Djokovic Survives Musetti Scare, Nadal Advances, Gauff, Sakkari, Krejcikova Reach First Major Quarterfinal at Roland Garros
(June 7, 2021) Novak Djokovic needed to rally from two sets down to defeat Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti who retired with an injury down 6-7 (7), 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-0, 4-0 in the fourth round of Roland Garros on Monday afternoon in Paris.
The world No. 1 from Serbia is now in the quarterfinals for the 15th time in his career. He is in a hunt for his second French Open title, which would be his 19th major title, which would put him one behind the all-time leaders – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal tied with 20.
Rafael Nadal also defeated an Italian in his fourth round match, a 7-5, 6-3, 6-0 win over 18th seed Jannik Sinner.
Nadal, the four-time defending champion is seeking his 14th title at Roland Garros and 21st major title.
Nadal has now won 35 straight sets at the French Open.
Joining Nadal and Djokovic in the elite 8 are Diego Schwartzman and Mateo Berrettini. Berrettina advanced when Roger Federer withdrew from the tournament on Sunday.
The highest seed left in the women’s draw is out. Fourth seed, American Sofia Kenin, last year’s losing finalist in Paris fell to 17th seed Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-1, 6-3. It’s the Greek woman’s first trip to the quarterfinals of a major tournament.
Two more women have also made the final eight in Paris – 17-year-old Coco Gauff shut down Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-3, 6-1, while Barbora Krejcikova demolished 2017 U. S. Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-0.
Gauff became the youngest quarterfinalist since Nicole Vaidisova in 2006 in Paris.
