Novak Djokoic of Serbia reacts after scoring in the French Open men's singles Round of 16 match against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2024. /CFP
Defending French Open champion Novak Djokovic produced a superhuman effort to subdue Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, and 6-3 on Monday and reach the quarterfinals of the French Open, as the top seed shrugged off a knee issue for a milestone win.
Earlier, big-hitting women's title contenders made short work of their opponents as second seed Aryna Sabalenka thrashed American Emma Navarro 6-2 6-3 while fourth seed Elena Rybakina eased to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.
17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva then outclassed Frenchwoman Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 6-2 to end home hopes in the afternoon, but all eyes were on a potential upset that was brewing on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Novak Djokoic of Serbia competes in the French Open men's singles Round of 16 match against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2024. /CFP
Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, was taken to five sets for the second time in less than 48 hours but showed his class to seal a record 370th match victory at the majors that broke a tie with retired Swiss great Roger Federer.
The Serb also celebrated reaching his 59th major quarter-final – the most by any men's player—to eclipse his long-time rival Federer again, while an 11th five-set Roland Garros win tied him with Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka in the Open Era.
"Again, a big, big, big thank you because once again, like the last match. The win is your win," an exhausted Djokovic told the crowd in fluent French.