French Open day eight: Nadal beats Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic and Gauff win – as it happened

And that concludes our live blog for the day. We will be back tomorrow for more.

Nadal takes his time to drink up his barley water, and put on his tracksuit. Àlex Corretja does the honours on the mic.

It’s an atmosphere that’s incredible, so many emotions out for me. The most important court for me in my entire career. [On Auger-Aliassime]. He’s a great player, one the best in the world, with great power and mobility, I wish him all the best for the rest of the season. He’s a great guy, and a great colleague on tour. I didn’t start the match well so it was a first tough set. He has a huge serve and I was not able to push him back. At the end I could go to the end and that makes a difference. [On Djojkovic] Here we are, we are in Roland Garros, and I am going to try my best, that I can guarantee.

Auger-Aliassime takes the first point with a mighty forehand. 0-15. Then a skidding second serve down the middle levels it at 15-15. Then a jumping volley at the net takes Nadal to 30-15. Then a crashing forehand hands him two match points. Simply brilliant. Now can he finish the job? Then, after sending Auger-Aliassime all over the court and almost into the net, Rafa gets it done. The match with Djokovic is on!

It goes to 0-30 on the Auger-Aliassime serve, Nadal digging out a mighty return and then forcing the error, but then he’s sent packing with a winner to the back of the court. But then Nadal scoops up the ball from the back of the court, and it drifts into the court. Two break points, the first saved by a mighty serve. And then we see Nadal at his finest, chasing down a ball dropping for its second bounce and punching it beyond reach. 5-3 in the fifth, and Nadal will serve for the match.

Nadal holds to love, and it’s 4-3 in the fifth as they take a rest.

Auger-Aliassime races to 40-0, but then Nadal shows signs of life, taking it back to 40-30, then deuce with a charge forward and drive that cannot be returned. Then Auger-Aliassime reads a volley well to claim back advantage and game point. Nadal overhits and it’s 3-3 in the fifth.

A smash from Nadal takes it to 40-0, and both players look highly strong on their serve. Nadal chucks away a love-service game with a loose forehand, and then shows all his old speed on the court, only for Auger-Aliassime to stop-volley home. It’s 40-30 and there is hope for the Canadian. And yet Nadal punches home and it’s 3-2, going with serve, in the fifth.

Auger-Aliassime serves out to love, something may have to give soon, but it’s not happening just yet. 2-2 in the fifth.

Nadal holds again, closing out with a sliced drop that has Auger-Aliassime scampering in vain. It’s 2-1 in the fifth.

A glimmer for Nadal on the Auger-Aliassime serve, but the Canadian pulls it back to 30-30, only for Nadal to read a forehand and claim a break point. Auger-Aliassime saves that with a well-structured serve and winner. Then Auger-Aliassime does much the same to claim advantage, only to be bamboozled by a drop shot. There’s a grimace as Nadal misses a passing shot aimed down the line, and Auger-Aliassime holds. It’s 1-1 in the fifth.

Nadal, then, in not too familiar territory, begins the set by serving, and he’s taking his time over every one of them. He gets to 40-15, then tries to serve an ace down the line, only to miss. That’s followed by a second service fault, a double. The great man is nervous but he holds. 1-0 in the fifth.

Auger-Aliassime goes to set point with a Clint Eastwood-cool drop, shot. He gets three of them, and then smashes home. That’s 6-3 3-6 3-6 6-3, and into the fifth we go.

Some great tennis being played on Philippe-Chatrier, with Nadal on the brink of a fifth set for only the third time. How else to celebrate than a Mexican wave? Auger-Aliassime scuttles to the net for a drop shot but can’t make it, but then angles a volley to take it to deuce. But Nadal, somehow, hangs on, and it’s 3-5 in the fourth. Auger-Aliassime will have to serve out to level the match.

Auger-Aliassime goes a break away from levelling the match with Nadal flagging, and perhaps emptying his energy levels ahead of playing Djokovic, if he gets there. Then come three pieces of Nadal classicism, and it’s deuce. Auger-Aliassime serves and volleys for advantage, and then whips a winner home. It’s 5-2 in the fourth and a fifth surely beckons.

Nadal fights back, and won’t be surrendering this set to Auger-Aliassime. Fine service game, and it’s 4-2.

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Auger-Aliassime has the momentum, and the greater energy, though makes a mess of a forehand passing shot, then Nadal’s motor fires back up to go to 30-30. Auger-Aliassime clubs a return home for 40-30, before Nadal’s backhander levels it at deuce. Then Auger-Aliassime reads the Nadal forehand to crash home, and claim advantage. He aces home, and it’s 4-1 in the fourth set.

