Ljubicic, Benneteau in French Open quarterfinals

PARIS: Ivan Ljubicic joined compatriot Mario Ancic in the French Open quarter-finals on Monday as Croatia celebrated having two men in the last eight at Roland Garros for the first time.           

Fourth seeded Ljubicic overcame unseeded Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a clash against France's Julien Benneteau for a place in the semi-finals.    

It will be the 27-year-old Ljubicic's second successive Grand Slam quarter-final after he made the last eight at the Australian Open in January.             

Ancic had booked his place in the quarter-finals, and a match-up against top sed and world number one Roger Federer, on Sunday.               

Unseeded Benneteau, the world number 95, became the first home player since 2002 to make the quarter-finals when Spain's Alberto Martin was forced to retire injured from their fourth round clash. The 24-year-old Benneteau was leading 5-1 in the first set when Martin, who had needed treatment for a back injury, called it quits after just 24 minutes.      

Sebastien Grosjean was the last French player to reach the Roland Garros last eight in 2002. Benneteau admitted that he was relieved at the outcome as he too was carrying an injury.       

"I have a problem with my thigh and I wasn't looking forward to playing this last 16 match," said the Frenchman who has never previously got beyond the third round of a Grand Slam.      

"Thank God that the match today didn't go on for four or five sets. Now I hope to stay on in the tournament and maybe this is a good luck sign."