TENNIS: Berrettini returns to French Open quarter-finals

PARIS — Italy’s Matteo Berrettini reached the French Open quarterfinals for the second time on Monday by defeating Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(6), matching his career-best result at Roland Garros in his first appearance at the tournament in five years.

Berrettini had missed the previous four editions of the tournament due to injuries and arrived in Paris ranked world No. 105. After a grueling run that included saving two match points against Francisco Comesana in the third round, Berrettini has now become the lowest-ranked men's quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007.

During Monday's match, the Italian powerhouse saved three set points in the third set before prevailing on his very first match point. Berrettini will next face either American Frances Tiafoe or fellow countryman Matteo Arnaldi.

Meanwhile, Cerundolo saw his breakthrough run come to an end after spending more than 12 hours on court to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. The Argentine had previously rallied from two sets down to stun world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the second round, followed by a grueling five-set marathon against Martin Landaluce that lasted five hours and 58 minutes—marking the third-longest match in Roland Garros history.

-Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters