Ok, that’s it for it our day three coverage of the French Open. Keep your eyes peeled out for Tumaini Carayol’s updates from Roland Garros. Earlier he saw the talented French teenager Moïse Kouamé beat Marin Cilic in front of a raptuous Court Simonne Mathieu:

After taking the second set, home favourite Diane Parry is down a break in the third against Anhelina Kalinina, it’s currently 2-0 to the Ukrainian in that decider on Chatrier. On Court 7, 14th seed Luciano Darderi was serving for the first set at 5-4 against Sebastian Ofner of Austria, but failed to see it off and has been broken back.

Out on 14, still no breaks in third set between the ninth seeded Bublik and Struff of Germany.

Bublik v Struff is on serve in the third, they’re tied up on sets after the Kazakh won the breaker. On Chatrier, Diane Parry has won the second set 6-2 after losing the first to love, it’s currently 0-0 in the decider. Unfortunately for British hopes, Fearnley has lost the first set to Cerundolo of Argentina 2-6. Fearnley broke his opponent in the first game of the match but has been struggling on serve, if he loses there would be no British men left in the singles draw.

Over on Suzanne-Lenglen, Kalinskaya is serving for the match against Boisson. After seeing off a break point the Russian fires into the net on match point to go back to deuce but eventually wears down Boisson with a series of forehand blows to get another chance. This time she double faults. A touch of nerves? A big serve gets Kalinskaya a third chance to seal it, again wasted. A loose backhand gives Boisson a break point but the Frenchwoman drifts a dropshot into the net with her opponent very deep. Kalinskaya saves another break point with heavy backhand. This is a mini-epic.

Boisson has a fourth break point but Kalinskaya bangs an ace down the middle. We’ve played 18 points and will get at least two more. Make that four, Kalinskaya goes long while on match point. And it ends with a bit of a whimper as Boisson drifts a backhand into the net when facing match point. Boisson will not repeat her run to the semi-final of last year, the Russian wins 6-2 6-2.

Well, well, well, Bublik looked as if he was about to go two sets down against Struff but reeeled off five points in a row to take the tie-breaker. The Kazakh’s pass to go 7-6 up was equisite.

On Court 7, Jaime Faria of Portugal has taken the first set 6-4 against Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian has reached the third round before at Roland Garros but is playing nearly 30 places down the world rankings from his career high of tenth.

Evening all, right where are we? Kalinskaya has consolidated her hold and now leads Boisson 3-1 in the second set. Bublik and Struff has gone to a tie-break in their second set. I’ll let you know how that goes. Jacob Fernley is underway against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, it’s 1-1 on Court 8. On Court 9, Martin Landaluce of Spain has beaten the Bolivian Juan Carlos Prado 6-3 4-6 6-2 6-7 6-4.

Back with Bublik, he now trails Struff 5-7 4-5, and has just been nailed by a glorious backhand winner lasered down the line. But a delicious slice from the back, followed by an error raises deuce, consecutive aces sealing the deal from there; it’s 5-5 in the second. Finally, before I chuck this to Tom Bassam, let me note that Boisson has broken Kalinskaya back to trail 2-6 1-1, a contest we feared was over still with plenty legs left in it; now that’s down, thanks for your company and until tomorrow, peace out.

Brilliant from Parry, a tremendous backhand followed by a forehand winner, on the run and down the line, securing a break at the start of set two. Kalinina leads her 6-0 0-2, but the contest is only just getting going … unlike on Lenglen, where Kalinskaya has just broken Boisson to lead 6-2 1-0. Last year’s hero is in danger of immediate elimination this term.

Kalinskaya serves out that first set to lead Boisson 6-2, but there’s a sense her young opponent has a level she might yet hit to make this contest interesting. Back on Chatrier, by the way, Parry is on the board, now trailing Kalinina 0-6 1-0.

