Novak Djokovic barged into the quarterfinals of the 2017 French Open with an emphatic 7-6 (5), 6-1, 6-3 win over Albert Ramos Vinolas on Sunday. It was a terrific performance by the defending champion who needed just two hours and 27 minutes to defeat the Spaniard. The defending champion is trying to become the first man in the Open Era – and the third man in history – to capture each of the four majors twice.
Djokovic, who recorded his 22nd match win of the season, blasted 34 winners and won 62 percent of his first serve points against Ramos Vinolas. What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was the world no. 2’s sizzling return. Djokovic won 49 percent of his receiving points against Ramos Vinolas with the Serbian converting seven of his 10 break point opportunities.
With the victory, Djokovic is through to the last eight of the French Open for the 11th time in his career. He will look to continue his hot streak when he takes on Dominic Thiem in the quarters. The 30-year-old will fancy his chances against the Austrian as he is 5-0 against Thiem in their head-to-head matchup. Djokovic destroyed Thiem in the semifinals of last year’s French Open, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
Dominic Thiem booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2017 French Open with a resounding 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win over Horacio Zeballos on Sunday. It was a superb showing from Thiem who needed just one hour and 39 minutes to record the straight sets win. With the victory, Thiem is through to the last 8 at Roland Garros for the second consecutive year.
He will look to sustain the momentum of that emphatic victory when he takes on Novak Djokovic in the next round. For Thiem to record a major upset this coming Tuesday, the Austrian needs to continue his excellent return play. He won 55 percent of his receiving points against Zeballos with the World No. 7 converting seven of his 12 break point chances. Another key weapon for Thiem that he needs to utilize against the reigning champ is his net attack. He won 10 of his 14 net points against Zeballos in the fourth round.
