In an extraordinary five-set match at the French Open, Novak Djokovic triumphed over Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, concluding at 03:07 local time in Paris. Novak Djokovic Lorenzo Musetti The third-round clash, delayed by rain and commencing at 22:37 on Saturday, saw the defending champion recover from a two-set deficit to secure a 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory. Djokovic, 37, appeared on the verge of an early exit against the 30th-seeded Musetti.
However, the Serbian star found renewed vigor midway through the fourth set, winning six consecutive service breaks to dominate the decider. Following the match, Djokovic warmly embraced his 22-year-old opponent and joined the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd in applauding Musetti, marking the latest finish in French Open history. The world number one's four-hour and 29-minute victory advances his pursuit of a fourth French Open title.
Djokovic will face 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the last 16. “I don't want to get into it [the schedule]. I have my opinions but I think there are great things to talk about in this match today,” Djokovic stated.
“Both Lorenzo and my performances stand out so I don't want to be talking about the schedule. I think some things could have been handled a different way but there's also a beauty in winning a match [so late].”.