Djokovic The Destroyer Into French QFs, Zverev Next; Federer v Wawrinka Tomorrow
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Novak Djokovic kept his foot on the at the French Open. With rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer rolling yesterday, Djokovic kept pace today hammering Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach a record 10th straight French Open quarterfinal.
“I don’t mind cruising along, to be honest,” Djokovic said. “I have plenty of experience, I think, dealing with situations where you’re facing break points or where it’s tense. I have played plenty of tight matches in my career that I can rely on that experience. I think it’s good to be tested from that perspective, but at the same time, it’s also good to cruise along and conserve the energy for what’s coming up.”
The Serb has now won his last 25 Grand Slam matches, all since a stunning loss a year ago in the quarters to Marco Cecchinato.
“I am satisfied so far with my game. I mean, I reached the quarterfinals and played as close to my best tennis on clay as I think I can be at the moment,” Djokovic added. “I’m really pleased with every aspect of my game. So everything is coming together beautifully. I’m motivated to fight for the trophy, yes, that’s why I’m here. But it’s still a long way to go.”
An Italian unknown won’t be waiting on Wednesday. Instead, it will be the familiar sight of Alexander Zverev who returned to the final eight after a tough 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(5) win over Monte Carlo champion Fabio Fognini.
“I didn’t start well and he did. He played very aggressive, hitting the ball very hard, which made it difficult,” Zverev said. “But then after first set, I played three very good sets, very solid from my part. And I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals.”
Zverev and Djokovic have split two meetings with the German winning their most recent clash in the London finals last November.
Dominic Thiem ended the hopes to hometown hero Gael Monfils, jumping out early on the Frenchmen to cruise to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory.
“It was a really good match, my best match so far in this tournament,” said Thiem. “It was the first match for me at this tournament, where it didn’t have any up-and-downs. It was really solid. I’m very happy.”
Thiem is back in the French Open quarterfinals for a fourth straight year. On Wednesday, he’ll take on Karen Khachanov who advanced to his first career Slam quarterfinal after beating Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Tomorrow, on a big day of quarterfinal action, Roger Federer resumes his return to Roland Garros against the man who beat him here in his last appearance here in 2015, Stan Wawrinka.
Federer leads Stan 22-3 and has won the last six against his good friend. He also hasn’t lost a set in four match so far, but playing Wawrinka will be a major step up in class. Wawrinka, though, just went 5 hours, 9 minutes against Stefanos Tsitsipas, so how fit will he be?
Fitness may also be an issue in the second match as Rafael Nadal puts a 20-match French win streak on the line against Kei Nishikori. The 7th-ranked Nishikori has won his last two matches in five sets, and will be playing a third straight day after coming from a 4-1 down Monday to beat Benoit Pare in five sets. Nadal leads Nishikori 10-2 including 4-0 on clay.
TUESDAY FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE
Court Philippe CHATRIER Début à 14h00
Sloane STEPHENS (USA)[7] contre Johanna KONTA (GBR) [26]
Kei NISHIKORI (JPN) [7] contre Rafael NADAL (ESP) [2]
Court Suzanne LENGLEN Début à 14h00
Stan WAWRINKA (SUI) [24] contre Roger FEDERER (SUI) [3]
Marketa VONDROUSOVA (CZE) contre Petra MARTIC (CRO) [31]
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