Teenage sensation Rafael Jodar is through to his first grand slam quarter-final after fighting back from two sets down to defeat compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta at the French Open.
The 19-year-old has been the breakout star on clay this spring and he has lived up to the hype brilliantly at Roland Garros.
It appeared his race may have been run when he lost the opening two sets to 34-year-old Carreno Busta but Jodar stormed back to win 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2.
Having also gone the distance against American Alex Michelsen in the third round, Jodar is now only one short of equalling Rafael Nadal's tally of five-set matches at Roland Garros in his first tournament.
In a wide open draw, it is not inconceivable that Jodar could match Nadal’s achievement by lifting the trophy on his debut, but tougher tests lie ahead and the miles in his legs must be a concern.
This was not a particularly long five-setter, with Carreno Busta, who has worked his way back up the rankings after elbow surgery, in peak form for two sets but unable to sustain it.
He had treatment to his right shoulder after the end of the third set but Jodar was in the ascendancy by then and swept through to the last eight.
Second seed Alexander Zverev cruised past lucky loser Jesper De Jong 7-6(3) 6-4 6-1 to book his spot in the quarter-finals and edge closer to an elusive maiden Grand Slam title.
The French Open is seen as the 29-year-old's best chance to finally land the first Grand Slam trophy of his career, with many of the top contenders, including world number one Jannick Sinner and 24-timed major champion Novak Djokovic, already eliminated.
More to follow...
