Thursday, May 26, 2011

Live - French Open day three

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Text in your views on 81111 Jon courtside on Lenglen, via text 81111: "Interesting crowd reaction from Lenglen when the Nadal result was shown on our scoreboard. First there was a cheer, followed by a long jeer. Opinion on Rafa seems very divided." 1713: The BBC Red Button clicks on to Court 6 and it's time for a view of Britain's Elena Baltacha. Bally holds serve to lead 3-1. Can she follow up Heather Watson's fine win yesterday? Looks good so far. It's good news for a Briton 1709: And Baltacha is going from strength to strength with an early break in set two to lead 2-1. 1708: Some nice words from Rafael Nadal: "It was a very, very tough opponent I want to congratulate him for this fantastic match and wish him all the best for the rest of the season. It is always very close against John. With his serve you play under pressure all the time and in the tie-break I didn't play very well, perhaps because I was too nervous. It is important to have these tough moments, but I prefer to win in three sets to be sure." A world number one nervous? Shocking. Only human I guess. 1706: Baltacha holds and it's 1-1 after the Brit took the opening set. Nadal is grinning like a schoolboy as he strolls off Court Philippe Chatrier and still has the energy to slap his autograph on all manner of items. Is it still cool to ask for an autograph? Anybody got any cool autographs? Any strange places or items you've asked someone famous to sign? 1705: Baltacha loses the opening game in the second set and is now serving. My 96% focus will be with Elena very shortly. 1702: You think Nadal enjoyed that finish? Even a man with five French Open titles to his name can't keep his cool after coming through five sets in the first round. He leaps like a 25-second old lamb. The crowd go bonkers and to be fair, they're clapping Isner and Nadal. Stunning encounter. Spain 1701: Sharpaova being made to look like a pussycat as Nadal and Isner both grunting for their lives. Nadal wins a cracking opening point. I'm whincing every time Isner is playing a shot. He looks spent. But of course he's not. 15-15. Nadal is sniffing blood and is hurrying things up. Brutal. Ruthless. Too much effort though and he goes long to make it 30-30. And Nadal does it again. Another mammoth rally and as four hours pops up on the clock, Nadal has a second match point. Isner puffs his cheeks out - has he got anything left? He has but his return goes wide.....NADAL WINS IN FIVE SETS. 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-4. It's good news for a Briton 1656: BALTACHA WINS FIRST SET 7-5 AGAINST STEPHENS. Worthy of a graphic me thinks. 1655: Baltacha meanwhile is serving for the first set against Stephens.....can she do it? 1650: Isner's finally showing the strain and Nadal is finding the corners. Isner finds the net again and it's 30-40. Match point. And Isner saves it by striding to the net and smashes the ball back. Deuce. Nadal's turn to play a loose one as Isner digs deep into his reserve tank. And Isner makes it with super dinked drop shot. 5-4. He's hanging in there. Brilliant. 1647: Nadal is edging towards the finish line and makes it 5-3 with a last serve that swerves in four different directions before it reaches Isner's racquet and the American can only dribble the ball back into the net. Isner serving to stay in the match. Baltacha holds serve and makes it 5-5 against Stephens. Good comeback from the Brit. It's good news for a Briton 1644: Baltacha is another scrapping for the set and she does well to break back when Stephens was serving for 6-3. Mr Topsy-Turvy has made a comeback. 5-4 Stephens. Bally needs to hold her nerve (and serve). 1643: Nadal is leading 4-2 but Isner is scrapping for everything and holds serve. 4-3 but Nadal still a break up. 1635: We have a first break of serve in Elena Baltacha's first-round match against Sloane Stephens on Court Six and it's gone to… Stephens. The American teenager engineers a break point at 30-40 in game six and British number one Baltacha fires long with a backhand. Stephens now serving for a 5-2 lead. But keep it cool. Baltacha breaks straight back and she's now serving to make it 4-4. Permission to say "Phew". 1633: Isner's lengthy right arm saves him with a stunning volley at the net. Nadal looks flabbergasted. 15-15. But don't make this boy angry as he whips back an utterly stunning backhand that flies down the line. Brilliant. Isner looking just a little jaded. Or has Nadal simply just raised his game when he needed to? Isner raises a small smile as his opponent hits the tape. And he holds. Top effort from Isner. 3-2. Text in your views on 81111 Paul at Roland Garros, via text 81111: "Although Baltacha is yet to break, the signs are good - she's playing with more power and authority than Stephens and is being backed up by an increasingly big, if still slightly reserved, British crowd." 1627: We may just have seen the Nadal recovery completed. He breaks to love with the third point an incredible looping return landing straight at the feet of the American. 2-1 Nadal. Any way back from Isner? 1624: Baltacha and Stephens are 2-2. Stephens by the way is an American qualifier and close friend to Baltacha. More chat on that a bit later. 