PARIS — Novak Djokovic battled his way through grief, Rafael Nadal celebrated a birthday with the center court crowd, and three newcomers reached the quarterfinals on a busy Monday at the French Open.

Playing two days after his childhood coach had died, the top-ranked Djokovic’s emotions were clear to see when he beat Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

There was no doubt that this win was for Jelena Gencic, who died Saturday in Belgrade at age 76. She started coaching him when he was six, and Djokovic referred to her as his “second mother.”

Now, he pledges to win the French Open to honor her memory. He next plays 12th-seeded Tommy Haas of Germany on Wednesday.

The smile on seven-time French Open champion Nadal’s face after his 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 win against Kei Nishikori turned into a beaming grin when a giant cake was dragged onto center court for the Spaniard’s 27th birthday.

Nadal seeks to become first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event. Even if he does try to eat the huge cake, he may struggle to finish it before his match Wednesday against No. 9 Stanislas Wawrinka.

The Swiss player was one of three who reached the French Open quarters for the first time Monday. The other two are Haas and No. 12 Maria Kirilenko.