Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympics despite the intense humidity. Djokovic defeated Dominik Koepfer, while Alcaraz brushed aside Roman Safiullin. Zheng Qinwen ended Angelique Kerber’s career by defeating her in the women’s singles, becoming the second Chinese player to reach an Olympic singles semifinal. Djokovic, who has only won a bronze at the Olympics before, faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round, while Alcaraz goes up against Tommy Paul.
Despite the tough conditions, Djokovic and Alcaraz managed to maintain their dominance on the court. Djokovic, being a record-breaking Grand Slam champion, is determined to add an Olympic gold to his collection. Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, has yet to drop a set in Paris. The two players are looking forward to continuing their winning streaks and securing a spot in the semifinals.
Tsitsipas, who faces Djokovic in the quarterfinals, is motivated to prove himself despite his past losses to the Serbian player. As for the women’s singles, Zheng’s victory over Kerber marked a significant milestone for Chinese tennis, as she became the first Chinese woman since Li Na to reach the singles semifinals. The defeat ended Kerber’s career, as the former world number one announced her retirement after the match.
The Olympics also saw Anna Karolina Schmiedlova making history for Slovakia, becoming the first Slovakian player to reach the semifinals since 1988. Iga Swiatek, the four-time French Open champion, is aiming for her 25th consecutive win at Roland Garros by progressing to the semifinals of the Olympics. In the remaining women’s quarterfinal, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk faces Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic.
In the men’s competition, defending champion Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are set to compete in the quarterfinals, alongside Rafael Nadal who is looking for his third Olympic gold medal. Nadal will also be competing in the men’s doubles semifinals with Alcaraz. The quarterfinal matchups promise exciting and competitive tennis as the players vie for a chance to claim Olympic glory.
