Novak Djokovic Battles Back in Historic Roland Garros Win

For much of the third set and the beginning of the fourth, Novak Djokovic appeared lost, trailing Lorenzo Musetti two sets to one. His shots varied wildly from imprecise to weak, his demeanor tense and subdued. Djokovic admitted he felt clueless during this stretch, which mirrors his uncharacteristically title-less season so far. However, a pivotal shift occurred, not in his gameplay but in his determination. A Musetti double fault offered Djokovic a minor opportunity, which he amplified with a forceful forehand to break in the fifth game. With clenched fists and resolute eyes, Djokovic returned to his chair and emerged to claim 11 of the last 12 games. “I think I was a different player from that moment onwards,” he reflected later. Djokovic, aiming to carry this momentum through the rest of the tournament where he defends his champion title, secured a dramatic 7-5, 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Musetti. This contest, beginning just before 11 PM Paris time on Saturday and ending after 3 AM on Sunday, became the latest finish in Roland Garros history. It could very well be the boost Djokovic needs in what has been a lackluster season, as suggested by his rejuvenated demeanor at the match’s end. Despite appearing winded at times in the final set, Djokovic’s triumphant roar after his remarkable comeback hinted at a potential revival for his season.

The absence of titles in 2024, a first for Djokovic since 2018 heading into the French Open, is concerning, but it’s the nature of his losses that has been most surprising. After his semi-final exit at the Australian Open to Jannik Sinner, Novak faced three-set defeats in three out of four ATP events. At Indian Wells (lost to Lucas Nardi), Monte Carlo (Casper Ruud), and Geneva (Tomas Machac), he won the second set only to lose the deciding set. Normally, Novak excels under pressure, yet this season has been different.

Faced with a two-sets-to-one deficit against Musetti, who matched Novak from the baseline and sometimes outdid him, the Serb found himself in familiar yet uncomfortable territory. But in Grand Slam tennis, true champions often rise, and Djokovic, despite his struggles, proved his resilience. He came back from a 7-5, 4-1 lead, saved a set point in the second-set tiebreaker, and after dropping the next two sets, he took advantage of Musetti’s shaky service game at 2-2 in the fourth. From there, Djokovic tightened his game and drastically reduced his unforced errors (from 15 and 8 in sets 2 and 3 to 7 and 2 in sets 4 and 5). Although not at his best, Djokovic’s determination was evident in his 39th five-set career win out of 50, showcasing his enduring fortitude despite a tough season.

“This was perhaps the best match I’ve ever played here, the most exciting,” Novak said in French, underscoring the importance of his victory.

Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/06/02/tennis/djokovic-wins-epic/

Follow for more.