Djokovic keeps French Open hopes alive with epic five-set win over Musetti

Published 02/06/2024 at 01:18 GMT

Novak Djokovic beat Lorenzo Musetti in a five-set thriller to book his place in the fourth round of the French Open. The world No. 1 was in danger of making an early exit from the second Grand Slam of the year when he fell two sets to one down but showcased all his battling qualities to survive and set up a meeting with Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the next round.‘Unreal!’ – Djokovic thrills crowd with stunning shot to close in on fourth set win

Novak Djokovic came from behind to beat Lorenzo Musetti in five sets and move into the fourth round of the French Open.

The world No. 1 was made to wait to begin his third-round match as delays continued to wreak havoc on the schedule and then became embroiled in a marathon encounter that ran well into the early hours of Sunday morning in Paris.

But he displayed all his powers of recovery to keep his bid for a fourth Roland-Garros title and 25th Grand Slam alive with a thrilling 7-5 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-0 victory.

He will play Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the next round.

Any thoughts that Djokovic would make light work of his opponent were quickly dispelled when Musetti broke in the third game of the match to lead 2-1.

The Serbian quickly hit back with a break of his own to restore parity at 2-2, much to the displeasure of the pro-Italian crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier, and then seized his opportunity to take a tight opening set.

‘Amazing skill!’ – Djokovic secures first set in style

Djokovic reeled off three games in a row to take a 4-1 lead in the second set, but Musetti refused to buckle and recovered to level at 4-4.

A sublime lob in the next game was indicative of the Italian’s growing confidence, while Djokovic cut an uncharacteristically subdued figure.

The Serbian, usually infallible, missed a series of simple put-aways but dug deep to come up with two gritty holds as the second set went all the way to a tie-break.

He then had a point to take a two-set advantage, but it was saved by Musetti before the Italian levelled the contest.

‘Too good!’ – Musetti takes second set to level against Djokovic

Riding the momentum, Musetti made the most of Djokovic’s struggles to dominate the third set and close on a famous win, but the Serbian rediscovered his game in the fourth to take it to a decider.

And approaching 3am in the French capital, arguably the greatest men’s player of all time struck a decisive blow, breaking Musetti’s serve and perhaps some of his resolve to lead 2-0.

A stunning backhand down the line on the run then gave Djokovic a chance for a double break and it was his when a Musetti forehand clipped the top of the net and drifted wide.

From there it was a formality, the 37-year-old wasting little time in wrapping up a comfortable fifth set and a pulsating victory, sealing it with a stunning return winner.

‘Have a little bit of understanding!’ – Djokovic has words with umpire in late-night showdown

You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+