Djokovic Fights through Late Night Marathon to Secure Fourth Round at French Open

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ICARO Media Group
News
02/06/2024 17h44

Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1 ranked tennis player, displayed his tenacity and skill as he battled past Lorenzo Musetti in a grueling five-set match at the French Open. The victory not only propelled Djokovic into the fourth round of the tournament but also allowed him to equal Roger Federer's record of 369 career Grand Slam wins.

The match, which took place on Court Philippe Chatrier, lasted a staggering 4 hours and 29 minutes. It began at a late hour, starting just after 10:30 p.m. local time, and ended in the early hours of the morning at 3:08 a.m. The historic clash became the latest ending in Roland Garros history and the second longest match of this year's French Open.

In his post-match interview, Djokovic expressed his appreciation for the crowd's unwavering support. He acknowledged their dedication, particularly as there were even young children who should have been sleeping. Djokovic's adrenaline was still running high, making it challenging for him to wind down and get some rest. Nevertheless, he thanked the spectators and humorously remarked, "But now, let's go to bed!"

Djokovic's next opponent will be Francisco Cerúndolo, the 23rd seed, in a match scheduled for Monday night. The Serbian player needs to at least reach the final to maintain his world No. 1 ranking and prevent Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner from ascending to the top spot. Djokovic lost to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals, making the upcoming match a crucial one for him.

Legendary tennis player and commentator John McEnroe compared Djokovic to basketball star LeBron James, applauding the Serbian's enduring commitment to the game despite his age. At 37 years old, Djokovic remains a formidable force on the court, continually striving for greatness.

Rain delays further tested Djokovic's patience before the match, as he waited in the Roland Garros locker room. During the match, he expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the clay court and requested more constant sweeping. Despite moments of fatigue and doubt, Djokovic found the strength to turn the tide in the decisive fifth set.

With a double break in the final set, Djokovic secured a 6-0 victory, showcasing his resilience and determination. His on-court energy and fiery shots demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

As Djokovic advances to the round of 16, the French Open continues to be an intense competition, with twelve of the top thirteen men's seeds still in contention. The tournament promises thrilling matches and potential upsets as the remaining players compete for the coveted Grand Slam title.

In the women's competition, No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious in a hard-fought match against Paula Badosa, while Varvara Gracheva captivated audiences with her impressive performance, representing her adopted country, France.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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