Kalinina bagels Parry in set one, what a treat for those who bothered paying in to Chatrier. On which point, if it’s as empty as it is, maybe they’re charging too much?

Elsewhere, Struff leads Bublik 7-5 3-3, with Kalinskaya up 5-2 on Boisson.

Ruzic has beaten Krueger, which means shortly to arrive on Court 8 are Jacob Fearnley and Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, younger brother of no 25 seed, Francisco.

Boisson is on the board against Kalinskaya but still down 4-1, while Kalinina leads Parry 4-0 and Jacquemot has beaten Fruhvirtova 6-4 6-3. In the men’s competition, Faria and Shapovalov are level at 2-2 in the first, while Román Andrés Burruchaga and yes, before you ask, he’s Jorge’s lad – has beaten Seb Baez, who retired when down 2-1 2-0.

Bublik is struggling with Struff, down 5-7 1-2 and forced to deuce as he seeks a hold.

What he says about doubles isn’t right – Henry Patten, for example, plays it because he got good at it so quickly he couldn’t play singles tournaments at the same level because his ranking wasn’t there. John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova seemed to take it seriously, too – to name just two.

This appears to be a thing.

Kalinskaya, who turned up to the grounds with a pet dog, breaks Boisson immediately for 1-0, consolidates and, while I’m looking for a photo of, er, Bella, breaks again to love, and she leads 3-0.

On Chatrier, the bonus match is Kalinina v Parry, the former breaking immediately for 1-0.

Vacherot, the men’s no 16 seed, has beaten Faurel in four; next for him, it’s Tabilo. So I’m going to watch the match which succeeded theirs on Court 14, with Jan-Leonard Struff having just taken the first set off Sascha Bublik, the no 9 seed, 7-5.

I’m looking forward to this one, Kalinskaya bringing the guile and Boisson, who reached the semis here last year, the power. That remains the only time she’s made it past round one of a slam…

Next on Lenglen: Anna Kalinskaya (22) v Loïs Boisson.

Osaka says she felt really nervous but having not played on Lenglen “in a little minute” she was just pleased to get out there and hopes everyone’s drinking water.

She’s considered a veteran at this point and hopes she can play many more matches this tournament, but her goal is to have a lot of fun and smile a lot. She found the court a little slippery, running in to chase drop shots, but conditions are the same for everyone.

Finally, she explains that the dress in which she came out was very couture and she thinks the gold number looks a bit like the Eiffel Tower when it’s lit up at night. Otherwise, she’ll spend her day off calling her daughter and lying there waiting for the match.

We’re done on Chatrier until the evening sesh – that features Sinner v Tabur – but they announce there’ll be another match, presumably because Tsitsipas v Muller only went a set and a bit, so we’ll see what that is.

Gauff says she’s a lot of great memories on Chatrier but was a little nervous at the start before finding her calm, and she’s happy to be in the next round. She and Townsend have known each other for so long and know each other so well off the court but this was their first match on it. Her team, though, came up with a great plan and she stuck to it.

It’s different playing a lefty, especially one who hits with a lot of spin, but she had a good hitting partner who replicated the style. Also, she’s from Florida, so isn’t fazed by the heat at all, but adds that the higher bounce helps her serve.

Finally, she pays respect to Althea Gibson, who became the first Black grand slam winner 70 years ago, saying that she and Taylor are able to play on Chatrier partly because of her – and Zina Garrison, and the Williams sisters.

Oh dear: Siegemund nets a forehand and, at 3-5 is almost out. And Osaka doesn’t let her off the hook, moving beautifully when she reads a drop and a forehand winner raising three match points…

Osaka starts the breaker well, earning a mini-break that she immediately returns via double. No matter: a forehand return on to the line restores it, and though it’s immediately lost, a lovely volley, spun on to the sideline, means she leads 4-3.

Osaka quickly holds to earn a second-set tiebreak, while Gauff has cut loose on Chatrier, up 6-4 5-0 on Townsend, who isn’t long for this tournament.