1622: Nadal looking solid with his serves and leads 40-0 but hold on.....Isner's full of fight and saves two break points including one cracking return to leave the Spaniard flat-footed. But the American turns in anguish as he blasts one into the net. Isner had a chance there. 1-1. Twitter eversokirsty on Twitter: "Trying very hard to work but I can't stop checking the scores! He's just messing with us, he'll take the 5th...right? Vamos Rafa! #BBCTennis" 1619: Isner stays cool to open up the deciding set with a steady service game. 1-0. Twitter dalewetter on Twitter: "I can't remember ever seeing Nadal look so ordinary. Still fancy him to take it in 5, though. #BBCTennis" 1614: Game on. If it wasn't already. Nadal whips up a few cracking serves to take the fourth set. It's the fifth set pretty much all of you predicted. My fruit can return safely to their bag without being concerned about being chomped by you. Great battling by Nadal. Baltacha loses the first game and then holds serve. 1-1. Are we all calm out there? Spain 1611: Nadal breaks again and he's now serving for the fourth set at 5-2. And a big WOW for this stat, thanks to BBC's Andrew Castle. No unforced errors by the Spaniard in this set so far. Steady. Twitter sallyakins on Twitter: "My son has tennis practice soon - would it be bad of me to watch the Nadal/Isner match while he is on court? #BBCTennis"
What kind of parent are you? A disgrace. Can't believe you're even considering it. Of course you should watch the tennis. He'll understand and I'm sure he'll mention it when he's holding that Wimbledon trophy in 10 years. 1608: Soderling has settled and leads 4-1 in the third set against Harrison. One-set all. Verdasco has taken the first set 6-2 with Monaco. Over on Court 6, Baltacha is receiving in the very first game. They've just started. 1606: Nadal leads 4-2 in the fourth set. Perhaps Isner is saving himself for the decider. Text in your views on 81111 Luke in Birmingham, via text 81111: "These kind of situations are what make the greats great - their ability to dig in and grind out a result even when playing averagely against an over-achieving opposition. Nadal will win comfortably. 6-1 in the 5th."
Big words. 1600: It's a decision to split the nation and tennis world but the Red Button is sticking with the Nadal and Isner battle. Apologies to all Baltacha fans but I can personally promise you constant (almost) updates of the Brit's match versus Sloane Stephens. TV commentary will provide Baltacha updates throughout. Hope most people are cool with that decision. 1558: Nadal holds firm to open up a two-game advantage in set four at 3-1. If this doesn't go to a fifth set, you can all have a slice of my bag of grapes, three apples and two satsumas. Can't say fairer than that. A shock result 1555: It's a big shock as Almagro, 11th seed, is OUT. Kubot comes through the fifth set. A potential opponent for Murray in the quarters. Calling all Baltacha fans - the British number one is on in a few minutes. 1553: Calm down folks. Nadal breaks back to lead 2-1. Time for a clenched fist from Rafael. Hold the back pages. I think this match has got a five-setter written all over it. C'mon - predictions please. Tweet me, tweet using the #bbctennis hashtag or text 81111. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Text in your views on 81111 Waqar in Birmingham, via text 81111: "Wow, this is unbelievable!! Isner is leading Nadal in the first round. Could this be a bigger upset than when Federer was on the verge of going out in the first round at Wimbledon last year? It could be. I think this is worth missing gym for." 1547: It's not all about Nadal and Isner. Soderling loses the second set to Harrison. Another shock in store? Azarenka 5-3 up with Hlavackova in the first set. Verdasco 3-1 up with Monaco. Kubot now serving for the match against Almagro. The shocks are building at Roland Garros. 1543: Just looking at Nadal's Roland Garros record. Apart from losing in the fourth round in 2009, Nadal has won the title every year since 2005. This will be a bit of a shock. You hearing me? And Isner serves up to lead 1-0 in the fourth set. What would you be saying to Nadal if you were his coach right now? Isner is like an unstoppable freight train. A shock result 1538: Isner's massive frame leaps to crush the ball and make it 5-2. Nadal's frown gets deeper as he plonksthe ball below the tape and it's four set points to the big man. AND BOOOM........."Unbelievable" says Castle as Isner picks up the return and a forehand powers the ball back - Nadal does not have a chance. Anybody sniffing a rather major upset? ISNER 4-6 7-6 7-6 NADAL. 1536: "This would be the upset of all upsets" says commentator Andrew Castle. "Nadal looks ordinary". Isner takes the opening point and then it's 2-0 as Nadal swipes at thin air. He looks rattled. Big serve. 3-0. A couple of semi-convincing smashes gets Nadal on the board. 3-1. Isner is sniffing blood and he comes up to the net and volleys the ball away to lead 4-1. The American ploughs one into the net and it's 4-2 as they change ends....who's your money on folks? 1532: A massive serve by Isner saves the first of two set points and it's soon deuce. Clinging to this third set by the edges of his American fingernails. And I juts have to use the word BOOM as Nadal fails to return. 6-6. Who's up for a tie-break? Deal with it, it's happening. 