Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic move one step closer to semi-final clash
ROLAND GARROS — Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic took one more step towards a much-anticipated semi-final match-up as they both booked their spot in the last eight with ease.
Djokovic dispatched Peruvian surprise package Juan Pablo Varillas in a shade under two hours for the loss of just seven games, before Alcaraz handed an identical 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 beating to No 17 seed Lorenzo Musetti.
They will each play a quarter-final match on Tuesday but if they are both triumphant, they will face off in Friday’s semi-final, a potential clash that has been pencilled into diaries ever since the draw, although Djokovic has tried to maintain focus on his own game.
“You always follow the top guys in your half or whatever, how they’re playing,” Djokovic said.
“Of course you’re looking, you’re analysing everyone’s game. You’re basically following what’s going on in the draw.
“But most of the attention is obviously focused on you, on what you need to deliver on the court, how you need to perform, how you need to win the next match. It’s only about the next step.
“But of course I do keep in mind what the others are doing.”
Djokovic, perhaps in an effort to fire himself up and ensure he did not lose concentration in a straightforward match-up, did briefly get into a tangle with the crowd, who booed him for expressing exasperation at a Varillas winner at 4-2 in the first set.
The No 3 seed saved the subsequent break point and then found another winner, holding his finger to his ear before smiling to himself, and afterwards insisted he enjoyed his interactions with the Chatrier crowd.
“I thought they were great, especially in the end,” Djokovic added.
“They gave me a very nice chanting and support, and I, you know, as a player, you always want to receive that love from the crowd. Of course I felt great. I thanked them in the interview.”
Svitolina’s emotional win
Elina Svitolina booked her first place in a grand slam quarter-final since becoming a mother as she ground out a 6-4 7-6(5) victory against Daria Kasatkina.
Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils welcomed a daughter, Skai, last year, and the Ukrainian former world No 3 had to work her way back up the rankings through ITF events and wildcards, before winning the title in Strasbourg last week.
She subsequently knocked out No 26 seed Martina Trevisan in the first round and has now eliminated No 9 seed Daria Kasatkina.
“I didn’t dream about this when I was giving birth in October last year!” Svitolina said afterwards.
French Open results, day 8
Men’s singles, fourth round
Karen Khachanov (11), Russia, beat Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7), 6-1.
Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, beat Juan Pablo Varillas, Peru, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Carlos Alcaraz (1), Spain, beat Lorenzo Musetti (17), Italy, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Women’s singles, fourth round
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia, beat Elise Mertens (28), Belgium, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3.
Karolina Muchova, Czech Republic, beat Elina Avanesyan, Russia, 6-4, 6-3.
Elina Svitolina, Ukraine, beat Daria Kasatkina (9), Russia, 6-4, 7-6 (5).