Osaka makes break point at 30-40 but flaps a backhand long, then Siegemund is warned for taking too long between deliveries. She does, though, make advantage, only to power a forehand long, just – the umpire gets up to check – then, when she’s advantage down, wins a net exchange that she ought really to have been pushed out of. And from there, she seals what might yet prove to be a crucial hold, Osaka leading 6-3 5-6.

There’s a strange match in progress on Court 6, Tien leading Garin 6-0 2-6 6-0 1-0; Gauff breaks Townsend immediately in two, leading 6-4 2-0; and Osaka holds to lead Siegemund 6-3 5-5.

Osaka gets to deuce then Siegemund wafts long from the back and she’s faltering here with the pressure of a set to be won upon her, drilling a forehand low into the net to return the break for which she fought so hard. Osaka leads 6-3 4-5.

Gauff earns another opportunity to forge in front to net a backhand return. But from deuce, Townsend goes wide then long, tamely ceding a set she worked extremely hard to make close; the champ leads 6-4.

Meantime on Lenglen, Siegemund – who, as we said, was coming – breaks Osaka for 5-3 and is now serving to force a decider.

While all that was going on, Osaka fought hard for a hold which gives her 6-3 3-3, but Siegemund is well in this match now, much more so than in set one, and a swift hold underlines the point.

An ace gives Gauff set point … but a double follows, which I doubt surprises anyone, least of all her. Oh! And when Townsend forces yet another break point, this time she splatters a fantastic backhand winner on to the sideline and is still in set one at 4-5.

Yeah, time’s up. Gauff breaks Townsend for 5-3 and is now serving for the set … but at 30-all, a big, swinging left forehand is whammed cross-court, the point won from it. But she can’t convert the breaking opportunity, nor when she earns another immediately afterwards. Back to deuce we go…

On 6, Garin has retaliated, losing the first set against Tien 6-0 but taking the second 6-2. I’m going to drop in on that match, because I think the young American reminds me of a song has the harrying and hands to become a factor on clay.

Townsend’s played pretty well so far, but at 15-30, Gauff clouts one through her at net, then a forehand into the tape restores parity, the break-back taken for 3-3.

From deuce, Osaka closes out a 6-3 set, and this is a decent contest for her – one she probably can’t lose, but also one that’s testing enough to get her focused and into the competition. Back on Chatrier, meantime, Townsend endorses her break, then Gauff gets on the board, the doubles specialist leading the champ 2-1.

Serving for set one at 5-3, Osaka finds herself down 0-30, racing to net to level things. But at 40-30, a tame double cedes deuce while Norrie, now down a set and a break at 6-7 0-1, has the doctor out and seems to be struggling with a tight chest. It’s dead hot out there so, if that’s the issue, it tallies.

Intriguing start on Chatrier, Townsend breaking Gauff for 1-0. She’ll know her mate’s serve isn’t the greatest – the mechanics of it aren’t settled – and that there’s also a weakness on forehand.

In the men’s competition, another seed has gone, Arnaldi seeing off Griekspoor in four to set up a second-round meeting with Tsitsipas; Learner Tien, never past round one of this competition, leads Cristian Garin 6-0; and, in the men’s dubs, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, the reigning Wimbledon champions, are into round two.

On Lenglen, Osaka has broken Siegemund for 4-2 in the first and, looking at the draw, if she keeps winning, she’ll probably face Jovic in round three, then Sablenka in four. Those are big asks, but if she’s at it, she’s got the game to make it happen and, as I type, she consolidates for 5-2.

On Chatrier, Gauff and Townsend are out.

Oh dear. Another Vallejo double and Norrie again has a point for the set … only to direct a backhand into the tape. So the younger man thrashes away on backhand, forcing a set point of his own, on serve, then directs Norrie to either corner, forcing the error, and he takes the tiebreak to seven! The grand slam debutant leads by one set to love!