1529: SCOREFLASH: Soderling serving at 5-6 to stay in the second set against Harrison. Verdasco has just started against Monaco. Almagro leads 3-2 against Kubot in the deciding set. Back to Nadal. 1527: Games exchanged between Nadal and Isner and it's 6-5 to the Spaniard. This is quite literally the business end of the business end of this third set. Crucial times. 1523: Interesting stat here. Although I guess you'll be the judge of that. You're getting it anyway. Twitter Thanks to Infostrada on Twitter , Nadal's lost set was the first he had lost in the opening round at Roland Garros and was the first time in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2007 US Open. 1521: A comfortable service hold by Nadal and a break here will give him the set at 5-4. Can the American hold his nerve? A few boomers needed by Isner. Twitter SteAshurst1 on Twitter: "Isner to win in 5. Hopefully 5 as I'm sneaking off early & don't want to miss the end. #BBCTennis" 1513: A quick glimpse of proceedings on Court Suzanne Lenglen and Soderling has taken his foot off his Swedish gas. Ryan Harrison is 4-2 up in set two. Hold on.....all you Soderling fans should be thanking me. Your boy Robin has just broken back and trails 4-3. Text in your views on 81111 Anon, via text 81111: "Rafa is not looking sharp at all. He is not dictating points as ie normally does on clay-in fact I would say he has been like that all through this clay court season!" 1508: At ease Baltacha fans. Kubot has sneaked another tie-break to take his clash with Almagro to a deciding fifth set. Nadal and Isner 3-3 in third set after another ace by the American. Is it me or are things hotting up in Paris? 1504: Afternoon. It's all going on. Nadal wobbling. Almagro bottling it to leave Baltacha pacing up and down in the locker room. And I've even just polished off the world's smallest yoghurt. Peach melba, in case you're interested. Afternoon by the way. Let's enjoy the ride. What are you up to this afternoon? Shouldn't you be working? Or revising?
USA The match is over Sam Querrey beats Philipp Kohlschreiber 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 to reach round two of the French Open Latest scores 1458: So, Nadal and Isner are going with serve in the third set, as are Soderling and Harrison in the second. Kubot breaks back against Almagro, so they're g for a fourth-set tie-break. Time for me to bow out - Mark Ashenden is primed to step into the hotseat. It's been a ruddy pleasure, see you all bright and early on Wednesday. The match is over Jurgen Melzer beats Andreas Beck 6-3 6-4 6-2 to reach round two of the French Open 1455: Wakey wakey, Bally. Almagro breaks for 6-5 in the third set and will now serve for the match. Britain's number one is next on Court Six against Sloane Stephens. A bagel The match is over Yanina Wickmayer beats Monica Niculescu 6-0 6-3 to reach round two of the French Open 1450: Kubot registers two set points against Almagro at 5-4 in the third set... bit moment... both saved. Poor Bally, her wait goes on. Latest scores 1152: SCOREFLASH. Robin Soderling (fifth seed) in cruise-control and takes the first set 6-1 against his new opponent Ryan Harrison. Eighth seed Jurgen Melzer is flying against German Andreas Beck and leads 6-3 6-4 4-1. Dominika Cibulkova took the first on a tie-break against American Vania King but the 22nd seed has just lost serve to trail 5-3 and then loses second set 6-3. One-set all. Interesting. Nicolas Alamgro seems to have recovered after losing the third set and is 4-2 up in set four (and 2-1 up in sets) against Poland's Lukasz Kubot. But disaster for the Spaniard as he throws his service break away and is now 4-4 in that set. More interesting. Sam Querrey lost the first set to Philipp Kohlschreiber but has steadied the ship, taking the next two sets and leads 4-2 in the fourth set. Twitter BBC Sport Piers Newbery on Twitter: "A huge roar erupts as Isner levels at one set all against Nadal. When's the last time Rafa dropped a set in the Roland Garros 1st Rd? Nunca?" Text in your views on 81111 Tim via text on 81111: "The Nadal match is in danger of becoming too compelling and thus ruin my ambitious work schedule for the afternoon, do I close the browser and hope not to hear the result?" 1443: Nadal finds the net with a routine pass and that makes it 5-2. "He's not looking right, he didn't look right to moment he walked out," says Castle. Nadal throws a forehand long for 6-2 and then nets a service return for 7-2. Isner levels the match. 1439: Blimey... Isner gets the mini-break and opens up a 4-1 lead in the breaker. "Nadal's struggling with his length, he's like a golfer who loses his distance," says Andrew Castle on the Red Button. Nadal gets a point back for 4-2 but the America is in the driving seat. Text in your views on 81111 Westfield FC footballer via text on 81111: "Re miss Willis - Westfield (as in Westfield FC of the combined counties first division from Woking) must be the one she is talking about!" 1435: Nadal holds his nerve and his serve to force a tie-break. Sands via text on 81111: "If Nadal wins his 6th French open crown, it will be his best ever. Look at his tough draw! Isner in round 1, Davydenko in round 3, nemesis Soderling in quarters, Murray in semis and Djokovic in finals!" Text in your views on 81111 Sam, Cheadle Hulme, via text on 81111: "Anyone else noticed Isner's odd ritual of bouncing the ball through his legs when serving?"
