Juan Martin Del Potro, Marin Cilic win to set up French Open quarter-final clash

Argentine Juan Martin del Potro beat big serving American 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to book his spot in the last eight of the French Open, Marin Cilic was however overcame Fabio Fognini in a marathon five-setter.

tennis Updated: Jun 04, 2018 23:32 IST

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro celebrates after winning his fourth round French Open match against John Isner of the U.S. (REUTERS)

Juan Martin Del Potro stormed into the French Open quarter-finals with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat of the big-serving American John Isner on Monday.

Del Potro, regarded as one of the biggest threats to 10-time champion Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros, broke three times and held serve throughout to set up a meeting with either Croatian third seed Marin Cilic.

“I returned very well, it was the key to the match and I broke three times, I also played well on the important points,” said Del Potro, who throughout the match heard parts of the crowd chant ‘USA, USA!”

“I love playing here in the USA, USA!,” he joked.

“We both played good tennis today. It is so special to get to the quarter-finals here, I’m having great days in Paris and I’d like to stay a few more days.

Cilic beats Fognini in five sets

Third seed Marin Cilic overcame a typically colourful fightback from Fabio Fognini to make the French Open quarter-finals on Monday with a 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 win.

Cilic fired 44 winners past Fognini who twice needed treatment on an ankle injury.

The former US Open champion next faces fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro who he trails 10-2 in 12 career meetings.