Well, good evening. Nadal may be back on serve but he then gives up two break points to Auger-Aliassime, and the second is taken. Nadal nets, and it’s 3-1 in the fourth set, and the great man may be in trouble.

How can Auger-Aliassime fare with a bit of leeway and the ball in hand? EXTREMELY well, judging by the first point, which he seals with a lovely drop shot from deep after changing up from a powerful baseline exchange. Still, he’s taken to deuce despite some lovely play at the net, with Nadal remorselessly digging the ball out from his feet … and then forcing him to face a break point. He’s unable to scoop over a low ball of his own, and suddenly the set’s back on serve. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 2-1 Nadal

I shall now take the opportunity to usher in John Brewin to the blogging booth, as I have a hotpot to childmind. Good evening everyone.

Dicey moments for Nadal as he’s taken to deuce, the first meaningful pressure he’s had on his own serve in a while. Auger-Aliassime then duffs one unpleasantly to hand advantage to the Spaniard … who then errs himself with a double fault, met by a yelp and a snarl.

Back at deuce, Auger-Aliassime wrongfoots his opponent with a deft return to Nadal’s backhand corner, which he sends long – break point. He can’t take it however, as the frustrated Spaniard forces him to net a forehand. Given a second serve to swing at, the Canadian throws some power at the problem, taking the initiative in the point and bringing up another chance of a break. This time he gets a second serve on break point to play with … and he takes it to take the lead in the set. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 2-0 Nadal

A brief flurry of resistance from the Spaniard was followed by three straight games pocketed by the world No 3 to close out the match. He’s through after a two hour 45 min test in his fourth-round match.

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The first point of the fourth set, with Philippe-Chatrier in shade for the first time in a while, goes to Nadal on his opponent’s serve, and then a wild mis-hit from Auger-Aliassime makes thing uncomfortable once more. The Spaniard goes long next time up, and dabs an attempted return wide – 30-30.

The Canadian’s best serve in a while catches Nadal with his hands slightly wrong, and then a firmly struck effort gives his opponent no time to wrap his arm around the ball at the baseline. Fair play, that’s an excellent hold and a welcome one for the world No 9. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 1-0 Nadal

Nadal nails his service game to love, the final flourish a lovely looping crosscourt thwack that leaves the Canadian looking dejected. The momentum is firmly with the 13-time champion. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-6 Nadal

A bit of resistance from Zapata Miralles gives Zverev something to think about, breaking the world No 3 and then holding to take the third set to 3-3. The German then holds to move 4-3 ahead.

On Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal once again takes the initiative on his opponent’s serve. A slightly tired and limp service game results in feeding the veteran’s crosscourt backhand, and he masterfully takes the game to 15. He’ll now serve for the third set. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-5 Nadal

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Auger-Aliassime gets a glimpse of an opening on Nadal’s serve, but a changed-up delivery catches the Canadian napping at 30-30, and the world No 5 takes the game at the first time of asking. Already it’s 2-4 in the set. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-4 Nadal

Once again Auger-Aliassime loses the first two points on his own serve. And he initially responds well again, levelling at 30-all. Another missed first serve makes things that little bit tougher again, however, and Nadal, wincing but fooling nobody, finds a winner to bring up another break point. That’s saved, and followed by a smashed winner to give him respite and the initiative in the game. He’s visibly relieved to see his opponent slam a return into the net. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 2-3 Nadal

Zverev moves to 3-1 ahead in the third set on Suzanne-Lenglen.

Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles Britain’s Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk of the US – the reigning Wimbledon champions – have beaten Storm Sanders and Sander Gillé – they take their second-round match 8-6, 4-6, 6-3.

Suddenly it’s a game of chase for Auger-Aliassime on Nadal’s serve, and a fairly sad attempted return from the youngster sees his opponent win to 15 – he has now pocketed four of the last five games. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 1-3 Nadal

Nadal’s relentless power into either corner takes him to 0-40, threatening another break. The 21-year-old accounts for one and then finds the corner with a pacy second serve to help save another. He looks every bit like taking things to deuce, well on top of the point, but extraordinary defence from Nadal, including from a vicious overhead smash, gives him another ball to hit … and he sends a smash long to hand over an early break. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 1-2 Nadal