No, but what I had noticed is that he's 6-5 up and within a game of squaring the match at one set all. Big pressure on Rafa to hold here. 1430: In other news, Alex Willis confirms that Ana Ivanovic is, in fact, a fan of Westfield shopping centre as opposed to Westlife the boy band. "I kid you not," says Alex. "Her brother is at an English language school in Hammersmith... Ana visited him in Nov & they went shopping!" And that, my friends, is Priceless chat. 1425: Time for a Chatrier update as Isner moves up a couple of gears and forces Nadal all over the court. The Spaniard is second-best and goes wide to hand his opponent the break back. The American clenches his fist and he's every right to be delighted with that effort. He then holds for 5-4. Top effort from the big man. Twitter oliburgoyne on Twitter: "Why is everyone talking about Fed-Djok semi-final when Gasquet is clearly going to shock Djokovic in round 4." Text in your views on 81111 Anon via text on 81111: "Re Vikas - I can't see Federer beating Nadal if he makes the final either, but I doubt he'll get decimated. No repeat of '08, anyway. I would personally rather watch their chess match than spend 4 hours of my life watching a 5-set slugfest (mundane) but again, Nadal v. Djokovic is so much more than that. Djok's exceptional backhand neutralises Nadal's usual tactic against right-handers (same reason Murray's had joy against Nadal in the past) and he seems to have the same problem with Djok as Federer has with him. Thrilling stuff." 1415: Let's switch our attention back to Court Six... Almagro and Kubot are into a third-set tie-break... five set points for Kubot... two saved by Almagro... but the dancing Pole comes through to force a fourth set. All of which means British number one Elena Baltacha must wait in the locker room a little longer. 1405: What a result for unseeded 22-year-old Larsson - a new star of Swedish tennis is born. But dear oh dear, what a terrible result for 2008 champion Ivanovic. Where does she go from here? The match is over JOHANNA LARSSON BEATS ANA IVANOVIC 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 6-2 TO REACH ROUND TWO OF THE FRENCH OPEN 1400: The curse of Miss Willis strikes - Ivanovic goes down a break in the deciding set against Larsson and the Swede now has three match points... Twitter allex_willis on Twitter: "Rooting for Ana to carry on comeback. She's a Westfield fan, did you know?"
London shopping mall or popular boy band? Anon via text on 81111: "Federer and Djokovic are seeded to meet in the semis. As much as I love Fed, I can't see him getting through that match (assuming he reaches it). Can't see Djok getting upset before that either. I'd love for Fed to go ahead and prove me wrong though. No fan of tennis can claim to want to see him showcase anything less than his best in any match." Text in your views on 81111 Vikas via text on 81111: "Re to DiscoStew1 - let's not ruin a mouth-watering 5-set slugfest between Nadal and Djoko by talkin up Fed. Even if Fed somehow manages to sneak past Djoko in the semis, he will be extremely tired and will be decimated by Rafa. Rather have a showpiece final than a demolition job (which is what Roger - Rafa is going to be whether Roger is tired or not)." Spain 1350: Easy as you like, Nadal serves out the opener against Isner. The towering American looked remarkably sharp early on but faded as the set went on. We'll forgive him. After all, he is facing arguably the greatest clay court player in history. Andrew Castle on the Red Button reports that there might be something bothering Nadal - "he looks itchy," says Castle - but if there is anything up, it doesn't seem to be major. A bagel Latest scores 1344: As Rafa prepares to serve for the first set, Ivanovic takes the second set against Larsson for the loss of precisely zero games. Bagel o'clock. They're going with serve in the decider. Melzer has taken the opener against Beck on Court One and Almagro is two sets up on Kubot. Once the Spaniard wraps that one up - if he wraps that one up - it's Bally time. parko85 on Twitter: "Be good to see a 'Fedex' v 'Rafa the gaffer' final in Paris, but someone has to stop the 'Djoker' first." 1336: Nadal engineers three break points on the Isner serve at 3-3 but the American saves them all. Rafa really should have done better with an attempted pass at 30-40, mind. A third opportunity arises but Isner closes the door once more with a delicious off-forehand winner. What a shot. However, the big man is really struggling to land his first serves and, at the fourth time of asking, Nadal strikes. Isner puts a backhand into the tramlines to give his opponent a 4-3 lead and he'll now serve for 5-3. DiscoStew1 on Twitter: "Nobody is talking about Fed yet and I back Nadal in 5 sets vs Djoko - gonna stick my neck out and predict a Fed vs Nadal final!" Twitter kwetla on Twitter: "John Isner looks like a giant tennis-playing spider skittering around the court." 