Kalinskaya and Cobolli reach French Open quarters

AFP | Paris 

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Anna Kalinskaya and Flavio Cobolli booked their places in the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League heroes received a warm reception from the Roland Garros crowd.

Russian Kalinskaya advanced after a dramatic 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (10/7) victory over 28th seed Anastasia Potapova, who was unable to capitalise after stunning defending champion Coco Gauff in the previous round.

Potapova twice served for the match in the deciding set but failed to close it out as Kalinskaya fought back to prevail in a tense match tie-break.

Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska also continued her impressive run in Paris, defeating France’s Diane Parry 6-3, 6-2 to end home hopes in the women’s singles draw.

Parry’s exit left the French crowd disappointed, but fans were later treated to a celebratory appearance by Paris Saint-Germain stars Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola.

The quartet paraded the club’s two Champions League trophies on Court Philippe Chatrier after PSG secured a second consecutive European title on Saturday.

In the men’s draw, Italian 10th seed Flavio Cobolli survived a late wobble to defeat American Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5).

Cobolli appeared to be cruising to victory when he opened a 4-0 lead in the fourth set and later moved 5-1 ahead, only for Svajda to stage a remarkable fightback and force a tie-break.

The Italian eventually regained his composure to seal victory and reach the second Grand Slam quarter-final of his career after last year’s Wimbledon Championships.

“The match is never done and today I almost shit in my pants,” Cobolli said. “I’m happy but I’m still nervous.”