PARIS — Day five at the 2024 French Open delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring five-set thrillers, shocking upsets, and an emotional farewell—yet for Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, it was business as usual as they advanced with clinical precision.
Sinner and Djokovic March On
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run at Roland Garros, dispatching France’s Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a match that showcased his relentless baseline game. The Italian, now a favorite for the title after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal, fired 32 winners and broke Gasquet’s serve five times. "I’m happy with my level," Sinner said post-match. "Every match is a step forward, and I’m trying to stay focused."
Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame a spirited challenge from Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena, winning 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. The Serb, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, was tested early but shifted gears effortlessly. "I found my rhythm in the second set," Djokovic noted. "The first rounds are about adjusting, and I’m getting there."
Upsets Shake the Draw
While the top seeds progressed smoothly, the day was marked by seismic upsets. Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev crashed out in a five-set epic against Tallon Griekspoor, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-7(5). The German, a recent Rome champion, struggled with unforced errors (52) and a resurgent Griekspoor, who sealed the win with a fearless forehand winner.
In another stunner, women’s third seed Aryna Sabalenka fell to 20-year-old Russian qualifier Mirra Andreeva 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4. Sabalenka, a two-time Slam winner, was undone by 48 unforced errors. Andreeva, who burst into tears post-match, said, "I just kept believing. Beating a player like her is a dream."
Other Notable Results:
- Daniil Medvedev survived a scare, edging past Alexei Popyrin 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3.
- Ons Jabeur rallied past Camila Osorio 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, but needed a medical timeout for a knee issue.
- Holger Rune retired with a back injury while trailing Flavio Cobolli 6-7(7), 6-4, 0-3.
Emotional Goodbye for Cornet
The day also marked the end of an era as Alizé Cornet bid farewell to professional tennis. The Frenchwoman, playing her 20th and final Roland Garros, fell 6-2, 6-1 to Zheng Qinwen but received a standing ovation. "This place is my heart," Cornet said tearfully. "Thank you for the love all these years."
Looking Ahead
Day six promises more fireworks, with Iga Świątek facing Marie Bouzková and Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on Lorenzo Musetti. Meanwhile, Sinner and Djokovic will aim to maintain their momentum as the tournament reaches its midway point.
With the draw opening up, the 2024 French Open is proving to be one of the most unpredictable in years. As Djokovic put it, "In Paris, anything can happen. That’s what makes it special."