1328: Good to see the notoriously hard-to-please Chatrier crowd showing their appreciation for Nadal v Isner and rightly so. Both players have made excellent start and we're seeing some tennis of the very highest order. Rafa's just held for 3-3 but the Spaniard, looking eye-catching in a deep blue shirt with matching bandana, wrist-bands and sneakers, knows he has a match on his hands. John Lloyd on the BBC Red Button reports that the clay is playing "as close to a hard court as you'll see" which is obviously good news for big-serving Isner. Latest scores 1315: A quick whiz around the courts tells me Ana Ivanovic has lost the first set of her meeting with unseeded Swede Johanna Larsson but is a break up in the second. Men's eighth seed Jurgen Melzer is up and running against Andreas Beck, while Nicolas Almagro is a set and a break up on Lukasz Kubot. Remember, Elena Baltacha follows those two on Court Six. And over on Court Seven, Philipp Kohlschreiber is a break to the good in set one against 24th seed Sam Querrey. Kohlschreiber's backhand is worth the entrance fee alone. Twitter andrew26uk on Twitter: "Will BBC show Baltacha's match online? Same court as Heather yesterday and that was on TV. Thanks."
Absolutely, Andrew. It'll be live on the BBC Red Button and right here online. You can also listen to the match via BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. C'est bon? 1255: Defending champion Rafael Nadal bounds on to Court Philippe Chatrier ahead his first-round meeting with giant American John Isner. Rafa, lest we forget, is bidding to equal Bjorn Borg's record haul of six Roland Garros titles. Not an easy first round, this, but you'd expect the man from Majorca to emerge unscathed, no? Keep your thoughts coming via the usual platforms. The match is over LI NA BEATS BARBARA ZAHLAVIVA STRYCOVA 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 TO REACH ROUND TWO OF THE FRENCH OPEN Maria Sharapova The French Open is the only Grand Slam Sharapova has not won1245: A magnificent display from the seventh seed and former world number one. I spoke to former British number one Annabel Croft pre-tournament for her thoughts on the state of women's tennis and predictions ahead of Roland Garros. She thought Sharapova had "a really good chance" of lifting the title. "She's going to be extremely motivated and comes in with fantastic form having won in Rome," said Croft. "I was one of many who had written Sharapova off a couple of years ago. She'd done it all, she'd been world number one, she'd won three of the four Grand Slams, she was about to get married, why's she coming back? Now she's looking at it thinking I could add the French Open title to my trophy cabinet. And I can certainly see why she is motivated because she is in the mix for this title and that would help etch her name further into the history of the sport." The match is over MARIA SHARAPOVA BEATS MIRJANA LUCIC 6-3 6-0 TO REACH ROUND TWO OF THE FRENCH OPEN Text in your views on 81111 Jon, courtside on Suzanne Lenglen, via text on 81111: "Experiencing the Parisian crowds for the first time today. Very odd - the crowd applauded like crazy when Murray made easy error..." Latest scores 1230: Scores on the doors. Sharapova finds herself a set and two breaks to the good against Lucic. The Russian lost only one point in the first four games of the second set. Over on Suzanne Lenglen, 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic is playing Johanna Larsson, while sixth seed Li Na is a break up in the deciding set against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Usual spelling. On Court Six, Nicolas Almagro is a break up in the first set against Lukasz Kubot. The next match on that court sees Britain's Elena Baltacha face Sloane Stephens. 1220: For those of you tuning into the BBC Red Button on using the console at the top of this page, our cameras have switched from Court Suzanne Lenglen to Court Philippe Chatrier for Maria Sharapova v Mirjana Lucic. Sharapova enjoying a return to form following her recent victory in Rome and Lucic back in the top 100 having endured countless on and off-course problems following her run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in 1999. That remains by far and away the Croatian's best Grand Slam performance - she took the opening set against Steffi Graf and had eyes on the SW19 final, only to go down to the legendary German in three. 1213: That said, feel free to keep the Murray chat flowing via the Twitter hashtag #BBCTennis. Specific questions should be directed @bbcsport_david and you can also text me on 81111 provided you're in the UK. Let's be having you... 1210: Murray may be done and dusted but we're not. Plenty of other big names are in action around Roland Garros today and it's time for us to give them some loving. It's good news for a Briton The match is over ANDY MURRAY BEATS ERIC PRODON 6-4 6-1 6-3 TO REACH ROUND TWO OF THE FRENCH OPEN Murray 6-4 6-1 6-3 Prodon
Prodon looks a spent force from point one and Murray shows no mercy - racing to 40-0 on his opponent's serve. Three match points. The first two go begging before French qualifier Prodon chops a forehand into the net to conclude proceedings. Game, set and match... Murray. One hour and 44 minutes. Job well done.
