French Open 2014: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer And Novak Djokovic Updates At Roland Garros

 

Two of men’s tennis biggest stars are still standing at the French Open after No. 4 Roger Federer fell in the fourth round and No. 2. Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals Sunday.

No. 1-ranked and eight-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will next face Serbian-born and No. 83 Dusan Lajovic in fourth round action Monday.

Federer’s departure could also be a huge boon and make a clearer path for Djokovic. In three matches this year, Djokovic lost two and managed to take only one set in the letdowns. On the same side of the bracket, the rivals were on pace to meet for a third time in Paris until Federer’s loss.

Djokovic also stays on course for revenge against Nadal, who beat out the 27-year-old in the French semis and U.S. Open final last year. Djokovic has had the recent edge winning five straight over Nadal, but has had no such luck in majors. His last victory over Nadal in a slam was 2012’s Australia Open.

Still Nadal must first take on the rather unknown quantity in Lajovic, who he’s never faced before. The 23-year-old is 5-7 on the year, and has made by far his deepest run in any tournament in Paris. His biggest win this year was in the third round over American Jack Sock in straight sets, and he nearly topped No. 22 Alexander Dolgopolov in Miami before losing the third set tiebreaker.