Djokovic cruises into record 19th French Open quarterfinal
Novak Djokovic eased into a record-breaking 19th Roland Garros quarterfinal with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie on Monday.
The three-time French Open champion will renew his rivalry with third seed Alexander Zverev in the last eight on Wednesday after seeing off Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
His tally of 19 quarterfinal appearances at Roland Garros is the record for a single Grand Slam tournament.
"I feel good. I know I can play better. But 12 sets played, 12 sets won, it's been solid so far," said the 38-year-old after his 100th French Open win.
"It's great, but victory number 101 would be better. I'm very honored. ... But I need to continue now."
Djokovic holds an 8-5 winning record in his head-to-head with German Zverev, but retired injured from their last meeting in the Australian Open semifinals in January.
"He's 10 years younger. He calls himself a veteran of the game. What should I call myself, then?," Djokovic said of his next opponent.
Britain's Norrie, a former top-10 player now ranked 81st, has lost all six of his career matches against Djokovic.
The sixth-seeded Djokovic showed no ill-effects from a "complicated" trip back to his hotel on Sunday night after attending Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League title celebrations at the Parc des Princes.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele presented the trophy to the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier ahead of Djokovic's match.
"They (security) were suggesting us at one point not to go back at all, to maybe find a place to sleep somewhere around here for a night, because at that point it was already past midnight and some gas bombs and cars under fire and stuff happening on the street that was really dangerous," Djokovic said.
"In the end we talked. We waited for a bit, and then we decided to go. Then it was fine. In the end we reached the hotel all good, but it was quite noisy with a lot of things happening outside of the hotel ...
"At some point it was getting out of hand, but it's understandable that people are so excited."
The Serb, hoping to set a new outright record of 25 Grand Slam titles this week, dominated against Norrie from the start.
He broke serve three times in a one-sided opening set, before battling through a closer second, crucially saving a break point before holding for a 3-2 lead.
Norrie, playing in the second week in Paris for the first time, mustered little resistance in the third set as Djokovic wrapped up victory on his first match point.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Times
9 hours ago
- Japan Times
The 'Macron Doctrine' goes to Asia: Autonomy with partners, steady on China
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron, the first European head of state and the first leader from one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to deliver the keynote address to this premier security forum in the Indo-Pacific, made an appeal to Asian countries to build a new alliance with Europe while staying firm on China. He presented a vision that he has consistently held since taking office in 2017 — restoring France and Europe's global influence and relevance amid the great power competition through 'strategic autonomy' — a term he repeated more than 10 times in his speech. This ambition, termed by some analysts as the "Macron Doctrine," is based on a sense of deep crisis since the establishment of the post-1945 world order. Strategic autonomy In Singapore, he has anchored his vision in both the Gaullist legacy and Asian strategic culture. He recalled Gen. de Gaulle's historic 1966 speech in Phnom Penh, where the general championed the independence of nations, particularly Cambodia, within the Cold War context. Macron also referenced the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, the birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement. In the context of escalating U.S.-China rivalry, the fragmentation of the global order emerges as the primary risk. To counter this destabilizing trend, Europeans and Asians must find new ways to resist. While nonalignment is not an option, Macron advocated for forging an alliance to resist pressures and 'spheres of coercion' and forming a coalition for independence. This vision also stemmed from the growing interconnection between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theaters — a point that garnered consensus among the state delegates. The idea resonated with the regional audience, particularly as Southeast Asian nations have historically rejected bloc mentality and resisted pressure to take sides. Notably, Singapore's newly appointed defense minister, Chan Chun Sing, commended Macron's emphasis on strategic autonomy and sovereignty. Even Gen Nakatani, Japan's defense minister and a supporter of Japan-U.S. relations, acknowledged that "strategic autonomy is essential." Macron's approach was thus perceived as more of a common sense strategy compared to the confrontational and "brutal love" stance advocated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, who, ironically, claimed to champion a common sense approach. A demanding friendship Macron affirmed that "France is a friend and ally of the United States, and a friend that cooperates — even if we sometimes disagree and compete — with China'. While he aired implicit criticism to the U.S., deploring 'countries that want to impose on free countries their foreign-policy choices or prejudice their alliances', his most pointed remarks were directed at China. In his effort to underscore the interconnected security environment and the linkages between European and Asian theaters, Macron made a bold comparison by likening the context of Russia and Ukraine to potential actions by China regarding Taiwan and the Philippines. His point was to demonstrate that the war in Ukraine is not merely a European issue — it threatens international law and sets a dangerous precedent for powerful states to seize territory by force, including in Asia. This position is fully aligned with France's core diplomatic principle: opposing any unilateral change to the status quo through force. However, this broad analogy may raise questions — or even unease — among some Asian partners, who could see the comparison as irrelevant, unhelpful or even counterproductive, as it risks inflaming regional tensions. This concern was notably echoed by Singapore's defense minister the following day. The remark could even be interpreted as a shift in France's posture on Taiwan, though