* denotes next server Murray 6-4 6-1 5-3 Prodon*
"That was perfection," concludes Andrew Castle on the Red Button as Murray blasts through another dominant set of serves and moves to within a game of the match. He's up to 12 aces and 50 winners.
* denotes next server *Murray 6-4 6-1 4-3 Prodon
Appetites should be satisfied shortly after Murray plants a forehand winner - his 44th of the day - on to the baseline to break serve and put himself on the verge of a place in round two.
* denotes next server 1152: Some more words from our increasingly-hungry man Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Both men getting into a solid rhythm with their grunting now, sounds like a farmyard. Some agricultural shots from Murray early in the third but he seems able to step it up when necessary. Stands really quite full, but lunchtime soon….." Latest scores 1151: Another quick round-up. Li Na is 5-6 in the second set against Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova. Alexandr Dolgopolov (21st seed) leads Rainer Schuettler 6-3 6-3 and 5-1. And the ever-noisy but red-hot Maria Sharapova has begun her Roland Garros campaign and is 1-1 with Croatia's Mirjana Lucic. Murray 6-4 6-1 3-3 Prodon*
Prodon shows he's not done yet as couple of blockbuster forehands help him to 30-30. However, Murray is stirring again and gives as he gets to register game point. It's then a case of one drop shot too many as Prodon floats a backhand dink into the tramlines. All square.
* denotes next server *Murray 6-4 6-1 2-3 Prodon
Four woeful points from Prodon allows Murray to break back to love. You just can't get away with games like those and this level. A massive missed opportunity there and the communal gasp around Court Suzanne Lenglen say it all. Tut, tut, tut.
* denotes next server Murray 6-4 6-1 1-3 Prodon*
A positive start to game four sees Prodon get his nose in front before Murray steps in to reel off two identical off-forehand winners. But the British number one seems to lose his focus and finds the net with a backhand to give the Frenchman break point. Out comes the angled forehand drop shot and Murray fails to pick it up off red dirt. Prodon breaks and Murray does not look a happy chappy.
* denotes next server Twitter randalthor1812 on Twitter: "Murray seems to be using this as a practice session trying different things out til he gets annoyed and then steps it up." *Murray 6-4 6-1 1-2 Prodon
Prodon mixing it up with a looping moonball and Murray crashes a return into the net to give the Frenchman two game points. And the Scot goes long to give the crowd a little something to cheer about. A little sloppy from Murray.
* denotes next server Murray 6-4 6-1 1-1 Prodon*
...tentatively. Murray has shown signs of frustration today, never more so than after sending down his second double-fault of the day at 30-30 to gift Prodon a break point. The Frenchman constructs the next point brilliantly and goes in for the kill with an attempted off-forehand winner, only to see it sail into the tramlines and hand Murray a reprieve. Prodon tosses up another poorly-executed drop shot but Murray contrives to guide it into the net. The Scot bashes his racquet on to the white tape in frustration and then squanders another relatively straightforward chance before ace numero nine brings up game point. And Murray finally gets over the line with a majestic pick-up that squirms over the net and stops deal. Allez.
* denotes next server *Murray 6-4 6-1 0-1 Prodon
A little life in Prodon yet, it would seem. A commanding service hold to get us under way in set number three. How will Murray respond?
* denotes next server Murray 6-4 6-1 Prodon*
Superb. Murray holds to love, takes his ace count to eight and ups his first-serve percentage to 60%. He's won 93% of points when his first serve has landed, hit 31 winners to his opponent's 14 and only 12 unforced errors to Prodon's 20.
* denotes next server BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Murray moves ahead in the second and should have no problems from here, but lots of grumbling. My favourite so far, "That's so unnecessary!!!" An Italian journalist says, "Always he is like this, no?" Yep, pretty much." *Murray 6-4 5-1 Prodon
"Murray cutting a swathe through his opponent here," comments Andrew Castle on the BBC Red Button. The 24-year-old from Dunblane crafts his way to another break of serve - there's no stopping him now. Prodon seems lost for ideas.