A Vallejo double hands Norrie three sets points, but he saves the two on return, then plays a fine rally to level us up at 6-6. Just when it seems like quality and experience are taking over, it turns out that actually, they aren’t.

Osaka survives break points to lead 2-1 but Siegemund, whose name you might remember from last year’s Wimbledon quarters, is really canny, her slow game of spins and angles not one that can really be prepare for. And back with Norrie, he holds then takes a mini-break, before a missed volley donates him a second at 4-1.

Vallejo holds against Norrie to leads 6-5 in the first, and this match might well mature into an epic. The two look really well-matched.

Osaka holds for 1-0 but, more generally, where is she going? When she lost a close one she should’ve won, against Swiatek in 2024, I thought she was fully back, but it’s not quite worked out that way. She does still have time, though, and if she finds her best form she can beat anyone. She leads Siegemund 1-0.

Incredible scenes.

Moise Kouame, though. At 17, I was still being a moron in school – yes, and everywhere else I went. It’s probably for the best I didn’t have the talent of a top tenniser, but he very much does and I’d not be at all surprised if he goes a bit further – it’s Norrie or Vallejo next, then Tabilo, Vaucherot or Faurel after that.

On Lenglen, meantime, Osaka comes out in a black evening dress, long skirt and all, under which is a gold singlet. I know, though, that what you really wantis to hear about her trainers – news coming as soon as I get it.

And next on Chatrier: Coco Gauff (4) v Taylor Townsend.

On Chatrier, Muller has retired when trailing Tsitsipas 6-3 3-0; next for him, Griekspoor or Arnaldi.

Back on 6, Sakkari and Noskova are playing a second-set breaker, Sakkari up a set and a mini-break…

Norrie trails Vallejo 2-3 on serve and, though he’d expect to beat an opponent playing a major for the first time, he’s struggled a bit with injury this season, so you never know. He was, I thought, interesting on Jack Draper recruiting Andy Murray as coach:

“I was not surprised. I knew they had a great relationship, and Andy rates him and thinks he’s so good, so I’m happy for them, and I’m excited to see Andy on the tour.

“I really like to see him back, and I know how much he loves tennis. It will be probably tough for his handicap in golf to be back on the tour.

“He’s not going to be able to play as much! But I think he’s got so much experience, so many big matches he played, and he was world No.1. Amazing for Jack, amazing for Andy, and I’m not surprised, and good pick I will say.

“I would love to have him, but I’m really set with my two coaches, but I just love to spend time with Andy in general.

“I’m always asking him questions, he’s so funny, so I’ve got a lot of time for Andy. I’m happy to be spending time around him and talking to him so of course I would like that.”

Next on Lenglen: Laura Siegemund v Naomi Osaka (16).

It’s so odd to see player of such calibre collapse as Medvedev did, and also not that odd at all – we know he’s got it in his locker, and at 30-years-old, he’s got some decisions to make. Does he indulge his least helpful characteristics and accept his career has peaked, or does he work on himself to try and wring every last drop of use out of his considerable talents? It’s up to him.

Walton is pretty tired after a match with big ebbs and flows, saying this is huge for him. After beating Medvedev in Cincinnati, he knew he could do it and knew when his opponent was liking his ball, he still had a chance. He grew up in the heat, thinks the speed through the air helps him, and that’s our lot.

Norrie and Vallejo are under way, level at 1-1 in the first, but what’s this? Medvedev slices into the net, slaps a volley into the tape, and doubles! Walton has three points for the biggest win of his career!

Goodness me, Walton hits the outside of the line with a forehand, then again with an overhead winner – that was so close to costing him a game. But he then nets … only for Mevedev to go long, burning a third break point, and from there, Walton secures his hold for 5-4 in the fifth.

