Djoker & his tricks

Paris

Novak Djokovic became the first man to reach the French Open quarterfinals for 10 successive seasons while Kei Nishikori set-up the toughest challenge on a clay court — facing Rafael Nadal.

World No. 1 Djokovic continued his bid to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously for the second time by thrashing Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-2 6-2.

“It was tricky with the rain, but that’s Paris,” said top seed Djokovic. “I’m really confident with my serve. I hope it continues like that.”

Only Australian great Rod Laver has held all four Majors at the same time twice before, after his calendar Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969.

Japanese seventh seed Nishikori came back from 1-4 and 3-5 down in the final set to beat Benoit Paire of France and set-up a quarterfinal clash against Nadal. Nishikori won 6-2 6-7(8) 6-2 6-7(8) 7-5 in a shade under four hours to reach his third last-eight match at the tournament.

“He almost had it today,” said Nishikori. “He served for the match at 5-3 but I just tried to fight and play one point at a time.”

About his match against Nadal, Nishikori said: “It’s going to be a tough match, he’s the greatest ever clay court player.”

Thiem tames Monfils

Dominic Thiem made light work of Gael Monfils as he ended French presence in the singles draw with a 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory to reach the quarters.

The Austrian fourth seed, widely regarded as the man standing between a final showdown between Djokovic and 11-time champion Nadal, wiped 14th seed Monfils in expeditious fashion.

Zverev tops Fognini

Alexander Zverev reached his second successive quarterfinal when he recovered from losing the first set to beat Italian Fabio Fognini. Zverev, 22, struggled with his timing initially but with his opponent’s level fluctuating wildly he played solidly thereafter to win 3-6 6-2 6-2 7-6(5). Blocking his path to a first Grand Slam semifinal will be Djokovic.

Keys, Halep in quarters

American 14th seed Madison Keys reached the quarterfinals for the second successive year with a 6-2 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova, the conqueror of US and Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka. Keys next faces Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty, who beat Sofia Kenin 3-6 6-3 0-6. American Kenin had ousted Serena Williams in the previous round.

Defending champion Simona Halep swept aside Polish teenager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1 6-0 victory. The Romanian will now face another teenager, American Amanda Anisimova, who thrashed Aliona Bolsova 6-3 6-0. “I feel old,” joked the 27-year-old Halep. — Agencies

“Back to the quarters is not easy, so I’m thinking just to give my best again next round” Simona Halep, defending champion