* denotes next server Latest scores 1116: Who's up for a round-up? Li Na takes the first set against Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova. Alexandr Dolgopolov (21st seed) leads Rainer Schuettler 6-3 3-2. Local girl and Virginie Razzano trails 3-6 1-3 to Jarmila Gajdosova. Murray 6-4 4-1 Prodon*
Now the Prodon backhand goes awry and Murray picks up an easy hold to love. Second set in the bag? It's starting to look that way.
* denotes next server *Murray 6-4 3-1 Prodon
Murray bouncing around the baseline like a boxer as he waits to receive serve and he immediately has Prodon on the ropes. The Scot seems to have got the balance between attack and defence spot on so far. He chases down another Prodon drop shot with a skilful pass to help bring up a break point but, moments later, he finds the net in a similar position. The Frenchman starts working Murray around the clay once more and lobs his way to game point, yet can't finish the deal and a double-fault leads to break point number two. A powerful serve out wide averts the danger on this occasion but Murray is refusing to go away and chases down the latest drop shot to secure a third break point. The British number one goes all out attack and Prodon flicks a backhand long. Murray breaks.
* denotes next server 1108: Radio 5 live's Jonathan Overend casts his eye across at Murray's support bench and reveals that "the man in the suit is Andy Murray's accountant". Good spot. I wonder if he's got his calculator out and working out what his client is earning each point. Murray 6-4 2-1 Prodon*
Back-to-back aces - numbers six and seven - take world number four Murray to 40-15 and Prodon nets to hand over the game. Murray's suffered a few shock first-round exits this season, but chances of a repeat today look remote.
* denotes next server *Murray 6-4 1-1 Prodon
Some more sumptuous shot-making gives Murray 30-15 on the Prodon serve but now it's the 24-year-old's turn to miscue the forehand and we're back on level terms. Murray manages to return a Prodon smash - he almost climbed into the crowd for that one - yet the Frenchman keeps his cool to get a morale-boosting service hold on the board.
* denotes next server BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "A fuming Murray slams his racquet into his bag after dropping serve, and I think there are a few choice words too. Still, a bit more heat on the returns gets him the set and Prodon looks physically done in. The talk in the press box now is of when the Frenchman will quit." Murray 6-4 1-0 Prodon*
An ideal way to open up the second set. Murray dispatches an overhead put-away for 30-0 and then Prodon twice drills beyond the baseline. "A hangdog expression from the Frenchman now," says Andrew Castle on the BBC Red Button. "It looks like he's starting to struggle physically." Murray on the march.
* denotes next server BBC Radio 5 Live David Felgate on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Up to 4-2 it was a good performance but then Murray got very slack and he didn't go in for the kill when he had the break. His opponent doesn't look in too good a shape and looks a bit down. A good first set for Murray." *Murray 6-4 Prodon
The trainer assesses Prodon... it looks like some sort of sickness... but no injury time-out so we're back under way. Murray strikes first by surging in for a commanding put-away and lets out his first big "come on!" of the day. It's soon 40-15 to Murray and two break points. Prodon fires long. Murray takes the first set.
* denotes next server Murray 5-4 Prodon*
"Allez Eric!" yell the crowd as Prodon finishes a 22-shot rally with a forehand put-away for 15-30. Saving his best for last? Murray gifts him two break points with a double-fault and the Frenchman chucks in another drop shot, which his British opponent reaches but fails to lift over the net. Prodon breaks back but here comes the trainer...
* denotes next server *Murray 5-3 Prodon
A comfortable service hold to 15 for Prodon, despite a searing backhand winner down the line from Murray at 40-0. Britain's finest to serve for the set...
* denotes next server Big Neil via text on 81111: "Is it me or does Murray look more relaxed on court of late? I see him making the semi's or final!" BBC Radio 5 Live 1022: More from David Felgate on 5 live sports extra: "That was a careless game from Murray and a couple of sloppy shots. But all in all - he'll be reasonably pleased with his game so far." Murray 5-2 Prodon*
"It's not all physical this, it's a bit of a thinker's match," states Andrew Castle on the BBC Red Button as Prodon pulls Murray all over the court and get to deuce when the Scot chases down a drop shot but pushes a relatively easy volley into the net post. Prodon brings up his second break point of the day but Murray responds with an a fifth ace, an unreturnable serve and a blistering groundstroke that his opponent can only dump into the net. Danger averted. Prodon will now serve to stay in the first set.
* denotes next server *Murray 4-2 Prodon
That Prodon forehand is about as reliable as my old car, which conked out while I was driving round the M25 a while back. Luckily for the 29-year-old Parisian, the serve is clicking and he's touch around the net has been deft. Murray forges his way to deuce but Prodon scrambles through for a gritty hold. Enough about my car.
