Defending French Open Novak Djokovic defeated Diego Schwartzman to set up a potential clash with 13-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final.
Novak Djokovic's clay-court game continued to fire at Roland Garros on Sunday after the defending French Open champion steamrolled past Diego Schwartzman to seal a berth in his 13th straight quarter-final in the French capital.
The World no.1 defeated the Argentine in a 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 victory to set a quarter-final showdown with 13-time champion Rafael Nadal or Felix Auger-Aliassime.
And still... remains undefeated against Diego Schwartzman, downing the 15th seed 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 to reach his 13th straight quarter-final. pic.twitter.com/A7Nq8JAeLS
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)If the Spaniard comes through to face Djokovic in the quarters, it will be a 59th meeting between the long-standing rivals and the first since the Serb upset the 13-time French Open champion in last year's semi-final.
The Serbian required five sets to overcome Schwartzman in the pair's previous meeting at Roland Garros in 2017, but Djokovic's all-around level this time around was such that the Argentine was unable to drag the top seed into another drawn-out battle.
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With this win, Djokovic is now 16-0 in fourth-round matches at the clay-court Grand Slam and also improved his ATP Head2Head series lead over Schwartzman to 7-0.
Following this victory, the 20-time Grand Slam winner lauded the Argentine for a great performance and wished him luck for the rest of the season.
"I've got a great deal of respect for Schwartzman. He is a great guy and a great player. On and off the court, he is a great person. He is an expert on clay, so it's not easy to defeat him under these conditions. Though the bounce wasn't as much, I think I did well. I am happy with my performance but want to congratulate him, and I wish him a lot of success."
Talking about his success at the Roland Garros and what it means to seal his 13th straight quarter-final berth, the Serbian added, "I am on the right path, but it is not over yet. I still have a lot of work to do, but I am happy to be where I am today."
(Not) lost in translation 😅 x pic.twitter.com/OFB0T5N45m
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)Djokovic fans took to Twitter to express joy over their favourite star's show at Roland Garros, with several anticipating a potential popcorn showdown with Nadal in the quarter-final. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
If Rafa wins today, we will see Nadal vs Djokovic for the quarter final of Last year finalist could get early encounter.
Vamos Rafa 💪❤️
Win and time for revenge!
FIRME! 🔥💪 detona Schwartzman em sets diretos (6/1 6/3 6/3) e aguarda por Nadal ou Aliassime nas QFS de pic.twitter.com/JpqsPMRCcA
— Vinicius Araujo (@vinitennis)Masterful Djoko 💥
Novak Djokovic claims 16th quarter-finals spot in dominating Diego Schwartzman in 3 sets. Next: Nadal or Auger-Aliassime pic.twitter.com/3jnH2mfBFb
Novak Djokovic plays *very* well to beat Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the QFs at for the 16th time in the 18 times he played the tournament.
He is 16-0 at R16 matches.
Awaits... Nadal or Auger-Aliassime. pic.twitter.com/pWcj9Nz4LE
One man stands in the way of Djokovic Nadal… pic.twitter.com/9E4SlrcACj
— The Big 3 (@Big3Tennis)Let’s get ahead of ourselves a bit:
If Djokovic-Nadal is indeed the quarterfinal here, it HAS to be the night session Tuesday. can’t keep selling these one-match tickets and not putting the day’s marquee match on there, it’s a terrible disservice to ticket buyers.
your turn, 👀
— US Open Tennis (@usopen)I & think we all want a Djokovic v Nadal Quarter Final so don't let us down Rafa!!😝
— Reggie🐺🐊 (@Reggie61823972)I expect Nadal to win in straight sets today and this Nadal - Djokovic QF on Tuesday will be special. 2 dudes absolutely in their bag rn
— Kirk Bousins (@TheyCallMe_Peej)Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Rafael Nadal vs. Félix Auger-Aliassime with Toni Nadal (Rafa's uncle, Félix's coach) sitting somewhere, but not on the players' boxes.
Winner to play Novak Djokovic in QFs.
Sounds good to me! pic.twitter.com/S3dh7OEFdw