French Open 2018: Novak Djokovic storms past Fernando Verdasco to reach quarter-finals


FE Team | Published: June 04, 2018 14:00:28 | Updated: June 05, 2018 14:39:05


Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match against Spain's Fernando Verdasco - Reuters photo

Novak Djokovic strengthened his claims as a French Open contender by reaching the quarter-finals with a straight-set victory over Spain's Fernando Verdasco.

Djokovic, seeded 20th, won 6-3 6-4 6-2 against 30th seed Verdasco in Sunday's encounter.

The 31-year-old Serb has reached the last eight at Roland Garros for a 12th time - an Open era record, reports BBC.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion will play Marco Cecchinato in the last eight after the Italian upset Belgian eighth seed David Goffin.

Djokovic, who won his only Roland Garros title in 2016 to complete a career Grand Slam, was not considered among the pre-tournament favourites following an injury-hit year.

"Considering all the circumstances in the last 15 months it is quite an achievement to get to the quarters of a Slam," said Djokovic, who has also reached the Roland Garros last eight for a ninth successive year.

"I always play well at a Slam and always build my form to peak at a Slam.

"Hopefully it will get even better. I don't want to stop here."

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