that was not the intended message. Nevertheless, it triggered a strong diplomatic reaction from China, which dismissed the comparison as clumsy and unfounded. At the same time, during the question and answer session, Macron stated that if China were to take action against another country in the region, France would be very cautious to intervene from day one. This remark sparked speculation over whether Paris was implicitly signaling that it might refrain from acting in the event of a crisis in the contested seas. In reality, the comment was intended to maintain strategic ambiguity, reflecting a deliberately cautious stance that any response would depend entirely on the specific circumstances of the crisis — an approach shared by many nations. On another point, Macron reaffirmed France's position on NATO, stressing that 'NA' stands for North Atlantic. He reiterated his opposition to turning the alliance into an Indo-Pacific actor, yet pointedly warned that if China refuses to take responsibility and fails to rein in North Korea's presence on European soil, it could open the door to NATO engagement in the region. Far from signaling a policy shift, the remark was rather intended to pressure Beijing into action. Overall, the remarks underscored a strong continuity in France's approach to the Indo-Pacific and to China, reaffirming its pursuit of a balanced 'third way.' Macron paired blunt messaging toward Beijing with a deliberate effort to sustain top-level engagement. In March, France's foreign minister traveled to China. By May, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng was in Paris, Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke by phone and France's defense minister met his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun — whose absence from the summit did not go unnoticed. Of course, France's approach comes with diplomatic friction. Macron's candor toward Beijing walks a fine line — sharp enough to show resolve yet calibrated to keep communication open. Some may see ambiguity on Taiwan or NATO as softness; others will recognize it as strategic restraint. Amid growing geopolitical strain, the ability to pair clear principles with nuanced diplomacy is a rare asset. The long-game vision Macron's speech may not have broken new ground, but it did something arguably more important: It offered a consistent alternative to the binary thinking gripping international politics. Strategic autonomy is often misunderstood as a retreat from alliances or neutrality; instead, it is a proposition for shared sovereignty among willing partners. In today's multipolar world, middle powers must not only hedge — they must lead. Macron's call for issue-based coalitions rooted in international law gives those countries a workable path forward. In the end, Macron's Indo-Pacific messaging is less about immediate deliverables and more about shaping the long game. The challenge now is turning this vision into concrete action and influence — not just through high-level visits and dialogue, but through sustained, visible partnerships on the ground. The region is watching closely and will expect more than words. Celine Pajon is Head of Japan and Indo-Pacific Research in Ifri's Center for Asian Studies.
Japan Times
16 hours ago
- Japan Times
U.K. avoids doubled U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs as countries eye trade pact
The United States on Tuesday announced it would skip doubling steel and aluminum tariffs for the U.K., hours after the British government said the two countries agreed on the need to implement a tariff relief deal as soon as possible. The U.S. announcement, which exempts British steel and aluminum from a doubling of tariffs to 50%, came in a proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday that will raise metals tariffs for other countries from June 4. British trade minister Jonathan Reynolds and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met in Paris on Tuesday during a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). "The U.K. was the first country to secure a trade deal with the U.S. earlier this month and we remain committed to protecting British business and jobs across key sectors," a U.K. government spokesperson said. "We're pleased that as a result of our agreement with the U.S., U.K. steel will not be subject to these additional tariffs. We will continue to work with the U.S. to implement our agreement, which will see the 25% U.S. tariffs on steel removed.' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump agreed on May 8 to reduce tariffs on imports of cars and steel from the U.K. to the U.S., with the U.K. agreeing to lower tariffs on beef and ethanol, but implementation of the deal has been delayed. Industry body U.K. Steel had earlier warned that doubled tariffs would be a "body blow" to the British steel sector. Britain's trade ministry said Greer and Reynolds met to discuss the pace of implementation of the May 8 bilateral trade deal, and both sides agreed that businesses and consumers in each country needed to start feeling its benefits. "The pair discussed their shared desire to implement the Economic Prosperity Deal, including implementing agreements on sectoral tariffs as soon as possible," the U.K.'s trade ministry said in a statement after the meeting. Greer's office had no immediate comment on the meeting. Starmer's spokesperson said before the meeting that, once implemented, the deal with Washington would eliminate tariffs on the "majority of steel products" exported to the United States, and that "we'd continue to expect that to be the case" regardless of the 50% tariff announced by Trump. He also said that industry minister Sarah Jones was meeting with representatives from the steel sector on Tuesday. Asked earlier if the 50% tariffs would go ahead on Wednesday, Greer, speaking French with reporters in Paris, said: "We'll see." Reynolds is on a three-day trip to Paris and Brussels. After meetings with Group of Seven and OECD counterparts in Paris, he is set to hold talks with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The U.K. struck deals with the U.S. and the European Union — its two biggest trading partners — last month, but both are political pacts rather than formal trade agreements, and the details of their implementation have not been set. With the EU deal, plans to remove red tape on the food sector are yet to be finalized. In advance of that agreement coming into force, the U.K. on Monday said it would scrap border checks on fruit and vegetables imported from the EU that had been due to be effective beginning in July.
