French Open: Novak Djokovic has to go over five sets against Lorenzo Musetti

“Lorenzo Musetti had a great chance of beating the favorite,” said the team Eurosport expert Boris Becker after the game. “Novak had problems with the Italian’s game, who is very versatile. He may not have the big gun, but he does everything very well.”

Musetti picked up against Djokovic where he had left off against Marco Cecchinato in the third round.

The 19-year-old combined his spectacular style of play with effectiveness. Sometimes Djokovic could only shake his head at the equally cheeky and precise blows of the Italian

Emblematic of this was the winner of the set win, which Musetti hit the world number one in the tiebreak with the forehand cross.

The outsider maintained his level and also gave the Roland Garros champion of 2016 a hot dance in the second set. Even more: He took the tiebreak from the Serbs 7-2 in a furious manner.

There was a sensation in the air on the Philippe-Chatrier Court.

Djokovic hits back mercilessly

At least until Djokovic started being Djokovic again. The 34-year-old minimized the error rate while Musetti subsided.

The result: The Italian lost 12 of the 13 following games and gave sets three and four with 1: 6 and 0: 6.

Before the fifth round, the youngster took a medical timeout to mobilize the last of his strength. For Musetti it was the second five set match in a row.

Becker: Musetti task is not good

Djokovic didn’t let up and set the next pinprick with the break to 1-0. With the score of 4: 0 for the favorite, Musetti could no longer and broke off the game.

“It didn’t look like he had the really bad injury. So I don’t think it’s a good job at 4-0. You have to show respect to the other and say: ‘Ok, you beat me today. Then it goes 6-0. That is a matriculation test, “explained Becker.

Djokovic praised his opponent: “Hats off to him for playing well in important moments. After I lost the second set, changed my clothes and came back on the pitch, I just felt different. I was a different player and had a better feeling when I hit him, “said the veteran.