Meanwhile Zverev breaks in the opening game of the third set, then consolidates it with his own serve to leave Nadal’s fellow Spaniard plenty to do. Zverev leads 7-6 (11), 7-5, 2-0

A quickfire service game to 15 for Nadal levels matters once more. Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 3-6, 1-1 Nadal

On Suzanne-Lenglen, third seed Alexander Zverev is two sets to the good against Bernabé Zapata Miralles. He now leads – 7-6 (11), 7-5

More useful volleying from Nadal takes him to 15-30 on the Canadian’s serve … and then a well-arced lob leaves Auger-Aliassime backpedalling from the net, swiping helplessly to nowhere useful, and bringing up two break points. Both are saved, and then a biff down his forehand side gives the server a welcome advantage. A fourth point in succession, safely keeping on top of things at the net, holds serve to make it Auger-Aliassime 6-3 3-6 1-0 Nadal.

Stuart ‘ere, jumping in at the “oo-er” moment while Daniel takes a glass of squash and a cold towel. Auger-Aliassime goes 30-15 ahead, only to be pegged back to 30-30. Nadal then swiftly moves to set point … but tamely slams his first serve into the net with parity beckoning.

However, the Spaniard quickly takes the initiative after a well-aimed second delivery, then takes sends his opponent wide and helpless. The salvaged forehand leaved the court wide open, and Nadal dabs the set-securing drop shot over the net – 6-3 Nadal and one set all.

Righto, that’s me done for today – here’s Stuart Goodwin to guide you through the rest of the day. On which point, Zverev and Zapata Miralles are at 5-5 and deuce in set two. Peace out.

Auger-Aliassime will be regretting those break points he missed earlier in the set – did he miss his chance to kick Nadal while he was down? They end up at 40-30 and Nadal tightens when serving ... but a sensational backhand to follow a second effort sets up the tap-away, and we’re level at a set apiece!

Have things changed on Lenglen? Zverev breaks Zapata Miraelles for 4-4 while, on Chatrier, Auger-Aliassime is 15-40. In the first set, he had to keep coming from behind on serve, and there’s only so long you can get away with that kind of thing against Nadal on clay. Auger-Aliassime, though, sends Nadal wide with a big forehand, then executes a nice drop on the back for 30-40 and we’re soon at deuce; as I said earlier, he’s played the big points better so far. Until now! Nadal works another opportunity and this time, Auger-Aliassime shanks a forehand and Nadal will now serve for set two! Auger-Aliassime 6-3 3-5 Nadal

A second consecutive love-hold for Nadal who now leads 4-3 in set two. He’ll have to go some to get the break, but he’ll be delighted with the short games, especially as his backhand seems to be improving.

Zapata Miralles earns two points for a double break but Zverev saves both, the second with a barrage of forehand violence. Eventually, he secures the hold for 3-4 in set two, but everything is difficult for him at the moment.

Oh wow, sent out to the forehand side, Zapata Miralles hooks a shot that breaks the sideline cross-court! How on earth did he find that angle? He holds for 4-2, and is playing pretty much as well as he can – not unlike Auger-Aliassime, who is full of confidence and going for his shots. However, Nadal is improving a bit and secures his first love hold to trail 3-6 3-2.

Goodness me, a double double-fault game from Zverev, who hands Zapata Miralles a break and a 3-2 lead in set two. Zverev has big weapons, but he’s just a bit streaky and a bit careless.

Nadal goes inside-out on the forehand, doesn’t put enough on it, and opens a lane down the line that Auger-Aliassime hits, raising break point! He can’t convert, an inside-out forehand of his own missing the line by a fraction, but a brilliant scurry and drop on advantage gives him another shy. He is just so quick around the court, and we’re told that the Canadian federation thought him the best athlete they’d ever seen when he walked through the door; he might actually be the best athlete tennis has ever seen. Nadal, though, is alright too, and eventually holds to trail 3-6 2-1 while, on Lenglen, Zverev has broken Zapata Miralles back for 2-2 the second, having won the first 7-6(11).

Auger-Aliassime is so confident out there now, rattling through his first service-game of the set for 1-1 – and with a net-cord forcing Nadal to slip and dive for extra points. And just as he’s not going anywhere, nor is Zapata Miralles, who breaks Zverev in the first game of set two when he could’ve been excused for losing focus after working so hard for no reward.

Zapata Miralles goes long on the forehand, and Zverev takes the first set 7-6(11)! That will sting the Spaniard, who’s played well, fought like an animal, and still ended up with nowt. Can he rebound from the disappointment?