Japan Times
17 hours ago
- Japan Times
Swiatek and Sabalenka set up French Open semifinal as Alcaraz sweeps through
Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek set up a blockbuster French Open semifinal clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday, as reigning men's holder Carlos Alcaraz powered his way into the last four. Alcaraz blew away American 12th seed Tommy Paul for the loss of just five games in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier. The Spaniard needed just one hour and 34 minutes to dismantle Paul 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 and set up a last-four meeting with Italy's Lorenzo Musetti. "I'm sorry you wanted to watch more tennis, I had to do my work," Alcaraz told the crowd. "It was one of those matches where I could close my eyes and everything went in. It was like my feeling today was unbelievable." Earlier, Swiatek, the fifth seed, got past Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-1, 7-5, after top women's seed Sabalenka won a tense quarterfinal against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. World number five Swiatek has been struggling for her best form and has not reached a final since winning the French Open title last year. But she gave 13th seed Svitolina little opportunity on her favored clay surface, breaking in the fourth game to ease through the first set in windy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. The pair exchanged consecutive breaks of serve early in the second set, before Swiatek forced the breakthrough at 5-5 with a powerful forehand down the line. She then sealed the win with back-to-back aces. "Even though the first set, the score looks pretty straightforward, it wasn't," said Swiatek. "I had to fight for every point." Swiatek is aiming to become the first woman to win four straight Roland Garros crowns since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago. "(Aryna) has been having a great season so I'm not going to lie, it is going to be a tough match. But I'm happy for the challenge," said Swiatek, after reeling off her 26th win in a row at the French Open. Both players have shared the number one ranking between them since April 2022. Sabalenka ended Swiatek's 11-month reign as world number one last October but the Pole leads 8-4 in their previous meetings. Earlier, reigning U.S. Open champion Sabalenka avenged her recent loss to Zheng in Rome. "The last tournament I was pretty exhausted," said Sabalenka. "Today I was more fresh, I was ready to battle." Sabalenka once again got the upper hand over Zheng, who had been on a winning streak of 10 matches on the Paris clay after her run to Olympic gold last year. Zheng broke and led 4-2 in the first set. But numerous unforced errors — 31 in total — allowed the Belarusian to come back. "I gave her the chance, so easy," said Zheng, who has lost seven times in eight meetings with Sabalenka, including in last year's Australian Open final. Madrid Open champion Sabalenka feels she is ready to go all the way in Paris, where her previous best was the semifinals two years ago. "It's high-level matches. I'm super excited to go out there and to fight and to do everything I need to get the win," said Sabalenka. Alcaraz, 22, dispatched former world number nine Paul after Musetti had earlier seen off Paul's 15th seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. The second seed hit 40 winners and made just 22 unforced errors against Paul, who he also beat on his way to silver at the Paris Olympics last year. Eighth seed Musetti, 23, took over two hours 45 minutes to get past Tiafoe and qualify for his second Grand Slam semifinal, after Wimbledon last year. Musetti's serve proved to be a major weapon on the day as he fired down eight aces with an 81% success rate on his first serve. He also saved two of the three break points engineered by Tiafoe, who had 51 unforced errors to the Italian's 32. It will be the third time Alcaraz and Musetti meet this clay-court season. Alcaraz has dominated that series — beating the Italian in the final in Monte Carlo before also stopping him in the last four on his way to the Rome title.
