Djokovic, Alcaraz Roll Into French Open QFs; Rune, Ruud v South America Monday

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time moving into the quarterfinals Sunday at the French Open as both played their best matches of the event.

Djokovic was in dominant form over Juan Pablo Varillas crushing the Peruvian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach his 14th straight French Open quarterfinal. And overall, it’s his 17th career final eight at Roland Garros breaking the tie he and Rafael Nadal shared for the all-time lead.

“Of course, I’m proud of all my records,” Djokovic said of passing Rafa. “This means that I’m not a young man anymore. I’m not the same as 10 years ago. But with the way I played today, I’m very motivated to keep playing.”

Djokovic will now face Russian Karen Khachanov who returned to the quarters with 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(9-7), 6-1 win over Lorenzo Sonego in under two hours. The Italian was in command early with a set and a break lead before Khachanov came back. Khachanov has made the semifinals at the last two Slams but will have to overcome a 1-8 mark against Djokovic to make it three straight.

“He’s one of the toughest tasks, toughest opponents, and you cannot count him out,” Khachanov said of Djokovic. “So at the same time I have ultimate respect, but I’m focused. I’m pumped to do well, and let’s see if I can make it or not this time.”

In a much-anticipated showdown between two young stars, Lorenzo Musetti got a quick break and went up 2-0 before the Spaniard turned on the jets winning the next five games. From there, it was all Alcaraz who cruised into his second straight French Open quarter with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win.

“I think I played such a great level,” Alcaraz said after. “A really high quality of shots. I adapted my game really well to the wind and played really aggressive – I think I played a really complete match from the first ball until the last one. I’m really happy to get through this really tough round against Lorenzo.”

Alcaraz, who has won his last 11 matches in Grand Slam play, will now get Stefanos Tsitsipas who ended the run of Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 7-5, 6-3, 6-0. The 27-year-old Ofner made things interesting early going up a break but the Greek’s game was too dynamic.

Tomorrow, the fourth round continue with Holger Rune and Casper Ruud will be favorites against their South American counterparts.

Ruud tests Nicolas Jarry, Rune locks up with No. 23 Francisco Cerundolo. No. 22 Alexander Zverev faces No. 28 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 27 Yoshihito Nishioka takes on Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Zverev will play again at night for a third straight time.

MONDAY FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE
Court Philippe-CHATRIER – Début à 11h00
Bernarda PERA (USA) contre Ons JABEUR (TUN)[7]
Nicolas JARRY (CHI) contre Casper RUUD (NOR)[4]
Anna Karolina SCHMIEDLOVA (SVK) contre Coco GAUFF (USA)[6]

Pas avant 20h15
Grigor DIMITROV (BUL)[28] contre Alexander ZVEREV (GER)[22]

Court Suzanne-LENGLEN – Début à 11h00
Sara SORRIBES TORMO (ESP) contre Beatriz HADDAD MAIA (BRA)[14]
Holger RUNE (DEN)[6] contre Francisco CERUNDOLO (ARG)[23]
Iga SWIATEK (POL)[1] contre Lesia TSURENKO (UKR)
Tomas Martin ETCHEVERRY (ARG) contre Yoshihito NISHIOKA (JPN)[27]