French Open Day 10 – Marco Cecchinato In Dreamland; Live Reaction To Djokovic’s Downbeat Press Conference, Keys & Stephens Set Up Semi-Final Clash; Murray Progress Update

The match of the tournament came a day later than expected at Roland Garros.

Just 24 hours after the Serena-Sharapova non-event, World No.72 Marco Cecchinato stunned Novak Djokovic in an exhilarating encounter, and one that will be remembered for a pulsating fourth-set tiebreak that transfixed everyone watching.

Catherine Whitaker is joined on The Tennis Podcast by The Telegraph’s tennis correspondent Simon Briggs in the immediate aftermath. Speaking from inside the press centre at Roland Garros, they try to make sense of what happened.

First of all, there’s plenty of praise for Cecchinato. The Italian, who was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal two years ago, had never won a match at a Grand Slam prior to this tournament. But he played with heart to defeat Djokovic, impressing everyone with his blend of on-court craft, penetrative groundstrokes and smooth movement.

Can he keep this improbable run going? He will certainly be the underdog against Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals. Thiem brushed aside Alexander Zverev on Tuesday as the German’s exploits finally caught up with him physically.

Then, mid-podcast, there’s a bombshell. News filters through from Novak Djokovic’s terse press conference. Catherine and Simon react to Djokovic’s declaration that he may skip the entire grass court season. Was this a comment borne of frustration? Or was it indicative of deeper issues? It certainly caught Catherine and Simon off guard.

In the women’s draw, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys set up a semi-final clash. The Americans have both looked convincing on the clay, but who do Catherine and Simon think will prevail?

Finally, there’s an injury update from Andy Murray. The Brit is still hoping to make his comeback on grass in the coming weeks.

There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)

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