Roger Federer one step away from history; Dimitrov into quarters
Roger Federer is closing in on becoming the oldest world number one in tennis history.
The Australian Open champion progressed into the quarter-finals in Rotterdam, although he was made to sweat by Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The German forced a tie-break in the first set, which Federer won before taking the match 7-6 (10/8) 7-5.
Victory in the quarter-finals against Dutchman Robin Haase, who beat compatriot and wild card Tallon Griekspoor, would see the 36-year-old Swiss accrue enough points to usurp Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP world rankings.
It would be the first time in more than five years that sat atop the men’s game, and Federer would also replace Andre Agassi, who was 33 when he was last ranked no. 1 in 2003, as the oldest number one in history.
Elsewhere, second seed Grigor Dimitrov beat Filip Krajinovic 7-6 (7/4) 7-5 to set up a meeting with Andrey Rublev, who defeated Damir Dzumhur 6-4 7-6 (7/4).
Daniil Medvedev secured a comeback win against Pierre-Hugues Herbert to secure a clash with Andreas Seppi on Friday.
Lopez will now face Federico Delbonis, who defeated Portugal’s Gastao Elias 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (8/6).
Latest
-
French OpenRafael Nadal’s verdict as he bounces back from dropped set to reach semi-finals
Nadal won the final nine games in a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-0 victory.
-
NewsMaria Sakkari completes unlikely French Open semi-final line-up
Sakkari claimed a 6-4 6-4 victory and will face Barbora Krejcikova in the last four.
-
NewsKatie Boulter delighted hard work is paying off as she continues comeback
The 24-year-old saw her rise halted by a spinal stress fracture and then the Covid-19 pandemic.
-
NewsDan Evans admits life in the tournament bubble is a struggle ahead of Wimbledon
The British number one is playing in the ATP Challenger event in Nottingham.
-
Kevin PalmerTop five tips to play on clay from legendary coach Patrick Mouratoglou
Patrick Mouratoglou has given us his inside track on how to make the most of your game on a clay court.
-
French OpenIga Swiatek suffers shock defeat as her French Open defence comes to an end
Sakkari triumphed 6-4 6-4 and will take on Barbora Krejcikova for a place in the final.
-
French OpenEnd of the road for Coco Gauff as her French Open dream dies
Gauff was unable to take any of five set points in the opening set and lost 7-6 (6) 6-3.
-
NewsStefanos Tsitsipas sees off Daniil Medvedev to reach French Open semi-finals
The story of the 10th day of action at Roland Garros.
-
NewsStefanos Tsitsipas edges through to last four at French Open
The Greek fifth seed settled quickly in the late match against Daniil Medvedev on an empty Philippe Chatrier.
-
NewsAlexander Zverev reaches French Open semi-final, but admits ‘I think I can play better’
World No 6 stepped up a gear in the second set.