Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal at the Roland Garros after coming up with a composed performance to outclass 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a class-filled five-setter at the French Open men’s singles semi-final on Friday. Isn’t this the final that the fans of the sport deserved in a season that has been marred by the pandemic?
Djokovic fended off a gusty challenge from Tsitsipas as the two men put on a show at the Phillipe Chatrier in the 2nd men’s singles semi-final on Friday at Roland Garros.
Djokovic needed 3 hours and 46 minutes hours to beat Tstistpas 6-3, 6-2, 5-7. 4-6, 6-1 after the Greek youngster saved a match point in the 3rd set before winning the next 3 games to complete a remarkable turnaround. Boosted by the 3rd set win, Tsitispas raised his game and caused a lot of problems for the Serb, who struggled to convert break points in the 4th set.
Can’t stop, won’t stop
Make that 5 @rolandgarros finals for @DjokerNole! pic.twitter.com/nXqXa9heY4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2020
Tsitsipas showed tremendous resilience as he faced 11 break points but allowed Djokovic to convert only 1 in the 4th set. The World No. 6, who had reached the finals in Hamburg last month, came up with some stunning winners. Tsitsipas managed to force a decider and prove that he is ready for the big fight.
However, Novak Djokovic did not lose composure as he kept focus and sealed an early break in the decider. Djokovic used his experience and made sure he closed out the decider and the match as Tsitsipas, who was having some concerns with his fitness, struggled to maintain the intensity in the decider.
Djokovic extended his record to 216-1 in Grand Slam matches where he has gone 2 set up as he fended off a valiant fight from Tsitsipas.
Nadal vs Djokovic in Sunday’s final as both men chase history
Novak Djokovic is looking to become the first man in the Open Era of tennis to complete a Career Slam twice — win all four majors twice in his career.
Djokovic, who is yet to be beaten by an opponent this year, will go up against Rafael Nadal who is also chasing some major records. The 12-time Grand Slam champion is aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
Earlier in the day, Nadal reached his 13th Roland Garros final as he maintained his perfect record in semi-finals of his favourite clay-court tournament. Nadal outclassed 12th seed Diego Schwartzman, avenging the defeat he had suffered at Italian Open to the Argentina two weeks before.
It was also Nadal’s 99th win at Roland Garros as the King of Clay court proved he could overcome unusual conditions at this year’s tournament and be there on the final Sunday.