French Open: Quarterfinal! Angelique Kerber throws the last Frenchwoman out of the tournament

Angelique Kerber reaches the quarter-finals at the French Open 2018: The former world number one defeated Caroline Garcia from France in two sets 6:2 and 6:3.

By Jens Huiber from Paris

The Court Suzanne Lenglen only likes the second largest stadium in Roland Garros, but for the French professionals the home advantage on Lenglen is the greatest: Gael Monfils could not use it against David Goffin a few days ago, once again. Kristina Mladenovic 2017 against Garbine Muguruza.

Unlike the Court Philippe Chatrier, the stands are usually full from the first rally onwards. Angelique Kerber will have taken good note of this – as well as the fact that she, the double major winner, has finally arrived on the big stage at the French Open 2018.

And Kerber used it with all her routine: The German made a lightning start, bought Garcia off the cutting from the very beginning. After just over 25 minutes, Kerber had already secured his first set 6-2, the last French hope seemed overtaxed. Kerber, on the other hand, was extremely focused, making her opponent work hard for every point.

Round two started immediately with another break for the German, which made a spectator notice an “Allez, Diego”. In the match before, Diego Schwartzman had fought his way back to the quarter-finals after a 2-0 deficit against Kevin Anderson.

In the women’s singles, a zero two in sets is known to mean goodbye, Garcia had to take hers after 67 minutes. No matter what the Frenchwoman tried, Kerber always had the better answer to the advances the local heroine. And moved much better than Garcia. Kristina Mladenovic’s former doubles partner fended off Kerber’s first four match points. Two of them with the help of the net edge.

Suddenly Kerber wobbled briefly, gave up her serve to 3:5 from Garcia’s point of view. “It was a nail-biter at the end,” Kerber said at Eurosport. “She got a little lucky at a match point, then suddenly she played more aggressively. This can quickly turn out differently.”

Kerber took her fifth chance and Garcia put a forehand to the side. Angelique Kerber now meets Simona Halep. The first in the world rankings had no problems with Elise Mertens in the first game on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Halep was in Roland Garros’ final last year and could not take advantage of several chances to win her first Grand Slam title against Jelena Ostapenko.

In the direct balance with Kerber, Halep is just ahead with 5:4 victories. The last one dates from the Australian Open. After an Instant Classic, the Romanian won 9:7 in the third set.