French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 8 - Third/Fourth Round

Murray, Djokovic progress, Federer crashes out

Roger Federer crashed out of the French Open after being defeated in the fourth round to Ernests Gulbis in a five set thriller. The first two sets were shared as Federer won the first tie-break whilst Gulbis claimed the second. It was the dangerous Latvian who stormed away with the third set but Federer hit back, taking the match into a fifth set after winning the fourth 6-4. Despite giving it everything, it was not enough for Federer who was knocked out after losing the deciding set 6-3. A really entertaining match and if Gulbis can maintain this level of tennis, who knows how far he could go at the French Open. 

Meanwhile, seventh seed Maria Sharapova survived a scare after coming through a tough match against Sam Stosur. It was the Australian who claimed the first set 6-3 but Sharapova fought back valiantly and turned the match around after winning the second set 6-4. The momentum had shifted in favour of Sharapova and it clearly showed as she wasted no time in the deciding set, winning it 6-0.

My Opinion:

There were a couple of third round matches that needed to be finished off and they threw up some enthralling results. Andy Murray eventually sealed his place in the fourth round, overcoming Kohlschrieber 12-10 in the fifth set. Meanwhile, Fernando Verdasco upset the home crowd after knocking out Richard Gasquet in straight sets. 

Novak Djokovic claimed his place in the QF after defeating Tsonga in very comfortable fashion. A hugely disappointing day for the French as both of their best players were knocked out on the same day. Tomas Berdych was victorious in the battle of the big servers, overcoming John Isner in straight sets. Milos Raonic continues to impress, this time defeating Granollers in straight sets as the Quarter-Finals start to look a little more tasty. 

Suarez Navarro marched into the Quarter-Finals with a straight sets victory over Tomljanovic which most likely came as no surprise to anyone in the tennis world. However, there was a huge result for young Canadian star Eugunie Bouchard who defeated eighth seed Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-2. That was a massive result as Bouchard continues her rise up the rankings and claims her first ever Quarter-Final at Roland Garros. 

Men’s Singles Third Round Selected Results

Verdasco (24) beat Gasquet (12) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Murray (7) beat Kohlschrieber (28) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 12-10

Men’s Singles Fourth Round Selected Results

Gulbis (18) beat Federer (4) 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Djokovic (2) beat Tsonga (13) 6-1, 6-4, 6-1

Berdych (6) beat Isner (10) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Raonic (8) beat Granollers 6-3, 6-3, 6-3

Women’s Singles Fourth Round Selected Results

Bouchard (18) beat Kerber (8) 6-1, 6-2

Suarez Navarro (14) beat Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-3

Sharapova (7) beat Stosur (19) 3-6, 6-4, 6-0

Women’s Doubles Third Round Selected Results

Hsieh/Peng (1) beat Huber/Raymond (15) 6-0, 6-2

Errani/Vinci (2) beat Petkovic/Rybarikova 7-5, 3-6, 6-3

Mixed Doubles Second Round Selected Result

Shevdova/Soares (3) beat Lim/Chardy 6-3, 6-4

Mixed Doubles Quarter-Final Selected Result

Georges/Zimonjic (8) beat Srebotnik/Bopanna (2) 2-6, 6-4, (10-5)

Boys’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Luz (2) beat Molcan 6-1, 6-1

 Khachanov (3) beat Bertran 6-2, 6-2

Tiafoe (1) beat Larriere 6-4, 7-5

Girls’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Badosa Gibert beat Black (3) 6-2, 6-1

Bellis (2) beat Birrell 6-3, 6-3

Wallace beat Fink (6) 7-5, 6-2