By Erik Gudris | Monday, October 5, 2020
Novak Djokovic defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to reach his 14th RG quarterfinal tying Rafael Nadal’s record for most all-time quarterfinal appearances.
Photo credit: @RolandGarros
Novak Djokovic is getting closer to a potential final showdown with Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.
The World No. 1 is also getting closer to Nadal by tying one of the defending champion’s records at the red clay major.
Novak: Lose Lines Crew
Djokovic defeated No. 15 seed Karen Khachanov of Russia 64 63 63 in the fourth round on Monday. With that result, Djokovic reached his 14th career quarterfinal at Roland Garros, the same number of quarterfinal appearances for Nadal as well, which is the most for any man.
Khachanov himself entered the match having beaten Djokovic in the Paris Indoors final back in 2018 to claim his first ATP 1000 title. With the stadium roof closed because of rain, Khachanov was probably hoping being indoors might tip things in his favor.
What didn’t help the Russian was Djokovic’s ability to move him all around the court during the match and hitting an abundance of drop shot winners at the right time.
Djokovic experienced a deja vu moment from his disqualification in the US Open fourth round when he inadvertently struck a lineswoman with a ball.
While trying to hit a Khachanov serve, Djokovic got his racquet on the ball during play. He mistimed the ball and it sailed over to a nearby linesman, hitting the man on his face. The linesman was not affected however and Djokovic checked on him to make sure he was ok, before play resumed.
Djokovic broke Khachanov midway through the first set for 5-3 after a lengthy 10 minute game.
Yet Khachanov returned the favor right away. Khachanov broke back after he chased down a Djokovic shot and returned it right at Djokovic’s feet up at net. Djokovic couldn’t handle the shot and suddenly it was back on serve at 5-4.
But Khachanov, serving to extend the set, couldn’t keep up the momentum. Khachanov struck an untimely double fault to hand Djokovic the set 6-4.
Djokovic took command of the second set as he opened a 4-1 lead thanks to yet another service break.
At times, Djokovic was actually hitting his forehand bigger than the Russian who is known for his formidable shot on that wing. Djokovic’s forehand was clocked for an average of 79 MPH compared to Khachanov’s at 73 MPH.
Soon, Djokovic had command of the match with a 6-4, 6-3 lead.
Both men traded service breaks in the third set. Yet again it was Djokovic’s ability to stretch the Russian during their baseline rallies before hitting a potent drop shot winner that proved decisive in the late stages.
Errors from Khachanov didn’t help his cause either. Khachanov overhit a forehand while facing another break point on his serve. That gave Djokovic the lead for good at 4-3.
Djokovic eventually sealed the 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win in just under two hours and 30 minutes with one final forehand that Khachanov could not get back in play. The win gave Djokovic his 47th career appearance in a Grand Slam quarterfinal.
For the match, Djokovic hit 44 winners to 28 unforced errors. Khachanov hit 31 winners and 31 unforced errors.
Djokovic next awaits the winner between the fourth-round meeting between Pablo Carreno Busta and Daniel Altmaier.
A meeting with the Spaniard would be a rematch of the US Open fourth round. Djokovic trailed Carreno Busta, 5-6 in the opening set at last month’s US Open when he accidentally hit a lineswoman in the throat to become the first top seed in the US Open’s 140-year history to be defaulted.
"Carreno Busta is someone that is obviously very solid," Djokovic said. "I think he actually improved his game in the last 12, 15 months on all the surfaces. I mean, playing semifinals in US Open proves it. I know he has done it before. He's climbing the rankings again.
"He won slams or played finals in doubles, as well. Has very good hands, great return. Puts you under a lot of pressure. He moves very well. Obviously, as all the Spanish players, he grew up playing on clay, even though probably his game fits the hard court, kind of slower hard courts, the most. He's had some impressive wins lately, last round against Bautista, his good friend.
"Look, maybe these kind of conditions also fit him nicely because the ball doesn't bounce too high, he plays quite flat from both corners. He actually likes slower surface. Similar to Bautista, he waits for the opponent's mistake, but he can also come in, step in, play backhand down the line. He's a very complete player."