2018 French Open: Heartbreak for Serena, record for Nadal
What's the story
Serena faced a heartbreak at the French Open after her Grand Slam comeback was cut short, but Nadal seems to be on course to win his record 11th French Open title. Croatian Marin Cilic continued his excellent run of form, and Simona Halep is showing no signs of slowing down. Here are all the results from Day 9 of 2018 French Open.
Comeback cut short
Serena Williams withdraws after chest injury
Serena's Grand Slam comeback was cut short after she was forced to pull out of the French Open due to a chest injury. Serena Williams was supposed to play Maria Sharapova in the Round of 16. On the other hand, Garbine Muguruza reached the quarter-finals after her Ukrainian opponent Lesia Tsurenko retired after two games because of a hamstring injury.
In form
Halep advances into French Open quarter finals
Simona Halep reached the French Open quarter-finals once again with a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 victory over Belgian Elise Mertens. Halep, who was last years finalist at French Open, broke the 16th-seeded Belgian's serve six times on Court Philippe Chatrier. Halep will next face two-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber, who claimed a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Caroline Garcia.
Record-breaking win
Nadal inches closer to record 11th title
Rafael Nadal scripted history after reaching the French Open quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) win over German Maximilian Marterer. Rafa Nadal now has 234 wins at Grand Slams. He went past Jimmy Connors in the all-time list of match-winners at majors. Only Djokovic (244 )and Federer (332) are ahead of him.
Marathon encounter
Marin Cilic sets up Juan Martin del Potro showdown
Marin Cilic had to dig deep to overcome Italian Fabio Fognini and reach the French Open quarter-final. Cilic beat Fognini 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 in a marathon encounter to set up a clash against Juan Martin del Potro. Juan reached the quarter-finals after a comfortable 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over American John Isner.