Paris
Petra Kvitova returned to the French Open quarter-finals for the first time in eight years on Monday while Novak Djokovic continued his bid to become the first man in half a century to win all four Grand Slam titles twice. Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova is through to the last eight at Roland Garros for just the second time. Her best run in Paris came when she reached the semi-finals in 2012. Seventh seed Kvitova, who missed last year’s tournament due to an arm injury, defeated China’s Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-4 and will next play German veteran Laura Siegemund. “It’s been really difficult. It was a tough one for sure,” said Kvitova, who will climb back into the top 10 following her performance in Paris. “She served very well and played very aggressive. I’m really happy I managed to win even if I didn’t manage to serve it out at 5-2.” “When the roof is closed it’s like being indoors and I really love to play,” added Kvitova. Siegemund, 32, advanced to her first Grand Slam quarter-final in singles after defeating former junior champion Paula Badosa of Spain 7-5, 6-2. She became the fourth unseeded player to make the last eight this year, joining Iga Swiatek, Nadia Podoroska and Martina Trevisan. “I didn’t get angry when things weren’t going my way,” said Siegemund, who trailed Badosa 5-3 in the first set. “I think we were both kind of struggling but I think I kept it together better.” Siegemund won last month’s US Open women’s doubles titles alongside Vera Zvonareva. Later on Monday, world number one and 2016 French Open champion Djokovic plays 15th seed Karen Khachanov, who claimed his biggest win to date against the Serb in the French capital. Djokovic is into the Roland Garros last 16 for a record-equalling 11th successive year and is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title. The Serb has dropped just 15 games in three rounds, improving his record this season to 34 wins against one loss — his US Open disqualification.Khachanov upset Djokovic in the final of the 2018—APP