Auger-Aliassime holds, and he takes the first set off Nadal 6-3! There’s a long way to go, but Nadal’s not hitting his backhand with the usual venom, prompting the commentators to wonder if he can properly plant his front foot and put weight on it. We shall see, but the difference so far is that the young Canadian has played the big points better. What an accolade that is!

Nadal holds for 5-3, so Auger-Aliassime will have to serve for the set a second time; he quickly makes 40-0. Zverev, meanwhile saves a set point at 8-9, then earns another for himself.

A terrific forehand from Zapata Miralles level the breaker at 7-7 – set point there was on the Zverev serve – and shortly afterwards, the Spaniard is serving at 8-7...

Zverev has made hard work of this first set, more or less winning it by securing a double-break, prior to handing it back. Then he takes a 5-2 lead in the breaker, finds himself pegged back to 5-4 ... and balloons a forehand! Zapata Miralles is getting a lot of balls into court, but even so, this should be in the books. Meantime, Auger-Aliassime is also returning a break, his lead now cut to 5-2. P-r-e-s-s-u-r-e!

Zverev is experiencing some wild fluctuations here, and he just about serves out for a first-set breaker. Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, has just broken Nadal again for 5-1 – Uncle Toni, we learn has helped him stay in rallies longer so he can turn up the power more often and he’s looking very well-organised these days.

Brilliant from Nadal, getting to 0-30 then flicking a terrific lob after chasing a decent drop that sets up three break points. Auger-Aliassime, though, stays calm to save them all and close out for 4-1, while Zverev clumps a forehand wide and he’s gone to pieces here. Zverev 5-5 Zapata Miaralles

Zapata Miralles has retrieved one of the two breaks Zverev took off him, to trail 3-4 in set one, while Auger-Alissime’s backhand stands up well in a rally that gets him 30-40 and his first break point of the match. Nadal, though, thunders down a service winner ... but it doesn’t matter because Auger-Aliassime takes two rallies in a row for 3-1! Since 2015, Nadal has lost 70 service games at Roland Garros, and on 33 of those occasions, he’s broken back immediately. That is absurd.

At 15-40, Auger-Aliassime has two break points to save. The first is easily rescued, Nadal going long with a backhand return, then two phat backhands earn deuce. We see Uncle Toni, the man who helped Rafa so much and now coaches Felix, and he’ll doubtless be chuffed when a big serve closes out the game. Auger-Aliassime 2-1 Nadal

On Chatrier, we begin with a hold apiece, Auger-Aliassime working harder for his than Nadal; Zverev, meanwhile, looks nothing like the player who lost the first two sets to Sebastian Baez on Wednesday and now leads 4-1 with a double break.

Zverev and Zapata Miralles are away, and Zverev breaks immediately then consolidates for 2-0.

Mats tells us he had a chat with Auger-Alissime’s coach recently, who said early in the clay-court season, his charge was playing like too clay-court – looping too many balls and trying to construct points. In more recent weeks, he’s been attacking more, and that’s what he’ll have to do to have a chance here. He’ll be concerned about how his backhand stands up to Nadal’s top-spin forehand – even more reason to shorten the points if he can.

Nadal and Auger-Aliassime are coming out, Nadal having watched Real Madrid beat Liverpool last evening. Decent little coincidence that, the Champions League final in Paris and his team playing in it.

I can’t wait for Nadal v Auger-Aliassime. Obviously Nadal is a huge favourite, but Auger-Aliassime moves so well and is playing with more confidence than before. If he serves well, he’s got a chance.

Gauff says she had to fight through some tough moments in set one, and is also congratulated on her ballerina-style gear by Marion Bartoli. She’s really chuffed to have graduated from high school and is having the most fun she’s ever had a a major. She thanks the crowd and then thanks Bartoli, saying she once watched her practise and got her autograph – Bartoli took care to sign for everyone. That’s a nice moment.

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Next on Chatrier: Auger-Aliassime [9] v Nadal [5]

Next on Lenglen: Zverev [3] v Zapata Miralles

A booming backhand cross-court is too good for Mertens, and Gauff is through to meet either Teichman or Stephens next! She played really well today, and will fancy herself against whoever comes next.

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Gauff now leads Mertens 5-0 in the decider and does brilliantly to hang in a rally that she eventually wins for 0-30. We wind up at 30-40, and Gauff has her first match point...

A glorious drop-volley seals the deal and Djoovic sails through – but up next for him it’s either Nadal or Auger-Aliassime, so things should get more taxing from here.

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