In the early hours of Sunday morning, tennis fans witnessed a remarkable feat at the 2024 French Open. Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam men’s singles champion, outlasted Lorenzo Musetti in a marathon match that shattered records and left spectators in awe.
The Epic Battle
The match began late, after 10:30 p.m. local time, due to rain delays. Grigor Dimitrov versus Zizou Bergs had been moved to Court Philippe Chatrier, disrupting the schedule on the outer courts. As a result, Djokovic and Musetti took the stage under the lights, ready to battle it out.
The Italian 30th seed, Musetti, proved to be a worthy adversary. Djokovic faced a rollercoaster of emotions as he fought to secure victory. The five-set thriller ended at an astonishing 3:06 a.m. in Paris, making it the latest finish in French Open history.
Breaking Records
Djokovic’s 7-5, 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Musetti surpassed the previous record set by Rafael Nadal in 2020. Nadal’s quarterfinal match against Jannik Sinner had concluded at 1:26 a.m., marking the first year with match play after 10 p.m. thanks to the newly introduced roof on Court Philippe Chatrier and additional lights around the grounds.
Reflecting on the scheduling choice, Djokovic commented, “Things could have been handled a different way.” Despite the late start, both players displayed incredible resilience and determination
Djokovic’s Next Challenge
As Djokovic advances to the round of 16, he faces 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. In this match, Djokovic aims to break his tie with Roger Federer for the career record of 369 Grand Slam singles match wins. The Serbian superstar has higher aspirations in Paris, seeking a fourth French Open title and hoping to surpass Margaret Court’s record for the most career Slam titles in singles play.
The Quest Continues
The French Open continues with Djokovic’s journey captivating fans worldwide. His late-night triumph against Musetti will be etched in tennis history, a testament to the enduring spirit of champions who battle against all odds.
Stay tuned as Djokovic’s quest for greatness unfolds on the clay courts of Roland Garros. The drama, passion, and sheer determination promise more unforgettable moments in this year’s tournament.
