• French Open, Day Eight: Plays of the Day

Federer turns France against its own

Jo Wilfried-Tsonga has not dropped a set so far during his 2013 French Open campaign © AP

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Nothing you ever want comes easy

The first cut might be the deepest, but it seems the 36th consecutive grand slam quarter-final appearance is the hardest to achieve. Roger Federer was pushed all the way by Gilles Simon on Sunday evening, eventually winning 6-3 in the fifth set.

It was Federer's 900th ATP Tour event, but the crowd got an assist in this one - proving remarkably partisan against the Frenchman who was bidding to reach the quarter-finals. That's just the popularity of Federer, we guess (although it would never happen at Wimbledon).

Ferrer sneaking under the radar

David Ferrer is often thought as the 'invisible man' of tennis. However, the Spaniard is making serious strides in his bid to disrupt compatriot Rafael Nadal's reign at Roland Garros. The world No. 5 dispatched number 23 seed Kevin Anderson in straight sets, only dropping five games in their last 16 tie on Sunday. Ferrer has been in fine form of late, pushing Nadal to his limit in the quarter-final of both the Madrid Open and Rome Masters, and is an incredible player to watch on the clay court. The 31-year-old is on Roger Federer's side of the draw, meaning that he would bypass the threat of Nadal. With Ferrer looking increasingly strong on the red stuff, he could well prove a dark horse to go all the way.

Kuznetsova curbs Kerber challenge

Svetlana Kuznetsova gave the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd a stark reminder of how dangerous she can be with a 6-4 4-6 6-3 win over eighth seed Angelique Kerber. The Russian was crowned champion in 2009 and, despite dropping to 39th in the world rankings, is starting to get back to her best towards the business end of the tournament. However, the 27-year-old now faces Serena Williams in the quarter-finals and will need to produce a similar sort of performance if she is to continue the quest for a second Paris title.

Williams emphatic in search for second crown

Serena Williams produced a stunning display against Roberta Vinci to reach the last eight, never giving the Italian any chance to settle in her 6-1 6-3 victory. Williams dominated the match in the Court Philippe Chatrier sunshine and looked one step ahead of Vinci throughout the entire showing. Whatever resistance the world No. 15 could muster, Williams simply upped her performance to neutralise any threat. This was a champion's performance from the heavily-fancied favourite and even Maria Sharapova will have some way to go if the Russian is to stop Williams from earning her second Paris title.

Tsonga on song without dropping a set

Jo Wilfried-Tsonga continued a flawless start to his 2013 Roland Garros campaign, completing a fourth consecutive straight sets victory this tournament with a 6-3 6-3 6-3 win over Viktor Troicki. It was a Hollywood performance in front of his home crowd from the Frenchman, which included Great Gatsby and Titantic star Leonardo Di Caprio watching from the stands. Number six seed Tsonga was in fine form and it soon became a game of 'catch me if you can' for world No. 57 Troicki, who simply could not cope with his opponent's speed or power. Up next for Tsonga is Federer, and he will be hoping for a repeat showing in the quarter-final.

Don't call it [another] comeback

Tommy Robredo came back from two sets down to beat Nicolas Almagro on Sunday, the third time in succession he has done that already this year at Roland Garros. It is hte first time since Henri Cochet at Wimbledon in 1927 - nearly 100 years! - that a player has managed that in a grand slam. Impressive.

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