Tennis

French Open Day 9 Recap: Djokovic Battles Past Cerundolo; Quarter-Finals Decided

Alexander Zverev eked out a challenging win over 13th seed Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud trumped Taylor Fritz in the round of 16. Here is a recap of the highlights of French Open, Day 9

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Novak Djokovic celebrates win, French Open 2024 round of 16, AP photo
Novak Djokovic celebrates his round of 16 win over Francisco Cerundolo at French Open 2024. Photo: AP/Thibault Camus
info_icon

The going is tough for defending champion Novak Djokovic, thus far at the French Open. The Serbian world number 1 had to give it his all against Francisco Cerundolo, winning his second consecutive five-setter to advance to the quarter-finals. (Full Coverage | Tennis News)

That, and much more in our recap of Day 8 at Roland Garros.

Zverev Staves Off Rune Challenge

Alexander Zverev eked out a challenging 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2 win over Danish 13th seed Holger Rune in a marathon encounter that went on for more than four hours. Fourth seed Zverev, a Roland Garros semi-finalist for the last three years, will next face Australian 11th seed Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals. De Minaur prevailed over fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev to enter the last-eight stage.

Ruud Sets Up Djokovic Face-Off

Seventh seed Casper Ruud beat USA's Taylor Fritz 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round. The Norwegian has thus ensured a classic showdown against top seed Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic Advances, Just About

For the second time in three days, it seemed like Djokovic's pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title was about to end. And for the second time, the legend showcased his incredible reserves of energy and fighting spirit to see off Cerundolo in a gruelling clash. Down two sets and a break of serve, the Serbian rallied in style to earn a 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win and move three victories away from the title.

French Open Day 9: Key Results

Elena Rybakina (4) beat Elina Svitolina (15), 6-4, 6-3

Jasmine Paolini (12) beat Elina Avanesyan, 4-6, 6-0, 6-1

Aryna Sabalenka (2) beat Emma Navarro (22), 6-2, 6-3

Mirra Andreeva beat Varvara Gracheva, 7-5, 6-2

Alex de Minaur (11) beat Daniil Medvedev (5), 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3

Novak Djokovic (1) beat Francisco Cerundolo (23), 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3

Casper Ruud (7) beat Taylor Fritz (12), 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2

Alexander Zverev (4) beat Holger Rune (13), 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2