Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will clash in a French Open quarter-final blockbuster in one of the sport’s most-eagerly awaited clashes of recent times, AFP reports.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer and Andy Murray also swept into the French Open quarter-finals on Monday.
Second seed Federer, the 2009 champion, made the last eight for the 11th time with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over France’s Gael Monfils and goes on to face Davis Cup-winning teammate Stan Wawrinka.
British third seed Murray ended the hopes of another home player, seeing off unseeded Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
World number one and top seed Djokovic eased into the last eight on Monday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 win over France’s Richard Gasquet.
Defending champion Nadal, seeking a 10th Roland Garros crown, saw off unseeded American Jack Sock, 6-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.
It was Nadal’s 70th career win at the French Open against just one defeat and his 39th in a row at the tournament he has dominated for a decade.
“It’s the biggest challenge I can have on clay,” said Djokovic who needs a French Open title to complete the career Grand Slam.
“He’s lost just once here in his career.”
On facing Djokovic, sixth-seed Nadal said, “I will have to play my best tennis.
“He’s the world number one and is having a great season. It’ll be a complicated match.”
Nadal has beaten Djokovic in the 2012 and 2014 finals in Paris as well as the 2013 semi-finals and holds a career 23-20 edge in head-to-head meetings.
Federer raced through the final two sets in just over an hour after the last-16 tie was delicately poised at a set apiece when it was suspended in the chilly gloom of Sunday evening.
“I feel fresh and pumped up to be back in the quarter-finals again after missing out last year,” said Federer, who was beaten by Ernests Gulbis in the last 16 in 2014.
Murray, twice a semi-finalist in Paris, will face 2013 runner-up Ferrer for a place in the last four although Chardy, the world number 45, gave him plenty to think about on a rocking Court Suzanne Lenglen. Agency report
