Sofia Kenin Rallies to Reach First Roland Garros Quarterfinal, Novak Djokovic Continues Cruise Through the Draw
(October 5, 2020) Reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin had to fight past Frenchwoman Fiona Ferro 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Monday to reach the quarterfinals for the French Open for the first time in her career. The win for the American snapped a win streak for the last French woman in the draw Ferro, who came into Roland Garros with an 18-match winning streak.
“I was just super proud of myself,” said a tearful Kenin. “Yes, there was a lot of emotions. I was just super happy that I won. Like, the crowd wasn’t the best, which is understandable, but still I wish it would have been a little bit different.
“I’m like super happy that I’m in the quarters. I usually don’t play really good on clay. In the past in juniors, I really hated the clay. Last year I started to like it for the first time.”
Ferro talked about what changed things around for Kenin. “I think she started to take the ball earlier and play a little bit longer. So for me it was a bit tougher to react. Was tough to adjust. So, yeah, I had a good first set, but then she raised her level.”
Due to the rain, Kenin won’t know who she will play on Wednesday. The match between countrywoman Danielle Collins, and No. 30 seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia was delayed until Tuesday.
Other woman advancing to the elite 8 included No. 7 seed Petra Kvitova and Laura Siegemund.
It was another day on cruise control for No. 1 Novak Djokovic on Monday. The Serb, in search of his second Paris title reached his 11th straight French Open quarterfinal with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win over 15th seed Karen Khachanov. His 11-year streak extends his his own Open-era record at the tournament.
Djokovic will next face Pablo Carreno Busta for a spot in the semifinals.
“Carreno Busta is someone that is obviously very solid,” Djokovic siad during his news conference. “I think he actually improved his game in the last 12, 15 months on all the surfaces. I mean, playing semifinals in US Open proves it. I know he has done it before. He’s climbing the rankings again. He won slams or played finals in doubles, as well. Has very good hands, great return. Puts you under a lot of pressure. He moves very well. Obviously, as all the Spanish players, he grew up playing on clay, even though probably his game fits the hard court, kind of slower hard courts, the most.”
Also advancing the men’s quarterfinals were No. 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and No. 13 seed Andrey Rublev.
