow doubles defending champion Mahut swept past Kohlschreiber for the loss of just 9 games.
The other headline match came courtesy of the delicious pairing of Dimitrov Vs Cilic. On paper one would fancy the Croat, such had been his consistency and frankly greater success on the biggest stages. But could Gregor be playing himself into form here? It was certainly a big scalp for a man still hoping to deliver on his hype again.
Before we round up the other wins, a note for 2015 finalist and two-time doubles champ here Lucie Safarova who called time on her career today. Another stellar career and certainly had the talent to sneak a slam.
Elsewhere then, behind Tsonga’s brave fight with Nishikori it was very much business as usual for the men and women seeds.
Federer, Nadal, Tsitsipas (eventually), Goffin and the brilliant Wawrinka all triumphed.
For le filles? Pliskova, Muguruza, Stephens and Svitolina all progressed (the latter without hitting a ball) but the day surely belongs to Jo Konta who fought back from a set down and continues to impress.
Day 5 picks
Osaka Vs Azarenka
Cuevas Vs Edmund
Collins Vs Barty
All Things Tennis 