Sakkari is making Noskova work hard to stay a break in front but, at 5-7 5-2 she’s a game away from forcing a decider. And back on Lenglen, Medvedev makes advantage on the Walton serve … only to go long with a forehand. The Aussie, though, can’t close from there, so round we go, Medvedev winning a net exchange to raise a second break point…

Walton isn’t going away, breaking Medvedev back for 4-4 in the fifth, and what a peculiar match this is. My sense is that the no 6 seed will do whatever it takes to get through, but he’s leaving himself little margin for error.

On Chatrier, Tsitsipas has started quickly, up 4-2 on Muller; Griekspoor and Arnaldi are level at 1-1 4-5, on serve; and Svajda has beaten Popyrin 3-6 6-3 7-6 7-5. Next on Court 13 is Norrie v Vallejo, so I’m going to stick that on and bin Tistsipas v Muller.

Back with Medvedev, he leads Walton 3-2 in the fifth, with a break, while Noskova has woken up, down 5-7 to Sakkari but up 4-1 in set two.

And don’t we need it. Much as the Sincaraz axis is pushing the game on, we can’t have them in every single final; we’re relyiing on the likes of Fonseca – and Kouame – to challenge them as soon as possible.

Of course, Cilic is past his best and maybe Kouame just happened to produce his best tennis against a fading force. But the match did not look like that, at all – the impression was of a brilliant talent seizing the opportunity offered because it could do no other.

Oh man, what a match and moment that was. We lost Monfils last evening, but what a way to replace him – we’ll see how it goes, of course, but I like absolutely everything I’ve seen of him. His game is terrific, full of touch and power; physically, he moves well and hits hard; mentally, he understands how to stay calm while maintaining an edge. I cannot wait to see where he goes from here.

Kouame takes the applause of the crowd and actually looks pretty calm, taking a moment when asked how he’s feeling. Lots of emotions, he says, it’s fantastic coming here to play. He didn’t know what to expect, but his team worked hard to be ready, and thanks to the fans who helped him with every single point.

It wasn’t easy to stay calm, he says, but he always wanted to stay focused and concentrate in the big moments; the crowd helped him. The drop shots worked pretty well today, he trained hard, and is looking forward to the second round – where he’ll meet Norrie or Vallejo – but the main thing is to enjoy life. Ain’t that the truth, young boss.

A double hands Cilic 15-all, but a backhand into the net takes Kouame two points away, then a netted return and he’s on the brink! What a performance this has been, a statement to the world: I am here. Know me.

Sakkari breaks Noskova at the first time of asking in set two, and I’ve no idea why this match wasn’t deemed worthy of commentary. But back with Kouame, he has a point for a double break, a Cilic serve looks wide, the umpire checks … and it was! The 17-year-old will now serve for the match at 7-2 6-2 5-1, his dominance increasing set by set, and i’ve seen nothing to make me think he won’t see this out.

I nip to the conveniences and return to see that Medvedev has taken set four against Walton, the match not at all close – sets of 2-6 6-1 1-6 6-1 – but also, extremely close, hence we’ll soon enjoy a decider. And on Mathieu, Kouame has broken and consolidated against Cilic; he leads 2-0 4-1, and is two games away from introducing himself to the world by way of ludicrous victory.

Excellent from Sakkari, a love hold sealed with an ace giving her a 7-5 lead against the in-form no 12 seed. She’s an absolutely brutal first-round draw.

Medvedev now leads Watton 4-0 in the fourth – a decider looks inevitable – while Cilic, down 6-7 2-6 1-2 to Kouame, has the trainer out for a medical timeout and back rub. And, now Sabalenla is safely through, on my third screen I’m watching Sakkari serving for the first at at 6-5 against Noskova.

Sabalenka tells Mats that she’s enjoying coming to the net more than anything, proud she’s improved her game enough in that aspect. She then thanks the crowd, reminding them to stay hydrated, before explaining that pressure is part of her life and, prompted, that she’s delighted to have been named sportswoman of the year at some recent awards. She hopes she’s a good example and the next generation take the best out of her.

