नोवाक जोकोविच ने लोरेंजो मुसेटी को 5 सेटों में हराकर अपने फ्रेंच ओपन खिताब की रक्षा जारी रखी

Novak Djokovic Keeps His French Open Title Defense Going by Getting Past Lorenzo Musetti in 5 Sets

PARIS (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s French Open title defense and his No. 1 ranking remain intact following a dramatic 7-5, 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 comeback victory over 22-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti in a third-round match that extended over 4 1/2 hours and concluded after 3 a.m. on Sunday, marking the latest finish in the tournament's history.

This win marks Djokovic’s 369th at a Grand Slam tournament, tying him with Roger Federer for the most in tennis history. Despite appearing to be in trouble against Musetti, Djokovic rallied strongly in the final set. He is now set to continue his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title and his fourth at Roland Garros.

During the match, Djokovic often appeared exhausted, leaning over with hands on knees and taking extended breaks between points, which even earned him a warning. The 37-year-old faced a tough challenge from his younger opponent, who sported a backward hat and used a one-handed backhand, deft net play, and a perfect 5-for-5 break point conversion rate to gain the upper hand.

However, Djokovic's determination and problem-solving abilities came to the fore. In the fourth set, he adjusted his strategy by playing more aggressively on service returns and positioning himself closer to the baseline during groundstroke rallies. This shift in tactics overwhelmed the 30th-ranked Musetti, who could not keep up with Djokovic's relentless pace.

One significant statistic highlights Djokovic’s dominance in the final stages: he ran away with the last set 6-0, showcasing his stamina and tactical understanding. This victory underscores Djokovic's resilience and cements his place in tennis history as he advances further in the French Open.

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