Roland Garros—Paris, France
Djokovic, Federer struggle into French Open quarterfinals
Top seed Novak Djokovic prevented an early exit at this year’s French Open by outlasting Italian Andreas Seppi, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 on Sunday.
Struggling with the wind and slow conditions on Cener Court, Djokovic committed 77 unforced errors to 45 winners during the four hour and 18 minute encounter. Improving to 8-0 against Seppi in lifetime meetings, Djokovic will next face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Stan Wawrinka for a semifinal berth.
Djokovic, who is vying to hold all four grand slams at the same time, will look to conserve energy in his next match as the tournament heads into its closing stages.
Elsewhere, 16-time major winner Roger Federer also staved off a determined opponent to reach his 32nd straight grand slam quarterfinal. Defeating David Goffin 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4, Federer struggled after a strong first set by the Belgian to score his first break of serve during the 11th game of the second set.
Goffin, who was playing in his first grand slam event via a lucky loser entry, showed no fear against his childhood idol during the two hour and 54 minute battle.
Federer will next face either Tomas Berdych or Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the semifinals.
Monday’s action in Paris will feature Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