Other than that, asked if the hot weather and fast courts are good for her, she says she’s still learning what suits her, enjoying it if it’s hot and fast but also cold and slow.

Next on Chatrier: Alexandre Muller v Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Oh, but Bouzas Maneiro isn’t going away, breaking for 2-5, and she has plenty of talent – she’s not gone beyond round four of a slam yet, but I’m sure she’s got that in her.

Bouzas Maneiro holds for 4-6 1-5, and Sabalenka will now serve for the match; assuming she closes, we’ll then proceed to Noskova 4-4 Sakkari.

Medvedev is, as Enid Blyton might’ve said, a really queer cove, following a set lost 1-6 by building a 3-0 lead in the next. Meantime, Kouame saves a breaking opportunity at 2-0 0-0, cementing the hold with a body-serve. He’s playing the big points superbly.

Again, Sabalenka is 4-0 up in a set, and this time, it seems unlikely she’ll let the lead go – she’s serving for 5-0 and, most likely, records a convincing victory in the next 10 minutes. But she doesn’t look impregnable – her brilliance is as fragile as it is devastating – which is why she “only” has four slams. She holds and moves a game away.

That should be a really good match – Navarro was a top-10 player not that long ago, prior to taking time off to resolve health issues, and beat Jovic en route to lifting the trophy in Strasbourg. But back with the now, Sabalenka rides out a break point to secure a hold for 6-4 3-0, while Cilic is seeking a hold to make Kouame serve for 2-0. and at 40-15, he looks set, but a stunning return, hooked from centre to corner, keeps him honest, we move to deuce and, after Cilic misses his shot completely, a backhand swept wide means the youngest player in the draw leads by two sets to love, 7-6 6-2! This is incredible behaviour, it really is.

Oh I say! Kouame powers through a love consolidation – what an affirming image that paints, may we all be so blessed – and is now a game away from a 2-0 lead at 7-6 5-2.

A fine drop from Kouame, disguised and tickled beautifully, raises a second break point … and when Cilic swipes a backhand into the net, he’s again cupping an ear, rotating to take in the fullness of the court! The 17-year-old leads 7-6 4-2, and this is glorious to behold!

Medvedev makes 40-30 and is playing a bit better again, hitting flat from the back, but then he cracks into the net and Walton leads him 6-2 1-6 6-1. Back on Chatrier, Sabalenka again breaks Bouzas Maneiro first up in a set to lead 6-4 2-0, while Kouame has break point against Cilic, leading 7-6 3-2.

What on earth is going on with Daniil Medvedev? He lost the first set to Adam Walton 6-2, won the second 6-1, and now trails in the third 5-0. But what a shot he produces to secure his first game of the set, a backhand from the middle of the baseline that breaks the side. Walton must now serve for a 2-1 lead.

Now then. Leading 7-6 2-1, Kouame outlasts Cilic in a rally, a backhand swiped wide offering him break point … which he can’t convert, going long from the back., And from there, the wily veteran holds for 2-2 while, on Chatrier, Sabalenka breaks to secure a 6-4 first set, all the work Bouzas Maneiro did to get back into it for nowt.

Just when Medevedev looked to have taken over, Walton breaks him for 1-1 2-0; he is not going away … and, as I type, he consolidates for 3-0. Medvedev is ticking again … and Bouzas Maneiro is too, but in a good way, thwacking a shoulder-high back winner cross-court to raise break-back point at 3-5. And there it is, Sabalenka netting unnecessarily, to her intense disgust. We’re back on serve at 4-5.

Vekic has beaten Tubello 3 and 2; next for her, an increase in tariff: Siegemund or Osaka. And next on Court 6, a potential match of the day: Linda Noskova, who beat Gauff in Madrid and, at 21, is growing into her potential, against former world no 3, Maria Sakkari.

And now Bouzas Maneiro secures a love hold, perhaps too late to affect the first set, but more than enough to make a statement. Sabalenka responds well enough for 5-2, while Kouame is still at it on Mathieu, leading 7-6 1-0.