* denotes next server 1033: Just to keep you updated on the mighty Swede Robin Soderling and who he's facing later today. German Benjamin Becker has pulled out at Roland Garros with a left elbow injury. The 68th-ranked Becker was set to face two-time French Open finalist Soderling - American player Ryan Harrison is stepping in as a lucky loser from qualifying. Murray 4-1 Prodon*
Top quality serving from the British number one. Ace number three takes him to 40-15 and ace number four gets him over the line. Looking resplendent in a blue top and white shorts, Murray, and that DIY haircut looks sharp. Much like his tennis.
* denotes next server *Murray 3-1 Prodon
Prodon eases his way to 30-0 but then his radar malfunctions and Murray has a break point. The spectators try to rally their man but he goes long with a hurried forehand and Murray breaks.
* denotes next server Murray 2-1 Prodon*
Sealed with an ace down the 'T', Murray keeps his nose in front at the change of ends. "A couple of points where Murray stepped up there. Some of the points I'd like to see him really step up and go for it like he did against Djokovic in Rome," says David Felgate on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.
* denotes next server *Murray 1-1 Prodon
"Good start from the unfancied Frenchman, against a player like Murray it's vital you keep it close in the early stages," says Andrew Castle on the Red Button as Prodon holds to 15 with a confident first service game. A booming forehand winner at 30-15 really caught the eye, before Murray netted to level things up.
* denotes next server Murray 1-0 Prodon*
Not exactly the start Murray would have been looking for, but the service hold is all that matters. Both men look to attack from the outset and trade some hefty blows from baseline. Prodon seems extremely comfortable on the clay and a couple of cute drop shots help him to deuce. The Frenchman manages to bring up break point but Murray ups the intensity, pinning his opponent back and forcing him to send three groundstrokes into the net.
* denotes next server 1018: Some words from BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "The players are out on a cool, breezy Lenglen, which can be quite a cauldron - but not so much at 11am. Annabel Croft is here early and says, "This should be straightforward but Andy needs to get on top early." The sun is out 1012: Warm-ups complete in sunny Paris. A sparse crowd inside Court Suzanne Lenglen but that won't bother Murray. Let's be hearing from you via the Twitter hashtag #BBCTennis, direct tweets @bbcsport_david and text to 81111 (UK). Murray to serve first. Game on. 1010: Indeed, Scotland's world number four is expected to make fairly serene progress and this partly explains the slight lack of coverage for his match in today's newspapers. The Sun plays on the theme of Murray's recent DIY haircut by predicting he'll "give Prodon the chop". Under the headline "I'll scalp him says new-look Murray", Steve Brenner writes that the Briton "finally roars into action at the French Open this morning looking trim and ready to cut any rivals down to size." The other reason for the relative dearth of Murray-related content is Heather Watson. The 19-year-old beat Stephanie Foretz Gacon on Monday to become the first British woman to win a match at the French Open for 17 years, and Daily Mail tennis correspondent Mike Dickson suggests this might be the cue for mass hysteria. Simon Cambers in the Guardian adds that Watson "has been quietly making a name for herself for a while now but here on Monday the teenager from Guernsey created a bigger noise and a bit of history" while the Daily Telegraph's Mark Hodgkinson underlines the importance of her win. "The Parisian tennis set are generally as oblivious to British female players as they are to English wines, so many of the locals would not have appreciated the full significance of Watson's victory over Foretz Gacon," says Hodgkinson. In the Independent, tennis writer Paul Newman is full of praise for Watson but also alludes to Anne Keothavong's bitterly disappointing loss earlier in the day. Plenty of column inches courtesy of Neil Harman in the Times too. Eric Prodon 1004: Yes, after two tantalising days' waiting the British number one finally sets foot on the red dirt to resume his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title. For that to happen, he'll need to win seven best-of-five-set matches and first up is little-known Frenchman Prodon, a 29-year-old qualifier who has spent almost his entire career on the Futures and Challenger circuit, winning 21 titles. Nicknamed 'the Federer of the Futures', this former junior world number three has played only 10 matches on the ATP Tour, winning just the once - way back in 2003. His three previous Grand Slam appearances all came at Roland Garros, and all ended in defeat. 1000: OK, OK, providing each and every one of you with a bowl of the good stuff might possible prove beyond my capabilities - but I can happily offer you a highly nourishing alternative. Welcome to BBC Sport's live coverage Andy Murray v Eric Prodon in round one of the French Open. 0955: Breakfast time at Roland Garros and a new menu item to tickle the taste buds. Joining the baguette tartines, croissants and mugs of coffee on the buffet bar, a one-off cereal known locally as Murray-Prodon. Never previously sampled by the mass market, it's an eclectic blend of contrasting flavours with a hint of intrigue and enough substance to fill you up for a good couple of hours. Fancy a taste? Coming right up...

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