French Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime in action as Shnaider upsets Keys on day nine live updates
At Roland Garros, the day featured a series of compelling fourth-round matches that reshaped the women’s and men’s draws, with several players advancing in unexpected fashion and others battling through tense three-set contests.
One of the standout stories was Maja Chwalinska’s breakthrough run. The Polish qualifier produced a composed and varied performance to defeat home favourite Diane Parry 6-3, 6-2 and reach the quarter-finals without losing a set. Chwalinska used her left-handed angles, drop shots and soft hands to repeatedly disrupt Parry’s rhythm, while also showing impressive calm in front of an energized French crowd. Parry, despite her talent and support from the stands, was unable to sustain enough pressure in key moments, and Chwalinska steadily pulled away as the match progressed.
Another major result came in the women’s draw as Diana Shnaider upset Madison Keys 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final. Shnaider took advantage of Keys’ inconsistency and growing frustration, particularly in the deciding set, where the American’s errors mounted. Keys recovered to force a decider after taking the second set, but Shnaider responded with composure, cleaner baseline play and smart shot selection. The win marked a significant milestone for the Russian, who had never previously gone beyond the fourth round at a major.
The women’s section of the tournament continued to show how open and unpredictable the competition remains, with strong players from different countries filling the later rounds. That volatility has been underscored by upsets and by the difficulty many favorites have had in handling pressure at this stage of the event.
On the men’s side, Matteo Berrettini looked in strong form against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. The Italian, a former French Open quarter-finalist and one of the most dangerous players left in the draw, used his powerful serve and forehand to control the match. His ability to run around his backhand and dictate with the forehand proved especially effective on clay, where his heavy topspin and pace gave Cerúndolo few chances to settle. Berrettini took the opening set 6-3 and later won a second-set tiebreak 7-2 to move two sets ahead, appearing increasingly in control.
Felix Auger-Aliassime also made a promising start in his match against Alejandro Tabilo. The Canadian, seeded fourth, broke early and settled into a solid rhythm on serve, showing the power and athleticism that make him one of the most dangerous contenders in the draw. Although Tabilo remained competitive, Auger-Aliassime seemed to have the edge if he could keep his backhand and second serve under control.
The day also carried a celebratory atmosphere around the tournament, with football and tennis intersecting in the Roland Garros crowd. Paris Saint-Germain figures and trophies drew attention on court before play, adding to a lively scene in the stadiums.
Overall, the action highlighted a tournament defined by opportunity. With several leading names absent or vulnerable, the remaining contenders continue to battle for a rare chance to advance deep into a Grand Slam that has already produced major breakthroughs, surprise results and growing belief among players who had not previously reached this stage.
