SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Djokovic labours into French Open quarters

Top seed Novak Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open with a four-set rain-delayed win over Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic
Top seed Novak Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Novak Djokovic recovered from a mediocre start to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open on Wednesday with a four-set rain-delayed victory against plucky Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

The world No.1, chasing the only grand slam title to elude him, won 3-6 6-4 6-1 7-5.

He will take on Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych.

After conceding the opening set in damp conditions on Tuesday, Djokovic played tighter and he had won the second set and was 4-1 ahead in the third when rain cut short his victory charge on day 10 of the championships.

Back on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday for a match that should have been played on Monday, Djokovic won the third set but fell a break behind in the fourth before claiming five successive games, finishing it off with a forehand volley on his second match point.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"It was mentally and physically tough to win. I'm very glad to have finished the match today," Djokovic said.

"I had to play concentrated and with intensity.

"I was able to save some energy for tomorrow," Djokovic said.

Berdych also advanced to the last eight, prevailing 6-3 7-5 6-3 over Spanish 11th seed and former runner-up David Ferrer.

Austrian 13th seed Dominic Thiem beat Marcel Granollers of Spain 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-1 6-4.

Thiem set up a quarter-final match-up with Belgium's David Goffin, who defeated Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-3.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world