Robredo continues fine run at Roland Garros

Spaniard Tommy Robredo ousted three-times French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten 6-4 1-6 7-6 6-4 today to reach the quarter-finals…

Spaniard Tommy Robredo ousted three-times French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten 6-4 1-6 7-6 6-4 today to reach the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.

Kuerten, the 1997, 2000 and 2001 winner, saved four match points before bowing to the number 28 seed after twohours and 46 minutes.

Robredo, who beat world number one Lleyton Hewitt in theprevious round, had never before made it to the last eight of a grand slam tournament.

Kuerten, seeded 15th, also lost in the fourth round in Parislast year.

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Meanwhile, defending champion Albert Costa roared into the quarter-finals with a clinical 6-2 7-5 7-5 victory over home favourite Arnaud Clement.

The 27-year-old Catalan had been taken to five sets in each of the previous three rounds but hit top gear against world number 36 Clement, who failed to respond to the backing of the Parisian crowd on centre court.

Costa, seeded nine, now faces a last eight showdown with Robredo.

Costa raced through the first set, took the second after Clement faltered on serve at 5-5 and, after a brief fightback by the Frenchman wrapped up the victory by taking the third set after three hours seven minutes.