Rafael Nadal produced his most ruthless display in 77 French Open matches yesterday. His 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 win against Nikoloz Basilashvili, the world No 63 of Georgia, was his best, in terms of games lost at Roland Garros. “I had very high intensity in all the shots,” Nadal said. The nine-times champion, who turns turns 31 today, will spend tonight watching his beloved Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Court slams one of her critics
Margaret Court has hit back at the Australian player Casey Dellacqua for criticising her inflammatory comments on homosexuality. “Casey has never won a grand slam, I won 24,” Court said. Sam Stosur, the Australian No 1, cannot understand why Court continues to speak out. “She’s digging a very big hole for herself,” Stosur said. “And for whatever reason, she wants to keep talking about it, and I don’t think she’s making more friends by doing that.”
Goffin suffers covers mishap
David Goffin, the men’s No 10 seed, was forced to retire from his match after catching his foot underneath tarpaulin covers at the back of the court. The Belgian was serving for the first set at 5-4 in his third-round tie against Horacio Zeballos, of Argentina, when he fell. “He had an MRI and the news is reassuring,” a spokesman said.
French hope storms to victory
Kristina Mladenovic, bidding to become the first French winner of the women’s singles since Mary Pierce in 2000, fought back to defeat Shelby Rogers, of America, 7-5, 4-6, 8-6, in a match delayed by thunder and lightning. “It was spectacular,” the No 13 seed said.
Broady grief over terror victim
Naomi Broady, the British No 3 of Stockport, has revealed that she had to play through grief during qualifying last week after the Manchester terror attack. Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims, was a former schoolmate and a friend of the family. “I went to school with Martyn, he was in the same class as my sister,” Broady said. “His family still live in the same area as we do. It was awful.”