Djokovic wins 35th match of 2020, into 14th French Open quarter-final

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand during his Men's Singles fourth round match against Karen Khachanov of Russia during the French Open at Roland Garros, October 5, 2020. /VCG

Novak Djokovic racked up his 35th win of 2020 and a place in the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the 14th time with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win over Russia's Karen Khachanov on Monday.

The world No.1, chasing a second title in Paris and 18th career Grand Slam, has yet to drop a set in the tournament, losing just 25 games in four rounds.

"It was a tight match and I am happy to win in straight sets," said the Serb, who has now reached 47 quarter-finals at the Slams. It will also be his 11th in a row in Paris.

He had a heart-stopping moment in the first set when he stretched for a forehand and was unable to avoid seeing the ball accidentally hit a line judge.

The incident came just weeks after he was defaulted at the U.S. Open for swiping at a ball which felled a line judge standing behind him, but he was not penalized this time.

Sofia Kenin of The United States of America in action during her Women's Singles fourth round match against Fiona Ferro of France during the French Open at Roland Garros, October 5, 2020. /VCG

Djokovic will next face Spain's 17th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who claimed a 6-2 7-5 6-2 victory over 22-year-old German wildcard Daniel Altmaier.

Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the second time as he brushed aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 7-6(9) 6-2.

19-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, the first man to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals on debut since 12-time champion Rafa Nadal in 2005, will take on the King of Clay on Tuesday.

U.S. Open winner Dominic Thiem will also be in action on Tuesday, facing Rome finalist Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals.

On the women's court, American fourth seed Sofia Kenin recovered from a wobbly start to reach the quarter-finals with a 2-6 6-2 6-1 victory over France’s Fiona Ferro.

(With input from agencies)