2023 French Open: Unprecedented Dominance as Djokovic Marches into Record 19th Quarter-Final, Sinner Scorches Opponents
Djokovic and Sinner progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
AP, PARIS
This year's Roland Garros has seen some breathtaking tennis, and day 8 was no exception. Novak Djokovic, the relentless Serbian titan, bulldozed his way into a record-breaking 19th French Open quarter-final. Meanwhile, the young gun Jannik Sinner showcased his might, dismantling Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
The 38-year-old Djokovic dispatched Britain's Cameron Norrie on Court Philippe Chatrier, winning 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to claim his 100th victory at the French Open. Breaking Roger Federer's record for most quarter-final appearances at a single Grand Slam tournament with 19, Djokovic has his sights set on something much more significant—a new outright record of 25 Grand Slam titles this week.
Photo: AP
"I feel good. I know I can play better, but 12 sets played, 12 sets won, it's been solid so far," said Djokovic, who faces the prospect of a rugged test against world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, last year's runner-up.
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The German Zverev advanced when Djokovic retired injured during their last meeting in the Australian Open semi-finals in January. Zverev moved into his seventh Roland Garros quarter-final when Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor retired with an abdominal problem while trailing 6-4, 3-0. Zverev is still searching for his first Grand Slam title, having lost last year's final to Carlos Alcaraz and finishing runner-up to Sinner in Melbourne.
Photo: AP
World No. 1 Sinner sent a chilling message to his title competitors, annihilating Russian 17th seed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 in the evening session. Looking to build on a strong comeback from a three-month doping ban last month, Sinner will face the unseeded Alexander Bublik for a spot in the last four.
Bublik, reinvigorated by his success in Paris, came from a set behind to eliminate British fifth seed Jack Draper, triumphing 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
In the women's singles, unseeded Lois Boisson sent shockwaves through Roland Garros as she stunned third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, becoming the first home quarter-finalist at the tournament since 2017.
Boisson, a 22-year-old French sensational, overcame last year's US Open runner-up to continue her sensational run in her Grand Slam debut. She will face 18-year-old Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva today for a place in the semi-finals.
Sixth seed Andreeva, who cut short an attempted comeback by Daria Kasatkina to win 6-3, 7-5, awaits Boisson in what promises to be an exhilarating clash. Meanwhile, world No. 2 Coco Gauff is to face reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in an all-American quarter-final, as she steps up her pursuit of a first Roland Garros crown and second Grand Slam title.
In the midst of the phenomenal 2023 French Open, Jannik Sinner showcased his tenacious tennis prowess, triumphing over Andrey Rublev in a comprehensive match, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash against unseeded Alexander Bublik, who conquered Jack Draper in an exhilarating contest. Meanwhile, the women's singles saw a surprising turn of events, as unseeded Lois Boisson stunned third seed Jessica Pegula, advancing to the quarter-finals and setting up a thrilling encounter with the rising Russian star Mirra Andreeva.
