Unsurprisingly, Novak Djokovic is into yet another Grand Slam quarterfinal, although the manner in which he got there was far from easy.
He had to summon all his strength to bypass Lorenzo Musetti, who fought hard to take the match the distance.
However, he simply did not have that raw, legendary spirit inside of him like his opponent did, and spurred on by the crowd, Djokovic completed a fifth-set bagel to win 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-0.
Novak Djokovic thanks the Roland Garros crowd
Djokovic always comes across as polite, well-mannered and wholly affable in his post-match interviews, mainly because he is so often the victor in those situations.
However, speaking live on Eurosport just after last night’s dramatic five-set win over Musetti, he did not have to be as effusive in his praise for the Italian as he was.
Djokovic spoke French to the Roland Garros crowd, first in an effort to thank them for their support, before turning his attention to his opponent.
A remarkable match made by two players, his magnanimity is what has made him so revered over two decades now.
But then, his attention would turn back to the crowd, which has come fire this week for its conduct at times.
However, the world number one had nothing but praise, noting: ‘Earlier, I said you deserved me speaking French, but you also deserve a huge thank you because you have my energy at 2-2 in the fourth set.
‘At that moment, I became a different player. So thank you for your support.
‘It’s amazing that you stayed! What time is it? 3 am? Thank you so much. That was perhaps the best match I’ve ever played here, the most exciting.’
Novak Djokovic could be closing in on Grand Slam number 25
Despite all the fanfare in the run-up to this French Open, regarding the fitness of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and the form of Djokovic, all three have dispelled any fears with speed.
After all, the former duo have seemingly brushed aside any ailments with ease, and look like they are playing with the kind of freedom we have not seen for months.
Meanwhile, the Serbian is seemingly building up steam once again, and last night’s epic and gruelling win could provide the catalyst that spurs him onto further glory.
There are still so many obstacles in his path, but Djokovic has overcome far worse to win these elite titles.
So, to discount his chances of winning a 25th Grand Slam title would be foolish, given how revived he is performing, and how the crowd can transform him so dramatically too.
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