Oooh, but Bouzas Maneiro is into it now, retrieving a break, and she earned that – down 0-4 to an opponent as intimidating as Sabalenka, she might easily have retreated, but instead she kept attacking and seized the reward. She trails 1-4.

Sabalenka knows Bouzas Maneiro is no joke and she’s started like she means it, the pressure of power already telling; she leads 4-0. Elsewhere, Walton has the trainer on having lost the second set 6-1 to Medvedev; Iva Jovic, who I’m excited to see here, leads Eala 6-4 0-1; Griekspoor leads Arnaldo 7-6; Vekic leads Tubello 6-3 5-2; Popyrin and Svajda are level at 6-3 3-6 1-1; and Navarro leads Tjen 6-4 1-2 with a break.

Oh yes! Kouame loses both points on serve for 4-3 … then creams a backhand winner down the line for 5-3! And when Cilic, the pressure beginning to tell, thrashes a forehand wide with almost the whole court to hit, at 3-6, he faces three set points. A double does for the first, then Kouame does well to stay in the point … long enough for Cilic to err, a forehand into the net sealing the deal and doesn’t he enjoy it! He cups an ear as the crowd go wild, everything he’s ever dreamed off unfolding for him – and us – right now.

And Kouame snatches an immediate mini-break, then pounds an ace down the T by way of consolidation; 3-0. Oh, and when Cilic needlessly nets a backhand, at 4-1 the set is almost over. This is brilliant from the kid while, on Chatrier, Sabalenka breaks Bouzas Maneiro immediately for 2-0 and on Lenglen, Walton is having to struggle for everything, up 6-2 but down 1-4 and fighting at deuce.

Kouame holds for 6-6 in the first; he and Cilic will now play a first-set tiebreaker, and I’d not be at all surprised if the 17-year-old took it. I’m almost tempted to post one of my school reports from the same age just to make clear how ridiculous what he’s doing is.

On Chatrier, Sabalenka and Bouzas Maneiro are ready to start. Can the world no 1 win a major on a non-hard surface? I’m sure the answer is yes, but equally, I’m not sure it’ll be this one, this year.

Kouame is enjoying this and the crowd are enjoying him – he’s bouncing about the court trying stuff, whether drops or lasered groundstrokes, and her holds for 5-5 in the first. Meantime, Mevedev consolidates in short order, and he’s into this now.

We go backwards and forwards, deuce advantage, then Medvedev, nursing his sixth break point, chops a drop, and that’s far too good. He trails Walton 2-6 3-1 and might just’ve found the tactic to get him through this set.

Medvedev isn’t enjoying himself at all, just about securing a hold for 2-6 2-1, an ace perhaps getting him going. And he quickly makes 0-40 when Walton serves next, but terrific hitting from the Aussie, who expertly moves him about the court, brings us to deuce.

I’ve not seen Komae play before, but a 17-year-old home wildcard, making his grand slam debut, has my attention. He’s giving Cilic plenty, down 3-4 on serve, and I’m excited to see what he does from here.

Five games in a row for Walton, who takes the first set off Medvedev 6-2 in just half an hour. I wonder if the no 6 seed is following a kind of José Mourinho arc, where he over-indexes on the confrontational stuff that helped make him brilliant to the exclusion of the other stuff that was equally important, losing the run of himself in the process.

Elsewhere, Alexei Popyrin leads Zachary Svajda 6-3; Donna Vekic is up 5-2 on Alice Tubello; Tallon Griekspoor and Matteo Arnaldi are level at 3-3; with Marin Cilic and Moise Kouame also level, at 2-2. Or, put another way, or better matchups come later in the day.

Though Medvedev has improved through the clay-court swing – Jannik Sinner needed three to get by him in the Italian Open semis – he’s made a rough start here, trailing Walton 4-2. That’s my main match for now.