Tennis: Djokovic Wins Thriller Against Musetti

By: Gyang Dakwo

Defending champion and world No 1 Novak Djokovic survived a five-set near five-hour epic against Lorenzo Musetti in the latest-ever finish to a match in French Open history.

The reigning champion showcased the iron will that has made him one of the game’s greatest players to avoid defeat in a thrilling contest on Saturday.

Djokovic went on to seal a marathon 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-0 comeback victory over 22-year-old Italian Musetti to advance to the last 16 in a match that lasted four hours and 29 minutes and did not conclude until Sunday after 3am local time – shattering the tournament’s previous latest finish of 1.26am.

The Serbian claimed his 369th Grand Slam match victory to move level with Roger Federer at the top of the all-time list.

“He played a fantastic match and came very close to victory,” Djokovic said on court.

“I was in great difficulties but thanks to your support in the fourth set, I became a different player. It was perhaps the best match I have played here.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion next faces Argentine 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo, who advanced to the fourth round for the second consecutive year.

Djokovic, the three-time Roland Garros champion, must reach the final just to have a chance of remaining No 1 in the rankings, but Jannik Sinner is guaranteed to become the 29th player in history (since 1973) to rise to top spot if he reaches the final on Sunday.