PARIS, June 2, 2018
Maximilian Marterer becomes the 70th man to reach the round of 16 on their debut appearance in Roland Garros‘ Open Era. The 22-year-old German defeated Estonia’s Jurgen Zopp 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday. Marterer was in control of the encounter, didn’t face a break point and converted five of his own seven chances to advance in one hour and 39 minutes.
“I don’t know what to say,” Marterer commented right after his match.”It has already been an incredible tournament for me. I played great this week. Today I was maybe the fitter player, as Jurgen seemed to be a bit tired. I kept my focus and just played really well.”
Marterer will be rewarded with a match against Rafael Nadal, who eased past Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 later in the afternoon.
“We practiced together on Chatrier here and it would be a dream come true to play against him,” Marterer is looking forward to the clash. Nadal celebrated his 16th win over the Frenchman in as many meetings between the two.
Karen Khachanov completed his carried over third round match with Lucas Pouille to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 victory against the French No 1. The 22-year-old Russian will next face the tournament’s No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
Sascha’s brother Mischa Zverev lost to Kevin Anderson 1-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-7(4). The big-serving South African will next play Diego Schwartzman of Argentina, who beat Croatian young gun Borna Coric 7-5, 6-3, 6-3.
Fabio Fognini ended a five-match losing streak against Top 20 players in Grand Slam events and booked his place in the round of 16 in Paris for the second time, beating British youngster Kyle Edmund 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Kvitova sent packing
The women’s draw has seen a number of surprise and another significant result took place on Court 1, as Anett Kontaveit has secured an impressive straight-sets victory against No. 8 seed Petra Kvitova to reach the fourth round. The Estonian prevailed by winning two tiebreak sets 8-6, 7-4.
“I tried everything what I could. I really left there everything. I’m pretty tired, but pretty proud how I fought,” Kvitova said in defeat.
“Even when I didn’t play great tennis today, I was still there trying. It’s a lot of credit to her. Anett played great tennis today. She didn’t really give me anything.”
Kontaveit will next challenge 10th seeded US-American Sloane Stephens, who fought past Italy’s Camila Giorgi 4-6, 6-1, 8-6.
Sharapova marches on
Maria Sharapova defeated sixth favourite Karolina Pliskova in convincing fashion to reach the fourth round after a surprisingly one-sided encounter. The two-time French Open champion progressed 6-2, 6-1 in 59 minutes and could next meet Serena Williams.
Former Roland Garros champion Garbine Muguruza is through to the Round 16 for a fifth straight year following 6-0 6-2 win over Samantha Stosur. Wiht her one and only ace she closed the match out after 62 minutes.
“I’m pleased with my performance today. I think it was never easy match against Grand Slam champion,” Muguruza said after the match.
“She reached a final here. I’m pleased because I felt in control in the match. I like playing in Philippe Chatrier, because it’s the court which is probably the most important one in my career. I played well. I knew how to play facing her tactics, because she has a mix and it was important to control from the first ball.”
Next up for the No. 3 seed from Spain will be Lesia Tsurenko from Ukraine, who edged out the tournament’s No. 19 Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-2, 6-4.
